It’s comfort food season, so what better dish to sink your teeth into than a crispy chicken sandwich?
By Grace Silipigni
We aren’t talking cafeteria-style chicken patties—or even national chain chicken sandwich wars—here either. These are locally created, dolled up handhelds perfect for brunch, dinner and everything in between. Imagine tender juicy chicken, buttered buns, special sauces and, well, let’s just let these five must-try sammies speak for themselves:
The Hot Chic (Photo at top of page)
Byrd’s Restaurant, Newport News
The Hot Chic certainly packs a punch with its crispy, marinated chicken breast, spicy aioli and tangy apple slaw. This sought-after palate pleaser is a lunchtime favorite at Byrd’s Restaurant in Newport News and arrives at diners’ tables beautifully stacked between a classic kaiser roll. While Byrd’s spicy aioli is what gives the sandwich its fiery moniker, the apple slaw is an applauded addition, balancing out the sandwich’s heat with a sweet and crunchy contrast. Byrd’s is only open five days a week until 2 p.m., so be sure to get your hands on The Hot Chic before the kitchen closes.
The Henrietta
Neat Bird Chicken & Whiskey, Chesapeake
The Henrietta at Neat Bird undoes everything you know about a chicken sandwich. Swap the brioche bun for a hoagie roll and instead of a sizable chicken breast, reach instead for a seasoned chicken cutlet. While the lightly fried cutlet is certainly the star of the show, The Henrietta’s additional fixings shouldn’t be overlooked. Experience the heat of pepper jack cheese and a zesty base of arugula, capicola ham and fried peppers. A balsamic reduction and house-made tomato spread offer a hint of sweetness to the complex dish. Still not enough heat? Add a dash of Neat Bird’s house seasoning, a red-hot concoction of paprika, Cajun and “something secret.”
Sunday Chicken Sandwich
Redhead Bay Cafe, Virginia Beach
Thanks to Pungo’s Redhead Bay Cafe, the Closed on Sunday woes are no more for those craving a deep-fried handheld. The Sunday Chicken Sandwich, an upgraded version of the drive-thru favorite, is anchored by golden fried chicken breast and brimming with brunch-inspired accouterments. Nestled atop a tender chicken breast are Redhead’s signature scrambled eggs and a hearty serving of crispy bacon. Giving the sandwich a southwestern edge are fresh avocado, mayo and a light drizzle of cilantro-lime ranch. Top it all off with molten provolone cheese, a toasted brioche bun and breakfast (or lunch) is served.
Deluxe Chicken Sandwich
Chick N Roll, Chesapeake, Hampton & Portsmouth
Southern-fried chicken meets its match at Chick N Roll, a local eatery praised for its Korean fried chicken. Proteins are double-fried to lock in moisture and flavor beneath their crispy exterior. The Deluxe Chicken Sandwich keeps things simple but delicious with traditional toppings like lettuce, tomato, onion and pickles. Also sandwiched between the toasted buns are drizzles of honey mustard, mayo and horseradish sauce. Looking to amp up the flavor? Spice up the Deluxe Chicken Sandwich with Chick N Roll’s selection of house made sauces like Spicy Soy Garlic, Sweet and Sour and CNR BBQ.
The Drip
My Mama’s Kitchen, Norfolk
Readers beware: this mouthwatering sandwich won’t be available to customers until early 2025, but we promise it’s worth the wait. My Mama’s Kitchen, a soul food restaurant in Norfolk, is rounding out its final stages of renovation and is eager to dish out its original eats in a reimagined space. A fan favorite, The Drip is an iconic chicken sandwich that delivers traditional tastes with po’ boy energy. A brioche bun bookends a towering creation of piping hot fried chicken tossed in their legendary Drip sauce, house-made slaw, pickles and a healthy dollop of remoulade.
Grace Silipigni
Grace Silipigni is an elementary school Spanish immersion teacher based in Virginia Beach and a regular contributor to Coastal Virginia Magazine, covering a wide range of topics such as health and wellness, education and learning, food and drink, happenings and events, travel and getaways and more.
