The 5 best chicken sandwiches in Des Moines

McDonald's is entering the chicken sandwich wars today, but I was wondering — what is the best *local* sandwich?

• My first job was at Chick-fil-A in WDM, so you can trust my taste.

My methodology:

1. Ask DSM Dining Discoveries for recommendations.
2. Drive around town eating five chicken sandwiches in three hours.
3. 🌸 Drown in Pepto-Bismol.

Here are my top five picks in alphabetical order:

Angry Goldfish:

In my first bite, there was a rewarding “crunch.” (We’re in it for the *fried* part, right?)

• Beyond the patty, I liked the thick-cut veggies, especially the red onions.

Price: $11 w/a side.

Address: 2301 Southwest 9th St., Des Moines; 515-288-2358

Bubba

Downtown's southern-style restaurant has everything you're looking for: crispy breading, high-quality white meat, fresh veggies.

• The honey hot sauce and pillow-y South Union Bakery buns were highlights.

Price: $11 w/a side.

Address: 200 10th St., Des Moines; 515-257-4744

Charlotte's Kitchen

The original chicken sandwich from the food truck-turned restaurant is the ideal all-around sandwich.

• The breading is crispy, the chicken — juicy. It's thick, but not overwhelming. The zesty mayo-like sauce adds just enough zing to compliment the chicken-flavor.

Price: $7.23 w/a pop.

Address: 6150 Merle Hay Rd, Johnston

Exile

The Nashville Fried Chicken Sandwich offers just enough spice for a satisfying mouth kick.

• The creamy, spicy slaw mellows out the hot sauce, while the toasted pretzel bun adds a great crust and texture.

Price: $14 w/a side.

Address: 1514 Walnut St., Des Moines; 515-883-2337

The Station on Ingersoll

The crispy chicken sandwich is big. It's a flatter, crispy chicken patty that packs a lot of smokey flavor in the breading.

• Bring your appetite. The patty is so big, it hides the veggies.

Price: $10.50 w/fries.

Address: 3124 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines; (515) 381-0052

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