There are so many details to consider: Is it topped with the right coleslaw?

Does it have a healthy drizzle of hot honey?

Is the chicken brined before it’s fried?

Popeyes fried chicken sandwich set against a colorful background

Photos: Popeyes. Design: Eat This, Not That!

“In subsequent years, over 20 fast-food chains followed suit by adding fried chicken sandwiches to their menus.

We spoke to several chefs to get their take on where to go to grab an unparalleled FCS.

Here’s what they had to say.

popeyes Spicy Chicken Sandwich

Popeyes

Popeyes

Popeyesis a beloved fast-food chain for a reason.

Add-ons like cheese and bacon can also be accommodated.

Chef Patrick McLaughlin ofGrand Army Barin Brooklyn, N.Y., counts himself among the fans.

Hot chicken sandwich with slaw at Hattie B’s

Photo: Hattie B’s/Facebook

“It’s five dollars, super crisp, spicy, and tangy.

There’s a reason people got so passionate about it.”

The Philadelphia-based chain exploded onto the scene in 2011 and specializes in doing comforting classics well.

A fried chicken sandwich with cheese, pickles, and Rooster sauce from Philadelphia’s Federal Donuts & Chicken

Photo: Federal Donuts & Chicken/Facebook

This chain keeps it real and breads fresh chicken per order.”

It’s a favorite of Daniel Ontiveros, corporate executive chef ofCarver Road Hospitality.

You also get your choice of six different spice rubs to turn up the heat.

The classic fried chicken sandwich from Half Bird Chicken & Beer

Photo: Half Bird Chicken & Beer/Facebook

and is hands down the best hot chicken in chicken," he says.

“It’s incredibly juicy from the marinade…all around a superstar fried chicken sandwich.”

Bahan is a particular fan of the chain’snew Tempe, Ariz., location.

The Nashville Fried Chicken Sandwich at Fry the Coop in Chicago

Photo: Fry the Coop

He’s not the only chef who’s a fan, either.

“I will return for more!!”

Chef Greg Mueller counts himself a fan of Pham and his impressive signature sandwich.

The Nashville-style hot chicken sandwich, aka The Sando, from Howlin' Ray’s in Los Angeles

Photo: Howlin' Ray’s/Facebook

Patrons have the option of different sauces to accompany their sandos and Mueller doesn’t shy away from spice.

“This is exactly what I get from the Coop Deville.

The chicken always has a nice crisp and is seasoned perfectly.

A quartet of fried chicken sandwiches from Nashville Hot Chicken restaurant

Photo: Nashville Hot Chicken/Facebook

It also isn’t covered in grease, so you’re able to taste all the ingredients individually.

Martschenko credits Kardos' own tangy ranch dressing for elevating the classic sandwich beyond its contemporaries.

“That brings something special to the sandwich, which is made on Texas toast,” Martschenko says.

The Fried Chicken Sando at Pretty Bird Hot Chicken in Utah

Photo: Pretty Bird Hot Chicken/Facebook

The Coop Deville chicken sandwich at California’s Crack Shack restaurant

Photo: The Crack Shack/Facebook

The fried chicken sandwich at Cafe Melba in Milford, Conn.

Photo: Thomas N./Yelp