Golden, Crispy, Juicy: The Best Vegan Chicken Sandwiches in the Country

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

Not only are these vegan twists on the classic chicken sandwich better for you, but they’re also better for 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 will never be the same again.

RELATED: It’s Official: These Are the 35 Best Meatless Sandwiches in the Country

Vegan chicken sandwich favorites on the West Coast and in the Southwest

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. But honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of the chain’s four vegan chicken sandwiches. Other options include Crispy Chik’n, Buffalo Bomber, and Chik’n Bacon Ranch.

Monty’s Good Burger

2 Monty’s Good Burger

Los Angeles, CA

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, sriracha aioli, or habanero.

Mr. Charlie’s

3 Mr. Charlie’s

Multiple locations

Missing McDonald’s chicken sandwiches? Head to Mr. Charlie’s. The chain’s 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.

Champignon Eats

4 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 portabello patties. Don’t miss its two standout vegan chicken burgers—Classic and Spicy—both built around a crispy enoki Chik’n patty that delivers serious crunch and flavor.

Cafe Gratitude

5Café 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.

Green New American Vegetarian

6 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. Need more vegan chicken sandwich goodness? You can also try the Original “G” Spicy Po-Boy, the BFF (with fresh sautéed jalapenos and spicy cheddar), and The BirdWac with a crispy-fried vegan chicken cutlet.

Must-try vegan chicken sandwiches in the Midwest

J. Selby’s

7J. Selby’s

St. Paul, MN

Sometimes you just crave a classic chicken sandwich, and J. Selby’s 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.

Can’t Believe It’s Not Meat

8 Can’t Believe It’s Not Meat

Chicago, IL

The clue is in the name, but the Chik’n Sandwich at Can’t Believe It’s Not Meat really is astonishingly chicken-free. The perfectly crispy patty comes slathered in honey mustard, topped with a generous helping of dairy-free cheese, and classic salad fillings. And if that doesn’t sound filling enough, it also comes with a side of seasoned fries.

The Chicago Diner

9 The Chicago Diner

Chicago, IL

The Chicago Diner is a true Chicago staple. While its Logan Square location may now be closed, you can still get a delectable vegan chicken sandwich at the Lakeview restaurant. The Spicy Crispy Chicken is a must for heat lovers, though a dollop of vegan ranch and the classic combination of lettuce, tomato, and cucumber keep the spice from becoming overwhelming.

Street Beet

10 Street Beet

Detroit, MI

Detroiters, this one’s for you. Head to Street Beet from Wednesday through Sunday and treat yourself to the Chicken Parm. This indulgent sandwich combines fried tofu with garlic butter brioche, marinara, vegan provolone, arugula, chimichurri, and parmesan. We’re drooling already.

Vegan chicken sandwich standouts on the East Coast

Meatless Molly

11HipCityVeg

Multiple locations

Take a trip down to this vegan hotspot, and 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. 

PLNT Burger

12PLNT Burger

Multiple locations

This popular East Coast vegan chain always delivers on vegan comfort food, and for that, we are eternally grateful. We’re even more grateful that it has not one, but four vegan chicken sandwiches. Choose from the original Crispy Chick’n Sandwich or add some heat with the Spicy Chick’n Sandwich. Don’t like crispy coating? You can opt for the Classic Grill Chik’n or the Spicy Grilled Chik’n, too.

Vegan on the Fly

13 Vegan on the Fly

New York City, NY

Of course, New York has no shortage of excellent vegan sandwiches. For some of the city’s best vegan chicken sandwiches, head to Vegan On The Fly. The menu features three options—the Nashville Hot Chicken, the NcFilA, and the NcChicken—all made with Tindle chicken patties.

Top vegan chicken sandwich choices in the South

Winter Park Biscuit Co.

14Winter 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. If you’re brave, check out the Death Valley Chik Sandwich with dry spice and pickled jalapenos.

Mission Burger Co

15 Mission Burger Co

Austin, TX, and Atlanta, GA

It’s hard to choose from the impressive lineup of four vegan chicken sandwiches at Mission Burger Co, but the Crispy Lemon Pepper Chicken Sandwich has our name written all over it. Topped with housemade lemon pepper sauce and ranch dressing, it’s the perfect balance of zesty and indulgent.