These Are America’s Favorite Fried Chicken Chains

It is no secret that fast food has grown year after year since it was introduced several decades ago. Though our parents and grandparents were regularly eating home cooked meals, today many of us are consistently turning to the most continent option: fast-food. With their drive thru option, reasonably priced items, and addictive taste, fast food is certainly hard to ignore. The increasingly fast-paced lifestyle, particularly in America, helps to drive the popularity and economic success of fast-food restaurants.

Among popular fast-food options, fried chicken sits at the top of the list. This menu item has long been a staple of American cuisine, long before the invention of fast-food chains. It has its roots deep in Southern and African American culture. Everyone’s favorite comfort food is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Here are the most celebrated fried chicken spots in America.

Why We’re Writing About Fried Chicken

Fried chicken is a favorite for many Americans, and finding the best can really upgrade your dining experience. As a social food, fried chicken is best enjoyed with family or friends, so knowing the top-rated places can make get-togethers that much better. And why not try something new? You never know, one of the fried chicken restaurants on our list might just become your new favorite hangout. 

#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

Raising Cane’s isn’t just a fried chicken place. It’s a fried chicken place that 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).

#6 Bojangles Famous Chicken and Biscuits

You should go to a chicken place created in the South for truly Southern fried chicken. Bojangles was created in 1977 in Charlotte, North Carolina. It has over 800 restaurants in 17 states and employs over 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, it has a history of serving up unity. Created in the Jim Crow era in Mason, Tennessee, Gus helped bridge the racial divide with his chicken. 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. These are also baked daily.

#8 Church’s Chicken

Church’s Chicken is Texas’s version of fried chicken. In line with Texas’s unofficial motto: “Go big or go home,” the portions here are large, bold, and have had 70 years to perfect. 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 made of 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.

#10 Slim Chickens

Slim Chickens is newer to the fried chicken game and 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.

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