The Best Chicken Sandwich You’ll Find In Every State
Across the country, the humble chicken sandwich has earned superstar status. Every state has its own standout version, built on local flavor and a little bit of pride.
Some are crispy and golden, others saucy and spicy, but all prove just how versatile this classic can be.
1. Saw’s Soul Kitchen (Alabama)
Alabama knows soul food, and Saw’s Soul Kitchen proves it with every bite. Their chicken sandwich features perfectly seasoned, crunchy fried chicken that stays juicy inside.
Topped with tangy slaw and house-made pickles, this sandwich balances flavors like a culinary tightrope walker. You’ll want seconds before you finish your first.
2. Bear Tooth Grill (Alaska)
Way up north in Anchorage, Bear Tooth Grill serves a chicken sandwich that warms you from the inside out. Their grilled chicken comes with fresh vegetables and a special sauce that locals rave about.
It’s comfort food perfect for Alaska’s chilly weather. The portions are generous enough to fuel your next adventure.
3. Worth Takeaway (Arizona)
Phoenix heat meets cool flavors at Worth Takeaway, where their chicken sandwich has become legendary. Fresh ingredients and creative combinations make each bite an experience worth remembering.
The chicken is tender and perfectly cooked, nestled between artisan bread that’s baked fresh daily. This isn’t just lunch – it’s an Arizona treasure.
4. Big Orange (Arkansas)
Little Rock’s Big Orange has mastered the art of the chicken sandwich with Southern charm. Crispy coating meets juicy meat in a combination that’s been perfected over years.
Their secret seasoning blend keeps people coming back weekly, sometimes daily. One bite explains why Arkansans consider this their state’s finest chicken creation.
5. Howlin’ Ray’s (California)
Los Angeles goes wild for Howlin’ Ray’s Nashville hot chicken, and the wait times prove it. Their chicken sandwich delivers serious heat levels that range from mild to absolutely scorching.
Crispy, spicy, and addictive, this sandwich has earned cult status among California foodies. Bring napkins and prepare for flavor fireworks.
6. The Post Chicken & Beer (Colorado)
Denver’s The Post Chicken & Beer pairs their incredible chicken sandwich with craft brews perfectly. The chicken gets brined, breaded, and fried to golden perfection every single time.
Fresh toppings and house-made sauces elevate this sandwich beyond ordinary. Colorado residents know this spot delivers mountain-high flavor with every order.
7. Craftbird Food Truck (Connecticut)
Who says food trucks can’t compete with fancy restaurants? Craftbird proves otherwise with their phenomenal chicken sandwich that’s worth tracking down.
Their rotating locations across Connecticut create treasure hunts for devoted fans. Crispy chicken, inventive toppings, and reasonable prices make this mobile kitchen a state favorite.
8. Dewey Beer Company (Delaware)
Beach vibes meet chicken perfection at Dewey Beer Company in Delaware’s favorite coastal town. Their sandwich features locally sourced chicken with a light, crispy coating that doesn’t overwhelm.
Fresh lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and special aioli complete this seaside masterpiece. It’s the perfect meal after a day on Delaware’s beautiful beaches.
9. KrungThep Tea Time (Florida)
Florida gets exotic with KrungThep Tea Time’s Thai-influenced chicken sandwich that’s unlike anything else. Crispy chicken meets bold Asian flavors in a fusion that absolutely works.
Sweet, spicy, and savory notes dance together perfectly. This Orlando spot proves that chicken sandwiches can travel the world without leaving the state.
10. The Marietta Local (Georgia)
Georgia knows fried chicken, and The Marietta Local honors that tradition beautifully. Their chicken sandwich uses locally sourced ingredients and time-tested cooking methods.
Buttermilk-brined chicken gets fried to perfection and topped with house-made pickles. Every bite tastes like Southern hospitality served on a bun.
11. Chickalicious Milk Bar (Hawaii)
Hawaiian sunshine comes in sandwich form at Chickalicious Milk Bar, where tropical flavors meet classic fried chicken. Pineapple and special island sauces create a taste of paradise.
The chicken stays crispy despite the humid island air – now that’s skill! Follow your sandwich with their famous milk bar treats for complete happiness.
12. Fork (Boise, Idaho)
Boise’s Fork restaurant elevates the humble chicken sandwich to fine dining status without pretension. Fresh, locally sourced chicken gets prepared with restaurant-quality techniques and ingredients.
Creative toppings change seasonally, keeping regulars excited about return visits. Idaho’s capital city found its chicken sandwich champion in this beloved downtown spot.
13. Parson’s Chicken & Fish (Illinois)
Chicago’s Parson’s Chicken & Fish serves up Windy City perfection between two buns. Their chicken sandwich features ultra-crispy coating that shatters satisfyingly with each bite.
Dill pickles and special sauce keep things tangy and fresh. The outdoor patio makes this spot perfect for enjoying Illinois summers with incredible food.
14. The Eagle (Indianapolis, Indiana)
Indianapolis found its chicken sandwich home at The Eagle, where Southern recipes meet Midwestern hospitality. Their chicken gets marinated overnight before being fried to golden perfection.
Served on a soft bun with just enough toppings, this sandwich lets the chicken shine. Hoosiers drive across the state for this incredible creation.
15. The High Life Lounge (Iowa)
Des Moines locals know The High Life Lounge serves way more than drinks – their chicken sandwich rocks. Juicy chicken, perfectly seasoned and cooked, makes this Iowa’s best-kept secret.
The relaxed atmosphere makes you want to stay awhile and order another round. This is Midwestern comfort food done exactly right.
16. Dempsey’s Biscuit Co. (Kansas)
Kansas City’s Dempsey’s Biscuit Co. puts their chicken sandwich on fluffy, homemade biscuits instead of regular buns. Game changer!
The buttery biscuit soaks up all the delicious juices while staying sturdy enough to hold together. Breakfast or lunch, this sandwich delivers pure comfort that Kansans absolutely adore.
17. Royals Hot Chicken (Kentucky)
Kentucky brings the heat with Royals Hot Chicken, where Nashville-style spice meets Bluegrass State pride. Choose your heat level wisely – these folks don’t play around with their spice.
Crispy, fiery, and absolutely delicious, this sandwich has converted countless chicken lovers. Even mild delivers serious flavor that’ll make you a regular customer.
18. Toups Meatery (Louisiana)
New Orleans knows flavor, and Toups Meatery delivers Louisiana magic in sandwich form. Their chicken sandwich features Cajun seasonings that dance on your taste buds.
From a chef who understands meat perfectly, this sandwich showcases Southern cooking at its finest. One bite transports you straight to the French Quarter.
19. Hot Suppa (Maine)
Portland’s Hot Suppa serves comfort food that warms Maine winters perfectly. Their chicken sandwich combines crispy coating with tender meat in classic New England style.
Simple ingredients prepared expertly create something special without unnecessary fuss. Mainers appreciate honest, delicious food – and this sandwich delivers exactly that.
20. Ekiben (Maryland)
Baltimore’s Ekiben revolutionizes the chicken sandwich with Asian-inspired flavors that blow minds daily. Their famous sandwich features crispy chicken with unexpected toppings that somehow work perfectly together.
Sweet, savory, and slightly spicy elements create flavor explosions. Maryland crab cakes have competition – this chicken sandwich steals hearts statewide.
21. Cutty’s (Massachusetts)
Boston’s Cutty’s proves that simple done right beats complicated every time. Their chicken sandwich features quality ingredients prepared with care and attention to detail.
Fresh bread, perfectly cooked chicken, and thoughtful toppings create sandwich perfection. Massachusetts residents know this Brookline spot delivers consistent excellence worth traveling for.
22. Mercury Burger Bar (Michigan)
Detroit’s Mercury Burger Bar doesn’t just do burgers – their chicken sandwich competes fiercely for menu favorite. Juicy chicken gets topped with creative combinations that change with the seasons.
Michigan craft beer pairs perfectly with this sandwich. Motor City found its chicken sandwich destination in this hip downtown spot.
23. Revival (Minnesota)
Minneapolis might seem far from the South, but Revival brings authentic Southern fried chicken north. Their sandwich features buttermilk-brined chicken fried to absolute perfection.
Minnesotans line up happily for this taste of Southern hospitality. The crispy coating and juicy interior make every cold winter day feel warmer.
24. The Pig & Pint (Mississippi)
Mississippi’s The Pig & Pint knows barbecue, but their chicken sandwich holds its own proudly. Smoky flavors and Southern seasonings create something uniquely delicious.
Served with classic sides, this meal represents Mississippi comfort food perfectly. The Magnolia State takes its chicken seriously, and this sandwich proves it.
25. Grace Meat + Three (Missouri)
Kansas City’s Grace Meat + Three brings Southern tradition to Missouri with style and flavor. Their chicken sandwich showcases time-honored cooking techniques passed down through generations.
Choose your three sides and prepare for a meal that satisfies completely. This is comfort food that feels like a warm hug from grandma.
26. Roost Fried Chicken (Montana)
Big Sky Country serves big flavor at Roost Fried Chicken, where Montana hospitality meets incredible cooking. Their chicken sandwich features locally sourced ingredients prepared with mountain-sized portions.
Crispy outside, juicy inside – exactly how chicken should be. After hiking Montana’s trails, this sandwich tastes like absolute heaven on a plate.
27. Block 16 (Nebraska)
Omaha’s Block 16 gets creative with their chicken sandwich, adding unexpected twists that work brilliantly. Their chef’s imagination runs wild, creating flavor combinations you won’t find elsewhere.
Nebraskans appreciate innovation done right, and this sandwich delivers. Each bite surprises and delights—boring chicken sandwiches don’t exist here.
28. Honey Salt (Nevada)
Las Vegas offers endless dining options, but Honey Salt’s chicken sandwich stands out among the competition. Fresh, high-quality ingredients get prepared with restaurant expertise.
This isn’t casino food – it’s genuine culinary craftsmanship. Nevada residents know this local favorite beats the flashy Strip restaurants hands down.
29. Street (Portsmouth, New Hampshire)
Portsmouth’s Street restaurant serves a chicken sandwich that captures New England’s culinary spirit perfectly. Fresh ingredients and careful preparation create something special without unnecessary complications.
The coastal town atmosphere makes every meal feel like a vacation. New Hampshire residents consider this sandwich their state’s finest chicken achievement.
30. Bloom Chicken (New Jersey)
New Jersey’s Bloom Chicken brings Korean fried chicken techniques to the Garden State with incredible results. Double-fried chicken creates extra-crispy coating that stays crunchy longer.
Sweet and spicy sauces add layers of flavor that keep you reaching for more. This sandwich proves New Jersey does way more than diners.
31. The Shop Breakfast & Lunch (New Mexico)
Albuquerque’s The Shop adds New Mexico flair with green chile on their incredible chicken sandwich. Roasted chiles bring smoky heat that complements the crispy chicken perfectly.
Breakfast or lunch, this sandwich represents New Mexico’s unique culinary identity. One bite explains why locals line up daily for this spicy creation.
32. Fuku (New York)
New York City’s Fuku delivers big apple attitude with serious chicken sandwich game. Celebrity chef-backed, this spot serves crispy, spicy chicken that lives up to the hype.
Fast-casual format means no reservations needed for restaurant-quality food. New Yorkers demand excellence, and Fuku delivers it between two buns consistently.
33. Bossy Beulah’s Chicken Shack (North Carolina)
North Carolina’s Bossy Beulah’s brings sass and flavor in equal measure. Their chicken sandwich features traditional Southern preparation with personality that matches the restaurant’s bold name.
Crispy, juicy, and served with attitude – exactly what Carolina chicken should be. This shack proves that great food doesn’t need fancy surroundings.
34. Brew Bird (North Dakota)
Fargo’s Brew Bird combines craft beer culture with incredible fried chicken perfectly. Their sandwich features juicy chicken with creative toppings that pair beautifully with their brews.
North Dakota winters demand hearty food, and this sandwich delivers. Local ingredients and careful preparation make this prairie state’s chicken champion.
35. Hot Chicken Takeover (Ohio)
Columbus brought Nashville hot chicken to Ohio, and Hot Chicken Takeover perfected it. Their sandwich offers heat levels from mild to crazy, all featuring incredible flavor beneath the spice.
Social mission meets delicious food at this community-focused restaurant. Ohioans love supporting local businesses that serve outstanding chicken sandwiches.
36. Nashbird (Oklahoma)
Oklahoma City’s Nashbird proves that Nashville hot chicken travels well beyond Tennessee. Their sandwich delivers authentic spice and flavor that rivals the original.
Crispy chicken gets coated in cayenne-spiked oil that creates addictive heat. Oklahomans appreciate bold flavors, and this sandwich brings serious fire to the Sooner State.
37. Screen Door (Oregon)
Portland’s Screen Door brings Southern soul food to the Pacific Northwest beautifully. Their chicken sandwich features crispy fried chicken that would make any Southern grandmother proud.
Long weekend brunch lines prove this restaurant’s popularity. Oregon residents gladly wait for chicken this good – it’s absolutely worth every minute.
38. Love & Honey Fried Chicken (Pennsylvania)
Philadelphia’s Love & Honey Fried Chicken adds sweet touches to their savory sandwich masterpiece. Honey drizzle balances the crispy fried chicken perfectly, creating flavor harmony.
Pennsylvania Dutch country meets urban Philly in this delicious creation. The City of Brotherly Love found its chicken sandwich soulmate in this spot.
39. Winner Winner (Rhode Island)
Providence’s Winner Winner lives up to its confident name with every sandwich served. Their chicken gets prepared fresh daily with quality ingredients that shine through.
Rhode Island might be tiny, but its chicken sandwich game is huge. Fast-casual format delivers restaurant-quality food without the wait or high prices.
40. Boxcar Betty’s (South Carolina)
Charleston’s Boxcar Betty’s serves Lowcountry chicken sandwiches that capture South Carolina’s culinary soul. Their simple menu focuses on doing chicken perfectly, every single time.
Fresh ingredients and traditional Southern cooking create something timelessly delicious. South Carolinians know that sometimes simple is absolutely best – this sandwich proves it.
41. Bread & Circus Sandwich Kitchen (South Dakota)
Sioux Falls’ Bread & Circus Sandwich Kitchen elevates sandwich-making to an art form. Their chicken sandwich features creative combinations that surprise and satisfy completely.
Local ingredients meet culinary imagination in every bite. South Dakota found its sandwich destination in this inventive, delicious kitchen.
42. Hattie B’s Hot Chicken (Tennessee)
Nashville’s Hattie B’s helped put hot chicken on the national map for good reason. Their sandwich delivers authentic Music City heat with flavor that backs up the spice.
Tourist destination and local favorite both – rare combination achieved through consistent excellence. Tennessee’s chicken sandwich crown belongs firmly to this legendary spot.
43. Tumble 22 (Texas)
Dallas’ Tumble 22 brings hot chicken to Texas with Lone Star State pride. Their sandwich features perfectly fried chicken with heat levels that challenge even confident spice lovers.
Everything’s bigger in Texas, including flavor – this sandwich proves it. Texans demand quality, and Tumble 22 delivers chicken worthy of the state’s reputation.
44. Pretty Bird (Utah)
Salt Lake City’s Pretty Bird serves hot chicken that’s converted countless Utah residents into spice enthusiasts. Their sandwich balances heat with flavor beautifully.
Multiple locations across Utah prove this concept works everywhere. Mountain state living gets spicier thanks to this incredible chicken sandwich that keeps people coming back.
45. Handy’s Lunch (Vermont)
Bennington’s Handy’s Lunch has served Vermonters since 1945, and their chicken sandwich honors that tradition. Classic preparation without trendy gimmicks creates something timelessly satisfying.
Counter seating and friendly service make every visit feel nostalgic. Vermont values authenticity, and this old-school lunch counter delivers it perfectly.
46. Hangry Joe’s Hot Chicken (Virginia)
Virginia Beach’s Hangry Joe’s tackles hunger and attitude with seriously spicy chicken sandwiches. Their name perfectly captures the feeling before you eat and the satisfaction afterward.
Multiple heat levels accommodate everyone from beginners to fire-breathers. Virginia found its hot chicken headquarters in this beach town favorite.
47. Cookies Country Chicken (Washington)
Seattle’s Cookies Country Chicken brings Southern comfort food to the Pacific Northwest successfully. Their chicken sandwich features crispy coating and juicy meat that rivals any Southern original.
Washington state’s coffee culture meets chicken perfection at this beloved spot. Rain or shine, this sandwich delivers sunshine to Seattle residents.
48. Dem 2 Brothers & A Grill (West Virginia)
Charleston’s Dem 2 Brothers & A Grill serves mountain state hospitality with every chicken sandwich. Their straightforward approach focuses on quality ingredients and solid cooking techniques.
West Virginians appreciate honest food done right – no pretension necessary. This grill delivers exactly what chicken sandwich lovers crave every single time.
49. Pete’s Pops & Chicken (Wisconsin)
Milwaukee’s Pete’s Pops & Chicken combines two perfect things: incredible fried chicken and artisan popsicles. Their sandwich features crispy chicken that’s worth the trip alone.
Following your sandwich with a creative popsicle flavor makes this experience uniquely Wisconsin. Cheese curds have competition – this chicken sandwich wins hearts statewide.
50. Bodega (Wyoming)
Jackson Hole’s Bodega proves that Wyoming does way more than steaks and burgers. Their chicken sandwich features quality ingredients prepared with care in true Western style.
Mountain town atmosphere makes every meal feel special here. Wyoming’s wide-open spaces deserve equally impressive food – this sandwich delivers exactly that.
