15 Best Fast Food Fried Chicken Chains, Ranked

Fried chicken is a beloved fast food favorite, offering crispy, juicy, and flavorful bites that are hard to resist. With so many fast food chains serving their own version of this classic dish, deciding which one stands out can be tough. 

Here, we rank the 15 best fast-food fried chicken chains, highlighting what makes each unique and delicious. Whether you prefer spicy, extra crispy, or classic, there’s something on this list for every fried chicken lover.

1. Popeyes

Popeyes is renowned for its spicy Cajun-style fried chicken. The chicken is marinated for at least 12 hours, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. The breading is crispy and seasoned perfectly, offering a satisfying crunch.

Popeyes also offers a variety of sides, such as red beans and rice, that complement the chicken well. Their famous chicken sandwich has taken the world by storm, adding to their popularity. Popeyes delivers consistently delicious fried chicken that fans can’t get enough of.

2. Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A is famous for its tender and juicy chicken sandwiches. Their fried chicken is pressure-cooked in peanut oil, giving it a unique flavor and texture. The breading is light and crispy, and the chicken itself is always moist.

Chick-fil-A’s customer service is also top-notch, making the dining experience even better. Their waffle fries and signature sauces add to the overall appeal. Chick-fil-A remains a top choice for many fried chicken enthusiasts.

3. KFC

KFC, or Kentucky Fried Chicken, is one of the most iconic fried chicken chains in the world. Their original recipe, featuring a secret blend of 11 herbs and spices, has been a favorite for decades. The chicken is known for its crispy, flavorful skin, and tender meat.

KFC offers a variety of options, including extra crispy and spicy versions. Their sides, like mashed potatoes and gravy, coleslaw, and biscuits, are also popular. KFC continues to be a go-to for classic fried chicken lovers.

4. Raising Cane’s

Raising Cane’s focuses on simplicity with their limited menu centered around chicken fingers. Their chicken is hand-battered and cooked fresh, ensuring high quality. The chicken fingers are juicy and tender and have a deliciously crispy coating.

Cane’s special in-house sauce is the perfect complement to their chicken. Crinkle-cut fries, coleslaw, and Texas toast round out the meal nicely. Raising Cane’s commitment to quality makes it a standout in the fast-food fried chicken scene.

5. Bojangles

Bojangles is known for its Southern-style fried chicken and biscuits. Their chicken is marinated in a unique blend of seasonings, giving it a distinctive flavor. The breading is crispy and seasoned just right, while the meat remains juicy.

Bojangles also offers a range of sides, including dirty rice and Cajun pinto beans, that highlight their Southern roots. Their buttermilk biscuits are a must-try. Bojangles delivers a taste of the South with every meal.

6. Church’s Chicken

Church’s Chicken offers flavorful and satisfying fried chicken. Their chicken is hand-battered and fried to a perfect golden brown. The meat is juicy, and the breading is crispy, with a hint of spice.

Church’s also offers honey-butter biscuits that are a fan favorite. Their various sides, such as jalapeño cheese bombers and fried okra, add to the appeal. Church’s Chicken is a reliable choice for tasty fried chicken.

7. Zaxby’s

Zaxby’s is known for its chicken fingers and wings. Their fried chicken is always crispy and flavorful, with a tender interior. Zaxby’s offers a variety of sauces to accompany their chicken, from mild to extra hot.

Popular sides include crinkle-cut fries, Texas toast, and coleslaw. Zaxby’s also offers a range of salads and sandwiches featuring its signature chicken. Zaxby’s is a great choice for those looking for a variety of chicken options.

8. Wingstop

Wingstop specializes in chicken wings with a variety of flavors. Their wings are fried to perfection, with a crispy exterior and juicy meat. Wingstop offers a range of sauces and rubs, from classic buffalo to exotic flavors like mango habanero.

Their fries are seasoned with a special blend of spices, making them a standout side. Wingstop is perfect for wing lovers looking for bold flavors. Their commitment to quality makes them a top contender in the fried chicken scene.

9. Jollibee

Jollibee, a Filipino fast food chain, offers a unique take on fried chicken with their Chickenjoy. The chicken is marinated, hand-breaded, and fried to a crispy perfection. The meat is juicy and flavorful, often served with a side of gravy.

Jollibee’s menu also features Filipino-inspired dishes, like sweet-style spaghetti and palabok fiesta. Their peach mango pie is a popular dessert. Jollibee’s combination of crispy chicken and unique sides makes it a standout.

10. Slim Chickens

Slim Chickens focuses on high-quality chicken tenders and wings. Their chicken is hand-breaded and cooked fresh to order, ensuring a delicious meal every time. The tenders are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Slim Chickens offers a variety of dipping sauces to complement their chicken. Their sides, such as fried pickles and mac and cheese, are also popular. Slim Chickens delivers a consistently tasty fried chicken experience.

11. El Pollo Loco

El Pollo Loco is known for its citrus-marinated, flame-grilled chicken. While they specialize in grilled chicken, their fried chicken offerings are also noteworthy. The chicken is crispy and flavorful, with a hint of citrus.

El Pollo Loco’s sides, such as Mexican rice and pinto beans, add to the overall meal. Their salsas and tortillas make for a complete dining experience. For those looking for a twist on traditional fried chicken, El Pollo Loco is a great option.

12. PDQ

PDQ, which stands for “People Dedicated to Quality,” offers delicious fried chicken tenders. Their chicken is hand-breaded and cooked to order, ensuring freshness. The tenders are crispy and well-seasoned, with a juicy interior.

PDQ also offers a variety of dipping sauces, from classic ranch to sweet sriracha. Their sides, such as zucchini fries and apple slices, provide healthier options. PDQ’s focus on quality and freshness makes them a top choice for fried chicken.

13. Pollo Campero

Pollo Campero, a Guatemalan chain, offers a unique blend of Latin flavors with their fried chicken. The chicken is marinated in a special blend of spices, giving it a distinctive taste. The breading is crispy, and the meat is juicy and flavorful.

Pollo Campero also offers sides like yuca fries and plantains, adding to the Latin dining experience. Their empanadas and flan are popular menu items. Pollo Campero provides a delicious twist on traditional fried chicken.

14. Bonchon

Bonchon is known for its Korean-style fried chicken, which is double-fried for extra crunch. The chicken is coated in a variety of sauces, such as soy, garlic, and spicy. Each bite offers a perfect balance of crispy skin and juicy meat.

Bonchon also offers a range of Korean-inspired sides, like kimchi and pickled radish. Their unique flavors and textures make Bonchon a standout. For those seeking a different take on fried chicken, Bonchon is a must-try.

15. Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken

Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken is a Southern chain known for its spicy, crispy chicken. The chicken is marinated and fried to a golden brown, with a perfect blend of heat and flavor. The breading is crunchy, and the meat is tender and juicy.

Gus’s offers classic Southern sides, such as baked beans and potato salad, to complement the chicken. Their commitment to quality and flavor has earned them a loyal following. Gus’s delivers a truly memorable fried chicken experience.

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