Chili’s stacked Fried Mozzarella and marinara on its Big Crispy chicken sandwich. It’s already in Venice, Florida, and everyone else can order it Tuesday by asking for it.
Chili’s took two of its greatest hits and stacked them.
The new Chicken Parm Big Crispy puts Chili’s Fried Mozzarella and marinara sauce on top of its Big Crispy chicken sandwich. It goes nationwide Tuesday, Oct. 20, Chili’s announced.
There’s a catch. It won’t be on the regular menu right away. Guests “have to know to ask for it through a Chili’s team member,” according to the chain.
Three cities got it a week early, on Oct. 13: Florence, Kentucky; Rome, Georgia; and Venice, Florida. Chili’s picked them because they sound Italian. Chicken parm, Chili’s points out, isn’t actually from Italy either.
Here’s the ad from Chili’s, starring Jersey Shore’s Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi:
What comes with the Chicken Parm Big Crispy?
Fries, white cheddar mac and cheese, and sides of marinara and Chili’s house-made ranch, according to the company.
The sandwich itself is the Big Crispy chicken sandwich topped with Fried Mozzarella and marinara.
“A Big Crispy topped with our fan-favorite Fried Mozz and marinara is craveable, over the top in all the right ways and unmistakably Chili’s,” said George Felix, chief marketing officer of Chili’s parent company, Brinker International. “You won’t find a Chicken Parm with a better cheese pull than this.”
Felix said the idea grew out of the original sandwich’s success. “We’ve loved seeing how guests responded to the Big Crispy, and it got us thinking about how we could build on that with flavors we know they already love,” he said.
How much is the Chicken Parm Big Crispy?
Chili’s didn’t list a price in its announcement. Prices can vary by location, so check the Chili’s app or ask your server.
For comparison, the original Big Crispy has been part of Chili’s $10.99 3 for Me value menu, according to Brinker.
Is the Chicken Parm Big Crispy any good?
Sporked’s Griffin Parker tried it early in Florence, Kentucky. His verdict: “adding a slab of fried mozzarella cheese and marinara sauce to a fried chicken sandwich is a really good idea.”
He said the famous Chili’s cheese pull still works “even after cutting this behemoth in half.” The flavor combo is “simple and nostalgic,” he wrote.
Chili’s didn’t exactly keep the tasting low-key. On the way to dinner, Parker’s group stopped at Florence’s water tower, where the Boone County Marching Band played its version of the Chili’s Baby Back Ribs song, he wrote.
Why did Chili’s launch it in Florence, Rome and Venice?
For the joke. Chili’s went all in on it.
“Chicken Parm isn’t actually Italian, and neither is Chili’s. But Florence, Rome and Venice sound pretty Italian. Close enough,” the company said.
The first 150 guests to try the sandwich at each of the three restaurants got a commemorative plate. The Florence location added an Italian mural booth for photos.
Chili’s also hired Snooki, who “like the sandwich, is not actually Italian,” for a tourism-style video filmed in Florence, Kentucky.
Venice is on Florida’s Gulf Coast, south of Sarasota. So if you’re driving down from Orlando this weekend, you could get it a few days before everyone else.
What is the Chili’s Big Crispy?
Chili’s big swing at the chicken sandwich wars. The chain launched its Big Crispy lineup in April with six versions, and the Chicken Parm is the newest spin on it.
It’s been a hit. Chicken sandwich orders are up 175% since the Big Crispy arrived, according to Chili’s. That’s sandwiches sold per restaurant per day by the end of June, compared with before the launch.
Chili’s has been on a roll lately. It was named Ad Age’s Brand of the Year in 2025 and 2026, the company said. It runs about 1,600 restaurants and was founded in 1975 in Dallas, where Brinker is still based.
Is there Chicken Parm Big Crispy merch?
Of course. Fans can buy a limited-time Chicken Parm Big Crispy T-shirt at WelcomeToChilis.com, according to the chain.
Snooki wears a “Mommy’s Little Chicken Parm Big Crispy” shirt in the ad.
So come Tuesday, remember the magic words. Just ask for the chicken parm.
Article compiled and written by Kambrea Pratt (editor-in-chief), Derek Gibbs (beat editor) and the Pirates & Princesses newsroom. Pirates & Princesses is part of WebReef Media.
Pirates and Princesses is your destination for Disney news, theme park updates, and the pop culture you love. From Disney cruises and travel tips to Disney fashion, food, collectibles, and movie news, PNP covers it all. Visit us at piratesandprincesses.net for daily coverage. Follow PNP on Facebook and Instagram, and listen to the Pirates & Princesses podcast on Apple Podcasts and YouTube.
Hat Tips:
Chili’s press release via PR Newswire (Oct. 13, 2026), the sandwich, dates, cities and quotes
Sporked, Griffin Parker (Oct. 16, 2026), the early review
Brinker International (2026), the $10.99 3 for Me menu
Chili’s Grill & Bar on YouTube (Oct. 13, 2026), the Snooki ad
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