Main Chick Hot Chicken

Updated: The food is as good as ever! Tried the bone-in leg quarter meal and oh my god. Look, the boneless pieces they use on the sandwiches, and the tenders, are pretty dang good but nothing beats old fashioned bone-in fried chicken from a place that knows what they're doing. Absolutely delicious. Original review: The sandwiches are fantastic and they are for sure not messing around when it comes to spice! Also major bonus points for having an option of dark meat (thigh) sandwiches, even if those were a little on the small side. Also loved the seasoning on the fries! Only complaint is that the menu pictures online show the combos with a drink which is not actually included (also, sticker on the soda machine that says to ask the cashier about refills so probably not free).

This is one of the best chicken sandwiches. Chicken is fresh, tender and seasoned with a dry rub. The only issue is that it is a very small place with limited places to sit. Very delicious!

Food is delicious. I had the sandwich and the strips. I stuck with mild heat. The flavor was awesome. Pickles and Cole slaw on the sandwich top it off. The fries are also very good. Make sure to use the MC sauce they give you too! Only thing is the restaurant itself is a little small.

The food of course is delicious but wow! The service Sandra provides is truly outstanding. Quality stands out and she certainly did. Kudos Sandra!

Best fried chicken in San Diego, if you haven't been here your missing out. The picture of the menu is a little outdated but it is 100% worth the money!!! Their chicken always has this perfect crunch but not too ridiculous to where someone like me with bad teeth cant eat it. Their sauce is to die for, I wish they would sell bottles of it to take home because that would be an easy sale for any regular that shows up. This location has some awsome staff, the cashiers are always professional even when dealing with "Karens". Go to this location, you won't be disappointed!!!!

Absolutely delicious fried chicken. Im talking maybe top 5 I’ve had all time. It’s on the pricier side but man, it’s so worth it especially if you only come once per month or every other month.

I have never eaten at the store. I have ordered this many times on UberEats. I love this place because there is just so much food and I always get hooked up with pickles when I ask for them. The chicken from time to time will have a hint of burnt paprika or cayenne but still tasty. I've never had the spiciest flavoring.

Newer to the San Diego area so I thought I’d try something out of my comfort zone. This place didn’t disappoint. I ordered my sandwiches to go but their indoor atmosphere was pleasant and the girl who took my order was friendly and helpful. As for the food it was a genuine surprise on how great it was. I was on bike and waited to get home to eat my meal and everything was still excellent. The fries have a nice seasoning, are crispy and keep heat for a while. I ordered mild which was still a little spicy but not overpowering at all. What’s surprising though is the real champion here is their ranch and pickles. I’m not sure if they pile their own cucumbers but they bring a refreshing balance to the spices of the sauce on the chicken. The ranch itself is incredibly Tangy. I can’t pinpoint if it’s extra dill or pickle in the recipe but whatever it is it knocks it out of the park. Overall I’ll be returning again and definitely recommend this place if you’re in the mood for spicy chicken. Kudos.

So underrated! Love their fried chicken. I feel like people are missing the hype. It should be packed, seriously!

The food was really good! By the time we got home and ate the fries were still hot. The chicken sandwich was very tasty, cooked well and had great seasoning, the sauce is also really good. The Mac and cheese tasted home made and definitely better than the one at Dave’s hot chicken. We usually go to Dave’s but this will be our new spot as it is comparable in pricing, tasted great, and is closer. To anyone in Clairemont, you should give the place a try!

I’ve been to the location in Carlsbad and it’s pretty good. I recently found out that there is one closer to me and I was very happy to come back! The chicken is tender and crispy and always fresh. Great crunch and seasoning and general atmosphere. The server at the front is very friendly too!

We stopped by last night for some fried chicken, and it was really delicious! The prices were reasonable, and the staff were very friendly and polite.

I've been here a couple of times. Today, I ordered their combo #3 which comes with two sandwiches and fries. I got one mild and one medium. I preferred the mild one, not because I can't handle spicy food, but because the medium sandwich wasn't spicier; it just had more seasoning, which didn't enhance the flavor for me and made it slightly bitter. Despite that, it's a fantastic chicken sandwich. I've tried many chicken sandwiches, and this one easily ranks among my top 5 favorites.

By far the best chicken sandwich I’ve had that lives up to their spice level and flavor. Recommend to call in your orders ahead of time. We waited until we got there and it was a good 20-30 minutes when she told us 10-15 minutes. There were a lot of phone orders and people coming in to pickup. Their menu is so simple with five combo choices and a few a la carte choices. Made it so easy to order. We got combo #3 which was two chicken sandwiches with crinkle cut fries for $15. We got one sandwich mild and the other spicy. We also got one leg quarter $4.50 in medium spice. It all came with Main Chick sauce. The orders was packed neatly in boxes. When I got home, I opened the leg quarter first and immediately, the medium spice aroma ticketed my nose. That’s how strong it was. I took a bite of the sandwich and it had the crispy crunchy texture and juicy chicken with all the amazing flavors and perfect amount of spice level. Mild had a slight kick and I could handle medium while spicy would be too much for me. Due to COVID19, it’s only take out and no dining in or outdoor. Not that much space so only one at a time inside at the counter. Plenty of parking spaces in this plaza. Located next to the theater and Indian restaurant.

Really easy to order at the counter. I came here with a friend we split the Combo 6 - 2 dark meat sandwiches with fries, pickles and MC sauce, and Combo #4 - 6 Tenders, fries, pickles and MC Sauce). We got mild for both and you could still taste the kick so I’m glad we didn’t go up in spice level. I got some coleslaw but I should have not gotten it, it was super vinegary. Should have got the Mac and Cheese instead. MC sauce was great and all the food except for the coleslaw was really nice.

I’m a local and have been here a few times and it’s been great, however, my brother visited and he said this is the best chicken sandwich he’s had. We both got medium flavor and it was HOT…and I love spicy. We weren’t crying but we easily slammed a few sodas LOL. Their fries are UNMATCHED. Whatever seasoning they use, and the crisp level, oh my goodness. Even reheated in the air fryer they were great. They always get my online orders correct and often send out discount codes for their returning customers. Definitely recommend getting extra sauce when ordering! They could be a bit more generous with the sauce but I feel that is most wing/sandwich joints now in days. I would recommend this over chick fil a if you want a juicier and crunchier chicken sandwich. Don’t let the prices scare you. This is San Diego and it’s 2023…spend the extra $2-3 it’s worth it!

The service was so good but honestly them the food a bit salty, if you request a mild sector, sealed spicy, it’s really spicy

We have quite a few places in San Diego that serves fried chicken, but this is one of my favorite. They have five different levels of spiciness, and they cook the chicken just perfectly. It is crispy on the outside, and perfectly moist and juicy inside.

If you are looking for juicy, light, crispy, tender, flavorful fried chicken that packs a great heat, you have come to the right place! Main Chick has one of the best fried chickens in this area, and I am pleasantly surprised by my order. It has all the greatness of traditional fried chicken, but minus the excessive fat. The chicken is perfect, and spice level 4 is THE match for me (be ware, it's really hot). The seasoning on the fries is right on point, and the house sauce is perfect for the chicken and the fries. My only suggestion is that the slider bun and the slaw is a bit underwhelming, with such a flavor packed chicken you need a stronger slaw, either in sourness or texture.

I saw an article about Main Chick opening up a location down here and had to come by. Never been to one before but friends had mentioned them being amazing up in Pasadena. All I can say is...More Please!! I got the Combo #1 which comes with 1 chicken strip with a pickle slice on top, 1 chicken sandwich a small container of MC sauce and fries. They give about 5 options I believe for spice level and I'm a bit of a spice wimp so I chose mild and thank heavens I did as even their mild is on the hot side for my taste but delicious nonetheless. My order came by quickly, only bout 5 min or so wait time and the lady at the register opened the box up to show everything was in there which, considering everything is to go right now, was a nice customer service touch. I tried the fries first, which were nice and thick with just enough seasoning. The MC sauce really gave them an extra kick though; truly a delicious unique flavor. The chicken strip had a ton of dry rub seasoning on it which I love but was also nice hot and juicy on the inside, so good! I then tried the sandwich and devoured that in 3 or 4 bites, enough said haha. If I could give one critique I'd say the cardboard box it came in had a lot of likely grease stains on it, not the most pleasant thing to see but that was it. Great customer service, great taste, will definitely be back again.

Mary Morabito

The food was really good! By the time we got home and ate the fries were still hot. The chicken sandwich was very tasty, cooked well and had great seasoning, the sauce is also really good. The Mac and cheese tasted home made and definitely better than the one at Dave’s hot chicken. We usually go to Dave’s but this will be our new spot as it is comparable in pricing, tasted great, and is closer. To anyone in Clairemont, you should give the place a try!

Evelyn Marquez

I’ve been to the location in Carlsbad and it’s pretty good. I recently found out that there is one closer to me and I was very happy to come back! The chicken is tender and crispy and always fresh. Great crunch and seasoning and general atmosphere. The server at the front is very friendly too!

GY chen

We stopped by last night for some fried chicken, and it was really delicious! The prices were reasonable, and the staff were very friendly and polite.

Fatemeh

I've been here a couple of times. Today, I ordered their combo #3 which comes with two sandwiches and fries. I got one mild and one medium. I preferred the mild one, not because I can't handle spicy food, but because the medium sandwich wasn't spicier; it just had more seasoning, which didn't enhance the flavor for me and made it slightly bitter. Despite that, it's a fantastic chicken sandwich. I've tried many chicken sandwiches, and this one easily ranks among my top 5 favorites.

Josh Baltazar

Really easy to order at the counter. I came here with a friend we split the Combo 6 - 2 dark meat sandwiches with fries, pickles and MC sauce, and Combo #4 - 6 Tenders, fries, pickles and MC Sauce). We got mild for both and you could still taste the kick so I’m glad we didn’t go up in spice level. I got some coleslaw but I should have not gotten it, it was super vinegary. Should have got the Mac and Cheese instead. MC sauce was great and all the food except for the coleslaw was really nice.

Adelle Gutzmer

I’m a local and have been here a few times and it’s been great, however, my brother visited and he said this is the best chicken sandwich he’s had. We both got medium flavor and it was HOT…and I love spicy. We weren’t crying but we easily slammed a few sodas LOL. Their fries are UNMATCHED. Whatever seasoning they use, and the crisp level, oh my goodness. Even reheated in the air fryer they were great. They always get my online orders correct and often send out discount codes for their returning customers. Definitely recommend getting extra sauce when ordering! They could be a bit more generous with the sauce but I feel that is most wing/sandwich joints now in days. I would recommend this over chick fil a if you want a juicier and crunchier chicken sandwich. Don’t let the prices scare you. This is San Diego and it’s 2023…spend the extra $2-3 it’s worth it!

My Le

By far the best chicken sandwich I’ve had that lives up to their spice level and flavor. Recommend to call in your orders ahead of time. We waited until we got there and it was a good 20-30 minutes when she told us 10-15 minutes. There were a lot of phone orders and people coming in to pickup. Their menu is so simple with five combo choices and a few a la carte choices. Made it so easy to order. We got combo #3 which was two chicken sandwiches with crinkle cut fries for $15. We got one sandwich mild and the other spicy. We also got one leg quarter $4.50 in medium spice. It all came with Main Chick sauce. The orders was packed neatly in boxes. When I got home, I opened the leg quarter first and immediately, the medium spice aroma ticketed my nose. That’s how strong it was. I took a bite of the sandwich and it had the crispy crunchy texture and juicy chicken with all the amazing flavors and perfect amount of spice level. Mild had a slight kick and I could handle medium while spicy would be too much for me. Due to COVID19, it’s only take out and no dining in or outdoor. Not that much space so only one at a time inside at the counter. Plenty of parking spaces in this plaza. Located next to the theater and Indian restaurant.

Hashim A

The service was so good but honestly them the food a bit salty, if you request a mild sector, sealed spicy, it’s really spicy

Darryl Gordon

We have quite a few places in San Diego that serves fried chicken, but this is one of my favorite. They have five different levels of spiciness, and they cook the chicken just perfectly. It is crispy on the outside, and perfectly moist and juicy inside.

Chenlin Lu (Leo)

If you are looking for juicy, light, crispy, tender, flavorful fried chicken that packs a great heat, you have come to the right place! Main Chick has one of the best fried chickens in this area, and I am pleasantly surprised by my order. It has all the greatness of traditional fried chicken, but minus the excessive fat. The chicken is perfect, and spice level 4 is THE match for me (be ware, it's really hot). The seasoning on the fries is right on point, and the house sauce is perfect for the chicken and the fries. My only suggestion is that the slider bun and the slaw is a bit underwhelming, with such a flavor packed chicken you need a stronger slaw, either in sourness or texture.

Indoor & Outdoor Dining. Spicy chicken sandwich wasn't very spicy. It was tasty though! Flavors did not come through. Couldn't taste the Cole Slaw on the sandwich.

Food was great! Fries were a little too cooked. But everything was still good! I honestly thought the happy hour meal was worth the price. Thanks Main Chick!

Chicken and mac & cheese is very good. Owner is cutting corners now: ranch is discontinued, and now you have to order from a kiosk, sauce comes in gross squishy packs rather than cups. Cooks are still good and food is consistent. Good for takeout or before/after a movie next door.

I got Skinny Chick Fries. It was okay. You can choose full order or 1/2 order. For toppings it has lettuce, jalapeños, tomatoes, onions, avocado, shredded cheese. I tried Cali Chick sauce and Italian Chick sauce and side of coleslaw and pickles. For side dishes it feels like it’s a bit over priced. Feels like you are paying for lie literally a spoonful of coleslaw and 4 slices of pickle in a tiny container. Other than that ingredients were fresh and the food was pretty good. 🥗🍟🥘🍔🍔🍔

Fantastic chicken sandwich, although relatively high prices compared to other hot chicken places in San Diego. I spent around $17 for a chicken sandwich, more fried chicken, and the waffle fries + sauce. The waffle fries were also great, with a tremendous sauce going with them and the chicken. Overall, a good restaurant in Clairemont with great food, although relatively high prices.

When it comes to Halal Nashville Hot Chicken, Main Chick never disappoints. I'm unsure how they managed this, but the chicken is so much better than Dave's in every way. This is due to the texture, the seasoning, juiciness, etc. The value is also superb, and the portions are more than satisfactory. The fries are nice and crispy, while seasoned well, unlike Dave's, which is usually more greasy and they give a small handful. I typically have this delivered, but in person it was just as great, and the lady at the cashier was very friendly and helpful. The packaging is also very nice and unique, although I have once been cut by the staples that are on the bag, but that's my only gripe.

I popped into the this venue for a quick bite after seeing a movie. My spicy chicken sandwich was good and it was also reasonably priced. The venue was clean and they had plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. I’d imagine this place is great for takeout too. The only thing they could improve would be their music playlist. They were playing the most vulgar music that was a little obnoxious. Other than that this place was a solid choice for a bite.

Chicken was fresh and juicy but I was not a fan of the chili powder. I kept sneezing as I inhaled some of it when taking a bite. Mild 🐔 🐔🐔 chicken sandwich was spicy but not bad. Fries are seasoned with more chili powder but not hot.

Diana

I got Skinny Chick Fries. It was okay. You can choose full order or 1/2 order. For toppings it has lettuce, jalapeños, tomatoes, onions, avocado, shredded cheese. I tried Cali Chick sauce and Italian Chick sauce and side of coleslaw and pickles. For side dishes it feels like it’s a bit over priced. Feels like you are paying for lie literally a spoonful of coleslaw and 4 slices of pickle in a tiny container. Other than that ingredients were fresh and the food was pretty good. 🥗🍟🥘🍔🍔🍔

Seth M

Fantastic chicken sandwich, although relatively high prices compared to other hot chicken places in San Diego. I spent around $17 for a chicken sandwich, more fried chicken, and the waffle fries + sauce. The waffle fries were also great, with a tremendous sauce going with them and the chicken. Overall, a good restaurant in Clairemont with great food, although relatively high prices.

Wajih S.

When it comes to Halal Nashville Hot Chicken, Main Chick never disappoints. I'm unsure how they managed this, but the chicken is so much better than Dave's in every way. This is due to the texture, the seasoning, juiciness, etc. The value is also superb, and the portions are more than satisfactory. The fries are nice and crispy, while seasoned well, unlike Dave's, which is usually more greasy and they give a small handful. I typically have this delivered, but in person it was just as great, and the lady at the cashier was very friendly and helpful. The packaging is also very nice and unique, although I have once been cut by the staples that are on the bag, but that's my only gripe.

Jerome Cooper

I popped into the this venue for a quick bite after seeing a movie. My spicy chicken sandwich was good and it was also reasonably priced. The venue was clean and they had plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. I’d imagine this place is great for takeout too. The only thing they could improve would be their music playlist. They were playing the most vulgar music that was a little obnoxious. Other than that this place was a solid choice for a bite.

Laura N

Chicken was fresh and juicy but I was not a fan of the chili powder. I kept sneezing as I inhaled some of it when taking a bite. Mild 🐔 🐔🐔 chicken sandwich was spicy but not bad. Fries are seasoned with more chili powder but not hot.

This place has delicious hot chicken and a lot of potential. What holds them back from San Diego hot chicken dominance and glory is the value is just not quite there. $17+ after tax for a micro sized slider, chicken tender, and fries? I’ll pay it but at least let me have full access to sauce. The extra charges for MC sauce (delicious) and honey is whack. I just got a combo #1 to go and they forgot to put the MC sauce in there! My recommendation to MC is make the sauces free and the price point closer to Dave’s. Until these changes are made, I fear that the Main Chick will remain the Side Chick.

Adam Schaar

This place has delicious hot chicken and a lot of potential. What holds them back from San Diego hot chicken dominance and glory is the value is just not quite there. $17+ after tax for a micro sized slider, chicken tender, and fries? I’ll pay it but at least let me have full access to sauce. The extra charges for MC sauce (delicious) and honey is whack. I just got a combo #1 to go and they forgot to put the MC sauce in there! My recommendation to MC is make the sauces free and the price point closer to Dave’s. Until these changes are made, I fear that the Main Chick will remain the Side Chick.

Worth a try but personally I would choose Dave’s over this every time. Very average for hot chicken. More expensive than Dave’s as well

+4

Edit 3/13/25 - I used to really love this place, but I have to edit because they keep raising their prices, and the quantity AND quality of food you get has definitely decreased significantly. I understand that inflation is hitting everyone, and that restaurants have slim margins, but they want $1.50 for a glorified ketchup packet of ranch now, and the same for extra pickles. An order of fries is $7, and barely covers the bottom of the box, where it used to be half full. I could handle the rising prices if the quantity and quality had stayed consistent, but it's really hard to spend so much and get so little. It also leaves me and my family feeling kinda crappy after eating it. It's a shame, I really loved Main Chick for a few years there. The employees are still super nice though, so that's something! Old review: Love this place! The food is so delicious, and fresh. The mild seasoning has a nice amount of spice and flavor, but I'm a pansy and I can still hang. Other highlights include the fries, the mac & cheese, and the ranch! Also the pickles are so good... you know you're in good hands, because even the condiments are delicious. The prices are reasonable, especially for the amount of food you get, and the staff is super sweet! I've been here 3x so far, and I will be back!

I got the Combo #1 in both mild and medium. Both were okay, and heat level was on par with similar places. Portions were a bit small and everything tasted mediocre. Honestly I would rather drive 5-10 minutes away and go to Dave’s Hot Chicken. They taste better and give more food overall. Also I ordered thru Postmates, still had to wait 20 minutes even though “Order is Ready” popped up after waiting 30 minutes already. Prepare to wait even if ordering in person. I might revisit after a few months to reevaluate.

Spent $18 on chicken, they wouldn't give me a water cup. Eighteen dollars on 3 hot chicken tenders and fries, and they won't give me a water cup for the spicy food. Just seems like a weird way to squeeze more money out of me, given that they're already charging so much for fried chicken. Not much ambiance in the restaurant either. Cashier was rude about the water cup as well. From my understanding, restaurants in California also have to legally provide water

I was in an area I don’t normally work in and wanted to try a new place. Place seemed cool. Chicken sandwich for lunch sounded pretty good. Got there at 2:08pm. Ordered their Happy hour special that starts at 2pm. I was told that unfortunately, they ran out of dark meat and can’t order the lunch special. I asked if they can substitute white meat and I was told that unfortunately, no. How do you run out of dark meat only 8 minutes after the special starts? Instead of creating a positive experience for a NEW customer, you create a negative experience and now I’m posting about it. Not a very good way to promote your brand. Ended up eating next door

Used to be so good but the chicken tender size and the quality of food has changed. The sandwich was tiny, the spice flavor has been toned down a lot, tenders are not as tender, and they don’t season their fries anymore. Was quite disappointed since this was one of my favorite places to go for hot chicken.

Kelsey C

Used to be so good but the chicken tender size and the quality of food has changed. The sandwich was tiny, the spice flavor has been toned down a lot, tenders are not as tender, and they don’t season their fries anymore. Was quite disappointed since this was one of my favorite places to go for hot chicken.

Sal Casillas

I was in an area I don’t normally work in and wanted to try a new place. Place seemed cool. Chicken sandwich for lunch sounded pretty good. Got there at 2:08pm. Ordered their Happy hour special that starts at 2pm. I was told that unfortunately, they ran out of dark meat and can’t order the lunch special. I asked if they can substitute white meat and I was told that unfortunately, no. How do you run out of dark meat only 8 minutes after the special starts? Instead of creating a positive experience for a NEW customer, you create a negative experience and now I’m posting about it. Not a very good way to promote your brand. Ended up eating next door

We paid more than $100 for chicken sandwiches, these were extremely salty, EVERYTHING over all, fries,chicken,chicken sandwiches, to the point we couldn’t eat our food. It was our first time at this place, we will definitely never going back.

food was solid for a long time. eventually the quality dipped, with the chicken being overseasoned a ton and noticeably cheap quality. portions also werent being reflected very well. prices also started increasing to a comical amount. sauces used to be 50 cents each which was a little questionable, but now they are 1.50 per with hot honey being 2. A combo including tax is around 17, with ONE extra sauce its 19-20. This is also not including a drink. Terrible path that the franchise is taking.

"We dont take 50s or 100s" on a order for $45? Must not want money lol. Give it to the staff.

Without a doubt the worst chicken sandwiches I’ve ever experienced in my life. I ordered mild and medium sandwiches and the spice isn’t the issue but a mouth full of paprika is. Its even on the driest fries. The slaw wasn’t even in the sandwich but instead in the bottom of the wrapping. The #3 combo was 18 dollars roughly and still couldn’t get a soda. Don’t eat here.

I asked for mild and was given spicy.. I was visiting and already left and didn't really feel like turning back to get the proper order so I just left it as is. I should have ordered the chicken sandwich or chicken strips but instead I ordered chicken thighs and it was a mistake. The chicken tasted very grainy something was really off. I didn't appreciate the dismissive customer service. I enjoyed the decor the setup inside the fries were good but the chicken was a missss for me.

Denise C

I asked for mild and was given spicy.. I was visiting and already left and didn't really feel like turning back to get the proper order so I just left it as is. I should have ordered the chicken sandwich or chicken strips but instead I ordered chicken thighs and it was a mistake. The chicken tasted very grainy something was really off. I didn't appreciate the dismissive customer service. I enjoyed the decor the setup inside the fries were good but the chicken was a missss for me.

sage

food was solid for a long time. eventually the quality dipped, with the chicken being overseasoned a ton and noticeably cheap quality. portions also werent being reflected very well. prices also started increasing to a comical amount. sauces used to be 50 cents each which was a little questionable, but now they are 1.50 per with hot honey being 2. A combo including tax is around 17, with ONE extra sauce its 19-20. This is also not including a drink. Terrible path that the franchise is taking.