Artesano, a Bimbo Bakeries USA brand, is looking to find the best chicken sandwich with the launch of its Artesano Official Chicken Sandwich Challenge. Through this competition, chicken sandwich specialists across America will put their distinct, regionally inspired spin on the Official Bun of the Chicken Sandwich – Artesano Bakery Buns.

Beginning today, eight restaurants will go head-to-head in a bracket-style competition, each showcasing their unique recipe as they compete for the winning chicken sandwich title and the grand prize of $20,000.

Now through September 13, fans can head to the competition’s website to vote for their favorite chicken sandwich recipe served on Artesano Bakery Buns. The top four restaurants with the most votes will advance to the semi-finals (September 16-20) and the top two will then move onto the finals (September 23-27). The chicken sandwich recipe with the most votes in the finals will be crowned the winner on November 9, in honor of National Chicken Sandwich Day. Additionally, consumers who cast at least one vote for their favorite recipe any time between September 3-27 will be automatically entered for the chance to win $10,000.

The participating restaurants, selected for their tasty handheld menu options and status as chicken sandwich aficionados, include:

  • Cafe Belen (Los Angeles, California): Representing California with The SAMO, a blackened chicken sandwich topped with jalapenos and avocado
  • Delilah's Everyday Soul (Atlanta, Georgia): Representing the Southeast with The ATL, a fried chicken sandwich topped with a combination of pimento cheese and lemon pepper
  • Hen House Eatery (Minneapolis, Minnesota): Representing the Midwest with The GOAT, a grilled chicken sandwich with Cajun seasoning and BBQ sauce
  • Manzanita Grill (Bend, Oregon): Representing the Pacific Northwest with The Hot Berry, blending the tasty flavors of berry and honey over crispy chicken
  • River and Woods (Boulder, Colorado): Representing the Mountain region with The Yard Guard, a chicken burger dressed in Colorado hot honey and green goddess sauce
  • Southern Cross Kitchen (Conshohocken, Pennsylvania): Representing the Mid-Atlantic with The Conshy Twist, fried chicken enrobed in a pretzel crust and topped with a pimento cheese spread
  • The Hayden (San Antonio, Texas): Representing the Southwest with The Wild One, a crispy chicken sandwich topped with a stuffed poblano pepper and tomatillo salsa
  • Wilson County Barbecue (Portland, Maine): Representing the Northeast with The Harbor View, grilled chicken coated in a citrus-marinade and creamy mayonnaise

“We’re thrilled to kick off the Artesano Official Chicken Sandwich Challenge and celebrate the regional roots behind each restaurant's unique dish,” says Ana Melo, brand manager, Artesano. “As the Official Bun of the Chicken Sandwich, the distinct taste and texture of our buns provide the perfect canvas for these unique creations, inspiring consumers to bring the gourmet restaurant experience right into their own kitchen. We can't wait to see which sandwich wins the hearts – and votes – of chicken sandwich lovers nationwide.”