… But I love chicken sandwiches, and so do a lot of other people. Our society’s mass craving for chicken sandwiches is likely the reason that you can find chicken sandwiches basically everywhere. In Naperville it seems like you can get a chicken sandwich virtually anywhere that sells food. But one thing should be made clear. 

Not all chicken sandwiches are made equal. 

As a chicken sandwich enthusiast I can attest to this fact, some are simply much better than others. To make sure that you do not waste your time eating sub par sandwiches I have decided to make a list of the top chicken sandwiches available to us in Naperville.

There are plenty of places you can go to get an average chicken sandwich. Most places will find a way to fit one onto the menu but they aren’t places you should go if you want the best. For example, the McChicken from McDonald’s is not great but it is bearable if it’s all that is available. Served with lettuce and mayo, this sandwich barely costs more than a dollar and the taste shows. Other places like Wendy’s and Burger King make chicken sandwiches similar to McDonald’s for a similar price. If you care about yourself at all, please do not eat any of these and instead look to eat somewhere in this list.

Number 4 – Culver’s 

Culver’s is generally known for their cheeseburgers, but they also make a pretty good chicken sandwich. They sell a fairly crispy chicken patty with a thick toasted bun served with lettuce, tomato and pickles. Also if you didn’t already see, a new Culver’s opened off of Naper and Ogden with great service. While this sandwich is pretty good, there is definitely a drop off from other places. If you are specifically craving a chicken sandwich, look to those in the top three.

Number 3 – Raising Cane’s 

Cane’s takes a different approach from the typical chicken sandwich. Instead of a single patty, they sell three or four golden brown chicken strips on two pieces of Texas Toast. This combination of Louisiana chicken and Texas Toast along with the special Cane’s sauce is one that must be tried. While many other places have a variety of different things on the menu, Cane’s basically just sells chicken and toast, and for good reason. Sadly you may have to drive a little as the closest Cane’s is located off of 59 by the Fox Valley Mall. 

Number 2 – Popeyes 

This fall Popeyes released their own sandwich, and it definitely deserves to be in the top of this list. The chicken is both tender on the inside and crispy on the outside, giving you the best of both worlds in regards to texture. The addition of mayonnaise and pickles add taste to the already world class chicken patty. Finally, the brioche bun really brings everything together to make it so much better. Sadly however, aside from their wonderfully tasting sandwich Popeyes is not run very great. Popeyes often does not have their sandwich because they have run out. Popeyes would be first on the list if not for their inability to guarantee a sandwich. Which brings us to our number one, a company whose service would never let you down.

Number 1 – Chick-Fil-A

Everything about Chick-Fil-A is great. From the second you walk in the door you are given amazing service that is not matched by any other on this list. Aside from the amazing service, the chicken is juicy and tender and comes on a soft, warm bun. Arguably just as important as the sandwich itself is the sauces that come with it. Chick-Fil-A offers a wide range of sauces that you cannot find anywhere else. These sauces include the Chick-Fil-A sauce, a mixture of honey mustard, barbecue and ranch. One thing to keep in mind when planning a trip to Chick-Fil-A (which you should) is that they are closed on Sundays. Chick-Fil-A is a chain based on the values of Christianity and they believe that Sundays should be for resting and praying. This just means you’ll have to get enough during the other 6 days of the week.