9 Florida Twists on Publix’s Famous Chicken Tender Sub Locals Swear By

Ask any poultry-eating Publix goer, and they’ll tell you: Publix’s chicken tender sub is legendary.

But as beloved as the classic is, Floridians have never been the type to just leave well enough alone. From the Panhandle to the Keys, people are putting their own spin on this legendary sub.

These aren’t official menu items.

But if you ask the deli staff nicely, you can build every one of these creations yourself.

Miami Mojo Style

In Miami, where Cuban influence runs deep, folks have figured out how to give the Chicken Tender Sub a citrusy kick with a little island soul.

It starts with plain tenders, but everything else leans Cuban.

The magic comes from asking for mojo marinade, which blends garlic, orange, and other citrus flavors. The citrus pepper seasoning can also do the trick if your store is out of mojo marinade.

Add Swiss cheese, pickles, shredded lettuce, and a few slices of ham for that Cubano feel.

If you’re lucky, your Publix might even carry guava barbecue sauce. That combination brings a zesty edge and nods to Miami’s bold food culture.

Tampa Buffalo Blue

Tampa likes its food with heat, and some Publix customers like to give their chicken tender sub a full Buffalo wing makeover.

The base? Fried chicken tenders tossed in classic Buffalo sauce.

Next comes the blue cheese crumbles. Some Publix locations carry them in the deli case, or you can grab a tub from the salad section and add it yourself later.

Either way, the tangy cheese perfectly cuts through the spice.

Crisp celery slivers and ranch dressing bring the whole thing together.

This combo tastes like a Sunday football spread. But it’s better because it’s portable and warm.

Jacksonville BBQ Crunch

In Jacksonville, many folks like to go heavy on the bold and smoky. The go-to spin on the Publix chicken tender sub there involves tossing the chicken tenders in smoky barbecue sauce, then adding cheddar cheese for that sharp finish.

But the real twist?

A layer of crispy fried onions or BBQ potato chips smashed right into the sub. Some even add coleslaw for extra tang and texture.

Yes, you’ll need to buy these items at Publix and then get hands-on with them at home; the deli doesn’t have these items ready to put on a sub.

But this combo brings sweet, salty, crunchy, and creamy together in a way that satisfies. If you’re preparing one before a game, it’ll probably disappear before kickoff.

Orlando Garlic Parm Magic

Orlando isn’t just about theme parks. Locals here love anything that feels indulgent, and their chicken tender sub twist reflects that.

Garlic Parmesan wings are a regional favorite, and the same flavor profile works perfectly on the sub.

Ask for tenders tossed in garlic Parmesan sauce. Some Publix delis carry a version of this behind the counter, especially in higher-traffic stores.

If not, garlic aioli and shredded parm can work in a pinch.

Top with spinach, tomato, and banana peppers. Add provolone cheese and get it toasted until everything melts together into one rich, savory bite.

The Keys Honey Heat

Down in the Florida Keys, the food tends to have a bit of sweetness mixed with spice, and the same goes for how some locals like to tweak their chicken tender subs.

The base starts with spicy tenders, often tossed in hot sauce.

Then comes the sweet part. Honey mustard is the go-to, but some locals bring their own mango glaze or pineapple hot sauce to drizzle on at home.

The toppings for this sub stay fresh and simple. Romaine lettuce, sliced red onion, and a few sweet peppers.

If it feels like it should be eaten near the ocean, you’re doing it right.

Tallahassee Ranch and Bacon Boost

Tallahassee folks like comfort food, and this take on Publix’s chicken tender sub is the college-town answer to a hearty lunch. It starts with the usual chicken tenders, but then it gets the ranch-and-bacon treatment.

Ask for ranch dressing, sharp cheddar, and extra crispy bacon if they have it.

Some add shredded lettuce and tomato, but others skip the greens entirely.

For those who grew up with ranch on everything, this sub feels like coming home. It’s rich, filling, and just the right amount of messy.

Napkins are highly recommended!

Gainesville Pepper Jack Heatwave

Gainesville locals, especially students, are all about turning up the flavor. The Gainesville version of the chicken tender sub is all about spice, thanks to a mix of pepper jack cheese and jalapeños.

Start with spicy chicken tenders or ask for hot sauce on the plain ones. Then layer on pepper jack slices, pickled jalapeños, shredded lettuce, and chipotle mayo if they have it.

The heat builds fast but doesn’t overwhelm.

For those who don’t mind sweating a little during lunch, this one delivers.

The Space Coast Cuban Club

On the Space Coast, where beach towns and NASA pride mix together, locals have found a way to blend classic Cuban flavors with hearty Publix deli comfort.

This version of the chicken tender sub takes inspiration from the traditional club sandwich and the Cuban.

Start with tenders tossed in yellow mustard or citrusy mojo. Add thin-sliced ham, Swiss cheese, and pickles for that Cuban feel.

Then pile on bacon and shredded lettuce to lean into the club sandwich side.

Some even swap the bread for a flat roll if the deli has it available. The result is salty, savory, and just different enough to stand out without straying too far from tradition.

Naples Caprese Tender Twist

Naples is known for its Italian influence, and their regional chicken tender sub twist leans toward a fresher, lighter flavor. It starts with chicken tenders, but the toppings shift toward Mediterranean style.

Ask for fresh mozzarella slices, tomato, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze if available.