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In the endless debate over the quality of one chicken sandwich to another, there’s one style of sandwich that has been gathering some attention. The spicy chicken sandwich has become a gastronomic sensation, capturing the hearts (and taste buds) of food enthusiasts everywhere. While the recipes can vary from place to place, spicy chicken sandwiches are a fan favorite. It packs a lot of flavor for hot food fanatics and Metro Detroit has quite a few places slinging this tasty sandwich.
SUPERCRISP
4830 Cass Avenue, Suite C, Detroit
SuperCrisp, a brainchild of Chef/Owner Mike Ransom, was born out of the overwhelming popularity of Ima’s Fried Chicken Sandwich. “When demand became too great for Ima’s wildly popular Fried Chicken Sandwich; SuperCrisp was born. Located next door to Ima in Midtown, SuperCrisp is a fun, bright and playful restaurant that transforms the classic American burger shop with Ima’s bold, unique flavors and a nod to Japanese cuisine,” explains Ransom. SuperCrisp’s version is a twice-fried crispy yuzu-ginger chicken, Kewpie slaw, pickles, lemon mayo, and red onion. The spicy chicken sandwich, along with an array of other yummy bites, like the hot fries, with ghost pepper, toasted chilis, garlic, sesame, nori, and chili lime sea salt, have become staples for those seeking bold flavors.
MA LOU’S
15 West Michigan Avenue, Ypsilanti
This favorite has made chicken it’s passion and it shows. From all kinds of chicken sandwiches to chicken & waffles and plenty of sides and shareables, Ma Lou’s is a must-try when chicken is on the mind; especially if a hot chicken is on the mind. The Hot Chick is one of Ma’s signature sandwiches and is made with a Nashville hot baste, bacon, lettuce, tomato, pepper jack cheese, and jalapeno ranch on a classic bun. The other sandwiches on the menu can come “Spicy AF” if you want a different flavor profile with spice still present. Pair any with some onion petals or sweet potato fries and you have one heck of a meal.
SECOND BEST
42 Watson Street, Detroit
Located near Woodward Avenue in Detroit, Second Best can be easily spotted at night thanks to a brightly lit red ribbon sign with its name on it. Head inside this bar for plenty of comfort food options, like BBQ short rib sliders, fried cheese curds, and, of course, the fried chicken sandwich made with Nashville hot sauce, celeriac slaw, and ranch. Wash down that simple but delicious sandwich with a beer on draft or one of Second Best’s signature cocktails.
LITTLE BROTHERS BURGERS
201 West Fourth Street, Royal Oak
28840 Harper Avenue, St. Clair Shores
Don’t be dissuaded by the name Little Brothers Burgers, because you won’t want to sleep on the spicy chicken sandwich offered here. “We recently opened another location in St. Clair Shores, and returned our Late Night hours in downtown Royal Oak till 2:30 in the morning,” shares Boris Bozinovski, the owner for 13 years. This spicy chicken sandwich, available late into the night, is a crowd-pleaser with its perfect balance of heat and flavor. This sandwich has spicy chipotle breaded chicken, lettuce, tomato, grilled onions, and ranch. Next time you want a hot chicken sandwich late at night, head to Little Brothers Burgers.
THE MORRIE
511 South Main Street, Royal Oak
260 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham
What better way to enjoy a Nashville hot chicken sandwich than with great live music? The Morrie in Royal Oak and Birmingham is the spot to grab dinner and a show. The Nashville hot chicken sandwich is made with crispy chicken, tricolored slaw, garlic aioli, bread and butter pickles, and bleu cheese dressing. Chow down on a heck of a sandwich and then take in a heck of a show. Bonus! The Morrie also offers a Nashville pizza, Detroit style. This pizza has the same crispy chicken, pickles, garlic aioli, and blue cheese as the sandwich, but also is topped with red onion and a house blend of cheese.
IVY KITCHEN + COCKTAILS
9215 East Jefferson Avenue, Detroit
Ivy Kitchen + Cocktails, led by Owner Nya Marshall, is a perfect spot for any occasion, whether it be brunch Friday through Sunday, date night dinners, happy hour throughout the week, or a late-night meal. The spicy chicken sandwich is on the brunch and dinner menus and has house-made buffalo sauce, carrot-celery slaw, and charred gorgonzola cheese on a brioche bun, served with a side salad. The chic atmosphere is an excellent setting fitting its excellent menus.
This article has been updated to include new information. The original article was published on January 13, 2020.
