Shake Shack introduces new Chick’n Shack sandwich

Shake Shack, the fast-food empire built on burgers and shakes, has gone to the birds. On Thursday it launched its first chicken sandwich, the Chick’n Shack ($6.29), at most of its 48 U.S. locations, including the two on Long Island — New Hyde Park and Garden City.

The Chick’n Shack consists of a battered and deep-fried chicken breast, lettuce, pickles and buttermilk-herb mayonnaise slid onto the same potato bun that cushions its burger. I was at the New Hyde Park Shake Shack when it opened at 11 a.m. and can report that the sandwich is a winner. The chicken itself was tender but not unnaturally so, and the crisp crust was a good counterpoint to the soft bun. The garnishes were harmonious and, rare for a fast-food sandwich these days, not at all sweet.

Shake Shack is an updated take on a classic Midwestern roadside burger stand, albeit one with its own proprietary wine and craft beer. The first Shake Shack opened in 2004 in Manhattan’s Madison Square Park. Spun off from Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group, the company, which went public in January 2015, now operates 48 branches in the United States and 34 abroad. The company has announced plans to open new Shake Shacks in Melville and Lake Grove in 2016.