Best of 25 chicken sandwiches in San Diego
In the vibrant city of San Diego, chicken sandwiches have become a popular staple among food lovers. These delectable treats, often featuring juicy and flavorful chicken breast, are served in various establishments across the region. From classic fried chicken sandwiches to unique gourmet creations, there's a sandwich for every palate in this sunny coastal city. Come and savor the deliciousness of chicken sandwiches in San Diego.
- 1. The Crack Shack - Little Italy
- 2. Cross Street Chicken and Beer (Convoy-Kearny Mesa)
- 3. Daves Hot Chicken
- 4. Cluck N' Sip
- 5. Hot Chickz Chicken Sandwiches
- 6. Side Chick - Chicken & Fries
- 7. Main Chick Hot Chicken
- 8. Ali's Chicken & Waffles
- 9. Bird-N-Bun
- 10. The Kluckin Chicken
- 11. moms chicken and waffles
- 12. Big Cheech’s Chicken, Waffles and Sliders
- 13. Philadelphia Sandwich Company
- 14. Chick-fil-A
- 15. Natural Style Chicken
- 16. Cheba Hut "Toasted" Subs
- 17. Fluster Cluck Hot Chicken
- 18. Lefty's Cheesesteaks
- 19. Wicked Chicken
- 20. ChickenHeadz
- 21. Chick'nCone
- 22. CooCoo's Nest
- 23. Ike's Love & Sandwiches
- 24. Lapper Kitchen + Tap
- 25. The Chicken Snack Shack
1. The Crack Shack - Little Italy
Known for using sustainable and locally sourced ingredients
The chicken sandwiches at this establishment are truly exceptional. The Firebird sandwich, in particular, stands out for its delicious light and crispy breading, and its juicy chicken. If you enjoy spicy food, this is a definite must-try. Meanwhile, the Senor Croque features a perfectly cooked fried chicken patty with delightfully crispy bacon on top. Although the egg yolk had hardened by the time it was eaten, the overall combination of flavors was still enjoyable.
In addition, the Cali no dip sandwich is another excellent choice. This sandwich is packed full of juicy chicken, creamy guacamole, and crispy fries, all of which come together to create an enjoyable and satisfying mouthful. The chicken in both sandwiches is always cooked to perfection and has a great texture, making for an enjoyable dining experience. Overall, the chicken sandwiches here are a standout item on the menu and are sure to please any fan of this classic dish.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Lunch
- Downtown Spots
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2. Cross Street Chicken and Beer (Convoy-Kearny Mesa)
Korean-style fried chicken and craft beer selection
The chicken sandwich at this establishment is widely regarded as one of the best in San Diego. Its exterior is characterized by a satisfying crispy texture, while the interior remains tender and juicy. This delicious sandwich is a result of expert cooking and seasoning techniques, providing a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
If you're looking for a tasty chicken sandwich in San Diego, this is an excellent choice. The dish boasts a crispy exterior and a tender, well-seasoned interior. Its delicious flavor and expert preparation make it a standout option for any sandwich lover.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
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3. Daves Hot Chicken
Get ready to test your spice tolerance with their spicy chicken sandwiches!
The chicken sandwiches are a standout, with a crispy exterior and juicy interior. The inclusion of slaw, pickles, and sauce adds texture and flavor, while also helping to balance out the heat levels.
Moist, crispy, and juicy are just a few words to describe the delicious chicken sandwiches. Achieving the right crust is crucial, and these sandwiches hit the mark. Furthermore, the addition of slaw, pickles, and sauce enhances the overall taste and provides a satisfying meal.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Cheap Eats
- Social Gatherings
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4. Cluck N' Sip
Uses locally sourced, free-range chicken and fresh baked buns
The chicken served at this establishment is delicious and reasonably priced, making it a good value for customers. The only issue found was with the wedges, which were undercooked. Despite this, the overall impression is positive, and the reviewer plans to order from there again in the future.
This restaurant offers fresh, high-quality food that is consistently good. The staff is friendly and goes above and beyond to provide excellent service. Despite the quality of the food and service, the restaurant is not always busy, which is surprising to the reviewer. They are impressed by the establishment's offerings and think it should be more crowded.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
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5. Hot Chickz Chicken Sandwiches
Uses locally sourced chicken, Freshly baked buns, Spicy sauce made in-house
Chicken sandwiches at this establishment are somewhat disappointing in terms of value for money. While the sandwich features a chicken tender, rather than a whole chicken breast, the price point is relatively high. This is surprising, considering their focus on chicken dishes.
On the other hand, the taste and portion size of the chicken tenders stand out. They are well-seasoned, delivering a delightful spicy kick. Compared to the chicken sandwich, the tenders are a preferred option due to their delicious taste and more satisfying size. Therefore, despite issues with the sandwich, the chicken tenders maintain the restaurant's reputation for tasty food.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Dinner
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6. Side Chick - Chicken & Fries
Uses locally sourced, hormone-free chicken, offers vegan and gluten-free options
Side Chick - Chicken & Fries is known for its delicious and flavorful chicken. The Cali chicken fries and the regular Side Chick sandwich are popular choices, appreciated by customers for their excellent taste and generous portions. While the chicken is well-seasoned and delicious, the bun on the sandwich could be improved to enhance the overall experience.
The prices at Side Chick - Chicken & Fries are surprisingly affordable compared to other chicken restaurants. This is a great selling point for the establishment, making it an attractive option for those looking for delicious chicken at a reasonable price. Overall, the dining experience at Side Chick - Chicken & Fries is enjoyable, with a variety of menu options that are sure to satisfy any chicken craving.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Lunch
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7. Main Chick Hot Chicken
Nashville-style hot chicken with Southern hospitality in San Diego
A recent visit to a food establishment resulted in a satisfactory dining experience without putting a dent in my budget, staying under $25. The meal chosen by both Cory and Ernesto was Combo 3, which included two sandwiches and a side of fries.
Although the food was not particularly exceptional, it served its purpose. This visit was more about trying out different options available in the area. Personally, I have a preference for Dave's Hot Chicken over this particular establishment. Despite that, Combo 3's combination of sandwiches and fries seemed to be a popular choice among the group.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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8. Ali's Chicken & Waffles
Friendly service, cozy atmosphere, delicious homemade sauces
San Diego is home to several outstanding chicken sandwich options, with one notable location found within a donut shop. The establishment not only offers delicious and high-quality chicken sandwiches but also features excellent donuts.
The chicken sandwiches are remarkably fresh, and the wait time is minimal, making it a perfect spot for a quick and satisfying meal. With its delightful combination of mouthwatering chicken sandwiches and delicious donuts, this joint has earned a reputation as one of the best chicken sandwich destinations.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
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9. Bird-N-Bun
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Social Gatherings
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10. The Kluckin Chicken
Uses fresh, never frozen chicken and homemade sauces
The chicken sandwich I recently had was one of the best I've had in a while. The Kluckin sauce, in particular, was amazing and added a delicious flavor to the sandwich. Another great aspect of the sandwich was the texture. The slaw and pickles that were included provided a nice crunch that complemented the tender chicken.
In summary, the Kluckin Sandwich was a standout. Its Kluckin sauce and the added crunch of slaw and pickles made for a delicious and satisfying meal. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a delicious chicken sandwich.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Gluten-Free
- Downtown Spots
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11. moms chicken and waffles
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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12. Big Cheech’s Chicken, Waffles and Sliders
Homemade waffles, unique sauces, and a fun environment with TVs for sports viewing.
The Club Sliders were a highlight of the meal, with generous portions and a substantial size that is closer to a small sandwich than a typical bar slider. Accompanying fries and sauces were also enjoyable. The staff provided excellent service, being helpful, engaging, and kind.
The Chicken Deluxe Slider comes with BC Sauce, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and pickles, while the Spicy Chicken Slider features BC Sauce, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and pickles as well. The Chicken Club Slider has chipotle mayo, lettuce, tomato, and pickles. All three options offer satisfying flavors and make for a delicious meal.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Happy Hours
- Downtown Spots
- Vegetarian Options
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13. Philadelphia Sandwich Company
Offers hot or cold sandwiches, catering services, online ordering
The chicken sandwich enjoyed by the author featured fresh bread and expertly cooked chicken. Its taste was marvelous, prompting a promise to return for another.
In a separate occasion, the author sampled the same chicken sandwich, and it proved to be delightful. The flavors were skillfully balanced, and the portion size was generous, contributing to an enjoyable meal experience.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
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14. Chick-fil-A
Drive-thru and mobile ordering available, Peanut oil used for cooking, Closed on Sundays
Chick-fil-A provides an exceptional and friendly service, with many customers praising its 5-star treatment and clean facilities. The fast-food chain has gained a reputation for serving great-tasting chicken, delicious side dishes, and a variety of dipping sauces.
While many customers enjoy the hot and fresh sandwiches, some have reported issues with incorrect orders and small portions. Nonetheless, the chicken sandwiches remain a popular choice among customers who appreciate their taste.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Cheap Eats
- Social Gatherings
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15. Natural Style Chicken
Friendly staff, cozy atmosphere, offers catering services
The chicken sandwich that was ordered was delicious. The bread was fresh and the chicken was cooked to perfection. This place never fails to serve fresh and tasty chicken sandwiches, making it a highly recommended option.
I am a fan of their chicken sandwiches, and this time was no exception. The chicken was cooked beautifully and the bread was fresh, making for a satisfying meal. I highly recommend their chicken sandwiches for anyone looking for a delicious and fresh meal.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Dinner
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16. Cheba Hut "Toasted" Subs
Specializes in toasted subs with a fun, hippie-themed atmosphere
The White Widow chicken bacon ranch sandwich is a highly recommended dish. The chicken is well-cooked and juicy, providing a great base for the sandwich. The ranch dressing adds a delicious creamy flavor that complements the savory chicken and bacon. This sandwich is sure to satisfy any chicken lover.
In contrast, the Kali Mist spicy turkey sandwich is a good option for those who prefer something with a kick. The spiciness of the turkey is well-balanced and not overpowering. However, it's worth noting that the White Widow chicken bacon ranch sandwich received high praise from a friend who tried it. They mentioned that it was one of the best chicken sandwiches they've had, highlighting the quality and flavor of the dish.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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17. Fluster Cluck Hot Chicken
Local favorite with unique spicy chicken options
The buns served with the dish were cold, firm, and dry, making for an unenjoyable experience. A warmer, softer brioche bun would have greatly improved the overall texture and taste.
The chicken, however, was quite tasty and had a nice level of spice to it. The location of the eatery is within Liberty Station market, tucked away in a corner near the Crepes stand, adding to its hidden charm.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Affordable Nightlife
18. Lefty's Cheesesteaks
Authentic Philly cheesesteaks in San Diego with a range of toppings
A wide range of delicious food options are available, including Cheesesteak Hoagies, Chicken Sandwiches, and BBQ Wings. The chicken sandwiches, in particular, stand out for their exceptional flavor and preparation. They are cooked to perfection and seasoned just right.
Whether you're in the mood for something hearty like a Cheesesteak Hoagie, or something tangy like BBQ Wings, there's something for everyone. However, the Chicken Sandwiches are a must-try, with their juicy and well-seasoned meat that leaves a lasting impression on your taste buds.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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19. Wicked Chicken
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Dinner
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20. ChickenHeadz
Family-owned business since 2005, using secret recipes, serving San Diego community
The sandwich selection at this establishment is highly regarded for its excellent quality and delicious taste. From savory to crispy options, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
In addition to the outstanding sandwiches, the Mac salad is a must-try dish. Its unique and incredible flavor sets it apart, making it a standout option on the menu. The mashed potatoes are also a popular choice, well-liked by many for their taste and consistency.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Social Gatherings
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21. Chick'nCone
Offers chicken sandwiches in edible cones
Chick'nCone is a destination for crispy chicken sandwiches, served with brioche buns, pickles, and a selection of sauces such as Kickn Ranch. They are particularly known for their delicious chicken tenders and fries, which come with unique dipping sauces like Cinnamaple that creates a flavor reminiscent of chicken and waffles.
The chicken sandwich is a standout menu item at Chick'nCone, although the quality of the food can be inconsistent from one visit to the next. While the ingredients and flavors are typically enjoyable, there may be variations in the execution and preparation that can affect the overall dining experience.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
- Lunch
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22. CooCoo's Nest
TOPICS
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
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23. Ike's Love & Sandwiches
Handcrafted sandwiches using sustainable and locally sourced ingredients
The sandwich I purchased was incredibly delicious and filling, providing a satisfying lunch that I was able to finish off later as a late-night snack. Its flavor remained just as delightful during the second half, demonstrating the high quality of the ingredients and preparation.
Sunshine, the employee at the register, was particularly friendly and helpful during my order. Upon sharing my struggle to decide between two options – one including fried chicken and the other spicy – Sunshine and a coworker recommended a special sandwich that combined the best aspects of both, showcasing their knowledgeable and customer-focused service.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
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24. Lapper Kitchen + Tap
Uses locally-sourced ingredients, offers vegetarian and vegan options, has a lively atmosphere.
The author enjoys eating tacos and chicken sandwiches on a regular basis, specifically every two weeks. These dishes are a favorite of theirs. Additionally, the atmosphere and ambiance of the resort where they enjoy these meals is also appealing to them.
In summary, the author highly recommends the tacos and chicken sandwich at the resort, which they frequent every two weeks. The positive ambiance of the resort adds to the overall dining experience.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
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25. The Chicken Snack Shack
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Waterfront
- Cheap Eats
- Dinner