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7 Crispy Chicken Sandwiches Fast-Food Fans Say Beat Chick-fil-A

These fast-food chicken sandwiches are so good, fans say they beat Chick-fil-A’s.

Is there anything better than a crispy-on-the-outside, juicy-on-the-inside fried chicken sandwich? In my opinion, some of the best fried chicken sandwiches on the planet are served up at fast food chains. Many people swear that Chick-fil-A makes the best, both the OG original and the spicy version. However, some fans maintain that you can do better at other fast food drive thrus. Here are 7 crispy chicken sandwiches fast-food fans say are better than Chick-fil-A – do you agree?

Popeyes Chicken Sandwich

Popeye's Classic Chicken Sandwich
Popeyes

Popeyes Classic Chicken Sandwich and Spicy Chicken Sandwich are regularly compared to Chick-fil-A, with some claiming the Louisiana fast food brand’s versions are on top.  “When it’s fresh, it’s better than Chick-fil-A,” one Redditor said. The spicy, crunchy crust, buttery bun, and tangy mayo have built a cult following. “I like the Popeyes sandwich better when they nail it, but I don’t know if I’m gonna get fresh and delicious or soggy and cold,” another adds. “When it’s made properly and fresh it blows every other chicken sandwich away. The problem is consistency, you aren’t always sure what you’re going to get there,” a third agrees.

Dave’s Hot Chicken Sandwich

Dave's hot chicken sandwich
Facebook/ Dave's Hot Chicken

Dave’s Hot Chicken is another favorite with varying spice level options and a crispy but juicy breast. “Dave’s Hot Chicken wipes the floor with Chick-fil-A” declares u/Justasillyliltoaster. “Daves Hot chicken will give it a run for its money,” another agrees. Insider tip: Unless you can handle serious spice, stay away from the Reaper.

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Slim Chickens Cayenne Ranch Sandwich

Slim Chickens Cayenne Ranch Sandwich
Slim Chickens

Slim Chickens, a smaller but growing chain, is above any other fast food joint, according to fans, who praise its Southern-style chicken and house sauces. “Since moving south I’ve discovered Slim Chickens and Whataburger. Strongly prefer either of them over any other fast food now,” writes u/Zacharacamyison.

Raising Cane’s Sandwich

raising canes chicken sandwich
Raising Cane's / Facebook

Raising Cane’s, known for its ultra-juicy chicken fingers and delicious house sauce, also offers a sandwich option: three chicken fingers, Cane’s sauce, and lettuce on a toasted bun. “Canes is better,” one person suggests.

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Bojangles Bo Chicken Sandwich

bojangles chicken sandwich
Bojangles

According to fans, Bojangles, based out of Charlotte, North Carolina, is a rapidly growing fast food chain serving up some of the best fried chicken sandwiches around. The Bo Chicken Sandwich starts with a marinated chicken breast, which is hand-breaded with bold Bo spices, and then layered with thick dill cut pickles, creamy mayo, and a buttery toasted bun. “We just got a bojangles in town and the chicken sandwich is on this level,” one person says. “Bojangles chicken is fabulous when it’s hot and fresh,” adds another Redditor. “Love Bojangles. Wish they had them on the west coast,” adds another.

Freddy’s Spicy Chicken Sandwich

Freddy's Spicy Chicken Sandwich Uses Spicy Breading
Freddy’s

Freddy’s, a quickly growing chain, offers a delicious spicy chicken sandwich that fans go wild over. It starts with a tender chicken breast “cooked to a crispy golden brown” and topped with crunchy pickles and Freddy’s Extra Spicy Jalapeño Fry Sauce on a toasted bun. “Freddy’s spicy chicken sandwich uses actually spicy breading, not just sauce! it’s my go-to order tbh,” one person states.

Culver’s Classic Crispy Sandwich

Culvers Crispy Chicken Sandwich
Culver’s

While Midwestern chain Culver’s is most famous for serving up ButterBurgers, its chicken sandwiches are super delicious. “Culver’s is up there,” one person commented. The classic crispy version starts with whole white meat chicken breast coated in a Southern-style breading seasoned with garlic, onion, and a dash of cayenne. Then, it comes inside of a toasted Kaiser bun with lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles. Our reviewer is a big fan, attesting that it delivers “a nice crisp” and also “juiciness,” she says.

Leah Groth
Leah Groth is a writer for Eat This, Not That! Read more about Leah