Los Angeles, a city known for its culinary diversity, boasts an impressive array of chicken sandwiches. From classic fried chicken to innovative gourmet creations, there's a chicken sandwich for every palate. This comprehensive guide explores 27 of the best chicken sandwiches in LA, categorized for easy navigation. This list aims to provide you with the ultimate guide to finding your next favorite chicken sandwich in the city of angels. We'll explore everything from crispy fried chicken to juicy grilled options, ensuring there's something for every taste.
Classic Fried Chicken Sandwiches
These are the staples, the OG's of the chicken sandwich world. Expect crispy, juicy fried chicken, often with pickles and a special sauce.
- Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken: Known for its incredibly crispy, peppery fried chicken. The sandwich is simple but perfect.
- Howlin' Ray's: While famous for their Nashville hot chicken, their classic fried chicken sandwich is a must-try. Expect spice and flavor.
- Dave's Hot Chicken: Another Nashville hot chicken spot, but their classic fried chicken sandwich offers a great balance of spice and flavor. Be warned, the heat levels are intense!
- Willie Mae's Scotch House (New Orleans Style): While not technically in LA, it's worth the trip for their legendary fried chicken sandwich. It's a taste of New Orleans in LA.
Gourmet Chicken Sandwiches
These sandwiches elevate the classic with unique ingredients and flavors.
- Honey Butter Fried Chicken: Their fried chicken is perfectly crispy and juicy, topped with a unique honey butter.
- Republique: Their fried chicken sandwich features a brioche bun and a special sauce.
- Gracias Madre: This vegan restaurant offers a delicious and surprisingly satisfying jackfruit "chicken" sandwich.
- Sqirl: This trendy spot offers a unique take on the fried chicken sandwich.
- Jon & Vinny's: A higher-end take on a classic, this sandwich is perfectly executed.
- All Time: This popular spot serves up a delicious fried chicken sandwich with flavorful additions.
- Gjelina: Known for its upscale Californian cuisine. Their chicken sandwich is an elevated experience.
Spicy Chicken Sandwiches
For those who like a kick!
- Dave's Hot Chicken: As mentioned above, their various spice levels are legendary.
- Howlin' Ray's: The Nashville hot chicken here is seriously intense.
- The Bird: Their Nashville Hot Chicken is a fiery delight.
Grilled Chicken Sandwiches
A lighter, healthier alternative to fried.
- Tender Greens: Offers a healthy and flavorful grilled chicken sandwich.
- California Chicken Cafe: A reliable spot for a decent grilled chicken sandwich.
- Pret a Manger: A quick and easy option for a grilled chicken sandwich.
Unique & Creative Chicken Sandwiches
These are the outliers, the ones that push the boundaries of the chicken sandwich.
- Pizzana: Their unexpected chicken sandwich features a unique and creative twist.
- The Original Farmers Market: Offers a variety of chicken sandwiches from different vendors, each with its unique style.
- Grand Central Market: Similar to the Farmers Market, this location offers multiple vendors with unique chicken sandwich options.
Fast Food Chicken Sandwiches (Still Delicious!)
Let's not forget the fast-food giants.
- Popeyes: Their spicy chicken sandwich sparked a national craze.
- Chick-fil-A: A classic for a reason, their chicken sandwich is always reliable.
- KFC: Another fast-food staple, KFC's chicken sandwich is consistently good.
Lesser-Known Gems
These are the hidden gems you might not find elsewhere.
- Mariscos Jalisco: This taco truck surprisingly offers a great chicken sandwich.
- Leo's Tacos Truck: Another unexpected spot offering a delicious chicken sandwich.
Beyond the Sandwich: Chicken Alternatives
These restaurants offer outstanding chicken dishes, even if not a classic "sandwich" format.
- Hattie B's Hot Chicken: While known for their tenders, their chicken is worth a visit.
- Randy's Donuts: Surprisingly offers a tasty chicken sandwich to accompany their giant donuts.
Finding Your Perfect Chicken Sandwich
This list provides a starting point for your LA chicken sandwich adventure. Remember to consider your spice preference, preferred cooking method (fried, grilled), and desired level of gourmet flair when making your selection. Happy eating!
Note: This list is not exhaustive, and new chicken sandwich spots are constantly emerging in LA. This guide is current as of the writing of this blog post. Restaurant menus and availability are subject to change.
