fast food The hot takes are endless – and we get it. Just like everyone has their own definition of what makes them Best Chocolate Chip Cookies (crunchy vs. chewy, small vs. large-sized, pieces vs. chips), everyone has an opinion about which fast food chain makes the best cheeseburger And Best French Fries,
However, we have rarely seen a more heated debate about drive-thru fares fried chickenSome people strongly believe that Chick-fil-A wins the title, while others pledge their allegiance to it McChicken(If you missed it, it’s available Chicken Big Mac form for a limited time!) We haven’t even discussed the dedicated fans who have lined up shake the shackgiants who strongly prefer Popeyesand this kfc And Culver’s Longing and don’t forget our girl wendy and all his chicken optionVery.
But the competition for best fast food fried chicken sandwich It is more extreme, as proven by how close the results were to our internal Crispy Chicken Sandwich Taste TestFor Team AllRecipes, Popeyes got a nosedive over Shake Shack and Chick-fil-A, but we wanted to hear what professional chefs had to say about the matter.
Our panel of sandwich-loving chefs
What makes a good fried chicken sandwich?
Chefs agree that when it comes to making a fried chicken sandwich stand out, a few little things make a big difference. For best flavor and texture, find a menu item that:
- Built on a bun which enhances the experience. If you ask Iannarelli what bun he prefers to reach for, he’s a firm believer, “a soft one.” brioche Bun.” Whether it’s toasted Potato Roll Or a buttery brioche, the bun must be delicious and also strong enough to support the weight of the chicken, toppings, and any spreads.
- The toppings have been streamlined. lyrics of spices And decoration, Iannarelli cautions, may cause some brands to pile on the trimmings to hide lackluster chicken. Pickles and mayo are welcome, he says, but all other sauces and toppings should be add-ons, not mainstays.
- It has a real piece of chicken, not a processed patty. “Stay away from value menu chicken. According to Naquin, processed chicken is often tasteless. Also, the texture may be wrong if it is mushy or grainy.
- Battered, not breaded. This is more a personal preference, but most cooks we spoke to prefer chicken that is cooked with a liquid coating rather than a coating of pieces. The latter is very reminiscent of the fried chicken patties that haunted them from their school lunch days. Because this allows for textural contrast, Iannarelli likes “the braiding to look like it’s been properly hydrated, so it has pockets and folds.”
The Best Fast Food Fried Chicken Sandwiches According to Chefs
When we asked chefs for their pick of the best fast food fried chicken sandwiches, the answer was unanimous: Popeyes Classic Chicken SandwichIt is also available in spicy form, which receives praise from Daigle for its robustness reconstruction sauce. Popeyes has mastered the recipe for a well-edited and amazing sandwich, the chef agrees.
“I like the simplicity,” explains Iannarelli, noting that the braiding and texture are superior to other competitors on the market. Naquin agrees, saying, “The shiny, big chunks of a great pickle… really make the sandwich.”
Daigle adds, “They keep it simple but keep the fundamentals high.” “Using a toasted brioche bun instead of a plain burger bun.” As for the chicken, it’s a buttermilk-cooked fillet that’s marinated in cajun spicesResulting in a delightfully crisp exterior, Daigle says.
While the Classic and Spicy Chicken Sandwiches – two mainstays on the menu – certainly deserve a detour when you’re out, Popeyes is constantly dreaming up specials to keep fans coming back to try the latest and greatest. . Act quickly and you can try to overcome the aggression Ghost Pepper Chicken Sandwich or honey mustard-slathered Golden BBQ Chicken Sandwich,
How to Upgrade Your Fast Food Crispy Chicken Sandwich
Creamy Mayo and spicy pickle Do you really need it, but according to Naquin, you should “sometimes add some bold BBQ sauce to them – it brings the sandwich to another level.”
Popeyes lets you add cheese or bacon at additional cost, but you can also ask for 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 a Popeyes or want to make your own crispy fried chicken burgers, we’ve got you covered. Our Copycat Fried Chicken Sandwich If you’re on the fence about which you prefer, it offers the best of both worlds—Popeye’s and Chick-fil-A. or try Chef John’s Nashville Hot ChickenTo which one member of the community admitted, “I’m still in disbelief at how good this is.” Once you’ve mastered them, work your way through our 8 Best Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipes Which you can customize as per your wish. Just don’t forget about some good buns, pickles and mayo,
