The Southern Chain Restaurant With A Home-Style Fish Sandwich Option For Lent

The South is well known for its abundance of fried comfort food. However, that doesn't mean meatless options are a rarity, especially during Lent. If you're looking for the perfect handheld bite for the season, Bojangles, a Southern chain restaurant, brings back its fish sandwich. The Alaskan pollock fillet crafted in-house takes center stage here, seasoned with a familiar Southern flair. It's straightforward and uncomplicated, just like making the perfect fish sandwich at home. But here's the catch: As usual, it's only available for a limited time.

The chain has been serving up this seasonal offering since 2016, but it wasn't until 2025 when it unveiled a new variation, the Bojangler Deluxe. The rotating sandwiches usually arrive in February and leave in April, so if you're looking for their return or you're a curious first timer who wants to see what the fuss is about, now is the time. You can run to participating Bojangles locations to try them out or get them through the chain's app and website or via food delivery apps.

Bojangles might seem like just another chain restaurant offering a fish sandwich during Lent, but if there's something that makes its offering more unique — aside from the sauce — it's the use of panko breadcrumbs. Both of the Bojangler fish sandwiches contain panko-breaded seafood. Panko, which is different from plain breadcrumbs, is the same type they use on katsu, giving it a satisfying crust. A fish sandwich coated with panko guarantees a crispier mouthful. So even if the original Bojangler fish sandwich is as plain as they come, the satisfying texture of the fillet is highlighted even more. But other additions make an appearance in the dish, too, including American cheese for a creamy touch and a drizzle of Duke's tartar sauce to give it a zesty makeover.

The Bojangler Deluxe, on the other hand, is a more loaded handheld. It features American cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, and pickles, along with what made the original sandwich great — nestled in the same bakery-style bun as the original, it's then drizzled with Duke's tartar sauce and the chain's very own Bo sauce, which is a smooth and bright condiment. While there doesn't seem to be news of any additional Bojangler fish sandwiches in the future, fans can still enjoy the original version, along with the relatively new deluxe option while they're available — or wait for the next time they're on the menu again.