Chicken sandwiches have become a staple of the fast food industry, and Tampa is no exception. They’re the perfect meal for any time of day, and they can be found at just about every fast-food restaurant in town. However, not all chicken sandwiches are created equal. If you're looking for the best chicken sandwich in Tampa, there are a few key things to consider.
What Makes a Great Chicken Sandwich?
A great chicken sandwich is more than just a piece of chicken between two slices of bread. It's a harmonious combination of quality ingredients, preparation, and flavor.
- Quality ingredients - A great chicken sandwich starts with high-quality ingredients. Fresh, tender chicken breast, a soft and fluffy bun, and flavorful toppings are essential.
- Proper preparation - Proper preparation is crucial to creating a great chicken sandwich. The chicken must be cooked to perfection, and the toppings and sauces should be evenly distributed.
- Flavorful toppings - Flavorful toppings like lettuce, tomato, cheese, and sauces can make or break a chicken sandwich. The right toppings can elevate the flavor of the chicken and create a memorable dining experience.
- Delicious sauce: A great sauce can take a chicken sandwich from good to amazing. Whether it's a classic mayo-based sauce or something more unique, the sauce should add an extra layer of flavor and bring the sandwich together.
Top Chicken Sandwiches in Tampa
When it comes to finding the best chicken sandwich in Tampa, there are plenty of options to choose from.
- PDQ's Crispy Chicken Sandwich
- The Buttermilk Provisions Classic Chicken Sandwich
- The Datz Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich
- Armature Works’ Astro's Chicken & Waffles Sandwich
- Shrimp & Co.'s Fried Chicken Sandwich
Let's take a closer look at each of these sandwiches.
PDQ's Crispy Chicken Sandwich: Our Crispy Chicken Sandwich is a fan favorite for good reason. We start with a fresh, all-natural chicken breast, marinate it in buttermilk, and then hand-bread it in our signature blend of spices and flour. The result is a crispy, juicy chicken sandwich that's bursting with flavor. We top it with our house-made sauce and crisp lettuce, served on a toasted potato bun. It's no wonder we've been named Best Chicken Sandwich in Tampa Bay by Creative Loafing for five consecutive years.
The Buttermilk Provisions Classic Chicken Sandwich: This sandwich features a juicy chicken breast that's been marinated in buttermilk and coated in seasoned flour. It's topped with house-made pickles, a tangy slaw, and a spicy mayo, all served on a toasted brioche bun.
The Datz Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich: For those who like a little heat, this sandwich is the way to go. It features a crispy chicken breast that's been coated in a fiery spice blend, and then topped with pickles, coleslaw, and a tangy hot sauce. It's all served on a buttery brioche bun.
Armature Works’ Astro's Chicken & Waffles Sandwich: This sandwich takes a unique twist on the classic chicken and waffles dish. It features a buttermilk-fried chicken breast that's sandwiched between two fluffy Belgian waffles. It's served with honey mustard and maple syrup for the perfect sweet and savory combination.
Shrimp & Co.'s Fried Chicken Sandwich: This sandwich features a fried chicken breast that's been coated in a seasoned flour mixture, and then topped with bacon, cheddar cheese, and a house-made sauce. It's all served on a brioche bun.
Experience the Crispy & Juicy Perfection of PDQ's Best Chicken Sandwich
At PDQ, we take our chicken sandwiches seriously. Out of all the chicken sandwiches in Tampa, we truly believe that PDQ's offerings are the best. Here's why:
Our Ingredients:
We start with fresh, all-natural chicken breasts that are never frozen. We marinate them in a blend of buttermilk, spices, and herbs, and then hand-bread them in our signature flour and spice blend. This ensures that every bite is packed with flavor and juicy goodness.
Our Signature Sauces:
We offer a variety of signature sauces to accompany our chicken sandwiches. Whether you're in the mood for something spicy, tangy, or sweet, we have a sauce for you. Our most popular sauces include the zesty Buffalo Bleu sauce, the tangy Ranch sauce, and the sweet Honey Mustard sauce.
We also offer our own signature sauce, the PDQ sauce, which is a unique blend of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors that pairs perfectly with our chicken sandwiches. Our sauces are made in-house using only the highest quality ingredients, and we are always experimenting with new flavors to keep things interesting for our guests.

Guest Experience:
At PDQ, we believe that the guest experience is just as important as the food itself. That's why we strive to create a welcoming and friendly environment for our guests, whether they are dining in, ordering takeout, or using our drive-thru service. Our staff members are always happy to help guests with any questions or special requests, and we go above and beyond to make sure that every guest leaves satisfied.
PDQ named the Best Chicken Sandwich in Tampa
Our dedication to quality ingredients, exceptional flavor, and outstanding guest service has earned us the honor of being named the Best Chicken Sandwich in Tampa Bay by Creative Loafing as part of their annual Best of the Bay Awards, for the fifth consecutive year.We're proud of this recognition and believe it's a testament to our commitment to using only the best ingredients and preparing our food with care.
Wrap up
If you're on the hunt for the best chicken sandwich in Tampa, look no further than PDQ. Our commitment to quality ingredients, exceptional flavor, and outstanding guest service has earned us a loyal following and numerous accolades. From our crispy and juicy chicken sandwiches to our signature sauces and welcoming environment, PDQ offers a fast food experience that is truly above the rest. So come on in, try one of our chicken sandwiches for yourself, and see why PDQ is the best chicken sandwich in Tampa.