The combative social posts, media frenzy, and record-setting sales may have calmed down, but the fried chicken sandwich wars aren’t over. Restaurant chains continue to bank on consumers’ undying love for fried chicken sandwiches.
According to Datassential, chicken is one of the top ten most-loved items, making it ideal for “safe experimentation.” Discover exciting variations to make the popular sandwich even more craveworthy.
Fly Around the World
Okay, chickens can only fly short distances, but there are no limits to fried chicken sandwich flavors. Nashville hot chicken played a big part in the fried chicken sandwich boom, and Korean takes on the sandwich took it to the next level.
There are still oh so many places this bird can go:
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Italy: The dried red chili peppers of arrabbiata sauce—which translates to “angry” sauce—make for a spicy addition to the sandwich.
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Jamaica: Bring together sweet and spicy with a Jamaican jerk fried chicken topped with mango slaw.
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India/Mediterranean: Don’t limit the recipe to one locale. Fill a pita with India’s spicy and crispy chicken 65. Then top with the Mediterranean’s cool and creamy tzatziki sauce.
Spin-Offs & Sequels
After a fried chicken sandwich takes off, prolong success by applying the hit recipe to other menu items. Use the same breading, spices, and sauces in a special lineup of chicken offerings, from nuggets to tenders to popcorn chicken.
Another approach is to change up a current fried chicken sandwich menu item with a simple addition or substitution. Swap out the chicken for a different protein. Slather with a spicier, sweeter, or “swicier” sauce. Top with fried pickles or fried onions for some crunch. The result could be even better than the original.
Fried Chicken … Hot Dog?
Don’t worry, we’re not getting into the is-a-hot-dog-a-sandwich debate. But there’s ample opportunity for labor-saving innovation through combining fried chicken sandwiches with other handhelds.
Think about it—what if a restaurant serves hot dogs and chicken tenders? The buns are there, the fried chicken is there, and all the toppings and condiments are there. All that’s left is to bring them together. Voilà, a fun menu item without adding too much labor or ingredients.
That same logic can be applied across portable menu offerings: fried chicken Reuben, Buffalo fried chicken gyro, Nashville hot chicken grilled cheese, hot honey fried chicken biscuit. Mixing and matching can result in new classics.
Your Sourcing Solution
Experimentation can take fried chicken sandwiches to new, exciting places, but they should never lose their craveability. Taking diners a little out of their comfort zone can open the door to new flavors, but fried chicken sandwiches should still be comfort food.
Looking for bread, protein, and toppings all in one place? Visit the Dot Foods website for your sourcing needs.
Discover ingredients for the next great fried chicken sandwich.