I Asked 3 Chefs for Their Favorite Fast Food Fried Chicken Sandwich, and Their Pick Was Unanimous

Fast food hot takes are endless—and we get it. Similar to how everyone has their own definition of what makes the best chocolate chip cookie (crispy vs. chewy, small vs. supersized, chunks vs. chips), everyone has opinions about which fast food chain makes the best cheeseburger and best French fries.

We’ve rarely seen more heated debates about drive-through fare, though, than when it comes to fried chicken. Some folks are firm believers that Chick-fil-A wins the title, while others pledge their allegiance to the McChicken. (In case you missed it, it’s available in Chicken Big Mac form for a limited time!) We haven’t even discussed the devoted fans who line up at Shake Shack, the legions who strongly prefer Popeyes, and the KFC and Culver’s cravers. And don’t forget our girl Wendy and all of her chicken choices, too.

But the competition for the best fast food fried chicken sandwich is fiercer, as proven by how close the results were for our internal crispy chicken sandwich taste test. Popeyes pulled out on top by a nose, above Shake Shack and Chick-fil-A, for Team Allrecipes, but we wanted to hear what professional chefs have to say about the matter.

Our Panel of Sandwich-Savvy Chefs

What Makes a Good Fried Chicken Sandwich?

The chefs agree that a few small details make a big difference when it comes to making a fried chicken sandwich stand out. For the best flavor and texture, seek out a menu item that:

• Is built on a bun that adds to the experience. If you ask Iannarelli which bun he likes to reach for, he firmly believes, “a soft brioche bun.” Whether it’s a toasted potato roll or a buttery brioche, the bun should be flavorful and also sturdy enough to stand up to the weight of the chicken, toppings, and any spreads.
• Has streamlined toppings. Speaking of condiments and garnishes, Iannarelli warns that some brands might be piling on the accoutrements to disguise lackluster chicken. Pickles and mayo are welcome, but all other sauces and toppings should be add-ons, not mainstays, he says.
• Features a real piece of chicken, not a processed patty. “Stay away from value menu chicken. Processed chicken is often flavorless,” according to Naquin. Plus the texture can err on the mushy or grainy side.
• Is battered, not breaded. This is more of a personal preference, but the chefs we spoke to prefer chicken that’s battered with a liquid coating rather than covered in a crumb coating. The latter is too reminiscent of the fried chicken patties that haunt them from school lunch days. Since it allows for textural contrast, Iannarelli prefers “the breading to appear as if it has been properly hydrated so it has pockets and folds.”

The Best Fast Food Fried Chicken Sandwich, According to Chefs 

When we asked the chefs to spill on their pick for the best fast food fried chicken sandwich, the answer was unanimous: Popeyes Classic Chicken Sandwich. It’s also available in spicy form, which gets a thumbs up from Daigle for its punchy remoulade sauce. Popeyes has mastered the recipe for a well-edited and awesome sandwich, the chefs agree.

“I love the simplicity,” Iannarelli explains, noting that the breading and texture excel over other competitors on the market. Naquin agrees, saying the briny, sizable slices of “a great pickle… really make the sandwich.”

“They keep it simple but elevate the basics,” Daigle continues. “Using a toasted brioche bun instead of a plain burger bun.” As for the chicken, it’s a buttermilk-battered fillet that’s marinated in Cajun spices, resulting in a pleasantly crisp exterior, Daigle adds.

While the classic and spicy chicken sandwiches—two mainstays on the menu—are certainly worthy of a detour when you’re out and about, Popeyes is constantly dreaming up specials to keep fans coming back to try the latest and greatest. Act quickly and you can attempt to conquer the fiery Ghost Pepper Chicken Sandwich or the honey mustard-slathered Golden BBQ Chicken Sandwich.

How to Elevate Your Fast Food Crispy Chicken Sandwich

Creamy mayo and tangy pickles are all you really need, but according to Naquin, you should “sometimes add some of their Bold BBQ sauce—this brings the sandwich to another level.”

Popeyes lets you add cheese or bacon for an additional cost, but you could also ask for a side of its popular sauces to see what floats your boat. Options include: buttermilk ranch, blackened ranch, sweet heat sauce, Mardi Gras mustard, wild honey mustard, and Bayou Buffalo sauce.

If you don’t have Popeyes near you or would rather make your own crispy fried chicken burgers, we have your back. Our Copycat Fried Chicken Sandwich offers the best of both worlds—Popeyes and Chick-fil-A—if you’re on the fence about which you favor. Or try Chef John’s Nashville Hot Chicken, which made one community member admit, “I’m still in disbelief on how good it is.” Once you’ve mastered those, cook your way through our 8 best fried chicken sandwich recipes that you can customize as you see fit. Just don’t forget about some good buns, pickles, and mayo!