In 2019, Popeyes declared war. It was a war of chicken sandwiches across the nation, which called on other fast-food chains to throw their contenders in the ring as they each battled for the title of best fried chicken sandwich in the land. It was a pretty clever marketing trend — one that got nearly every fast-food chain in the U.S. involved.
What goes into a truly amazing fried chicken sandwich? Purists will tell you that it all comes down to the individual ingredients: a crispy, crunchy, juicy chicken breast; a unique and tangy (or spicy) sauce; the crunch of pickle chips; and a fluffy brioche or potato bun. Of course, there will always be sandwiches that have a little extra pizazz, like habanero-infused mayo or garlic-soy glaze.
So, which fried chicken sandwich really is the best in the nation? Did Popeyes win at its own game, or was it bested by a competitor? You’ll have to read on (and maybe sample a few yourself) to discover the best fried chicken sandwich chains in America, ranked.