We featured a fried chicken roundup in a previous issue of Crave, but fried chicken sandwiches are in a league of their own. The next time you’re craving something crispy, check out the assortment below.
Hank’s Haute Dogs
Hank’s Haute Dogs is known for its twist on an American classic, and yes — their creations are dog-gone delightful. But if it’s a sandwich you want, opt for the Nashville hot chicken sandwich ($8.95).
Named after one of the cities known for the “hot chicken” trend, this sandwich features a slab of Southern fried chicken tossed in traditional Nashville hot sauce, and it’s topped with mayo and dill pickles. This dish is one of the most popular non-hot dog items on Hank’s menu.
Hank’s Haute Dogs
324 Coral St., Honolulu
808-532-4265
hankshautedogs.com
Instagram: @hankshautedogs
Left Wing Chicken
Located on the second floor of H Mart Kakaako, Left Wing Chicken is not only home to fried chicken in tantalizing flavors. Earlier this year, the store introduced two fried chicken sandwiches to its menu — Creamy Garlic and Nashville Hot.
These sandwiches are similar, comprising crunchy, crispy Korean fried chicken thighs and coleslaw sandwiched between soft, buttery brioche buns. The main difference is the sauce — Creamy Garlic is more savory, while the Nashville Hot is a sweet-and-spicy sauce.
Chicken sandwich combo meals include fries and a drink for $11.90, but you can also get these sammies a la carte for $9.32.
Left Wing Chicken (Inside H Mart Kakaako)
458 Keawe St., Honolulu
808-201-6386
leftwinghawaii.com
Instagram: @leftwing.kakaako
EARL Kakaako
EARL Kakaako has not one, but two versions of its fried chicken sandwich. These sammies are usually featured once a month as specials.
According to owner Justin Parvizimotlagh, the Country Style ($12) is a simple, three-ingredient sandwich that’s still big on flavor.
“It has our country-style chicken that’s brined in buttermilk and has a flour dredge,” he says. “It’s got a white sauce and pickles, and that’s it.”
The Firebird ($13) is a spicy version of that. Parvizimotlagh says the sandwich shop sells double the amount of this sandwich, compared to Country Style.
“The Firebird is kind of like a Nashville-style fried chicken sandwich, which is usually dipped in hot sauce,” Parvizimotlagh explains. “Instead of dusting it in cayenne, ours is dusted in Old Bay seasoning, Parmesan and some other herbs and spices. The Firebird also has pimento cheese on it, bread-and-butter pickles and roasted jalapenos.
“When we have the chicken sandwiches, we will always promote it on Instagram or through our email blast,” he adds.
“The last time we had it, we sold 250 in one day.”
EARL Kakaako
400 Keawe St., Honolulu
808-744-3370
earlhawaii.com
Instagram: @earlkakaako
Popeyes Hawaii
Popeyes is known for its savory chicken sandwich, complete with a crispy, Cajun crunch. Each sandwich features a crisp, hand-battered fried chicken breast topped with crispy pickles and your choice of regular or spicy mayonnaise sandwiched between brioche buns from The Patisserie, a popular Oahu bakery.
Popeyes Hawaii
Various locations
popeyeshawaii.com
Instagram: @Popeyeshawaii