Local Spicy Chicken Sandwiches in Phoenix: Our 2019 Picks
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Editor’s note: This roundup originally appeared in 2019. Restaurant names and dishes reflect that coverage; locations, menus and availability may have changed. The September charity promotion mentioned below was specific to 2019.
Back in 2019, Popeyes and Chick-fil-A had everyone debating chicken sandwiches. Meanwhile, I was more interested in the local spicy chicken sandwiches Phoenix-area restaurants were bringing to the table.
From Nashville-style creeper heat to Sriracha buffalo sauce and fried jalapeños, these were the sandwiches that caught my attention. Some called for a cold drink after the first bite. Others let you get comfortable before the heat showed up. Consider yourself warned.
Nine Phoenix-Area Spots From Our 2019 Spicy Chicken Roundup
Crazi’s Hot Chicken
Crazi’s food truck offered Nashville-style sandwiches with a variety of heat levels, including what I call creeper heat. At first bite, you’re thinking, “Well, this isn’t so bad.” Then it builds, and suddenly that cold drink becomes very important. The sweetness of the bun helped a little, but only a little. These weren’t overly saucy sandwiches, which made for a cleaner bite—even if your taste buds were having a moment.
Ginger Monkey Tavern
Ginger Monkey had me at pesto deviled eggs on its “Appeteasers” menu. Chef Mat Meyer’s Dawson sandwich gave me another reason to pay attention: a double-breaded chicken breast tossed in house-made Sriracha buffalo sauce, topped with pepper jack, coleslaw and pickles, and tucked between slices of grilled sourdough. There was a lot going on, and subtle wasn’t part of the assignment.
The Handlebar Diner
The Handlebar Diner earned a place on this list for its spicy fried chicken sandwich and Chef Adam’s commitment to the community. The Crispy Clucker also came with a charitable component: according to the original announcement, 25% of its purchase price during September 2019 would support Against Abuse, an organization serving people affected by domestic violence. That fundraiser was specific to the original publication period.
The Hot Chick
The Hot Chick paired crispy chicken with a generous helping of ’70s personality. At the time of this visit, food came from a camper inside a space decorated with cassette tapes and old-school arcade games. But the sandwich earned its own attention: crispy, flavorful and plenty hot. The retro surroundings were fun; the heat was serious.
Jewel’s Cafe
Chef Justine Dachel took hot chicken seriously, and her version made that clear. My original pick offered a choice: keep things traditional with a sandwich or go for chicken and waffles. If the heat made you nervous, my vote was the waffles with house-made buttermilk syrup. A little sweetness alongside all that spice certainly didn’t hurt.
The Larder + the Delta
In 2019, Chef Stephen Jones gave Tuesdays a hot-chicken alternative to tacos. The Larder + the Delta’s Tuesday-only Nashville hot chicken offering layered sweetness with plenty of spice. It was a to-go special highlighted in the original roundup, rather than a standing promise about today’s menu.
Monroe’s Hot Chicken
Monroe’s put its specialty right in the name. What stood out to me was the depth of the heat: this wasn’t simply fried chicken with a little spicy sauce added on top. The cayenne made itself known throughout the bite, from the crisp coating to the juicy chicken. If your idea of a good sandwich involved reaching for a drink between bites, this one belonged in the conversation.
Mrs. Chicken
Mrs. Chicken made the original list for giving diners a choice about how far to take the heat. Its announced lineup included five levels, from classic to XXXHot. That made it an option for both the cautiously curious and the person at the table who always insists nothing is spicy enough.
Outta Bronx
Outta Bronx took a different route from Nashville-style hot chicken. Its sandwich layered crispy chicken breast, fried pickled jalapeños and melted jalapeño jack on a buttery French baguette, finished with lettuce, tomato and spicy mayo. The heat came from several directions, and the combination earned its place in this local lineup.
These local spicy chicken sandwiches captured a slice of the Phoenix food scene in 2019. If you’re revisiting a restaurant from this list, check its current status and menu before heading out.
Who deserves a spot in a future roundup? Tell me which local chicken sandwich has you coming back—and how much heat you’re willing to handle.
About the Author - Taryn Jeffries
Editor and Chief Eating Officer of PhoenixBites, 2017 Food Writer of the Year (Arizona Culinary Hall of Fame) Taryn grew up in a small town in Illinois with a doting Grandmother who taught her the way around a kitchen and that food is representative of love. Her current quest is to find the love in local dishes and the chefs behind them. In addition to running all things PhoenixBites, Taryn is also a freelance writer, sharing her insight on the best dishes and where to get them each and every month.
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