"Founded in 2015, Roaming Rooster has become one of DC's hot spots for fried chicken sandwiches," writes Malik. "In just a few short years, the business has grown from a single food truck to four, along with a brick-and-mortar location in Woodridge and another opening soon on U Street. Of the five chicken sandwiches on the menu, the Honey Butter Fried Chicken is the best seller, and the Nashville Hot is not to be missed!"

"Po Boy Jim is a family-owned restaurant specializing in po' boy sandwiches. Known for its relaxed atmosphere, Po Boy Jim also offers a less traditional fried chicken version of their staple sandwich. You can add shrimp, lobster, and cheese, or keep it simple. It's up to you. If you do add shrimp, you can count on a crispy, well-seasoned batter to pair perfectly with your fried chicken. And don't skip the Cajun fries that are served with every po' boy order. They're delicious."

"Butter Me Up is a breakfast sandwich concept out of Halfsmoke restaurant in Shaw. The menu features a range of sandwiches and also incorporates local products. And while many wouldn't think of eating a fried chicken sandwich for breakfast, Butter Me Up has a great option. The Feels Like Home has buttermilk brined fried chicken, soft scrambled eggs, caramelized onions, Gordy's pickles, smoked cheddar cheese, and sriracha mayo."

"Service Bar, a popular U Street bar known for seasonal cocktails and brunch, also offers a range of stellar fried chicken sandwiches. The Original Chicken Sandwich features a crispy chicken thigh with special sauce and pickles on a sesame seed bun. The chicken is perfectly crispy and juicy, and the pickle adds a nice balance to the sandwich. Service Bar also has an outdoor patio or "streatery" for dining during the pandemic."

"This casual family-owned carryout spot in the historically Black Anacostia neighborhood is known for its West African dishes and makes its bread and desserts in house. In addition to a variety of other stellar menu options, the fried chicken sandwich should not be missed. It's perfectly crispy and well-seasoned, with the option to add bacon and cheese. This sandwich is a crowd-pleaser."

"Mélange is known for its burgers, but do not skip the fried chicken sandwiches. The Original is crispy on the outside, with a juicy interior, and smoked Duke's mayo. It's a great take on a classic chicken sandwich. The real star of the show however is The National, a Doro Wat-style fried chicken sandwich with kebe aioli, turmeric slaw, and a fried or hard-boiled egg. The National seamlessly marries the flavors of Doro Wat, what many call Ethiopia's national dish, to a chicken sandwich."

"Through Queen Mother's, Chef Rock Harper aims to honor fried chicken as a part of Black culture and stake a claim in the growing fried chicken sandwich market for Black restaurateurs and food professionals. Menu offerings include a range of local, cage-free, and antibiotic-free fried chicken sandwiches and sides such as the outstanding Classic Fried Chicken Sandwich featuring Virginia pickles and a house-made sauce. Queen Mother's is open from 11 am to 2:30 pm, Tuesday through Friday."