Oh the humble chicken wing, an American classic drenched in delectable buffalo sauce since as far back as the 1960s. They're simple, tasty, and totally customizable. Some people like 'em hot; others prefer to dial back the spice with some garlic or soy sauce. Bone-in, bone-out? The choice is yours. Best of all, there are plenty of ready-made sauces to help you make wings at home without spending too much time in the kitchen.

Our experts at Tasting Table tested 15 different store-bought wing sauces to find out which ones to avoid, ranking them from worst to best. We sampled everything from Hooters' line of sauces to unique flavors like bourbon peach and ghost pepper. But one sauce stood out as the clear winner: Cholula Caliente Wing Sauce.

Cholula is the brand behind the beloved hot sauce found in nearly every Mexican restaurant and diner across the U.S. However, not everyone might be familiar with the brand's wing sauce — and that needs to change.

Cholula's Caliente Wing Sauce is made with chiles calientes, or spicy peppers, like árbol, cayenne, and piquín. The chiles are blended with butter, vinegar, and Cholula's signature spices to create a bold, bright sauce that thoroughly impressed our testers.

From the first bite, you'll recognize the iconic notes of Cholula hot sauce. It's spicy and flavorful, with all the hallmarks of a classic buffalo sauce. However, the elements of this sauce offer an added depth of complexity — rich, balanced, but never overwhelming. The texture is also perfectly creamy, making it versatile enough to be used for other dishes beyond wings. You can use it in marinades, on burgers, or in dips.

Cholula also offers another wing sauce flavor, Mexicali, which incorporates cilantro and citrus into the mix. We've already added it to our shopping lists. Don't worry, Sweet Baby Ray's, which ranked second in our tasting, is still a solid choice. But as for Hooters' medium wing sauce? That one can go right back on the shelf.

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Although barbecue doesn't play an important role in every family's traditions, it's rare to meet someone who doesn't appreciate the smoky, saucy, and often potluck-style cookout events. If you live in the barbecue belt, your barbecue preferences may be pickier than most. For you, a barbecue might host a slew of Carolina vinegar-based sauces, while Memphis natives might be used to a sweeter, tomato-y barbecue sauce. However, no matter where you're from, there's a good chance your barbecue event serves pork.

Though Texans tend to prefer beef at a barbecue, the tradition of using pork goes back centuries, to a time when pigs were much easier to maintain than cattle. Smoking a whole hog was common in Virginia and North Carolina, and different regions developed their own takes on BBQ sauce as the tradition took hold in American culture. As such, there's a vast world of flavor profiles when it comes to barbecue sauce; different sauce brands utilize everything from tangy vinegar and jammy berries to mellow, almost-nutty mustard. 

I tried 10 different barbecue sauces (all embodying different barbecue traditions) with hickory smoked pulled pork, paying particular attention to how the sauce and the pork elevated each other — I wanted to try sauce that brought out the pork's smoky sweetness, and I also wanted the clean base of the pork to let the sauce shine. I can pretty safely say these are among the greatest. Best of all, you can get any of these on Amazon. 

When I first tried Porkosaurus' Memphis Original BBQ Sauce, admittedly, I wasn't sure what to think. It had a flavor profile I've never tasted in a bottle of BBQ sauce before, and while it wasn't unpleasant, it confused my palate for a minute. Why was it slightly reminiscent of my favorite Chinese takeout? Then, it hit me: Porkosaurus' sauce is fairly similar to a sweet and sour sauce, but it adds a whole lot of smoky flavor into the equation.

I feel like I have a decent understanding of what Memphis natives prefer in their barbecue sauce after trying this. Despite its subtle uniqueness, I think it would be pretty palatable to a wide audience. It's mild enough not to turn off those who are peculiar about their flavors, but it's interesting and yummy enough to satisfy barbecue connoisseurs. The sweet and sour quality in this sauce even made it taste slightly of citrus, though it doesn't contain any. Its sweet and sour smokiness worked well to complement the fullness of the smoked pork I ate it with, and though both the pork and the sauce had their own distinct flavors, they made a very nice couple here.

Bone Suckin' Sauce's Sweet Southern BBQ Sauce was indeed just that: sweet. But before those of you who are sugar-averse eschew this sauce, hear me out. This sauce (which also happens to be a gluten-free barbecue sauce) is probably one of the most versatile spreads on this list. If you have picky family members, are feeding a diverse crowd, or need something palatable for the kiddos, this should be a no-brainer buy. Not because it's simple — rather, its flavor profile is full and smooth, and it would work well paired with whatever meat you serve at your barbecue.

If you're feeding some fellows who aren't too fond of spice, this would also be a great sauce to turn to. It hardly boasts any heat. Plus, the sauce isn't sickeningly sweet, but it does sit on the back of your tongue and lends itself to a full umami flavor that will linger in the best way possible. This is a great sauce to pair with pork simply because both components enjoy what the other one has to offer. If you choose to slather the sauce on, the pork won't mind; it's happy to take a slight backseat and elevate the sauce's depth. If you instead use the sauce as a baste or a light condiment, the pork will appreciate being enhanced and the sauce will be proud to sit alongside it. 

I've never had a barbecue sauce even remotely similar to The Tailgate Foodie's White Lightning Alabama White BBQ Sauce before, and I must admit, I'm a little upset about it. It took me a few bites to start to get the hang of what this sauce wanted to be. Once I understood, I found a new, welcomed barbecue sauce flavor profile that I'll probably be slathering on absolutely everything at the next cookout I attend. If you want a unique sauce that will wow your guests, this is the one you should grab. 

The addition of mayonnaise has always been the best way to give barbecue sauce a creamy, Alabama-inspired upgrade, and The Tailgate Foodie does it impeccably with its White Lightning sauce. When I first tasted it, I was mad I didn't have any roasted potatoes to drizzle it on. It's a light, creamy sauce that boasts a decent amount of heat, while the mayo keeps any element from being too overwhelming. Plus, the mustard offers a welcome tang. The one thing I'll say is that it has a fairly strong vinegar flavor. If you're planning on adding it to pork sliders, I would opt for a sweet topping rather than a briny one. This is a better sauce for pork than other meats simply because the sweet notes in a smoked pork will help balance out the sharp acidity of the sauce, rounding out each forkful so that it's full and flavorful without being overpowering. 

Head Country Apple Habanero Bar-B-Q Sauce is easily one of my favorite on this list. This is the sauce I will be hiding in my bag as inconspicuously as possible for when I visit another barbecue, simply because I don't want to share it. When it comes to this barbecue sauce, I'll let selfishness reign unashamed. Apple habanero is by no means an unheard-of combination, but Head Country got the balance of flavors just right. It's a perfect bottle, in my opinion. 

This sauce manages to be incredibly sweet, without being the least bit saccharine. The apples hit you upfront — they're gorgeous, crisp and fruity, and offer a delightful complement to pork's natural sweetness. On the other hand, the habanero adds the slightest bit of spice to the sauce's finish. I will say that this sauce doesn't boast as much spice as others on this list, so if you need your barbecue sauce to be hot, you may be slightly underwhelmed by it (though I still encourage you to try it anyway). This sauce has layers of flavor, and different profiles hit you at various points throughout each bite. It's multi-dimensional and never boring, and in case it wasn't clear by now, I'm a huge fan of it. 

If you've ever made homemade barbecue, you may be familiar with Stubb's Original BBQ Sauce. This Texas-inspired sauce may be prolific on store shelves, but don't think that makes it standard or plain. This well-known, classic brand always delivers — whether you put it on pork, beef, baked beans, mashed potatoes, or just everything on your plate. 

Similar to Head Country's apple habanero sauce, Stubb's' will take you on a journey. First, you'll get an incredibly smoky flavor that almost feels sharp. But before it can become unpleasant, it mellows out with some sweetness at the end of the bite. This was a welcomed change from so many other sauces that hit you with sweetness first and leave spicy notes at the end. This sauce is subtle enough to let the pork do the talking. Plus, the sauce has an unmatched smokiness that manages not to be too heavy. This is an easy pick for fans of Texas barbecue who are looking for a sauce that will complement any number of dishes at their next get-together — including pork, of course.

While Guy Fieri's Flavortown Kane Brown's Tennessee BBQ Sauce is quite similar in profile to Porkosaurus' Memphis barbecue sauce, each capitalizes differently on the tangy, sweet-and-sour-style sauce that the region is known for. Whereas Porkosaurus' version infused the tangy sauce with a heavy smokiness, Fieri's sauce is more vinegar-forward in its flavor profile, which makes its tang all the more prominent. I could see this sauce being somewhat polarizing in its appeal, but trust me, try it with pork at least once. 

The apple in the apple cider vinegar comes through very strong at the beginning in a way that makes it slightly-sweet, while also pucker-inducing. A hit of spice lingers in the back of your mouth, while the tang of vinegar sits at the front, making this a relatively strong sauce that, to be honest, I didn't love on its own. However, it all made sense once I put it on some pulled pork — the duo works absolutely beautifully together. The sauce's flavors, which are rather intense on their own, are smoothed out by the pork, which gives depth and meaning to what I first thought was a somewhat disordered, chaotic barbecue sauce. The result is a well-rounded, full flavor profile that even those unaccustomed to Tennessee barbecue are sure to love.

I'll start here by saying that while Head Country Raspberry Chipotle Bar-B-Q Sauce didn't blow me away as much as its apple habanero take did, I still enjoyed this sauce. I would bring it at a barbecue to show off without hesitation (though I wouldn't be smuggling it in my pocket). I would consider it to be one of the most unique barbecue sauce flavors, too. While it takes a page from the book of other popular sweet-and-hot pairings, this sauce dials it up to 11. 

First, I thought the sauce was incredibly hot — which may be why I found it slightly less appealing than the milder sauces I sampled. Even though I'm sensitive to spice, I didn't mind the heat of this sauce, as it was well-balanced by a jammy sweetness from the raspberries. This sauce is very reminiscent of pepper jelly. I have to mention its color too, which is a gorgeous, deep magenta hue. Overall, its flavor profile was bright, juicy, and spicy. The chipotle hit sooner that I expected it to, but it also left sooner; the raspberry jam lingered at the end of the bite. It's a delightful sauce that will suit especially those in your life who love heat, but I can also see it being enjoyed by people who tend to go for mellower flavor profiles. 

Lillie's Q ENC Barbeque Sauce is about as Eastern North Carolina as they come, and if you're from the region, I highly doubt you'll find anything more appealing. The sauce is gluten-free with no MSG, preservatives, or corn syrup, making it a good barbecue sauce option if you try to stay away from those ingredients. If you've ever wondered what makes North Carolina barbecue different from the traditions of other regions, a single taste of Lillie's Q will make that easily apparent. 

First, this sauce is incredibly thin; it's more like a marinade than a sauce. In alignment with Eastern North Carolina tradition, it's very vinegar-forward, and I found this bottle to be particularly spicy. Though initially I was tempted to thicken it into a glaze, after having a bite, I understood why this was thinner than the more viscous sauces on this list: I don't think you'd want a particularly concentrated amount of this strong sauce. 

Even a tiny bit packs a huge flavor punch, and the heat was nice and strong. I hope it's not sacrilegious to say that I'd very much enjoy eating this sauce in conjunction with one of the sweeter brands I sampled. For North Carolina dwellers who want nothing but this hard-hitting flavor profile, allow me to make one suggestion: Pour this on your pork barbecue a couple minutes before you plan on eating to give it some time to saturate the meat. 

You can bet your bottom dollar I'll be buying PS Seasoning Cherry Bomb BBQ Sauce again; it was one of my favorite on this list. Though I appreciate the company listing the sauce's tasting notes on its bottle, I hardly think that's necessary — each of them comes through absolutely beautifully and will leave even the weakest of taste testers with no doubt as to what this sauce contains. Eat it with pork, but don't limit yourself to just that protein; slather it on chicken and beef as well.

I adored this sauce. The cherries come through very strong at the beginning. I didn't want to swallow my bite, because I didn't want to let go of that flavor. Meanwhile, the brown sugar offers a warm transition into the heat of the chipotle, which hits at the end. This sauce marries sweet and heat together beautifully; both of the profiles work in harmony to bring out the hickory-smoked sweetness of the pulled pork. Though the spice lingers in the back of your mouth, the cherry makes a point to stick around in the front. The experience of tasting this sauce was like a wedding and an afterparty all mixed into one — heartwarming and fun in quick succession.

Admittedly, I don't think I fully understood the hype of the classic pork-and-pineapple pairing until I had Traeger Grills Traeger 'Que BBQ Sauce. I've never gone out of my way to try the duo together (and no, I've never had a Hawaiian pizza), but Traeger's sauce may have just made me a convert. If you want to bring some tropical vibes to your barbecue, this sauce is a no-brainer addition — but I won't blame you if you choose to hoard it for yourself instead.

Traeger's tangy, tropical sauce boasts bright pineapple, and it was simply a match made in heaven for the pulled pork. The tart, sweet pineapple complemented the smokiness of the pork and I immediately wondered why I had never capitalized on the pork-pineapple duo before. This sauce boasts a very viscous texture and you won't need much to make an impact — but I'm guessing that's why the company gave it a drizzle cap. Personally, I'd put this on nearly everything, and I look forward to trying it the next time I make chicken thighs or a barbecue-inspired beef burger. 

To review each BBQ sauce I tried, I ate each one with a few bites of hickory smoked pulled pork. In order to gain a spot on this list, neither could overpower the other — I needed a sauce that stood out on the pork, but also didn't lose it. Each sauce on this list has its own distinct flavor notes, and I gave no preference to smoky sauces over vinegar-based or sweet options. I also included sauces that, though original, were mellow enough to be palatable to even the pickiest palate.

I also wanted to incorporate traditional barbecue flavors from various regions. This list encompasses a wide variety of barbecue cultural expressions — I wished to honor regional particularities without favoring one region over another. Amazon reviews came in handy here, particularly with Lillie's Q ENC sauce, which saw multiple customers attesting to its distinctly Eastern North Carolina flavor profile.

Burgers may get all the press, but that doesn't mean they deserve sandwich superiority, particularly when you consider the merits of the chicken sandwich. The fried, breaded versions have a distinct crisp you won't find with other sandwiches, while the grilled type is often far juicier than its beefy cousins. Consider that chicken sandwiches tend to be on the lighter side, and you'll realize it's a shame to write them off as anything inferior to a run-of-the-mill burger.

With a chicken sandwich, however, it's the toppings that matter just as much as the chicken itself. Below is a list of the best toppings to add to any chicken sandwich. Use it as a guide to help determine where to start when building a chicken sandwich's flavor profile, but don't feel limited to what is listed here. Honestly, anything can be a chicken sandwich topping if you're creative (and hungry) enough.

Lettuce, of course, is at the top of any list. In fact, most sandwiches aren't complete without a layer of crunchy green leaves. This is especially important when it comes to fried chicken sandwiches, as you need something light and fresh to balance out the fried breading.

Make sure to think about what kind of lettuce you want on a burger before you head to the produce aisle. Iceberg lettuce is crisper, but it can be watery. Romaine has a bit more flavor, but if it's not fresh enough, it can easily wilt. Pile it on for a crisp serving of veggies.

Tomatoes can also add some much-needed freshness to a chicken sandwich, and they're one of the most common sandwich toppings out there. However, there are a few things to think about before topping a sandwich with tomatoes. First of all, are the tomatoes properly ripe? Underripe tomatoes can be hard, chewy, and even grainy, which is something to avoid.

Secondly, it's important to only put tomatoes on a sandwich right before it's time to eat. If tomatoes are left sitting too long next to the bun or breading on a chicken sandwich, things can start to get soggy quickly.

Onions are an essential topping for any sandwich, as they add a distinctive bite that simply can't be derived from any other ingredient. While many opt for red onions (especially when eaten fresh) on sandwiches, it's important to keep an open mind. Depending on what type of chicken sandwich is being made, consider going for sweet onions or even sautéed shallots instead.

If you like onions but don't enjoy how strong they tend to be, soak your onions in some water before using them in a chicken sandwich. This process will ensure the flavor is a bit more muted.

Of course, there are plenty of different types of cheeses that can be added to a chicken sandwich, but it's hard to deny that American cheese is a classic. 

Is American cheese the best cheese out there when eaten on its own? Of course not. But it really gets its chance to shine when sitting atop a chicken patty. Importantly, the patty should be hot when stacking the cheese on top of it, as the intention is to melt it just slightly. Otherwise, the sandwich is left with a cold hunk of dairy that will distract from the actual chicken itself.

For some people out there, a sandwich isn't a sandwich without ketchup. If that's how you tend to think, you'll want to put some of the red stuff on your chicken sandwich. 

Although some don't like ketchup's sticky sweetness, it works quite well in a chicken sandwich because it complements all the other salty flavors the sandwich has going on. That touch of sweetness brightens the whole flavor profile and makes every bite that much more delicious.

Want some ketchup with an extra kick? Try mixing it with hot sauce before adding it to the chicken sandwich. Tabasco makes a particularly solid choice.

Every sandwich needs a sauce, but not everyone is a ketchup person. For those who abhor the red, sweet sauce, they might be looking for an alternative, and it's hard to beat mayo. Mayonnaise makes the perfect addition to a chicken sandwich because it offers the sandwich some much-needed creaminess. Good mayo also has a bright tang to it that can break up some of the heaviness of a fried chicken filet.

There are plenty of different mayonnaise brands to choose from, so experiment with a few different brands to find the right fit. In a pinch, mayo can even be made at home.

All too often, chicken sandwiches follow the burger formula: lettuce, onions, tomato. What if someone wants to switch things up and try a different way? That's when it's time to pull out the pesto. This fragrant, basil-heavy sauce can give a chicken sandwich a lovely floral quality that works especially well when working alongside ingredients like mozzarella and even bacon.

Find jarred pesto at any local grocery store in the sauce aisle; it's also pretty easy to make at home in a food processor. If going this route, it will likely result in a fresher basil flavor in the finished sandwich.

Guacamole is not just for tortilla chips — it turns out it can make an exceptionally delicious chicken sandwich topper as well. It may not be the first sauce people think about adding to a sandwich, but because it contains so many different burger-adjacent ingredients as it is, it's a no-brainer to plop it onto the sandwich if it's in the fridge.

As always, fresh guacamole will work best, but for those who don't want to go through the process of making guacamole from scratch, store-bought will do. Make sure to spread it thick on the bun before digging in. This is one of the few sandwich toppings that can stand on its own, without the help of other ingredients.

All chicken sandwiches are good, but buffalo chicken sandwiches might just be the best of the bunch. There's nothing like the tangy, spicy, and deliciously fatty sauce that gives chicken an orange-y tint. 

There are a few different ways to use buffalo sauce on a chicken sandwich. Of course, coating the chicken patty in the sauce is a good idea; it transforms the whole flavor profile of the chicken sandwich. But if that's too strong a flavor,  just spread a thin layer on top of the chicken patty — it all depends on what kind of flavor intensity is desired.

Sweet and savory fans have another chicken sandwich topping option to choose from. Honey mustard has a lot of the complexity and acidity of yellow or Dijon mustard, but the inclusion of honey also gives it a sweetness that sets it apart from other types of mustard. Different brands of mustard have different sweetness levels, ranging from subtle, nuanced sweetness to ketchup-level sugar contents.

Ideal for those who like their chicken sandwiches super sweet, others might want to limit honey mustard usage if employing other sweet ingredients like ketchup or hot honey. Otherwise, those fresher, brighter flavors might have a hard time shining through.

For those who love sweet and savory combos with spicy food, there's nothing like a fried chicken sandwich dripping with hot honey. It's a dynamic ingredient that can transform an average chicken sandwich into something special. It gives off chicken and waffles vibes, while the heat adds an element that isn't typically found in a lot of dishes.

Of course, those who don't like sweet ingredients with meat or have an aversion to spicy food are probably not going to like hot honey on a chicken sandwich. But for those looking for a less-typical topping — and love the juxtaposition of sweet and heat — it's the perfect ingredient.

Some may think of tartar sauce as a condiment entirely reserved for fried seafood, but it has far greater potential. Tartar sauce can make an unconventional, intriguing addition to a chicken sandwich. For those who like mayonnaise but wish it had more flavor, tartar sauce is an ideal alternative. It's made with mayo, pickle relish, and sometimes capers and various herbs. The result is a sauce both creamy and fresh, subtle but flavorful.

Luckily, tartar sauce is easy to make at home. It's also something often hanging around in the fridge, just waiting for an excuse to pop the lid and unleash its unique taste.

For many, pickles are the one absolute essential among chicken sandwich toppings. Consider the chicken sandwiches at Chick-fil-A, Popeyes or countless other hot chicken joints, often little more than a few pickles atop a thick chicken patty. 

Few toppings could hold their own on a chicken sandwich with nothing else to support them, but pickles can. Perhaps it's because their flavor, their texture, their whole essence is the exact opposite of fried chicken, creating a perfect harmony of contrasting ingredients. Crispy, fatty fried chicken is begging for a juicy, briny vegetable to give it more brightness and acidity. It's enough to perhaps warrant a petition, making pickles and chicken the new peanut butter and jelly.

When desiring something fresh, crunchy, and colorful to add to a simple chicken sandwich recipe, it's best to not overthink things. Sometimes, something as simple as a pickled vegetable slaw can transform an average weeknight dish into something that tastes like it came from a restaurant and not a home kitchen.

Make a pickled vegetable slaw at home with whatever veggies are in the fridge; ingredients like cabbage, carrot, chile, and onion work best. It only takes a few minutes to quickly pickle vegetables, so this is a quick trick for making chicken sandwiches feel just a bit fancier.

Bacon is the ultimate sandwich enhancer, the perfect remedy for making a sandwich heartier and more filling. It's all over burgers all the time, of course, but the bacon phenomenon carries over to chicken sandwiches as well. 

When used sparingly, bacon can be a crunchy addition to a chicken sandwich, particularly when paired with fresher ingredients like lettuce, tomato, and onion. It automatically turns an average chicken sandwich into something that tastes and feels enjoyably indulgent. However, it's important to avoid soggy bacon at all costs — it can make a sandwich chewy and greasy if not cooked to perfection.

Love the bite of onions but can't stand how strong they are? Wish you could enjoy that onion flavor, but without continuing to taste them for hours after finishing the meal? If so, scallions may be the answer. 

Scallions are more mild than most other types of onions, so their freshness and flavor is delivered without any of the mind-bending intensity of raw onions. They can bring a unique, pleasurable flavor to a chicken sandwich. When looking for the mildest scallion experience possible, use the tops (aka the green part) of the scallions, which have a greener, less intense flavor than their white counterparts at the bottom.

Most of the classic chicken sandwich toppings are as dependable as they are iconic, but sometimes it pays to get creative. 

Stack potato chips on roast beef sandwiches, put them on subs — on "The Bear," they were even added to an omelette. So, why shouldn't a chicken sandwich be fair game? They're the perfect way to add more crunch and texture to a sandwich, and they help give the dish a saltier flavor profile.

Potato chips, particularly the thinly cut variety, can get soggy quickly when exposed to sauces and other moist ingredients. So, make sure to add them to the sandwich immediately before consumption.

Sometimes, adding a bit of heat to a chicken sandwich keeps things interesting. This is why it's important to keep jalapeños on hand. They're not the spiciest peppers out there, but they pack enough heat to make them suitable for serious spice lovers.

There are a few different ways to use jalapeños in a chicken sandwich. If the plan is to avoid that super intense heat, use pickled jalapeños, which tend to be milder than their fresher counterparts. If using the fresh variety, either cut the jalapeños into rings to use on sandwiches, or roughly mince them to create more of a pepper salsa situation.

To those who are fans of barbecued chicken, it's a no-brainer to consider adding BBQ sauce to a chicken sandwich. If desiring just a hint of that smokey, sometimes sweet flavor, drizzle a bit of the sauce onto the bun before digging in. If looking for a more intense flavor, glaze that chicken in the sauce before or after cooking it.

Although BBQ sauce can work on any type of chicken sandwich, it's best when used on a grilled chicken sandwich. The sauce can sometimes make the breading soft and soggy, and it could otherwise compete with the crispier texture of fried chicken.

Looking for a way to add some mild heat to a burger? Consider the delights of pepper jack cheese, which is much more dynamic and multi-faceted than many of its counterparts. 

While pepper jack has that creaminess expected from cheese, especially when in the form of a slice, it also contains hot peppers that produce a slight burn. Some pepper jack cheeses are milder than others, but they're generally appropriate for people who can take a small amount of spice.

A single slice of pepper jack cheese can elevate any chicken sandwich into something with increased flavor and complexity.

Some people really love fruit, and are among those who would consider putting a slice of pineapple on a chicken sandwich. The combination works great, because it taps into that salty/sweet dynamic that makes for a memorable sandwich. Pineapple also offers some marked acidity, which can counteract the fattiness that comes from the chicken patty. It's a classic combo that almost always turns out delicious.

Pineapple works perfectly on a grilled chicken sandwich because the lack of breading makes for a fresher bite that pairs well with fruit. However, even a fried chicken sandwich can benefit from a thin slice of this tropical treat.

If desirous of a chicken parmesan feel in a chicken sandwich, it's hard to go wrong with mozzarella cheese. It may not be the first kind of cheese that comes to mind when thinking about what works best with chicken, but it's a match made in heaven. 

Put mozzarella on a grilled chicken sandwich (although it also works on fried sandwiches), alongside some tomato sauce and maybe even a bit of basil. The flavor combo is incredible, and it feels fancy despite how easy it is to put together. Make sure the cheese melts a little bit before serving the sandwich.

If the hope is to make a chicken sandwich that tastes like something a celebrity chef would make, inspiration can be had from David Chang's chicken sandwich at Fuku. 

Chang's sandwich contains chicken thighs, pickles, and sweet Georgia peach sauce. While the latter might raise some eyebrows, it's a unique, sweet and utterly out-of-the-box addition to any dish that typically come across as salty; in short, it works really well with the typical flavor profile of a chicken sandwich. Peach sauce can add a light, refreshing, deeply flavorful punch to any standard sandwich, taking it into the realm of the extraordinary.

Of course, there are many types of chicken sandwiches all over the world — cultures from around the globe enjoy poultry stuffed between two pieces of bread. One of the world's most delicious chicken sandwiches, however, might just be the cemita milanesa de pollo, which hails from Mexico. 

This sandwich is piled high with a variety of ingredients, but one of the most interesting is papalo, also referred to as summer cilantro. It's a green herb that has a similar flavor profile to arugula, cilantro, and mint, and adds a bright freshness to fried chicken. If some can be found in the local supermarket produce section, give it a try.

Whether making a chicken biscuit for breakfast or simply looking for a way to add sweetness to a chicken sandwich, consider using maple butter. 

The fattiness of this butter, combined with the sweetness of the maple syrup, are a match made in heaven. It tastes good on its own, of course, but might be even better spread over a simple slice of bread — or ideally, the two of them that surround a chicken sandwich. Starbucks figured this out, capitalizing on the flavor with a chicken breakfast sandwich. Maple butter is ideal for those who think hot honey sounds appealing but don't like spice.

Want to add some crunch to the sandwich? Try Emping chips, a Southeast Asian snack that is highly addictive. 

Harold Dieterle's Kin Shop in NYC's West Village designed a fried chicken sandwich topped with Emping chips, and although it'll be hard to beat that version, you can at least give it a try at home. Find them at a local Asian grocer, or possibly online. If attempting to recreate the Kin Shop sandwich, you'll also need dark meat chicken, hot pickles, brioche buns, and a veggie slaw. The homemade sauces may be hard to recreate, but give it a try if you're feeling adventurous.

The chicken sandwich is an American staple, one that restaurants all across the U.S. try to replicate in original ways. From towering fried chicken sandwiches to unique fusion spins on classic dishes, the menus of many fantastic chicken joints throughout the United States feature something for everyone — but you have to know what's possible. To that end, we've profiled some of the best and most original chicken sandwiches out there; fried or other and with a world of toppings like creamy macaroni and cheese, heavy-handed spoonfuls of gravy, and fresh, snappy additions of tart green tomatoes or shredded papaya salad.

These sandwiches have the proper ratio of bread to chicken and toppings. Each one is full of exciting flavor profiles and textures destined to deliver the ultimate relaxed eating experience. Yet, they are all different takes on the same dish. Better still, no matter where you are in the country, there's sure to be a tasty chicken sandwich near you. If you'd prefer to dine in and test your culinary skills, you can always learn the secret to an incredible plate of fried chicken or tempt your tastebuds with one of the best sandwiches out there. You could end up on this list one day.

In Los Angeles, California, you can find a lavish bite of Bangkok in the form of a chicken sandwich that fuses several culinary traditions in a glorious burst of flavors. Night + Market's Fried Chicken Sandwich is a luxe combination of juicy chicken, fresh and spicy papaya salad, and creamy ranch dressing, plus a generous slice of tomato, jalapeno, and fresh herbs for garnish.

Papaya salad, or som tum (via Taste Atlas), is a staple in Thai cuisine, hailing from Issan. It's a sweet, spicy, briny, and rich blend of papaya, carrots, spices, and peanuts. Although papaya salad is not traditionally served with ranch dressing, the pairing makes sense, as the coolness of the ranch cuts through the spiciness of the salad for a balanced and utterly devourable dish. According to Los Angeles Magazine, Night + Market's owner is a ranch dressing connoisseur who created his yummy rendition from scratch after touring the city to sample a slew of styles

Even if you consider yourself a fried chicken sandwich connoisseur, there's a good chance that you've never had a hot and hearty chicken sandwich like the one at SAW's Soul Kitchen in Avondale, Alabama. SAW's Sweet Tea Fried Chicken Sandwich is next-level good, with bright notes of sweet tea flavor playing off creamy dressing and tangy dill pickles. The chicken is classically cooked, with a crunchy exterior and moist white meat interior that plays perfectly with the sweeter and tarter flavors in the dish.

It's a fun little riff on southern flavors and given SAW's Soul Kitchen's award-winning team of chefs (via CBS 42), it's no surprise that they nailed this inspired blend of southern fried chicken and delicious sweet tea. So, if you're looking for a chicken sandwich with familiar flavors and an expected, special twist, get your hands on the Sweet Tea Fried Chicken Sandwich from SAW Soul Kitchen as soon as possible.

Proving that you don't have to think way outside the box to make a killer chicken sandwich, Beasley's Chicken + Honey in Raleigh, North Carolina, serves up honest, tasty food made out of quality ingredients. It's simple, wholesome, and true to Beasley's Chicken + Honey's sweet southern roots. Take the Chicken Biscuit with Pickled Green Tomatoes, topped with honey, and Dijon mustard, for example. It's clear that the chefs thought out every element of the dish, from the airy biscuit to the perfectly cooked and fried chicken breast crowned with rounds of zinging green tomatoes. A drizzle of honey is optional, but adding it is bliss. Every bite has an outstanding balance of neutral carbs, flavored fat, and fresh veggies.

According to The News & Observer, Beasley's Chicken + Honey uses humanely-raised chicken to fill out its collection of sandwiches and dishes. The ingredients have a fuller quality and it is integral. Beasley's chicken and green tomato biscuit sandwich are exceptional for those who want a tart and crunchy treat, but you can also go with a Belgian waffle and chicken dish for another decadent meal.

On Badmaash's secret menu, you'll find a butter chicken sandwich worth risking it all for (via TimeOut). One of Los Angeles' most inspired and exciting bites, the Badmaash Butter Chicken Sandwich takes two cherished favorites and combines them into one fabulous dish. According to Thrillist, Badmaash's secret to success lies in its calculated mismatching of different cuisine flavors, like Chicken Tikka Poutine. With that in mind, it's really not surprising that they opted to put one of the most delicious Indian-inspired dishes on a bun.

As with many of the best sandwiches on our list, Badmaash's Fried Butter Chicken Sandwich comes down to complementing flavors and textures. The juicy chicken plays great with the crunchy pickles, which give a new acidity to the decadent butter chicken sauce that permeates every bite. It's a balanced, well-thought-out dish that takes the concept of fusion cooking to a comfortable new level. You might not see it on the menu, but make sure you do yourself a favor and ask for this amazing sandwich.

For a big ol' bite of chicken, cheddar, avocado, bacon, and tons of fixins', it has to be Crack Shack's Double Clucker. This monumental sandwich features two whole chicken patties, so you'll get your money's worth in every bite. Everything works harmoniously together, with a kaleidoscope of different textures and complementary flavors in every single bite. Plus, the Crack Shack uses free-range, locally-raised chicken for its sandwiches, setting a high bar for both quality and sustainability (via San Diego Tribune). Jidori birds are said to have an incomparable taste, much like specialized A5 Wagyu beef, per Jidori Chicken. 

One of the key reasons people visit the Crack Shack, aside from the ridiculously good food, is the star power. Top Chef fan fave Richard Blais was once affiliated with the eatery (via CN Traveler). Whimsical and appropriately over-the-top dishes like the Double Clucker reflect his particular style and flair. Make sure that you save room for a side dish alongside your massive Double. Chicken oysters, a unique and rare cut, aren't something you'll find on most menus.

New York City's Double Chicken Please has a menu packed with non-traditional chicken sandwiches, but the Salted Duck Egg chicken sandwich indeed rules the roost. One of the most genius elements of this sandwich is the fact that it plays off traditional textures and flavors while adding a surprising twist to every bite. Per Eater New York, this sandwich is a finely illustrated taste of Taiwan. Duck egg yolk, thick and full of minerality, stands in as the sauce. Salty shrimp adds another level of brined umami to the dish.

With a thick chicken breast, rich duck egg yolk, salty shrimp, and soft bread, the palate needs something light to cut through. The good chefs at Double Chicken Please have diners covered with paper-thin slices of cucumber and a generous fresh topping of butter lettuce. It's crisp, sumptuous, and authentic — and it's like nothing you've ever tasted before.

Krungthep Tea Time in Winter Park, Florida, is a small, whimsical cafe that serves up top-notch tea alongside interesting and exciting chicken sandwiches. According to the Orlando Sentinel, Krungthep Tea Time snagged the publication's 2019 Foodie Award for Best Lunch, thanks to its unique pairings and high-quality dishes. On a menu of greats, the Gra-Prow Chicken sandwich shines bright. This stack of bread and fillings are Thai-inspired, but the sandwich also has comfort food elements like mozzarella cheese and bushels of bright basil.

If you're in the mood for a stellar chicken sandwich but don't want to sink your teeth into anything fried, the Gra-Prow Chicken sandwich from Krungthep Tea Time is a good bet. Tender, perfectly spiced chicken mingles with red pepper, basil, a touch of onion, and plenty of creamy cheese. The whole combination fills with heat thanks to spicy mayo and a touch of Thai chili. Gra-Pow Chicken is a balanced, beautiful dish that overachieves without overpowering.

Located in Atlanta's Krog Street Market, Fred's Meat & Bread specializes in exactly what its name indicates — meat and bread. Visitors expect epic examples of classic sandwiches when they visit, and they are rarely (if ever) disappointed. Although you can sink your teeth into meaty, flavorful burgers and piping hot crispy fries at Fred's Meat & Bread, one of the star items is the restaurant's take on a Korean cheesesteak (via Eater Atlanta). You've never had a cheesesteak quite like this one.

The Korean cheesesteak, which comes in both beef and chicken varieties, is an exceptional blend of classic American and traditional Korean flavors. The chicken is smothered with American cheese and a sprinkle of green onion before it gets the Korean treatment of complex gochujang sauce. Garlic aioli and candied jalapenos add another world of flavor and texture, striking the coveted happy place between savory and sweet to an absolute tee. 

Leave it to Las Vegas, Nevada, to feature a chicken restaurant that serves up an excessive amount of indulgent food all on one hedonistic homemade waffle. Enter the Mac and Cheese Chicken Tender Waffle Sandwich found at Mama Bird Southern Kitchen. This restaurant does weekends right, with a fried chicken sandwich perfect for brunching. Strap your stomach in for a flavor overload of juicy, crisp chicken tenders, tomato, pickles, and lettuce stuffed into a colossal waffle and topped with a heaping spoonful of macaroni and cheese. Savvy visitors know that they should eat this sandwich in bites where everything combines, savoring the creamy mac, crunchy chicken, and decadent waffle.

According to the Review-Journal, Mama Bird's fried chicken and barbeque are known throughout Vegas, so make sure that you stop by this iconic restaurant next time you're trying to win it big on the slot machines. In addition to their massive and fantastic chicken sandwiches, Mama Bird serves up a mean watermelon soft serve ice cream. Stay cool out there.

Austin, Texas' Pollos Las Abuelas makes comfort-food chicken sandwiches with twin influences from the United States and Mexico. Although you can't go wrong with some of its more classic offerings, like The Original, true foodies flock to Pollos Las Abuelas to devour El Martin on the weekends. El Martin is only available on Saturdays and Sundays. A limited run doesn't mean limited flavor. This chicken sandwich is a beautiful concoction made with hot sauce-brined chicken breasts, expertly cooked egg, Jack cheese, chipotle mayo, and the cherry on top — bacon glazed with Mexican Coca-Cola.

It's a sinfully sumptuous, sweet, meaty meal that ticks off all of the boxes. According to Austin 360, Pollos Las Abuelas' sandwiches qualify as some of the best in the city, thanks to their balanced ingredients, smart preparations, and the litany of different options. So if you don't find yourself in Pollos Las Abuelas on the weekend, don't worry. You can still sample some of its other gorgeous chicken sammies. Just, don't wait until this food trailer has been up and moved. 

While most crunchy chicken sandwiches on our list are deep-fried to perfection, Local Foods in Houston, Texas, takes a slightly different path to an exceptionally good ending. Instead of deep-frying the chicken breast for its Crunchy Chicken Sandwich, the team at Local Foods oven roasts it, shreds it, and surrounds it with two hyper-crackling layers of great ingredients. The result is a sandwich that gives you the satisfying mouthfeel of fried chicken with a totally different flavor profile and texture.

According to the Houston Press, the heavenly combo of all-white meat chicken, crushed potato chips and nuts, and creamy mild provolone is downright delicious. Everything works in harmony, from the cool lettuce and tomato to the briny housemade pickles that come with a crunch. Dressing it all is a premium ranch dressing. This chicken sandwich, stacked with a pretzel bun, straddles the best of both worlds; it is hearty without ever leaving you feeling overly full. For a unique spin on crispy chicken, it's got to be Local Foods.

In Morgantown, West Virginia's Dirty Bird, there's one thing that you need to order — its namesake breakfast dish. Yes, the Dirty Bird at the Dirty Bird is a breakfast diner masterpiece, dripping in homemade gravy and topped with a flaky buttermilk biscuit. Although the restaurant might look humble from the outside, make no mistake that you're in for something special as soon as you sit down (via Only in Your State).

Order the Dirty Bird, and you'll find that the fried chicken has a crispy, light exterior and gorgeously moist meat. The 100% white meat breast is positioned precariously on top of a buttermilk biscuit, drenched in a generous spoonful of gravy, and topped with a rustic, heartily prepared egg. If you cut it right down the center, you'll get a bite packed with egg, chicken, and buttery biscuit. Almost heaven, West Virginia. This plate is one of the closest things to divine that you'll experience in your life.

If we're talking biscuits, the southern states have something to say. You'll find one of the best chicken sandwiches in the country at Empire State South in Atlanta, Georgia. This big, rich, loaded sammie hits all of the comfort food buttons with a great mix of fluffy biscuits, perfectly fried chicken, scrambled eggs, and popping pimento cheese. Top it with some gravy or marmalade, and you have a host of different flavors and textures that are good for breakfast or anytime at all.

One of the key reasons the Fried Chicken Biscuit with Pimento Cheese sandwich sings is the quality of its ingredients. The chicken is not greasy or heavy, but instead, you get an incredible, juicy flavor in every bite. Pimento adds an exciting pop. It's the mouthful you dream of. The biscuit tastes homemade and luscious. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Empire State South's breakfast sandwich is in a class all of its own. When you consider what kind of serious competition it has, especially in the South, that's saying something.

Nashville, Tennessee's Biscuit Love is a love letter to all things chicken, with tons of different biscuit and chicken sandwiches for every taste. According to CN Traveler, the Biscuit Love is a great, friendly restaurant where you can pass a lazy Sunday afternoon sipping on boozy brunch cocktails and sinking your teeth into all manner of sustaining chicken preparations. From donut-chicken hybrids, obligatory Nashville-style hot chicken, to Bloody Marys made your way, Biscuit Love excels at welcoming its guests. 

However, if there's one stand-out in this menu of winner-winner-chicken-dinners, it has to be the East Nasty. Biscuit Love's East Nasty is a relatively simple dish with only a few ingredients. However, it is executed flawlessly, creating elevated comfort food that immediately hits the sweet spot. Bon appétit heralds the East Nasty as a buttery, rich ode to chicken, biscuits, and gravy. It's probably the finest example of this Southern staple in the state (and maybe even the country), so next time you find yourself in Nashville, make sure that you pay Biscuit Love a visit.

Devil Dawgs, located in Chicago, Illinois, is the beloved home of many comfort food favorites, especially in the form of chicken sandwiches. Still, you'd be hard-pressed to find one that rivals Brochu's World Famous Chicken Sandwich. The brainchild of Michelin-starred and James Beard considered Andrew Brochu, this world-famous blend of crispy fried chicken, floral chamomile mayonnaise, and sunchoke sauce (plus all the fixins') made its debut at Roister Restaurant in Chicago (via Savannah Magazine). Then, Brochu took the sandwich to the menu at Devil Dawgs (via The Infatuation).

According to Vogue, this titular fried chicken sammie is heading down south to Savannah, where it will take pride of place at a new restaurant, Brochu's Family Tradition. Thanks to a few key components, this tasty sandwich enjoys accolades wherever it goes. First, it absolutely nails the balance between crispy veggies and juicy fried chicken. Secondly, the chamomile mayo is delicate but still robust enough to bloom along with the pickles, chicken, and sunchoke sauce. Brochu's World Famous Chicken Sandwich is a rollercoaster of fab flavors in every bite.