National Fried Chicken Day was technically July 6, but there are so many fried chicken sandwiches around town that it’s totally fine to celebrate all year long.
Chubbies Burgers
Chubbies Burgers — which recently relocated to Kaimuki — offers two fried chicken sammies. The regular ($9.75) features buttermilk fried chicken, garlic-miso mayo, iceberg and pickles. If you want to add some heat to your meal, order the spicy chicken ($10.50), which comprises buttermilk fried chicken, Nashville hot sauce, chipotle mayo, iceberg and pickles.
Pro tip: Upgrade your order by adding the business’s signature crinkle cut fries ($2.40 small, $4.80 regular). Or, if you want fancier fries, get the bacon fries ($7.49) or Chub fries ($6.49).
Chubbies Burgers
1145C 12th Ave., Honolulu
808-291-7867
chubbiesburgers.com
Instagram: @chubbieshawaii
Queensbreak Waikiki
The chicken sandwich ($25) is a newer addition to the menu at this Waikiki eatery. It features house-fried chicken, cabbage pepper slaw, dill pickles and chipotle aioli between soft, toasted brioche buns.
“The chicken breast is marinated in buttermilk and herbs overnight,” explains Nuno Alves, executive chef of Queensbreak Waikiki. “It’s coated in seasoned flour and fried to order. It’s topped with cabbage seasoned in champagne dressing, scallions and smoked chipotle aioli.”
This sammie is served with the restaurant’s addictive fries.
Queensbreak Waikiki
Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
2552 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu
808-922-6611
queensbreak.com
Instagram: @queensbreakwaikiki
Soul Chicken
This Kalihi biz is known for its chicken wings — available in flavors ranging from shoyu and honey to wasabi mayo and sweet and spicy — but Soul Chicken also offers crispy and spicy chicken sandwiches ($10.95 combo, $6.50 sandwich only).
Both feature crispy, golden-brown chicken thighs, coleslaw and housemade yangnyeom sauce.
Soul Chicken
1095 Dillingham Blvd., Honolulu
808-800-6599
Instagram: @soulchickenhawaii
EARL Kakaako
EARL Kakaako’s fried chicken sandwiches aren’t on the eatery’s regular menu, but they pop up now and then as specials.
For those looking for a no-fuss, no-frills sandwich, get the Country Style ($10), which features golden-brown, country-style fried chicken with dill sauce and pickles. If you enjoy a slight spice, get the Firebird ($11), which comprises Nashville-style hot chicken, pimento cheese, spicy mayo, charred jalapeños and pickles.
EARL Kakaako
400 Keawe St. Ste. 103, Honolulu
808-744-3370
earlhawaii.com
Instagram: @earlkakaako