23 Fast Food Chains With the Best Chicken Sandwiches
Chicken sandwiches are some of the most underrated fast food menu items. If you don’t eat red meat or are not a big fan of burgers, they are an excellent alternative.
Not all fast food chicken sandwiches are created equal. But depending on where you get them, they can be even more delicious than burgers.
To help you with your decision, we’ve rounded up the best fast food chicken sandwiches in America.
Each of these delectable sandwiches has something unique to offer. So whether you’re looking for a fried or grilled chicken sandwich, there are many delicious options on this list to satisfy your cravings!
23. Checkers/Rally’s: Classic Mother Cruncher
Checkers and Rally’s are two fast food chains with different names but the same restaurant in practice.
There are over 500 Checkers locations and over 300 Rally’s locations in the US.
Whether you’re eating at Checkers or Rally’s, their menus are identical, despite the different restaurant names.
Although Checkers and Rally’s are most famous for their burgers, they also make a fried chicken sandwich called the Classic Mother Cruncher.
It is made with a breaded and fried all white-meat chicken breast, their signature Squawk sauce, pickles, iceberg lettuce, and a slice of tomato on a toasted, bakery-style bun.
A Classic Mother Cruncher has 690 calories and contains 37 grams of fat, 2,400 milligrams of sodium, and 28 grams of protein.
In addition to the Classic Mother Cruncher, Checkers and Rally’s offer other chicken sandwiches, like the Bacon Brewhouse Mother Cruncher, the Bacon BBQ Mother Cruncher, and the Spicy Chicken Sandwich.
22. White Castle: Chicken & Waffles Slider
White Castle is a fast food chain famous for popularizing mini hamburger sliders.
There are nearly 400 White Castle locations in the US, most of which are in the Midwest or New York regions.
Although White Castle predominantly specializes in hamburger sliders, they also offer chicken sandwiches in slider form.
White Castle’s Chicken & Waffles Slider is one of the unique fast food chicken sandwiches.
It’s made from a mini crispy chicken breast, and a strip of bacon sandwiched between two mini Belgian waffles.
A White Castle Chicken & Waffles Slider has 350 calories and contains 18 grams of fat, 650 milligrams of sodium, and 9 grams of protein.
In addition to the Chicken & Waffles Slider, White Castle offers a few other chicken sandwich sliders, like the Bacon & Cheddar Chicken Slider, the Chicken Ring Slider, and the Crispy Chicken Breast Slider.
21. Dairy Queen: Original Chicken Strip Sandwich
Dairy Queen is most famous for its ice cream treats, especially its iconic Blizzards, but you may not know that some Dairy Queen locations also serve food.
There are almost 4,500 Dairy Queen locations in the United States. However, not all of them serve food.
To check whether your local Dairy Queen offers food items on the menu, go to the “Locations” page of their website and enter your zip code.
Find the location you want to visit. If it says “Treat Only” under the address, that location only serves ice cream. If it says “Food and Treat,” that location also serves food.
Dairy Queen’s signature chicken sandwich is called the Original Chicken Strip Sandwich.
It’s made with seasoned all white-meat chicken strips, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise in between soft, toasty buns.
An Original Chicken Strip Sandwich has 550 calories and contains 26 grams of fat, 990 milligrams of sodium, and 18 grams of protein.
If you prefer something a little spicier, Dairy Queen also sells a Spicy Chicken Strip Sandwich made with DQ Flamethrower Sauce instead of mayonnaise.
20. Golden Chick: Triple Tender Sandwich
Golden Chick is one of the most popular fried chicken restaurant chains, famous for its chicken strips.
There are over 30 Golden Chick locations, most of which are in Texas, 2 in Oklahoma, and 1 in Louisiana.
Although Golden Chick’s chicken strips are its most popular menu item, they also make a great chicken sandwich.
Golden Chick’s best chicken sandwich is called the Triple Tender Sandwich.
It’s made from their famous Golden Tenders, homemade honey mustard, and an extra-large, fresh-baked yeast roll.
A Golden Chick Triple Tender Sandwich has 590 calories and contains 30 grams of fat, 990 milligrams of sodium, and 27 grams of protein.
In addition to the Triple Tender Sandwich, Golden Chick offers two other chicken sandwiches: the jumbo-sized Hand-Breaded Big & Golden and the Signature Chicken Salad Sandwich.
19. Carl’s Jr.: Hand-Breaded Chicken Sandwich
Carl’s Jr. is a fast food chain most famous for its charbroiled hamburgers.
There are over 1,000 Carl’s Jr. locations in the US, most of which are on the West Coast or the Southwest.
Although Carl’s Jr. made its name selling charbroiled hamburgers, they also serve chicken sandwiches.
Carl’s Jr.’s signature chicken sandwich is called the Hand-Breaded Chicken Sandwich.
It’s made from a premium all white-meat chicken fillet, hand-dipped in buttermilk, breaded, fried and served with garlic pickles and mayonnaise on a potato bun.
A Hand-Breaded Chicken Sandwich has 590 calories and contains 29 grams of fat, 1,060 milligrams of sodium, and 21 grams of protein.
Carl’s Jr. sells a few other fried chicken sandwiches, including the Hand-Breaded Bacon Swiss Chicken Sandwich and the Spicy Chicken Sandwich.
If you’re not interested in a fried chicken sandwich, Carl’s Jr. offers a few charbroiled chicken sandwiches, like the Charbroiled Chicken Club, the Charbroiled Santa Fe Chicken Sandwich, and the Charbroiled BBQ Chicken Sandwich.
18. Chicken Salad Chick: Chicken Salad BLT
Chicken Salad Chick is a Southern fast casual chain restaurant specializing in made-from-scratch chicken salad.
There are over 200 Chicken Salad Chick locations in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.
Chicken Salad Chick is a unique restaurant chain due to its focus on chicken salad.
There are a dozen different chicken salads on the Chicken Salad Chick menu, ranging from classic to savory to fruity and spicy.
Each of these twelve chicken salads is available as part of Chicken Salad Chick’s signature sandwich, the Chicken Salad BLT.
In addition to your choice of chicken salad, the Chicken Salad BLT is made with crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and sliced tomato.
17. Arby’s: Classic Crispy Chicken Sandwich
Arby’s is a fast food chain famous for its roast beef sandwiches and curly fries.
There are over 3,400 Arby’s locations in the United States.
Although Arby’s has made its name selling roast beef sandwiches, they also sell a variety of great chicken sandwiches.
Arby’s signature chicken sandwich is called the Classic Crispy Chicken Sandwich.
It is made with a crispy chicken breast, lettuce, mayonnaise, and tomato on a toasted bun.
A Classic Crispy Chicken Sandwich has 510 calories and contains 25 grams of fat, 1,230 milligrams of sodium, and 24 grams of protein.
In addition to the Classic Crispy Chicken Sandwich, Arby’s sells a Chicken Bacon Swiss Sandwich and a Buffalo Crispy Chicken Sandwich.
If you prefer wraps over sandwiches, Arby’s also offers a Crispy Chicken Club Wrap and a Crispy Buffalo Chicken Wrap.
16. PDQ: Crispy Chicken Sandwich
PDQ, which stands for “People Dedicated to Quality,” is a fast casual restaurant specializing in chicken tenders.
There are over 60 PDQ locations in Florida, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, and South Carolina.
Although PDQ is most famous for its chicken tenders, they also serve delicious chicken sandwiches.
PDQ’s signature chicken sandwich is called the Crispy Chicken Sandwich.
It’s made with crispy chicken, Duke’s mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato, and dill pickles on a potato bun.
A Crispy Chicken Sandwich has 490 calories and contains 22 grams of fat, 1,210 milligrams of sodium, and 35 grams of protein.
In addition to the Crispy Chicken Sandwich, PDQ sells a few other fried chicken sandwiches, like the Spicy Chicken Sandwich, the Honey Butter Chicken Sandwich, and the Buffy Bleu Chicken Sandwich.
Finally, if you are not a fan of fried-chicken, PDQ offers a Grilled Chicken Sandwich made with grilled chicken, green goddess sauce, lettuce, tomato, and dill pickles.
15. Wendy’s: Classic Chicken Sandwich
Wendy’s is one of the largest and most popular fast food chains in the US, famous for its burgers, fries, and chicken sandwiches.
There are almost 6,000 Wendy’s locations in the US, with at least one in all 50 states.
Wendy’s offers a variety of chicken sandwiches, but their signature is the Classic Chicken Sandwich.
It’s made from a lightly breaded crispy chicken breast, lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise, and pickles on a toasted bun.
A Classic Chicken Sandwich has 490 calories and contains 21 grams of fat, 1,450 milligrams of sodium, and 28 grams of protein.
In addition to the Classic Chicken Sandwich, Wendy’s serves other popular fried chicken sandwiches, like the Italian Mozzarella Chicken Sandwich, the Pretzel Bacon Pub Chicken Sandwich, and the Asiago Ranch Classic Chicken Club Sandwich.
If you’re looking for a slightly healthier option, Wendy’s offers a grilled version of many of its chicken sandwiches, like the Grilled Pretzel Bacon Pub Chicken Sandwich, the Grilled Chicken Sandwich, and the Grilled Asiago Ranch Chicken Club Sandwich.
14. Jack in the Box: Cluck Sandwich
Jack in the Box is a fast food chain famous for its diverse, eclectic menu, which contains anything from tacos and egg rolls to burgers and fries.
There are over 2,000 Jack in the Box locations in 21 states.
Jack in the Box’s menu includes a variety of chicken sandwiches.
The signature chicken sandwich at Jack in the Box is called the Cluck Sandwich.
It’s made with a 100% all white-meat crispy chicken fillet, pickles, and Jack’s Good Sauce on a toasted brioche bun.
A Cluck Sandwich has 740 calories and contains 40 grams of fat, 1,770 milligrams of sodium, and 32 grams of protein.
In addition to the Cluck Sandwich, Jack in the Box sells an array of fried chicken sandwiches, like Jack’s Spicy Chicken w/ Cheese, Jack’s Spicy Chicken, and the Homestyle Ranch Chicken Club.
Finally, if you prefer a grilled chicken sandwich, Jack in the Box offers a Grilled Chicken Sandwich and a Chicken Fajita Pita.
13. Burger King: Royal Crispy Chicken Sandwich
Burger King is one of the largest fast food chains globally, best known for its burgers.
There are over 7,000 Burger King locations in the United States, with at least one in each of the 50 states.
Although Burger King is famous for its burgers, it also offers a variety of chicken sandwiches.
The signature chicken sandwich from Burger King is the Royal Crispy Chicken Sandwich.
It’s made from a crispy white meat breast fillet, the Royal Sauce, lettuce, and tomatoes on a toasted potato bun.
A Royal Crispy Chicken Sandwich has 600 calories and contains 33 grams of fat, 1,340 milligrams of sodium, and 31 grams of protein.
In addition to the Royal Crispy Chicken Sandwich, Burger King offers the BK Spicy Royal Crispy Chicken Sandwich, the Italian Royal Crispy Chicken Sandwich, and the Original Chicken Sandwich.
12. Sonic Drive-In: Chicken Slinger
Sonic Drive-In is the 1950s drive-thru-themed fast food chain famous for its American fast food classics like burgers, hot dogs, and milkshakes.
There are over 3,500 Sonic Drive-In locations in 46 states.
In addition to burgers, hot dogs, milkshakes, and fries, Sonic Drive-In also sells two chicken sandwiches.
Sonic’s signature chicken sandwich is called the Chicken Slinger.
It’s made with crispy 100% all white-meat chicken, crinkle-cut pickles, and mayonnaise on a warm brioche bun.
A Chicken Slinger has 350 calories and contains 16 grams of fat, 680 milligrams of sodium, and 15 grams of protein.
In addition to the Chicken Slinger, Sonic sells a Crispy Chicken Sandwich, made with crispy 100% all white-meat chicken, but contains lettuce, tomatoes, and mayonnaise instead of pickles.
11. Culver’s: Crispy Chicken Sandwich
Culver’s is a Wisconsin-based fast food chain beloved for its ButterBurgers, cheese curds, and frozen custards.
There are almost 900 Culver’s locations in 25 states.
Although Culver’s is most famous for cheese curds and burgers, they also offer a few chicken sandwiches.
Culver’s signature chicken sandwich is called the Crispy Chicken Sandwich.
It’s made with a breaded and fried whole white meat chicken breast, lettuce, tomato, and pickles on a toasted Kaiser bun.
A Crispy Chicken Sandwich has 460 calories and contains 14 grams of fat, 1,110 milligrams of sodium, and 25 grams of protein.
In addition to the Crispy Chicken Sandwich, Culver’s makes a spicy version, aptly named the Spicy Crispy Chicken Sandwich, and a grilled version called the Grilled Chicken Sandwich.
10. Shake Shack: Chicken Shack
Shake Shack is a fast food chain that serves cult classic ShackBurgers, hot dogs, and milkshakes.
There are over 250 Shake Shack locations in 30 states, plus Washington DC.
Although Shake Shack is most famous for its burgers and milkshakes, they also offer a chicken sandwich that has become a classic.
Shake Shack’s signature chicken sandwich is called the Chicken Shack.
It’s made from a crispy white meat chicken breast, lettuce, pickles, and buttermilk herb mayonnaise on a toasted potato bun.
A Chicken Shack has 550 calories and contains 31 grams of fat, 1,170 milligrams of sodium, and 33 grams of protein.
Shake Shack regularly introduces limited edition menu items.
One of their special chicken sandwiches is the Hot Ones Chicken Sandwich, a spicy sandwich made in collaboration with the YouTube talk show Hot Ones.
9. Jollibee: Original Chicken Sandwich
Jollibee is a Filipino fast food chain famous for its fried chicken.
There are over 60 Jollibee locations in Arizona, California, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and Washington.
Jollibee has become a cult favorite for its bone-in fried chicken and Filipino fast food sides, but they also make a great chicken sandwich.
Jollibee’s signature chicken sandwich is simply called the Original Chicken Sandwich.
It’s made with a crispy, juicy, hand-breaded chicken fillet, savory umami mayonnaise, and a toasted brioche bun.
An Original Chicken Sandwich has 620 calories and contains 34 grams of fat, 1,110 milligrams of sodium, and 31 grams of protein.
If you prefer a spicy chicken sandwich, Jollibee makes a spicy version of their Original Chicken Sandwich, which is made with sriracha mayo and jalapenos.
Jollibee also serves a deluxe version of the Original and Spicy Chicken Sandwiches, which include tomato and lettuce.
8. KFC: Chicken Sandwich
KFC, which stands for Kentucky Fried Chicken, is the largest fried chicken fast food chain globally.
There are almost 4,000 KFC locations in all 50 states.
KFC has made its name from its signature fried chicken, seasoned with 11 secret herbs and spices.
However, KFC also makes a delicious chicken sandwich!
KFC’s signature Chicken Sandwich is made with all white-meat, double-breaded, extra crispy chicken breast fillet, pickles, and your choice of regular or spicy mayonnaise served on a toasted brioche bun.
A Chicken Sandwich has 650 calories and contains 35 grams of fat, 1,260 milligrams of sodium, and 34 grams of protein.
If you’re just looking for a snack instead of a full meal, you might want to try KFC’s Chicken Little, a mini-sized chicken sandwich that’s the same as the regular Chicken Sandwich but smaller.
7. Church’s Chicken: Chicken Sandwich
Church’s Chicken is a beloved fried chicken restaurant chain with almost 900 locations in 26 states.
Although Church’s Chicken is most famous for its classic bone-in fried chicken, they also make chicken sandwiches.
Church’s Chicken’s signature sandwich is called the Chicken Sandwich.
It’s made with hand-battered fried chicken, mayonnaise, pickles, and a honey butter-brushed brioche bun.
A Chicken Sandwich has 650 calories and contains 35 grams of fat, 1,770 milligrams of sodium, and 32 grams of protein.
If you prefer a spicy chicken sandwich, you’ll be happy to know that Church’s Chicken makes one!
Instead of regular mayonnaise, it’s made with spicy mayo and comes with a jalapeno on the side.
6. Zaxby’s: Signature Sandwich
Zaxby’s is one of the most popular Southern fast food chains specializing in wings, chicken tenders, and chicken sandwiches.
There are over 900 Zaxby’s locations, all of which are in the Southeastern United States.
There are a wide variety of chicken sandwiches on Zaxby’s menu.
However, their most popular sandwich is simply named the Signature Sandwich.
It’s made from a double hand-breaded white breast meat fillet, Zaxby’s famous Zax Sauce, and thick-cut pickle chips on a buttery, toasted, split-top potato bun.
A Signature Sandwich has 740 calories and contains 40 grams of fat, 2,480 milligrams of sodium, and 44 grams of protein.
In addition to the Signature Sandwich, Zaxby’s makes other fried chicken sandwiches, including the Spicy Signature Sandwich, the 3 Nibblerz Sandwich, and the Kickin Chicken Sandwich.
5. Bojangles: Bo’s Chicken Sandwich
Bojangles is a Cajun-inspired fried chicken fast food chain that has become a cult classic in the South.
There are nearly 800 Bojangles locations in 14 states.
Bojangles is most famous for its Cajun-spiced fried chicken, but they also make a great chicken sandwich.
Bojangles’ signature chicken sandwich is called Bo’s Chicken Sandwich.
It’s made with a juicy, Cajun-spiced, hand-breaded chicken breast, two thick-cut dill pickles, and mayonnaise on a toasted bakery bun.
A Bo’s Chicken Sandwich has 670 calories and contains 36 grams of fat, 1,730 milligrams of sodium, and 31 grams of protein.
If you prefer grilled chicken, Bojangles offers the Grilled Chicken Sandwich.
Finally, if you’re craving breakfast, Bojangles serves an excellent Cajun Chicken Filet Biscuit, which is available all day long!
4. Popeyes: Classic Chicken Sandwich
Popeyes is another one of the largest and most beloved fried chicken fast food chains in the United States.
There are almost 3,500 Popeyes locations in 46 states, Washington DC and Puerto Rico.
Popeyes is most famous for its bone-in fried chicken, biscuits, and sides.
However, in recent years, Popeyes went viral for its chicken sandwich, which quickly became acclaimed for being one of the most delicious fast food chicken sandwiches.
Popeyes’ Classic Chicken Sandwich is made with their signature all-white, hand-breaded buttermilk fried chicken, pickles, and mayonnaise on a toasted, fluffy brioche bun.
It has 700 calories and contains 42 grams of fat, 1,765 milligrams of sodium, and 28 grams of protein.
If you prefer spicy food, you should try their Spicy Chicken Sandwich, which is the same as the classic version but made with spicy mayonnaise.
3. McDonald’s: McChicken
McDonald’s is the largest and most famous fast food chain globally, with over 13,000 locations in the US.
Although McDonald’s is most well-known for its iconic burgers, they make several delicious chicken sandwiches.
McDonald’s signature chicken sandwich is called the McChicken.
It’s made with a juicy, crispy chicken patty, shredded lettuce, and mayonnaise on a toasted bun.
A McChicken has 400 calories and contains 21 grams of fat, 560 milligrams of sodium, and 14 grams of protein.
In addition to the McChicken, McDonald’s offers a few other popular chicken sandwiches, like the Crispy Chicken Sandwich and the Spicy Deluxe Crispy Chicken Sandwich.
2. Raising Cane’s: The Sandwich
Raising Cane’s is a chain restaurant beloved for its delicious chicken fingers, with over 550 locations in 31 states.
Raising Cane’s has a notoriously small menu, allowing the restaurant to focus on creating the highest quality food.
One of the most popular items on Raising Cane’s menu is their chicken sandwich, simply called The Sandwich.
It’s made with three of Raising Cane’s signature chicken fingers, lettuce, and Cane’s Sauce on a toasted bun.
The Sandwich has 780 calories and contains 39 grams of fat, 1,470 milligrams of sodium, and 48 grams of protein.
The Sandwich is available as part of Raising Cane’s The Sandwich Combo, which comes with The Sandwich, crinkle-cut fries, and a regular fountain drink or iced tea.
1. Chick-fil-A: Original Chicken Sandwich
Chick-fil-A is one of the largest and most popular fried chicken fast food chains.
There are almost 3,000 Chick-fil-A locations in 47 states, Washington DC and Puerto Rico.
Chick-fil-A’s chicken sandwiches are part of what makes the restaurant so iconic.
Their signature sandwich is called the Original Chicken Sandwich.
It’s made with a perfectly seasoned boneless chicken breast, breaded and pressure-cooked in 100% peanut oil, and served on a toasted, buttered bun with dill pickle chips.
Note that you can swap the regular bun for a multigrain bun if you prefer!
An Original Chicken Sandwich has 440 calories and contains 17 grams of fat and 29 grams of protein.
Chick-fil-A also serves a variety of other chicken sandwiches, like the Spicy Chicken Sandwich and the Deluxe Chicken Sandwich, which includes lettuce, tomato, and cheese.
If you’re craving a grilled chicken sandwich, you’ll be happy to know that Chick-fil-A makes two: the Grilled Chicken Sandwich and the Grilled Chicken Club Sandwich.
Conclusion
Chicken sandwiches are a great alternative if you don’t eat red meat. The fast food chicken sandwiches on our list are the best with their juicy, tender chicken, buttery buns, and a variety of delicious flavors.
Whether you’re craving a grilled, fried, or charbroiled chicken sandwich, use our list to find the best fast food chicken sandwich near you, as they are sure to please!
