Chicken sandwiches are a beloved staple that can be customized in endless ways. With so many potential toppings and condiments, it can be tricky deciding what to put on a chicken sandwich to take it to the next level.
In this guide, I’ll walk through the most popular, classic, and creative chicken sandwich toppings to inspire your next tasty creation. Whether you prefer fried, grilled, or specialty chicken, there’s a topping combination waiting to bring out the best flavors.
Traditional Toppings For Timeless Flavor
Some chicken sandwich toppings have enduring popularity for good reason – they complement the chicken perfectly while adding moisture, crunch, acidity, or other welcome contrasts. For a classic chicken sandwich, these tried-and-true toppings rarely disappoint:
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Lettuce – Crisp, refreshing lettuce like iceberg or romaine adds necessary crunch.
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Tomatoes – Sliced tomato provides moisture and balances the sandwich
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Pickles – Tangy dill pickles are a customary complement.
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Onions – Sliced raw onion offers pungency Fried onions deliver crunch
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Cheese – Cheddar, pepper jack, Swiss, and American classics melt beautifully.
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Mayonnaise – The creamy spread moistens and adds richness
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Mustard – Yellow, honey, or Dijon varieties add zing.
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Butter – A thin layer of butter on the bun brings out flavors.
Sticking to two or three of these traditional toppings keeps things straightforward, comforting, and scrumptious.
Creative Condiments For Bold Flavor
Once your chicken sandwich foundation feels complete, condiments are an easy way to take things up a notch. Drizzles, schmears, and dollops of these creative sauces and spreads bring exciting new dimensions:
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Pesto – Fresh basil pesto offers herby flavor and richness.
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Salsa – Tomato salsa provides vibrant acidity and Southwest flair.
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Guacamole – Cool, creamy guacamole adds texture and bright avocado flavor.
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Hummus – Like guacamole, hummus adds creaminess and a flavor twist.
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Tzatziki – Greek tzatziki sauce features yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill.
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Chimichurri – This fresh green herb sauce packs a bright, herbaceous punch.
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Harissa – For heat-seekers, North African rose-hued harissa chili paste brings the fire.
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Aioli – Garlic aioli adds a hit of aromatic garlic; other flavor variations abound.
Texture And Crunch For Variety
Beyond flavor, toppings should add varying textures to keep each bite of a chicken sandwich exciting. Here are crispy, crunchy, and cooling toppings to alternate soft chicken and bread:
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Coleslaw – Cool, creamy crunch in every bite.
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Potato Chips – Crushed chips offer masterful crunch.
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French Fries – For carb-loading, fries always satisfy.
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Broccoli Slaw – Thin broccoli stems add freshness.
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Carrot Ribbons – Shaved carrots bring crunchy brightness.
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Radishes – Thinly sliced radishes offer spice and snap.
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Cucumbers – Cooling cucumbers refresh the palate.
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Jicama – Crisp, juicy jicama makes a unique substitute for crunchier produce.
Adventurous Toppings For Foodies
Once your basic chicken sandwich is polished, up the ante with gourmet ingredients to impress fellow food-lovers:
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Avocado – Creamy, fatty avocado is a luxe addition.
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Bacon – Crisp, salty bacon amps up any sandwich.
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Fried Egg – A runny fried egg takes things over-the-top.
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Pulled Pork – Shredded smoked pork delivers bonus protein.
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Caramelized Onions – Sweet, tender onions mean flavor.
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Mushrooms – Sautéed mushrooms provide meaty richness.
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Pineapple – Grilled pineapple offers sweet tanginess.
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Kimchi – This Korean fermented cabbage rocks spicy crunch.
Don’t be afraid to mix and match from each category above to create your own signature chicken sandwich suited to your tastes. The possibilities are nearly endless! At its core, a chicken sandwich needs simply chicken and bread – but toppings are what turn the humble hand-held into something truly spectacular.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Sandwich Toppings
What are the most popular chicken sandwich toppings?
The most popular traditional toppings are lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, cheese, mayonnaise, and mustard. Popular “new school” toppings include avocado, bacon, salsa, and pesto.
What toppings can make a chicken sandwich healthier?
Opt for fresh vegetables like lettuce, tomato, onion, radish, cucumber, and carrot. Avocado adds creaminess. Condiments like mustard, hummus, and chimichurri add flavor without much fat.
How can I make my chicken sandwich spicy?
Spice it up with hot sauce, chili paste like harissa or sriracha, spicy barbecue sauce, or pepper jack cheese. You can also add raw jalapeños, pickled peppers, or a spicy slaw.
What are some sweet toppings for chicken sandwiches?
If you like some sweetness, try pineapple, honey mustard, caramelized onions, sweet pickles, jam, maple syrup, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce!
What toppings should I avoid if I don’t want a soggy sandwich?
Avoid ingredients with high moisture content like raw tomato, cucumber, or watery preparations of onions. Place vegetables between meat and condiments. Spread condiments thinly and evenly.
Final Thoughts
A sensational chicken sandwich comes down to the harmony between its parts. Start with high-quality chicken, bread, and a few classic toppings suited to your tastes. From there, customize to your heart’s content with creative sauces, crunchy textures, and elevated ingredients. The beauty of chicken sandwiches lies in the sheer versatility – enjoy the process of crafting your ideal creation!
Step 2: Bread and Fry the Chicken
Line a plate with a few layers of paper towels and set it next to the stove. Pour the oil into a large, high-sided pot or Dutch oven until it reaches a depth of about 1 inch. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until shimmering (about 350°F or 175°C).
In a medium bowl, whisk the egg and milk until evenly combined.
In another medium bowl, whisk the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, pepper, Accent, paprika, and the remaining ¾ teaspoon salt.
Drizzle 4 tablespoons of the egg mixture into the flour mixture.
Mix with a fork until the flour mixture is evenly clumpy.
Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Remove the chicken from the brine and pat dry with paper towels. One at a time, dip each breast into the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off, and then into the flour mixture, turning a few times and pressing firmly so that the clumps adhere.
Set the breaded chicken on the lined baking sheet and repeat with the remaining breasts.
Carefully place a few pieces of breaded chicken into the hot oil without crowding the pot. Cook, turning a few times, until golden brown and crispy on both sides, 4 to 5 minutes total.
Place the cooked chicken on the paper towel-lined plate to drain. Fry the remaining breasts in the same manner, adjusting the heat as necessary to maintain the temperature of the oil.
Step 4: Assemble the Sandwiches
Spread some of the sauce on the top and bottom of each bun.
Top each bottom bun with a piece of crispy chicken and a few pickles.
Close the sandwiches and serve immediately.
