6 Georgia Chicken Sandwich Spots That Flop & 6 That Locals Actually Love

Georgia takes chicken sandwiches to a whole new level. Across Atlanta’s buzzing food scene and in tiny towns all over the state, you’ll find no shortage of places claiming to serve the best fried chicken between two buns.

But let’s be real: not every sandwich lives up to the hype. While some spots have people lining up for juicy, flavorful perfection, others leave folks wondering why they bothered.

This guide lays it all out, showing you which Georgia chicken sandwich joints deserve your money and which ones you can pass by.

1. Burger King’s Chicken Letdown

Consistently scraping the bottom of chicken sandwich rankings, Burger King’s offering suffers from fundamental texture problems that leave Georgia diners disappointed.

The bread-to-meat ratio feels off, with many customers complaining about soggy buns that fall apart midway through eating.

With numerous locations scattered across Georgia, you’d think they’d have perfected their recipe by now.

Unfortunately, both PureWow and Allrecipes reviewers agree – this sandwich lacks the crispy exterior and juicy interior that make a chicken sandwich worth ordering.

2. Dairy Queen’s Spongy Sandwich Failure

Landing last (position 25) in a comprehensive 2024 fast-food chicken sandwich ranking, Dairy Queen’s attempt at chicken sandwich glory falls remarkably flat.

Critics point to the bizarrely spongy meat texture and complete absence of the satisfying crunch that chicken sandwich enthusiasts crave.

Georgia hosts over 200 DQ locations, meaning there are unfortunately hundreds of places to experience this disappointment.

The sandwich seems like an afterthought at a chain better known for its frozen treats.

3. Sonic Drive-In’s Chicken Sandwich Misstep

Sonic’s chicken sandwich consistently ranks near the bottom in comparative taste tests, with reviewers from UPROXX and Chowhound flagging its subpar quality. The meat often arrives lukewarm despite the drive-in concept supposedly delivering food at its freshest.

Last summer, I waited 20 minutes at a Macon Sonic for what turned out to be a forgettable sandwich with wilted lettuce and barely-there seasoning.

With 70+ Georgia locations, Sonic’s widespread presence unfortunately means widespread disappointment for chicken sandwich seekers.

4. Wendy’s Dry Chicken Disappointment

Despite its reputation for fresh, never-frozen beef, Wendy’s stumbles hard with its chicken offerings. The chain finished last in a 2025 spicy chicken sandwich comparison by Business Insider, with many Georgia customers noting consistently dry meat and stale buns.

Nearly 300 Georgia locations serve these underwhelming sandwiches daily. The chicken often lacks moisture, requiring generous sauce application just to make it palatable, while the buns frequently arrive feeling like they’ve been sitting out since morning.

5. Checkers/Rally’s Chicken Sandwich Letdown

PureWow editors placed Checkers/Rally’s chicken sandwich in the bottom tier of their 2025 ranking, barely escaping last place.

The sandwich suffers from inconsistency issues – sometimes arriving lukewarm with soggy breading that slides right off the chicken.

I once stopped at a Rally’s outside Augusta, hoping for a quick lunch, and received what can only be described as a chicken-flavored disappointment.

With over 70 Georgia locations, including multiple Atlanta spots, this drive-thru chain spreads mediocrity throughout the state.

6. Arby’s Soggy Chicken Sandwich Failure

Known primarily for roast beef, Arby’s should probably stick to what it does best. Multiple food critics have found their crispy chicken builds ironically soggy or bland, landing them in the low 20s on a comprehensive 2024 ranking list.

The breading lacks proper seasoning, and the chicken itself often tastes processed rather than fresh.

With over 100 Georgia locations, including throughout metro Atlanta, Arby’s widespread presence means countless disappointed chicken sandwich seekers across the state.

7. How Crispy Express: Summerhill’s Sandwich Star

Anchoring Summerhill’s thriving food strip, How Crispy Express lives up to its name with genuinely crispy, perfectly executed chicken sandwiches.

The signature sandwich features juicy chicken with an audibly crunchy exterior that maintains its texture from first bite to last.

Located at 71 Georgia Ave SE, Unit B, in Atlanta, this dedicated sandwich shop draws locals who appreciate craftsmanship.

Southern Living recognized what Atlantans already knew – this spot elevates the humble chicken sandwich to art form status.

8. Hattie B’s Hot Chicken: Little Five Points Heat Haven

Nashville-style heat comes to Little Five Points at Hattie B’s, where the hot chicken sandwich packs a customizable punch.

Their famous heat ladder ranges from mild “Southern” to the tear-inducing “Shut the Cluck Up!!!” – allowing everyone to find their perfect spice level.

Located at 299 Moreland Ave NE, this Atlanta outpost attracts heat-seekers daily. The sandwich features perfectly fried chicken, house-made sauce, and cooling slaw that balances the burn just right.

9. Howlin’ Willy’s: Atlanta’s Multi-Neighborhood Heat Master

Howlin’ Willy’s has conquered Atlanta with their spectacular hot chicken sandwich featuring tangy comeback sauce and house-made slaw. The chicken stays impossibly juicy inside while maintaining that essential crunch outside.

My first bite at their Midtown location left me speechless – I’d finally found Nashville-style heat done right in Georgia.

With locations in Midtown, Druid Hills, East Cobb, and Hapeville, Atlantans citywide can experience their perfect balance of heat and flavor without crossing state lines.

10. Scoville Hot Chicken: Buckhead’s Spice Sensation

Scoville brings Nashville-style heat to Buckhead and Norcross through a fast-casual concept that doesn’t sacrifice quality.

Their chicken sandwich features perfectly fried chicken with a distinctly crunchy exterior and heat levels that actually deliver on their promises.

Smart customers know to request extra pickles, which provide the perfect cooling counterpoint to the spice.

The bread stands up to the substantial filling without getting soggy, solving a common chicken sandwich problem that plagues lesser establishments.

11. Zunzi’s: Savannah’s World-Class Chicken Creation

Downtown Savannah’s Zunzi’s has earned international recognition for their legendary Conquistador sandwich.

This grilled chicken masterpiece made TasteAtlas’s prestigious global sandwich list, putting Georgia on the world sandwich map.

Unlike the fried options dominating this list, Zunzi’s takes the grilled route with spectacular results.

Travelers regularly make pilgrimages to the downtown Savannah location specifically for this sandwich, with many claiming it alone justifies a trip to Georgia’s historic coastal city.

12. The Original Chick-fil-A Dwarf House: Hapeville’s Historic Gem

The birthplace of America’s most famous chicken sandwich sits unassumingly in Hapeville at 461 N Central Avenue.

The Dwarf House offers not just the classic Chick-fil-A sandwich but an expanded sit-down menu in a diner setting filled with chicken sandwich history. Visiting feels like a pilgrimage to a sacred fast-food ground.

I once drove 40 minutes just to eat at this location, and the experience of enjoying that perfectly seasoned chicken sandwich in the very spot where it was invented added an extra layer of satisfaction that no other location can match.