The best frozen chicken sandwiches combine a thick, juicy chicken patty with a soft, pliable bun. The bun shouldn’t be tough or bland—which can be hard to achieve with microwaved bread. Most importantly, the chicken needs to pack a bold, mouthwatering flavor that leaves you satisfied, even if what you’re really craving can only be found at a drive-thru.
About once a week, I come up against a dilemma: Do I give in to my stomach’s all-consuming desire for a fried chicken sandwich, or close out of DoorDash like a responsible adult and save my money? As a compromise, my thoughts naturally drift outside my poorly stocked kitchen into more tantalizing but slightly cheaper drive-thru venues, like KFC or Raising Cane’s. But what if there was an answer to my problem in the grocery store freezer aisles all along? That’s what I set out to find in this taste test, and while the results were questionable, there were definitely a few standouts. Even the best frozen chicken sandwiches can’t dethrone your favorite fast food spot, they will definitely scratch the itch in a pinch.
For this taste test, we looked for quick and easy frozen fried chicken sandwiches that hit all the right flavor notes: tender chicken, well-seasoned breading, and a bun that holds up to microwave heating. Knowing most people who buy frozen chicken sandwiches are eating them on the go, we microwaved these—but obviously, they’ll taste even better fresh out of the air fryer, so consider them the best air fryer chicken sandwiches, too. Also, full disclosure: None of these come with a sauce, pickles, or any toppings other than cheese, really. It’s up to you to elevate your own dining experience. With that in mind, get your condiments ready for the five best frozen chicken sandwiches at the grocery store, including a spicy chicken sandwich, Tyson chicken sandwiches, and more.
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- Tyson Spicy Chicken Breast Sandwich
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I have to hand it to Tyson. Tyson frozen chicken sandwiches are substantial and meaty. Some may call this just one fat chicken patty between two slightly sad pieces of bread. And that’s certainly one perspective. But the thick patty is super tender and juicy. The spicy breading is a real kick in the face—these don’t hold back on the heat. I do think they need to remove the phrase “artisan buns” from the product description, because that’s a bald-faced lie, but at least the bread stays soft and spongy out of the microwave. While it could desperately use some pickles and mayo, this is still the best frozen spicy chicken sandwich you can find to replace the one you really want from your favorite fried chicken spot. I ate two of these in one sitting, and I’d do it again. Yes, that’s a threat.
Credit: Liv Averett / Walmart
- Jimmy Dean Buttermilk Chicken Biscuit Sandwiches
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The chicken in Jimmy Dean’s breakfast sandwiches is juicy, tender, and actually flaky. Too many frozen chicken sandwiches (sorry, Tyson, but this applies to you) have a sponge-like chicken patty, and while the flavor can make up for that, it’s definitely not the most appetizing consistency. The biscuit isn’t anything to write home about, but you know what? It’s still buttery and crumbly. I’ve definitely had worse. (Popeye’s biscuits in California are just plain disappointing, and I stand by that.) I know I named these the best frozen chicken sandwiches for breakfast, but I’m a firm believer that chicken biscuits are an all-day affair. I will be eating them as I please, got it? (Yes, that’s another threat.)
Credit: Liv Averett / Instacart
- Sandwich Bros. Spicy Chicken Melts
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To be honest, I wasn’t really sure what these “spicy chicken pita snack sandwiches” were when I bought them. But hey, these really surprised me. Essentially, they’re thinly cut, breaded chicken patties with pepper jack cheese smushed inside a hot pita. They’re not the typical frozen fried chicken sandwiches you might be expecting, but these juicy chicken melts honestly hit the spot. They take one minute in the microwave, and you don’t have to do anything but wrap them in a paper towel and toss them in. If you’re looking for a new go-to drunk comfort food, I’d say these are the best frozen chicken sandwiches to stock up on.
Credit: Liv Averett / Instacart
- Jimmy Dean Honey Chicken Biscuit
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I’ve got it bad for the Jimmy Dean Honey Chicken Biscuits. Once, in a moment of weakness, I ordered the maple chicken biscuit from Starbucks…and found it far too sweet. This stupidly yummy, savory-sweet honey chicken biscuit from Jimmy Dean is what I really wanted. The honey and savory spices enhance the flavor without distracting from the star of the show: that flaky, juicy chicken. This microwave chicken sandwich is great for anyone with a hankering for chicken and waffles in the morning but only four minutes to get out the door—and honestly, it’s more of a novelty than their plain buttermilk chicken biscuit.
Credit: Liv Averett / Walmart
- White Castle Sliders Chicken & Cheese
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I struggled a bit with the order of this ranking, to be honest. I worried my love and nostalgia for White Castle would become a disadvantage for other serious contenders. But at the end of the day, you simply can’t beat that soft, squishy bun on a White Castle slider. Plus, White Castle understands one key thing about frozen fried chicken sandwiches: they need a little grease to taste good. These microwave chicken sandwiches might not have the thickest, most tender chicken patties of the bunch, but boy are they addictive. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that a fast food chain makes the best frozen chicken sandwich.
Credit: Liv Averett / Target
Best Spicy Chicken Sandwich
Best Frozen Chicken Sandwich for Breakfast
Best Frozen Chicken Melt
Best Chicken Sandwich (Runner Up)
Best of the Best
Other frozen chicken sandwiches we tried: BBQ Chicken Fast Bites, Grilled Chicken Fast Bites, Spicy Chicken Fast Bites, White Castle Chicken Breast Sliders
Thoughts? Questions? Complete disagreement? Leave a comment!