5 BEST

BY: EMMA COMERY PHOTO BY: RACHEL BENAVIDES

Amid our nation’s great Chicken Sandwich Debate, we argue that some of the best are right here in our little bend of Texas. Hear us out: From classic fried chicken to new takes to elevated combinations, your new favorite chicken sandwich is waiting right around the corner.

CHOPS & EGGS

Chops & Eggs takes the phrase “Everything is bigger in Texas” to heart with Jordan’s enormous Sage Fried Chicken Sandwich. The sheer surface area of southern crunch is both visually astounding and deliriously appetizing. Share if you wish, or solely devour and feel no shame. Served with lettuce, tomatoes, and a pretzel bun, this sandwich offers the ultimate combination of tender chicken, fresh produce, and doughy, salt-flecked pretzel in every bite. 5802 Yorktown Blvd, Corpus Christi

SOUTHERN BELLE 8TE For new takes on southern classics, it’s 8TE all the way. Marinated in buttermilk and sweet tea, this fried chicken is literally drenched in the southern charm. The light, crackling batter shows no sign of greasiness, yet the chicken within falls apart like pulled pork. From the homemade pickles to the house maple mustard, every component of this modern masterpiece will have you licking your fingers well after the final bite. 1220 Airline Rd, Corpus Christi

JUKE BOX CHICKEN SANDWICH SANDI’S DINER This classic masterpiece is served under the approving eyes of cardboard Elvis, Marilyn, and James in a ’50s-inspired diner on Ayers. Grilled or fried, this sandwich comes with your choice of bacon and swiss, mushroom and swiss, or avocado and pepper jack. We won’t tell you which is best because a chicken sandwich preference is a very personal thing, but we will say with absolute certainty that you cannot go wrong with the avocado/pepper jack. That little pop of spice from the cheese melts beautifully into the fried batter, and nobody says no to avocado. Served on a toasted bun, this chicken sandwich takes you back in time and leaves you utterly satisfied. Pro tip: order a side of Sandi’s hand-battered onion rings for an unforgettable meal. 704AyersSt, CorpusChristi

CHICKEN BRIE SANDWICH MOONDOG SEASIDE EATERY We take a momentary departure from the canonical fried chicken sandwich to indulge in the rich and sophisticated Chicken Brie Sandwich at Moondog Seaside Eatery in Fulton. A grilled chicken breast sits on a bed of spinach and grilled apples (for that fresh, fruity punch), topped with melting – nay, oozing – brie and a killer garlic aioli. Though the chicken certainly holds its own, this sandwich is all about the cheese. And we aren’t complaining at all. 100NCasterlineDr, Fulton

SWEET CHICK STEERBURGER GRILL & GRUB The Sweet Chick will make you forget every fast food chicken sandwich you’ve ever had the instant it hits your tongue. Soft bun, perfectly grilled chicken breast, fresh lettuce and tomato…all slathered in honey mustard and topped with a generous stack of crispy bacon. Each bite bursts with flavor and texture, the sweetness of the mustard complementing the slight char of the grilled chicken, while the bacon adds that perfect crunch. This is the bacon-lover’s chicken sandwich, the honey-mustard-obsessed chicken sandwich. We’ll just come right out and say it: The Sweet Chick is everyone’s chicken sandwich. 4407 TX-35 BUS, Rockport