I tried a Popeyes chicken sandwich for the first time

Popeyes has officially opened its first Glasgow restaurant today - and I tried their chicken sandwich.

After the opening of the Barrhead drive-thru last year, the New Orleans-inspired eatery has finally landed in the city, to the delight of many.

Fans of the American chain camped outside the Sauchiehall Street site for 23 hours to get their hands on exciting prizes.

The Glasgow Times, however, was allowed an exclusive look inside the space ahead of the crowds and I grew curious as to why everyone was so excited.

READ NEXT: Customers queue for 23 hours in Glasgow for chicken sandwich

(Image: Colin Mearns, Newsquest)

(Image: Colin Mearns, Newsquest)

Nicole  (Image: Colin Mearns, Newsquest)

After a tour of the orange-and-teal dining-in space, Nicole, who has trained thousands of cooks for the brand, took me to the kitchen to demonstrate how their signature shutter-crunch is made.

This refers to the pockets created by the batter as the fillet is handled.

Following the lesson, I also got to try my hand at preparing a sandwich.

The key to the dish - I was told- is the way the chicken is handled. It is stretched, hand-battered and dipped into oil gently.

After it is fried to perfection, the chicken fillet fits right onto the toasted buns.

It is then completed by a generous dollop of mayo and two pickles.

READ NEXT: Inside the new Popeyes restaurant opening on Friday

Me in the kitchen (Image: Colin Mearns, Newsquest)

(Image: Colin Mearns, Newsquest)

(Image: Colin Mearns, Newsquest)

(Image: Colin Mearns, Newsquest)

(Image: Colin Mearns, Newsquest) When I put together my sandwich, it was time for the taste test.

The chicken was crispy and juicy, and perfectly complimented by the mayo on the bun.

It was also cooked through, which is always a major worry for me about white meat.

I also tried the cajun fries, which were delicious and had the perfect amount of spice.

The restaurant also serves chicken tenders, made with the same crunchiness as the sandwich. I tried these too, with the regular fries and they were tasty as well.

You can also get a spicy chicken sandwich, buffalo wings, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes with gravy and much more.

There is a lot of debate amongst fast food lovers on who takes the crown when it comes to a guilty pleasure meal.

I think Popeyes rightly takes its place amongst the giants such as McDonalds and Burger King.

If you are looking to try something new and easy, now you know where to go.