clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile
More Maps

11 New Restaurants and Bars to Check Out in Ann Arbor

26 Detroit Cafes Serving Great Cups of Coffee

13 Essential Ann Arbor Restaurants

More in Detroit See more maps
Two sandwiches.
Chicken sandwiches at SuperCrisp come from the team behind Ima’s.
SuperCrisp

13 Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwiches in Metro Detroit

Crunchy, juicy, and spicy sandwiches to try

by Eater Staff and Brenna Houck Updated
1 comment / new
View as Map
Chicken sandwiches at SuperCrisp come from the team behind Ima’s.
| SuperCrisp
by Eater Staff and Brenna Houck Updated
1 comment / new

Just about every restaurant these days seems to have a fried chicken sandwich on the menu, but not all of them are memorable. These metro Detroit restaurants take on the task every day to season, bread, and fry a bird — while still keeping the meat tender and juicy. From chili oil-dipped karaage chicken sandwiches at Ima to spicy fried chicken with tangy slaw at the Gripper Food Truck, here’s where to order the finest crispy birds between buns in metro Detroit.

Read More
Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.

O.W.L.

Copy Link

The “chicken fried chicken” sandwich here comes on a sesame bun, a fried, and a mix of cheeses. This 24-hour Mexican American diner sports a stainless steel counter for bellying up with a nitro cold brew to take in the action happening in the kitchen.

27302 Woodward Ave #0927, Royal Oak, MI 48067
(248) 808-6244
(248) 808-6244

Also featured in:

The Gripper Food Truck

Copy Link

Thanks, in part, to the fanfare over its fried chicken sandwich, Durden’s Catering is now slinging fried chicken sandwiches, fries, and banana pudding from a food truck parked in the lot next to Baker’s Keyboard Lounge. This well-traffic mobile kitchen is named after its flagship sandwich, the Famous Spicy Yung Gripper, featuring crispy, spicy fried chicken with pickle chips, tangy slaw, pepper jack cheese, and bang sauce. Every order comes with saucy parmesan fries. Place orders in person and note that the truck only accepts payment with cash or Cash App, so prepare accordingly.

20504 Livernois, Detroit, MI 48221
(313) 209-3350
(313) 209-3350

Also featured in:

Saffron De Twah

Copy Link

Saffron De Twah on Detroit’s east side has a way with sandwiches from the cauliflower stuffed batbout to the Moroccan-inspired fried chicken sandwich. The latter was inspired by a sandwich chef Omar Anani had on a trip to Morocco. The Berbere-seasoned fried chicken features a light and airy batter that’s perfectly craggy and crisp, topped with tangy harissa slaw and caramelized honey butter on a challah bun. While occasionally taken off the menu, it’s a crowd-pleaser on the occasions it does resurface. Everything at the restaurant is halal.

7636 Gratiot Ave, Detroit, MI 48213
(586) 359-6138
(586) 359-6138

Also featured in:

Yellow Light Coffee and Donuts

Copy Link

Hit up this drive-thru doughnut and coffee shop in Jefferson Chalmers for a nicely spiced fried chicken and biscuit sandwich topped with hot sauce or maple glaze for a sweet and salty snack. Customize the sandwich with an egg or cheese for a little extra and don’t miss the coffee slushies.

14447 E Jefferson Ave, Detroit, MI 48215
(313) 469-7780
(313) 469-7780

Also featured in:

SuperCrisp

Copy Link

From chef Mike Ransom and the team behind Ima comes this restaurant, which opened in January to much fanfare. Hot dogs and salads are popular here, but the karaage fried sandwiches run just $12 and come with twice-fried chicken or tofu and Kewpie slaw, with vegan brioche buns, to boot.  

4830 Cass Ave Suite C, Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 474-8880
(313) 474-8880

Also featured in:

Jolly Pumpkin Pizzeria & Brewery

Copy Link

There’s a reason this sandwich seems to land on every Jolly Pumpkin menu. The so-called Perfect Fried Chicken Sandwich features a tangy sesame cilantro slaw with spicy pickles, turmeric aioli, sriracha, and a toasted, black sesame speckled roll for extra color contrast. It’s as nice looking as it is to eat. Order a side of truffle fries for the road.

441 W Canfield St #9, Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 262-6115
(313) 262-6115

Also featured in:

Royale with Cheese

Copy Link

Sloppy, fun sandwiches are the name of the game at Royale With Cheese, a halal-friendly burger spot in Cass Corridor. Choose from two different styles of Cuban fried chicken sandwiches with pickle spears. The Vincent Vega features Cajun aioli while the Marsellus Wallace comes with a fried egg and an extra spicy punch thanks to a sweet and spicy pepper sauce. Make sure to order potato wedges for the side.

4163 Cass Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 315-3014
(313) 315-3014

Also featured in:

COOP Caribbean Fusion

Copy Link

Chef Max Hardy’s food stall at Detroit Shipping Company features a Caribbean take on the spicy fried chicken sandwich genre. The spicy chicken sandwich features guava barbecue sauce and combines it with tangy slaw, bacon jam, and garlic aioli, and queso fresco. Pair the sandwich with a side of Caribbean fries drizzled in cilantro aioli, cheese, and Cajun seasoning.

474 Peterboro St, Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 932-0320
(313) 932-0320
A spicy chicken sandwich with purple cabbage slaw held in front of a purple wall above some pink flowers at Detroit Shipping Co. Gerard + Belevender

Detroit Beer Co.

Copy Link

Detroit Beer Co.’s fried chicken sandwich packs a bit of Cajun flavor into every bite with a spicy aioli. The sandwich features a pickled cabbage slaw with seasoned fries on the side.

1529 Broadway St, Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 962-1529
(313) 962-1529
Close-up shot of a sandwich and fries.
The chicken sandwich at Detroit Beer Co. is no joke.
Detroit Beer Co.

Takoi

Copy Link

A longtime favorite on the menu, Takoi brought its fried chicken sandwich back full-time during the pandemic. Juicy Thai fried thigh meat is topped with papaya salad, coconut milk ranch, sweet chili garlic sauce, and pickled chilies for a spicy, refreshing bite.

2520 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216
(313) 855-2864
(313) 855-2864

Also featured in:

Green Dot Stables

Copy Link

Local slider spot Green Dot Stables serves a wide variety of chicken sandwiches including a sweet and salty option with sage maple syrup.

2200 W Lafayette Blvd, Detroit, MI 48216
(313) 962-5588
(313) 962-5588
Three orders of fries.
Green Dot Stables’ fries.
Green Dot Stables

Also featured in:

Fat Daddy's Hot Chicken & Waffles

Copy Link

This Downriver carryout shop makes fried chicken with a distinctive crunch. Fat Daddy’s marinates its Nashville hot chicken and then fries it fresh to order according to the customer’s desired spice level: country-style all the way up to “too damn hot.” The basic sandwich comes on a buttered brioche bun with pickle chips and comeback sauce. Customers can also choose options like the Mac Daddy with macaroni and cheese or the Suga Momma — a fried chicken donut sandwich. It will make you sweat.

18283 M-85, Riverview, MI 48193
(734) 288-3051
(734) 288-3051
A hand holds a large hot chicken sandwich with lots of sauce and pickle chips wrapped in paper. Brenna Houck

Also featured in:

Holy Cluck Food Truck

Copy Link

This mega popular Dearborn food truck went into its first permanent location in February, and its fanbase has continued to eat up everything the halal-friendly business puts out. Owner Ali Bazzi brought milkshakes to the menu with the 25827 West Warren shop, but it was the enormous Cluck chicken sandwich that first garnered attention for this business.

15010 W Warren Ave, Dearborn, MI 48126
(313) 699-1272
(313) 699-1272

Also featured in:

More in Maps

Loading comments...

© 2023 Vox Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
Link copied to the clipboard.

O.W.L.

27302 Woodward Ave #0927, Royal Oak, MI 48067

The “chicken fried chicken” sandwich here comes on a sesame bun, a fried, and a mix of cheeses. This 24-hour Mexican American diner sports a stainless steel counter for bellying up with a nitro cold brew to take in the action happening in the kitchen.

27302 Woodward Ave #0927, Royal Oak, MI 48067
(248) 808-6244
(248) 808-6244

The Gripper Food Truck

20504 Livernois, Detroit, MI 48221

Thanks, in part, to the fanfare over its fried chicken sandwich, Durden’s Catering is now slinging fried chicken sandwiches, fries, and banana pudding from a food truck parked in the lot next to Baker’s Keyboard Lounge. This well-traffic mobile kitchen is named after its flagship sandwich, the Famous Spicy Yung Gripper, featuring crispy, spicy fried chicken with pickle chips, tangy slaw, pepper jack cheese, and bang sauce. Every order comes with saucy parmesan fries. Place orders in person and note that the truck only accepts payment with cash or Cash App, so prepare accordingly.

20504 Livernois, Detroit, MI 48221
(313) 209-3350
(313) 209-3350

Saffron De Twah

7636 Gratiot Ave, Detroit, MI 48213

Saffron De Twah on Detroit’s east side has a way with sandwiches from the cauliflower stuffed batbout to the Moroccan-inspired fried chicken sandwich. The latter was inspired by a sandwich chef Omar Anani had on a trip to Morocco. The Berbere-seasoned fried chicken features a light and airy batter that’s perfectly craggy and crisp, topped with tangy harissa slaw and caramelized honey butter on a challah bun. While occasionally taken off the menu, it’s a crowd-pleaser on the occasions it does resurface. Everything at the restaurant is halal.

7636 Gratiot Ave, Detroit, MI 48213
(586) 359-6138
(586) 359-6138

Yellow Light Coffee and Donuts

14447 E Jefferson Ave, Detroit, MI 48215

Hit up this drive-thru doughnut and coffee shop in Jefferson Chalmers for a nicely spiced fried chicken and biscuit sandwich topped with hot sauce or maple glaze for a sweet and salty snack. Customize the sandwich with an egg or cheese for a little extra and don’t miss the coffee slushies.

14447 E Jefferson Ave, Detroit, MI 48215
(313) 469-7780
(313) 469-7780

SuperCrisp

4830 Cass Ave Suite C, Detroit, MI 48201

From chef Mike Ransom and the team behind Ima comes this restaurant, which opened in January to much fanfare. Hot dogs and salads are popular here, but the karaage fried sandwiches run just $12 and come with twice-fried chicken or tofu and Kewpie slaw, with vegan brioche buns, to boot.  

4830 Cass Ave Suite C, Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 474-8880
(313) 474-8880

Jolly Pumpkin Pizzeria & Brewery

441 W Canfield St #9, Detroit, MI 48201

There’s a reason this sandwich seems to land on every Jolly Pumpkin menu. The so-called Perfect Fried Chicken Sandwich features a tangy sesame cilantro slaw with spicy pickles, turmeric aioli, sriracha, and a toasted, black sesame speckled roll for extra color contrast. It’s as nice looking as it is to eat. Order a side of truffle fries for the road.

441 W Canfield St #9, Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 262-6115
(313) 262-6115

Royale with Cheese

4163 Cass Ave, Detroit, MI 48201

Sloppy, fun sandwiches are the name of the game at Royale With Cheese, a halal-friendly burger spot in Cass Corridor. Choose from two different styles of Cuban fried chicken sandwiches with pickle spears. The Vincent Vega features Cajun aioli while the Marsellus Wallace comes with a fried egg and an extra spicy punch thanks to a sweet and spicy pepper sauce. Make sure to order potato wedges for the side.

4163 Cass Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 315-3014
(313) 315-3014

COOP Caribbean Fusion

474 Peterboro St, Detroit, MI 48201

Chef Max Hardy’s food stall at Detroit Shipping Company features a Caribbean take on the spicy fried chicken sandwich genre. The spicy chicken sandwich features guava barbecue sauce and combines it with tangy slaw, bacon jam, and garlic aioli, and queso fresco. Pair the sandwich with a side of Caribbean fries drizzled in cilantro aioli, cheese, and Cajun seasoning.

474 Peterboro St, Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 932-0320
(313) 932-0320
A spicy chicken sandwich with purple cabbage slaw held in front of a purple wall above some pink flowers at Detroit Shipping Co. Gerard + Belevender

Detroit Beer Co.

1529 Broadway St, Detroit, MI 48226

Detroit Beer Co.’s fried chicken sandwich packs a bit of Cajun flavor into every bite with a spicy aioli. The sandwich features a pickled cabbage slaw with seasoned fries on the side.

1529 Broadway St, Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 962-1529
(313) 962-1529
Close-up shot of a sandwich and fries.
The chicken sandwich at Detroit Beer Co. is no joke.
Detroit Beer Co.

Takoi

2520 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216

A longtime favorite on the menu, Takoi brought its fried chicken sandwich back full-time during the pandemic. Juicy Thai fried thigh meat is topped with papaya salad, coconut milk ranch, sweet chili garlic sauce, and pickled chilies for a spicy, refreshing bite.

2520 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216
(313) 855-2864
(313) 855-2864

Green Dot Stables

2200 W Lafayette Blvd, Detroit, MI 48216

Local slider spot Green Dot Stables serves a wide variety of chicken sandwiches including a sweet and salty option with sage maple syrup.

2200 W Lafayette Blvd, Detroit, MI 48216
(313) 962-5588
(313) 962-5588
Three orders of fries.
Green Dot Stables’ fries.
Green Dot Stables

Fat Daddy's Hot Chicken & Waffles

18283 M-85, Riverview, MI 48193

This Downriver carryout shop makes fried chicken with a distinctive crunch. Fat Daddy’s marinates its Nashville hot chicken and then fries it fresh to order according to the customer’s desired spice level: country-style all the way up to “too damn hot.” The basic sandwich comes on a buttered brioche bun with pickle chips and comeback sauce. Customers can also choose options like the Mac Daddy with macaroni and cheese or the Suga Momma — a fried chicken donut sandwich. It will make you sweat.

18283 M-85, Riverview, MI 48193
(734) 288-3051
(734) 288-3051
A hand holds a large hot chicken sandwich with lots of sauce and pickle chips wrapped in paper. Brenna Houck

Holy Cluck Food Truck

15010 W Warren Ave, Dearborn, MI 48126

This mega popular Dearborn food truck went into its first permanent location in February, and its fanbase has continued to eat up everything the halal-friendly business puts out. Owner Ali Bazzi brought milkshakes to the menu with the 25827 West Warren shop, but it was the enormous Cluck chicken sandwich that first garnered attention for this business.

15010 W Warren Ave, Dearborn, MI 48126
(313) 699-1272
(313) 699-1272

Related Maps