The Best Chicken Sandwich

There are few things in this world that I will plan for, weeks in advance. One of those things is a chicken sandwich. Let me take you on a journey…

It started around the beginning of my Freshman year of college. My friend Joe had been begging me to go with him to Burger King.  The only memories I had of ol’ BK were the ones from my childhood, when mom would forget how much we hated the place. I had tried a burger every once in awhile, but they were always burnt. Perhaps I just had an overwhelming bias in favor of clowns, but my siblings and I always preferred McDonald’s. I had told Joe this, but he persisted. He really wanted me to try this stuff. Being the mildly supportive friend that I am, I gave in one day. Like I always do, I opted for the chicken sandwich.

As tends to happen at fast food places (specifically Burger King), it took roughly twenty minutes for me to get my food. I grabbed the tray and headed to the table. Joe was already sitting there, eagerly awaiting my response. Sparing you some of my more personal dining mannerisms, I immediately fell in love with the sandwich! It was, of course, the legendary chicken tendercrisp. Never in my life has chicken had the effect it had on me that day. It changed me. I decided that I would try the best chicken sandwich from every restaurant in my immediate area and decide who would be crowned with my prestigious award: Best Chicken Sandwich.

First, I tried all the regular joints: McDonald’s, Hardee’s, Dairy Queen, Culver’s, Wendy’s, KFC, Popeye’s, Chic-fil-A, Sonic, etc. Then, I moved onto more expensive and/or lesser known restaurants like O’Charley’s, T.G.I. Friday’s, P.F. Chang’s, etc. Let it be known that I tried multiple chicken sandwiches from restaurants that had more than one, e.g., Premium Chicken Sandwich and McChicken.

What it really came down to were these three things:

- Who had the best chicken?

- Who had the best bread?

- Who added the best ingredients to that sandwich?

Basically, which one tasted the best? So, without further adieu… I present my top ten list of the best chicken sandwiches, from best to worst. (All of them were delicious, however.)

1. Double Down (KFC)
Words cannot aptly describe this sandwich. You just have to try it for yourself. If you want the same chicken for a lower price, I highly recommend the Doublicious, also. It’s less chicken, but it’s only $5 for the meal.

2. Tendercrisp (Burger King)
It changed everything and it is, to this day, my favorite item on BK’s menu…even beating out the Quadruple Stacker!

3. Asiago Ranch Chicken Club (Wendy’s)
Seriously, the best combination of condiments man has ever created. It is only topped by the Double Baconator for best Wendy’s menu item.

4. Chicken Finger BLT (T.G.I. Friday’s)
If you haven’t tried their chicken fingers, you are missing out. The way they bread them is so unique! If you have $100 just sitting around, please try these!

5. Chicken Strip Po’ Boy (Popeye’s)
Even the mild stuff is a bit spicy, but even I can’t complain. It’s the best Po’ Boy out there!

6. Chicken Sandwich (Chic-fil-A)
A bit of a cop-out, as far as the name goes. The experience is really what makes Chic-fil-A so memorable. Fast service, good food, and WAFFLE FRIES! The chicken is good, too. It’s just…WAFFLE FRIES!

(There was a tie.)

6. Southern Style Chicken Sandwich (McDonald’s)
Yes, I’m using this to point out something that nobody ever notices. The southern style chicken sandwich from McDonald’s is the SAME sandwich you get at Chic-fil-A. Most people will never admit that, however.

7. Chicken Club Toaster Sandwich (Sonic)
This is an interesting one. I don’t like having it this low on the list, but there are just so many good sandwiches out there!

8. Southern Fried Chicken Sandwich (O’Charley’s)
Expensive, but delicious.  There isn’t much to say about it, other than I think I prefer a hamburger from O’Charley’s.

9. Hand-Breaded Chicken Fillet Sandwich (Hardee’s)
Well, it’s good. It’s no Monster Burger, but it’s good. The breading is delicious, but the chicken tends to be a little dry, most of the time. Worth it though!

10. Crispy Chicken Sandwich (Dairy Queen)
Kind of boring. Nothing special, really. You’re better off buying some Tyson patties at the grocery store. Best when combined with bacon and slathered in ketchup…

…but isn’t everything?