12 Vegan Fried Chicken Sandwiches That Are Better Than Chick-fil-A and Popeyes

If you’re craving a juicy, crispy plant-based chicken burger, there are impossibly tasty chicken sandwiches beyond Popeyes and Chick-fil-A.

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Not only are these vegan twists on the classic chicken sandwich better for you, but they’re much kinder choices for the animals and the planet, too. And if you think you’ll be sacrificing taste or texture by biting into one of these bad boys, you’d be wrong. Bring a friend and a napkin—your taste buds (and your worldview) will never be the same again.

Veggie Grill

1 Veggie Grill by Next Level

Multiple locations

One of the earliest vegan restaurants to compete in the chicken sandwich games, Veggie Grill’s signature menu item rivals even the buzzy newcomers. The Santa Fe Chick’n is a standout sandwich comprised of a juicy, meaty chick’n patty, romaine, sliced tomato, pickled onions, guacamole, and Southwest mayo on a toasted wheat bun. Other vegan chicken options include the Pesto Chik’n Parm and the Crispy Chik’n.
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Green New American Vegetarian

2 Green New American Vegetarian

Phoenix and Tempe, AZ

A play on a certain fast-food chain featuring a red-headed female mascot, the Wendy’s Pickle sandwich outshines the original. With only a few pickles, hot sauce, and mayo to accompany it, the Southern-style breaded vegan chicken patty is truly the star of the sandwich. The toasted ciabatta bread acts as the perfect serving vessel. Order with one of the unique sides such as thyme fries, fried Brussels sprouts, lemon-garlic bowtie pasta salad, fruit, or cheesy grits. 
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J. Selby’s

3J. Selby’s

St. Paul, MN

Sometimes you just crave a classic chicken sandwich, and J. Selby’s Crispy Chickin’ Sandwich will satisfy your taste buds. This hot handhold features a breaded and fried chicken patty made by the pros at The Herbivorous Butcher—it’s topped off with lettuce, pickles, and mayo, all nestled between two brioche buns. 
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Lettuce Feast

4Lettuce Feast

Los Angeles, CA

Truth be told, this vegan food truck goes relatively light on the lettuce. It’s all about that crispy, crackly vegan fried chicken. Wait patiently in line for your Nashville Sando or Classic Sando. Both are made with the company’s homemade crispy chicken patty and vegan buttered bun—though the OG is paired with pickles and secret sauce, while the Nashville comes with slaw, ranch, and your choice of hot sauce. Again, there’s no need to be a hero. The Original, Mild, Medium, and Hot Honey sauces are spicy enough. Only true heat-seekers should take on the more advanced hot sauce dipping options. 
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Modern Love Omaha

5Modern Love

Brooklyn,NY

Tofu is a trickster—you’d never know this succulent, fried patty was soy in disguise. Modern Love’s take on the classic pairs fresh ingredients with golden-fried lusciousness. Check out the Hot Honee Chik’n Sandwich, which comes slathered with spicy vegan housemade honee and pickled jalapeños.
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Meatless Molly

6HipCityVeg

Multiple locations

Residents of Washington, DC and Philadelphia rejoice: this decadent sando is in your neck of the woods. Sink your teeth into the Crispy HipCity Ranch sandwich. It’s got all the classic toppings—lettuce, onion, and pickles—but the peppercorn ranch offers a pleasant touch of heat without moving into Nashville hot territory. 
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PLNT Burger

7PLNT Burger

Multiple locations

Beyond a reputable vegan fried chicken sandwich, PLNT Burger has something Popeye’s doesn’t have: soft serve. Choose from the original Crispy Chick’n Sandwich or add some heat with the Spicy Chick’n Sandwich before you jump into dessert. 
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Winter Park Biscuit Co.

8Winter Park Biscuit Co.

Orlando, FL

Come for the vegan biscuits, return for the succulent vegan fried chicken. For a classic chicken sando opt for the Crispy Chik Sandwich. It features a housemade chicken cutlet, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and mayo on a brioche bun. But be sure you don’t miss The OG featuring a crispy cutlet stuffed between oat buttermilk biscuits with your choice of sauce. 
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Monty’s Good Burger

9 Monty’s Good Burger

Multiple locations, Southern California

The vegan equivalent of In-N-Out has entered the vegan fried chicken sandwich wars. Coined Charlie’s Chicken Sandwich, the crispy chicken sandwich has little to detract from the main feature (Impossible Chicken)—the only condiments include pickles and vegan mayonnaise. Add some more flavor by choosing a dipping sauce like BBQ, buffalo aioli, or habanero.
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Mr. Charlie’s

10 Mr. Charlie’s

Los Angeles & San Francisco, CA

Missing McDonald’s chicken sandwiches? Head to Mr. Charlie’s. Their plant-based version—made with Tindle vegan chicken, crisp lettuce, and egg-free mayo—hits all the nostalgic notes. For the full not-McDonald’s experience, pair it with Frowny Fries and finish with a Mr. FluffHead ice cream.
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Champignon Eats

11 Champignon Eats

Los Angeles, CA

Mushroom lovers, take note: Champignon Eats is a must-visit. This Los Angeles spot serves an entirely mushroom-based menu, from enoki-loaded fries to hearty portobello patties. Don’t miss their two standout vegan chicken burgers—Classic and Spicy—both built around a crispy enoki Chik’n patty that delivers serious crunch and flavor.
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Cafe Gratitude

12Cafe Gratitude

Los Angeles, CA

Café Gratitude has two Los Angeles locations—Larchmont and Venice—each serving up a menu full of plant-based goodness. One standout? The I Am Enthusiastic, a crispy vegan chicken-fried mushroom sandwich topped with buffalo sauce and served with a side salad and ranch.
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Tanya Flink is a Digital Editor at VegNews as well as a writer and runner living in Orange County, CA.