The classic fried chicken sandwich is erhapsnone ofthe most prolific foods in the US. It represents an American pastime that’s akin to baseball, only way more delicious. Fried chicken as we know it is rooted in Southern tradition, but today you can find some of the best of its kind anywhere in the United States—particularly the fried chicken sandwiches in New Jersey.
In fact, up and down the coast you’ll find food trucks, barbecue joints and gourmet restaurants who stake their claim on having the crispiest and crunchiest fried chicken sandwich in New Jersey. But, this list could never encompass the enormous pool of food stands and drive-ins that are frying up chicken sandwiches throughout the state. However, it does highlight some of the most talented people in the industry putting a twist on this American staple—from the peaks of Bergen County to the sunny Jersey Shore and everywhere in between.
Now, folks, the moment you’ve all been waiting for: 10 spots to get a fried chicken sandwich in New Jersey.
Namkeen – Chatham, NJ
This Pakistani fast-casual joint has been wowing chicken lovers since making its way to NJ almost three years ago. When Namkeen founders saw a need for a high-quality hot chicken spot that operated under halal standards in Jersey, they swooped in with their concept. Namkeen blends classic Nashville-style hot chicken with Pakistani flavors, making for a sandwich that is truly unique. The Tikaville sandwich is especially flavorsome—combining their signature hot chicken with tikka masala sauce, coleslaw, pickled onions and mint chutney. This sandwich is incredibly complex and offers a nice change of pace from the monotony that chicken sandwiches have become. It is certainly one of the best fried chicken sandwiches in New Jersey.
The Tikaville | Photo courtesy of Namkeen
No Forks Given – Jersey City
This gourmet food truck makes buying lunch easy and convenient. No Forks Given roves around Jersey City selling hand-held delectables, and can often be found outside of apartment buildings, including The Beacon, Solaris Lofts and 235 Grand. Moreover, they have a vast and unique selection of fried chicken sandwiches. Whether you order the Korean Fried Chicken Sandwich, the Southern Buttermilk or the Hot Honey variety, your mind is likely to be blown.
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Jollibee – Jersey City, Edison, East Rutherford, NJ
Jollibee is the Filipino fast food titan known for their delectable fried chicken, aptly named Chickenjoy. The brand has become the fastest growing Asian restaurant company in the world with 1300 locations worldwide and 70 now here in North america. While the classic chicken is usually what diners opt for, you should never look past the chicken sandwiches. Jollibee’s chicken sandwiches come in both original and spicy, served on a brioche bun with their signature umami mayo (the spicy sandwich comes with sriracha mayo and jalapeños). Crispy, salty, savory and spicy—this fast food sandwich is worth a spot on our list.
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Simply Fowl – Cherry Hill, NJ
As the name may suggest, Simply Fowl specializes in all things chicken—from tenders to wings and, yes, sandwiches. The chicken-forward menu boasts a wide range of sandwiches including the classic, the southern—which lands you the addition of pimento cheese, fried pickles and garlic slaw—and the chicken and waffle sandwich, featuring thick-cut bacon, hot honey butter and maple syrup. As an added bonus, Simply Fowl offers a variety of fresh-baked cookies, including a unique flavor each week. If you’re like us and love fried chicken AND dessert, this is the place to be.
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Dave’s Hot Chicken – Wayne, NJ
Whether it be their crave-worthy chicken or the fact that Drake owns a piece of the brand, it is no secret that Dave’s Hot Chicken is one of America’s fastest growing food chains—and for good reason. Dave’s Hot Chicken specializes in chicken, obviously, but it is their sauces that bring floods of customers through the doors. Customers have the choice of lite mild, mild, medium, hot, extra hot and reaper. The sandwich is the star of the menu and will land you a tender piece of fried chicken coated in the sauce of your choice, Dave’s sauce, kale slaw and pickles. With Dave’s finally making its way to Jersey, you’re past due for a visit—just make sure to get there early, the line is probably already out the door.
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Zack’s Oak Bar & Restaurant – Hoboken
Zack’s Oak Bar & Restaurant combines fine dining with classic street food. Established in 1997, Zack’s has been bringing a homestyle cooking experience to the streets of Hoboken for over two decades. Whether you’re there for brunch, lunch or dinner, order The Hoboken for a unique take on the fried chicken sandwich. Topped with tomato and fuji apple coleslaw, this hot honey crispy chicken sandwich will transport your taste buds to unchartered territory.
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Hoagitos – Belmar
Representing South Jersey, Hoagitos prides itself on delivering quickly prepared food with high-end ingredients. Branded as “semi-gourmet,” this sub shop takes fried chicken sliders to another level. Topped with sharp cheddar cheese, bacon, arugula, pickled chilis and herb mayo, get two delicious sliders with unbelievable fried chicken breast. If you’re down the Shore, you know where to go for a fried chicken sandwich in New Jersey.
Wendell’s Spicy Chicken Sandwich | Photo courtesy of @hoagitos
Bobwhite Counter – Jersey City, NJ
Bobwhite Counter is a fried chicken restaurant—plain and simple. The inventive brand has been dishing out fried chicken for over a decade now and their several chicken sandwiches are what many devout fans return for. The classic chicken and buffalo chicken sandwiches are enticing, but it is the fried chicken biscuit that keeps us coming back. Tender, fried chicken is sandwiched between a flaky and buttery biscuit with a drizzle of honey. Perhaps a deviation from your classic chicken sandwich, but the southern-style chicken biscuit is just too good not to mention.
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The Highwood – Weehawken
Situated on the waterfront of Weehawken, The Highwood offers an exquisite fried chicken sandwich to enjoy as you gaze upon the view of New York City. With a modern take on fine dining, The Highwood will blow you away with its Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich. Layered with bacon, lettuce, house pickles and chipotle mayo, enjoy what is no doubt one of the greatest fried chicken sandwiches in New Jersey.
Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich | Photo courtesy of @highwoodNJ
Cluck-U Chicken – Multiple Locations
I don’t care what anyone says, Cluck-U Chicken is my guilty pleasure. It’s a modest chain with locations scattered across the country. In fact, they have 10 locations throughout the state of New Jersey. Head on over to any of these locations—Morristown is my go-to—and order the Fat Clucker. It includes fried chicken tenders, mozzarella sticks and spuds, topped off with your choice of sauce. Believe me when I tell you, it never disappoints.
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Main image of No Forks Given by @eatingjerseycity
About the Author/s
A product of North Jersey, Will is an aspiring writer who enjoys music, comedy and fast food.
2 comments
clearly you’ve never been to mostly smoked in manalapan..best chicken sandwich period
I know this sounds crazy but restaurants exist outside of North Jersey. They’re pretty great too. Maybe you should look into it …