Have you recently walked into your local Subway, mouth watering for that familiar oven roasted chicken sandwich, only to discover it’s vanished from the menu? You’re not alone! Many Subway fans across America have been left confused and disappointed by the quiet removal of this popular protein option So, did Subway discontinue oven roasted chicken in 2022? The short answer is yes – but there’s more to this sandwich saga than meets the eye
As a long-time Subway enthusiast (and someone who personally ordered that spongy chicken patty with the fake grill marks way too often), I was shocked when I couldn’t find my go-to protein choice on the menu. Let me break down everything we know about this mysterious menu change and what it means for your Subway experience.
The Great Chicken Disappearing Act of 2022
Subway did indeed discontinue their oven roasted chicken breast in 2022 as part of a broader menu revamp. Unlike some high-profile fast food departures that get big announcements (pour one out for KFC’s potato wedges), this change happened with virtually no official fanfare from the company.
The timing of the disappearance seems a bit murky. According to various sources:
- Some Reddit users noticed the chicken disappearing from certain locations as early as 2021
- By October 2022, multiple news outlets confirmed the chicken was officially gone nationwide
- When contacted by phone, some Subway employees estimated the item had been discontinued for about three months prior to October 2022
What makes this particularly interesting is how Subway chose to handle this menu change – or rather, how they didn’t handle it. There was no press release, no social media announcement, not even a little “goodbye and thanks for all the sandwiches” note. The oven roasted chicken breast simply… vanished.
Why Did Subway Ghost Their Oven Roasted Chicken?
So why would Subway quietly drop a seemingly popular menu item? There are several theories floating around:
Theory 1: The CBC Controversy Connection
One compelling theory points back to a 2017 CBC Marketplace investigation that claimed Subway’s chicken was only about 50% real chicken Yikes! The study alleged that the chicken contained a significant amount of soy protein
Subway strongly rejected these findings, insisting their “chicken is 100% white meat with seasonings, marinated and delivered to our stores as a finished, cooked product.” They even filed a $210 million defamation lawsuit against CBC news.
While the lawsuit was initially dismissed by an Ontario judge, an Ontario Court of Appeal later allowed it to proceed as of 2021. The timing of this legal development and the chicken’s disappearance seems… coincidental, doesn’t it?
Theory 2: Part of the “Eat Fresh Refresh” Initiative
In 2022, Subway launched a major menu overhaul they called the “Eat Fresh Refresh.” According to Chef’s Resource, the company discontinued the oven roasted chicken as part of this broader strategy to improve quality and streamline operations.
The old oven roasted chicken patties were pre-cooked and shipped to restaurants. The new approach involves chicken that’s allegedly roasted daily in individual Subway restaurants. This fits with Subway’s marketing push toward fresher ingredients and better quality.
Theory 3: Cost-Cutting and Menu Simplification
Fast food chains frequently adjust their menus to improve efficiency and reduce costs. Having multiple chicken options might have created unnecessary complexity in Subway’s operations. By removing one chicken option, they could potentially streamline their supply chain and reduce waste.
What Replaced the Beloved Chicken Patty?
If you’re wondering what your chicken sandwich options are now at Subway, here’s what’s currently available:
- Rotisserie-style chicken – This is now prepared fresh daily in Subway restaurants
- Grilled chicken strips – These are still available for sandwiches like the Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki
- Buffalo Chicken – Still on the menu at most locations
The new chicken is supposedly hand-pulled and freshly roasted in-store, which theoretically should lead to a fresher product. Subway claims the new chicken features a different blend of seasonings and a slightly different cooking method.
But let’s be real – the new chicken isn’t the same as that weird, spongy chicken patty some of us oddly loved. It’s a completely different texture and experience.
The Internet Reacts: Customers Notice… Eventually
The truly fascinating thing about this menu change is how long it took for many customers to even notice. People gradually began posting on social media and Reddit, asking if anyone else had noticed the chicken’s disappearance.
On Twitter, one user lamented: “Why did nobody tell me Subway discontinued the roasted chicken breast? FUCK”
Another posted sadly: “I want Subway, but they don’t have the oven roasted chicken breast anymore “
The oldest Reddit thread about the disappearance dates back to about a year before the official discontinuation, suggesting the phase-out might have been gradual across different franchise locations.
Is the New Chicken Actually Better?
This is where things get subjective. According to Subway, the new chicken preparation method delivers a fresher, more flavorful sandwich experience. Some customers agree, appreciating the perceived freshness and improved texture of the in-store roasted chicken.
However, others (like me) miss the distinctive flavor and unique texture of the original oven-roasted chicken patty. There was something oddly satisfying about that processed chicken with the painted-on grill marks that just can’t be replicated with “real” chicken.
The success of this menu change ultimately depends on whether Subway can consistently deliver high-quality chicken across all locations. Since each restaurant is now responsible for roasting their own chicken, there’s more room for variation in quality and preparation.
FAQ: Everything Else You Wanted to Know About Subway’s Chicken Situation
Can I still find the old oven-roasted chicken at some Subway locations?
Unfortunately, no. The original oven-roasted chicken recipe has been completely discontinued and replaced with the new in-restaurant roasted chicken at all Subway locations that have implemented the “Eat Fresh Refresh” menu.
Is the new chicken more expensive than the old chicken?
Pricing varies by location and promotion, but the introduction of the new chicken didn’t necessarily trigger a uniform price increase across all Subway locations. Prices are generally based on market conditions and operating costs.
What other changes happened to Subway’s menu in 2022?
Besides the chicken switch, the “Eat Fresh Refresh” included changes to bread, sauces, vegetables, and other proteins. Subway introduced new bread options, enhanced sauces, and improved the quality of their produce. Many menu items were reformulated with new ingredients.
Will Subway ever bring back the original oven-roasted chicken?
Never say never in the fast food world! While Subway hasn’t indicated any plans to resurrect the original oven-roasted chicken recipe, fast food chains often bring back discontinued items due to customer demand or as limited-time offerings. If enough people express their love for the old chicken patty, perhaps Subway might reconsider.
The Future of Subway’s Chicken Offerings
Subway’s President of North America, Trevor Haynes, has stated that Subway is hitting “record sales” and that “the results from the Subway Series launch and the positive reaction from guests and franchisees demonstrates that our transformation strategy is working.” The Subway Series menu is divided into four categories – Cheesesteaks, Italianos, Chicken, and Clubs.
Donna Curry, a Subway franchisee, confirmed: “We are hearing from guests that they like the flexibility of ordering by name and number and are enjoying the new Subway Series sandwiches, which is reflected in the increased traffic and sales across my restaurants.”
So while some of us mourn the loss of our beloved chicken patty, it seems Subway is confident in their new direction.
My Personal Take on the Chicken Controversy
I’ve been eating at Subway since I was a kid, and the oven roasted chicken was always my go-to protein choice. There was something comforting about that weirdly uniform patty with its mysteriously perfect shape. Was it the pinnacle of culinary excellence? Absolutely not. But it was consistent, familiar, and strangely satisfying.
The first time I walked in and couldn’t find it on the menu, I thought maybe that particular location was just out of stock. After trying three different Subway restaurants with the same result, I finally asked an employee who confirmed my fears – it was gone for good.
I’ve tried the new rotisserie-style chicken, and while it’s objectively “better” in terms of being actual recognizable pieces of chicken, it’s just not the same experience. Sometimes in fast food, we don’t want “better” – we want exactly what we’re used to, no matter how processed or artificial it might be.
Final Thoughts: The End of an Era
The discontinuation of Subway’s oven roasted chicken breast marks the end of an era for many loyal customers. Whether you view it as a positive step toward fresher ingredients or a disappointing loss of a beloved menu item largely depends on your personal preferences.
What’s clear is that Subway is committed to evolving its menu and operations, even if that means saying goodbye to some long-standing offerings. The quiet nature of this particular change suggests that perhaps Subway wasn’t sure how customers would react – or maybe they just didn’t think anyone would notice or care that much.
But as the delayed social media reaction shows, people definitely did notice, and many do care. There’s something to be said for the emotional connection we form with our favorite fast food items, no matter how processed they might be.
So next time you’re at Subway craving that oven roasted chicken breast, pour one out for our fallen sandwich friend – and maybe give the rotisserie chicken a chance. It might not be the same, but at least it’s still chicken… probably.
Beyond Meat Meatball Marinara Sandwich
A hearty option for those following a vegetarian diet or anyone just looking to reduce their meat intake, Subway partnered with Beyond Meat to introduce the Beyond Meat Meatball Marinara, a sub that was made with plant-based meatballs. The sandwich was a delicious one beloved by vegetarians and omnivores alike, thanks to crowd-pleasing ingredients like marinara sauce and melty cheese, and the robust, seasoned meatballs that are almost the real deal. The toasty sandwich was on the menu in more than 600 locations in the United States and Canada, but appeared to be a limited-time thing. Advertisement
To the dismay of many customers, the Beyond Meat Meatball Marinara was discontinued in North America by 2020. Two years later, Subway customers in the United Kingdom faced the same fate, as the sandwich was removed from restaurant menus. Of course, you can always make your own version of a vegan meatball sub.
A fairly new addition to the Subway menu (and, unfortunately, to the list of discontinued menu items), the Caramel Brownie Cookie made its first appearance in 2020 on National Cookie Day –– December 4. Made with a chocolate brownie-type dough, chocolate chunks, caramel chunks, and finished with a caramel drizzle, its easy to see why this cookie was so beloved by fans and chocoholics alike. Advertisement
From the beginning, the cookies were advertised as being only available for a limited time, but that didnt stop rabid Subway fans from demanding they come back on a permanent basis. In 2021, the company trotted these cookies out again, but only for a limited time. Since then, they havent been seen in stores. If you really need to satisfy your cookie craving, try whipping up a batch yourself –– and dont forget a must-try secret ingredient, such as milk powder.
If you have a hankering for seafood at your next Subway stop, youll have to settle for tuna, because the Seafood Sensation has disappeared from stores. Despite petitions to bring back this imitation crab-and-mayonnaise sandwich, Subway hasnt listened to fans –– at least, not in the United States. Advertisement
The Seafood Sensation originally had two incarnations: The Seafood & Crab, which was born in the 1980s, and the Seafood & Lobster, which arrived in 1990, owing to the popularity of the first seafood-style sammie. The Seafood & Crab was renamed in 2004 the Seafood Sensation after the lobster version was phased out. By 2018, the sandwich was removed from menus altogether. Those who are craving some Subway-style seafood (the sandwich was a blend of snow crab, Alaskan pollock, and Pacific whiting) can take a trip Down Under: Australia brought the Seafood Sensation back in 2020 after fans demanded its return for two years.
Naturally Pit-Smoked Brisket Sandwich
Looking to muscle in on the space reserved for authentic BBQ and BBQ-style sandwiches, Subway ventured into brisket territory with a limited-time release of the Naturally Pit-Smoked Brisket Sandwich. The fast-food chain tried to impress upon discerning customers that this was the real deal, with the brisket smoked for 13 hours to achieve its complex flavor. (For the record, briskets can take anywhere from 15-24 hours to smoke properly.) They even claimed that real pit-masters had been tasked with helping them achieve an authentic taste, although the names of these pit-masters were never revealed to the public. Finishing the sandwich were barbecue sauce and cheese. Advertisement
Unfortunately, not all customers appreciated the effort, with NYC BBQ founder Sean Ludwig calling the sandwich “a disgrace to BBQ.” Ouch. The sandwich was only a limited release when it appeared in 2019 and has never made a return to restaurant menus.
The Jalapeño Cheddar Bread went through a few iterations before Subway felt it had earned its spot in the bread lineup and added it to stores on a semi-permanent basis in 2014. (It had previously appeared in 2003 and 2007.) It was initially intended as a limited release, lasting only six weeks before Subway pulled it yet again. Then, finally, in 2019, it reappeared, this time as the suggested vehicle for the Southwest Chipotle Chicken Club sandwich. Advertisement
Unfortunately, the return of the Jalapeño Cheddar Bread was not meant to be: Stores began quietly removing the loaves from their locations. Despite petitions to bring the bread back, perhaps its rollercoaster history is one of the reasons it hasnt made a permanent return: In a Mashed poll, 37% of respondents said the Jalapeño Cheddar Bread was the one loaf they would never order at the sandwich chain. Spicy bread does still have some fans, though: In October 2024, Subway introduced its new Ghost Pepper Bread alongside two fiery sandwich flavors.