Shuckin & Jivin Chicken Sandwich

Spicy Chicken Sandwich

Let’s throw a local contender into the ring in the chicken sandwich “battle” between Popeyes and Chick-fil-A: the chicken sandwich at this tiny restaurant in a strip mall right off the Palmetto in Miami Gardens. Before the PR frenzy, Shuckin & Jivin’s menu did feature chicken – breast, thighs, wings, bites and a po’boy – but not a sandwich like the chains offered. So founder Ernisha Randolph decided to create one.

Randolph believes most restaurants confuse flavor for salt, so she went for flavor into her version. The result is a perfectly juicy (and not salty) chicken breast with a thin, crunchy coat of breading that is light and nongreasy. There’s a dollop of smoky sauce and a crispy lettuce blend, all on a soft bun, with a couple of sweet pickles and a hint of peppery heat for balance. Their chicken sandwich makes it well worth a visit, to say nothing of desserts like peach cobbler and banana pudding, truly wonderful wall decor of old album covers (Rebbie Jackson! Nina Simone!) and eclectic memorabilia, and a soundtrack that makes you smile.