If You Love Fried Chicken, You Need to Eat Here ASAP

Ask anybody their secret to making the best fried chicken and you’ll probably get a different answer each time. Some people swear by dry-brining their chicken; others, by injecting it with pickle juice or hot sauce. You might get told to leave your chicken marinating overnight, to use a cold batter, or to mix certain spices into the flour you’ll dredge the chicken with before cooking. With so many options, it can be a little overwhelming setting out to make your own fried chicken. So why not let the experts take charge? Numerous restaurants across the United States — and across the world — have been working for years upon years to perfect their recipes. And we’ll be the first to tell you: just because fried chicken is coming from a fast food place doesn’t mean that it’s bad. Quite the opposite, actually. (Baby boomers prefer this American comfort food.)

No matter where you are in the world, you’ll find fried chicken. And with so many different cultures, each version will have its own special twist. Here, 24/7 Wall St. wanted to identify the best fried chicken chains so that you can get your tasty fix. We explored insights on Reddit, Eater, and various forums to mark down the ten spots where people seem to love their fried chicken the most. Since these ratings are subjective, however, we listed the best fried chicken chains in the U.S. in no particular order. 

Why We’re Writing About Fried Chicken

Whether you’re eating it by hand or enjoying a perfectly crisp fried chicken sandwich, it’s no secret that Americans love fried chicken. This is a favorite food for many people across the country, but finding the best chicken spots can really upgrade your dining experience. Fried chicken is a social food, best enjoyed with family and friends. And who doesn’t want to be the one that shows off the most top-rated chicken to your loved ones? This list hopes to help you find something new — and possibly even your new favorite hangout. Plus, since some of the spots on our list are also socially conscious, you can feel good about buying on top of the delicious flavor.

Here are the 10 fried chicken restaurants you need to try: 

1. Pollo Campero

Pollo Campero ranked #2 on USA Today’s Best Fast Food Fried Chicken. Pollo Campero has been in the chicken business since 1971 and started in Guatemala. The unique thing about this chicken is that it is first marinated before being hand-breaded and fried. This lends a dinner a unique fried chicken experience that really stands out.

2. Jollibee

When you think of the Philippines you might not automatically think of fried chicken, but Jollibee is proof that rice and gravy served alongside your fried chicken is just as good, if not better, than mashed potatoes and biscuits. Don’t forget your Filipino sweet-style Spaghetti and Peach Mango Pie! Like Pollo Campero, Jollibee first marinates its famous Chickenjoy before breading and frying.

3. Bonchon

Bonchon is a Korean-based fried chicken chain that prides itself on being extra crispy! This is achieved by double-frying the chicken after battering each piece by hand. After all of the flavor has been locked in, the chicken is hand-brushed with the perfect amount of its signature sauce. Bonchon is on a mission to “share the joy of Korean comfort food around the world.”

4. Raising Cane’s

A favorite for college students (and many others) across the country, Raising Cane’s is well-known for its Texas toast, sauces, and incredibly flavorful chicken. But what we really love about Raising Cane’s is that it supports over 30,000 local businesses all across America. These organizations include food banks, public education, physical fitness programs, no-kill rescues, small businesses, and many more. With its simplistic menu of either chicken fingers or a chicken sandwich and a variety of sides, you won’t experience any decision fatigue here!

5. Checkers

Among other menu items like burgers and hot dogs, Checkers also serves chicken, chicken sandwiches, and wings! Since being founded in Mobile, Alabama, in 1986, it has grown to 500 franchise locations across 30 states. If your state doesn’t have a Checker’s, it might have a Rally’s (which is the same company with the same food). But you’ll definitely enjoy how crispy the chicken is either way. 

6. Bojangles Famous Chicken and Biscuits

If you’re really looking for Southern fried chicken, you should go somewhere created in the South for Southern tastebuds. Created in 1977 in Charlotte, North Carolina, Bojangles has exactly what you need. The brand has since expanded to 800 restaurants in 17 states, and currently employs more than 9,000 people. Besides its fried chicken, Bojangles recently introduced Peach Cobbler to the menu.

7. Gus’s Fried Chicken

Gus’s Fried Chicken doesn’t just serve up delicious fried chicken. This incredible company also has a history of serving up unity. Gus helped bridge the racial divide that characterized the Jim Crow era with his chicken, founding his company in Mason, Tennessee. Each item is made fresh and the chicken is made to order. This Southern spicy fried chicken should not be confused with Nashville hot chicken. Polish off your chicken with a slice of a simple Southern pecan, chess, sweet potato, or chocolate pie — all baked daily.

8. Church’s Chicken

Church’s Chicken is Texas’ version of fried chicken. In line with the state’s unofficial motto — “Go big or go home” — the portions here are large and bold. And they should be, considering Church’s Chicken has had 70 years to perfect its recipes. Don’t forget one of the excellent sides like honey-butter biscuit, jalapeno cheese bombers, corn on the cobb, or fried okra. Wanting some more sweetness? You can get apple pie or frosted honey-butter biscuits for dessert.

9. Zaxby’s

At Zaxby’s, you can customize your meal with 12 signature sauces ranging from ranch to nuclear hot. Zaxby’s is primarily known for Fingerz and chicken wings. You could also get your chicken in a salad or sandwich form. Top it off with a handcrafted lemonade and fried white cheddar bites for the perfect meal (at least, we think so!). 

10. Slim Chickens

Slim Chickens is newer to the fried chicken game, but that means you get a bonus: the original founders are still in charge. Slim Chickens specializes in chicken tenders, buffalo wings, sandwiches, salads, and wraps. You can also enjoy its Jar Desserts, which come in Oreo cheesecake, strawberry cheesecake, chocolate brownie pudding, and cookie dough brownie. Talk about a great dessert to finish up your meal! 

The post If You Love Fried Chicken, You Need to Eat Here ASAP appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..