Everybody enjoys a good chicken sandwich no matter the occasion. Whether you are craving a good bite on the weekend or a filling lunch before studying, it is always a good option. I searched Marin, trying three of the most popular chicken sandwiches to determine which one was the best.
Chick-fil-A:
On a Saturday, I went to a relatively empty Chick-fil-A in Novato and was able to order my chicken sandwich efficiently. The food was brought out quickly; however, I soon realized why the food was immediately available. The chicken tasted as though it had been sitting around for a while. However, you can customize the sandwich by ordering your choice of sauce and different toppings, including lettuce and tomato. Unfortunately, the chicken lacked tenderness, juiciness and the breading failed to become crisp. Additionally, the pickles that did come on the sandwich were small, slim and flimsy, adding no texture or flavor. Overall, the chicken sandwich proved to be underwhelming. Lastly, the French fries tasted undercooked and bland, it seemed like they’d been left out for a long time. Overall, Chick-fil-A was very disappointing.
Dave’s Hot Chicken:
The next establishment visited was Dave’s Hot Chicken, also in Novato. I ordered Dave’s Chicken Slider, which is a fried chicken sandwich, and waited 15 minutes to receive my food. The portion was substantial, with the chicken extending beyond both sides of the bun. In addition, the chicken itself was flavorful and generously seasoned. The crunch of the breading on the chicken, followed by the juicy and tender meat, created a memorable contrast that made a notable impression. The unmistakable freshness of the meal straight from the kitchen certainly lived up to expectations. The toppings consisted of Dave’s sauce, pickles and coleslaw. Each topping was vital to the sandwich; the sauce gave it extra flavor while the coleslaw and pickles evened out the heat of the chicken nicely. Moreover, the warm and crispy fries were delightfully seasoned, soft and fluffy on the inside, allowing for a memorable experience.
Starbird:
My final destination was Starbird at the Town Center in Corte Madera. Situated within walking distance from Redwood, it offers both a convenient location and a comparable wait time to that of Dave’s Hot Chicken. I ordered the Big Star chicken sandwich, which was warm, fresh and crispy on the outside, tasting much better than Chick-fil-A while still not topping Dave’s. The Starbird chicken was juicy and tender, and the toppings were also notable additions to the sandwich. The lettuce and tomatoes added a light freshness and the sauce was delicious without an overpowering mayonnaise taste. However, before I could finish my sandwich, the sauce had soaked into the bun, making it soggy and unenjoyable. In contrast, the fries were softer than Dave’s Hot Chicken, yet they remained warm, salty and flavorful.
All in all, I would conclude that Dave’s Hot Chicken was the best option and well worth the wait. I highly recommend Dave’s Hot Chicken for those seeking a fresh, crispy and flavorful sandwich. On the other hand, if proximity to Redwood is a priority, Starbird is more convenient. However, I would advise against making the trip to Novato for a Chick-fil-A sandwich, as it was underwhelming and not worth the drive.
