Culver's Chicken Sandwiches Are 10x Better With A Simple Request

We sussed out that KFC had a technically healthier chicken sandwich compared to Popeyes, but the fast food chicken sandwich superiority debate is void without a mention of the exceptional trio available at your local Culver's. Not content with just one fantastic chicken sandwich, this Wisconsin-based drive thru offers no fewer than three: a classic sandwich with a fried chicken patty, a spicy version of the same, and a lighter, grilled sammie. That's pretty darn impressive for a chain that built its reputation on ButterBurgers — made special by the smear of butter on the bun, by the way — and frozen custard creations. Culver's had no right to go so hard when it came to fantastic chicken, but we sure are glad that it did. 

Dare we venture to say, however, that one minor upcharge can take your Culver's chicken sandwich to the next level, no matter which one you order? It's a hack as simple as requesting a slice of cheese. As of this writing, Culver's offers your choice of Swiss, American, or cheddar cheese by the slice. At a sample Floridian store, this was a 50-cent add-on, but we consider the minor cost to be well worth it. There's just something so right about a cheesy chicken sandwich. The heat from the chicken warms the cheese and makes it slightly gooey, meaning it does double-duty as a topping and a condiment. Plus, if you have other toppings on your chicken sando, the cheese is like glue that holds everything together. Honestly, we'd never consider a chicken sandwich without cheese ... it's that fundamental a request, we think.

If you absolutely forced us to choose, we'd say that there are three types of chicken sandwiches at Culver's and three types of cheese as well ... and, coincidentally, each one matches up perfectly to its corresponding ideal partner. Keep in mind that these are just suggestions, and that taste is, ultimately, subjective. With all that said, we'd put cheddar cheese on the crispy chicken, allowing the sharpest variety to work its cheesy magic on the unctuous fried patty. American, which is mellow and melty, won't compete with the Spicy Crispy, but will greatly enhance its piquant heat with its superior creaminess. And, lastly, the nutty undertones of Swiss cheese tremendously complement the smokiness of the Grilled Chicken sandwich. It's the most subdued patty, being grilled instead of fried, and we think Swiss has the character this handheld needs to elevate it.

At the end of the day, the Culver's menu is vast and lends itself well to customization. Keep in mind that, online and on the app, customers are spoiled for choice when it comes to toppings on all these sandwiches. LTO are there, of course, but you can also select crispy bacon, grilled onions or mushrooms, pickles, and/or jalapeños (some are upcharges). What we're hearing is that there's no excuse not to put together the chicken sandwich of your dreams. Once you learn how to make poutine with Culver's gravy, fries, and cheese curds the social media way and add that on as your side dish, we think even the hungriest appetites will be satiated!