master-cooks | The Great Club Sandwich Debate: Turkey Or Chicken?

The Great Club Sandwich Debate centers around a classic culinary dilemma: whether turkey or chicken should be the star protein in this beloved sandwich. Both options have their own loyal fan bases, each advocating for their preferred choice with fervor. The turkey camp praises the lean, mild flavor of turkey meat, highlighting its ability to complement the other ingredients without overpowering them. Its slightly firmer texture also provides a pleasing contrast to the softer elements like tomatoes and mayonnaise. On the other side, chicken enthusiasts argue that the juiciness and savory depth of well-cooked chicken elevate the club sandwich to new heights. They contend that chicken's rich flavor profile adds a satisfying heartiness, making it a more robust option. Additionally, chicken's natural versatility allows it to harmonize with a wider array of spices and seasonings, offering a more personalized culinary experience. Ultimately, the choice between turkey and chicken in a club sandwich often boils down to personal preference, with each option offering its own unique appeal. The debate continues to thrive among food lovers, with each side passionately defending their choice, contributing to the enduring allure and delicious diversity of the club sandwich.

Turkey vs chicken: A historic clucking conundrum

Anecdotally, every club sandwich we can remember has featured turkey. Sandwiches are typically enjoyed at lunch, and turkey is a more common lunch meat than chicken (how many varieties of chicken cold cuts does your deli offer?). Additionally, perhaps influenced by confirmation bias, "turkey club" simply sounds more authentic than "chicken club." However, there is a history of using chicken as well.

Even after his passing in 1985, the legendary James Beard, known as the Dean of American Cookery, cast a long shadow over the culinary world. He was critical of the modern club sandwich and dismissed the use of turkey as a misguided contemporary trend. In his 1972 book "James Beard's American Cookery," he referred to the three-decker sandwich as a "horror" and noted that "nowadays practically everyone uses turkey, and there’s a significant difference between turkey and chicken when it comes to sandwiches." This passionate critique suggests that turkey had become quite prevalent by the 1970s. Thus, not only is it the more popular choice today, but thanks to Beard, a turkey club has taken on a somewhat rebellious status. It’s hard to make the same claim for chicken.

The Great Club Sandwich Debate: Turkey Or Chicken?

Turkey vs chicken: A historic clucking conundrum

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