Craving crispy, juicy fried chicken? Look no further than the battleground of fast food chains! Each contender brings its A-game, tempting taste buds with unique flavor profiles, breading styles, and signature sides. But with so many options, where do you start? Fear not, chicken connoisseur! This article dives into the golden world of fast food fried chicken, dissecting the contenders – from the Colonel’s secret recipe to the spicy Louisiana heat. We’ll analyze their signature buckets, sandwiches, and wings, ranking them based on crunch, flavor, juiciness, and value. So buckle up, grab your napkins, and get ready to discover the best fast food fried chicken to satisfy your cravings!
Speaking of eating chicken, a recent study found that our ancestors would likely be horrified to learn that chickens are now food. A team of researchers from the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom found that our ancient ancestors once revered chickens to the point of burying their loved ones with cockerels and hens. The findings are based on chicken remains from over 600 sites in 89 countries, ranging from Morocco to Greece and South America, to Stonehenge and Orkney. Bones, locations, and historical records provided the research team with new insights into how local societies and cultures regarded the chicken.
Chickens may have evolved into a popular source of protein out of necessity. Chickens are easy to raise and don’t require much land or natural resources to thrive and grow into a suitable meal for humans. Regardless, humans have certainly figured out a variety of ways to cook chickens. From grilling to roasting to breading and frying, humans eat chicken in a range of different ways.
However, frying chicken is the least heart-friendly way to enjoy this environmentally friendly protein. In fact, a recent study found that just four ounces of fried food raises your risk of heart disease and stroke. Researchers from Shenzhen University say eating fried food significantly increases the risk of major cardiovascular events, coronary heart disease, and heart failure. Specifically, study authors find that for every 114-gram serving (roughly four ounces) of fried food a person eats, their risk of heart disease and stroke rises. Just be sure to enjoy your fried chicken in moderation, and think twice before reaching for that third fried chicken leg.
So, which fast food places serve the best fried chicken? StudyFinds did the research, consulting 10 foodie review websites in an effort to bring you the best fast-food fried chicken. Our list comprises the five most frequently listed fast-food chicken joints from across these sites. Don’t see your favorite fried chicken on the list? Feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments section below!
➡️ How Our “Best Of The Best” Lists Are Created
StudyFinds’ “Best of the Best” articles are put together with the idea of taking the work out of common consumer research. Ever find yourself searching for a product or service on Google and reading multiple reviews to find items listed across many of them? Our Best of the Best lists are created with that process in mind, with each item ranked by how frequently it appears on expert reviews or lists. With Best of the Best, you are getting consensus picks — making them truly the best of the best!
The List: Best Fast Food Fried Chicken, According to Experts
1. Popeyes
Love that chicken from Popeyes! Right? The top spot on the list of the best fast food fried chicken belongs to none other than Popeyes. From classic bone-in fried chicken to amazing chicken sandwiches and boneless nuggets, Popeyes offers some of the best fried chicken you’ll find.
Popeyes takes classic Southern fried chicken to the next level and beyond. The chain rolled out its delicious chicken sandwiches a few years ago, and the fast food fried chicken giant has not looked back since. The chicken giant has continued to grow at an alarming rate.
When it comes to fast food fried chicken, Popeyes reigns supreme, according to several sources. Foodbeast applauds their “Louisiana-style” rendition, calling it the most authentic and flavorful among chains. They praise the classic Southern sides and “mom-and-pop” atmosphere, highlighting the cultural significance of Popeye’s chicken experience.
According to 12 Tomatoes Popeyes fried chicken is fresh, made-to-order, and gives a traditional Southern fried chicken feel. They acknowledge the “less exciting” but well-executed sides like red beans and cajun rice, solidifying Popeye’s position as a haven for Southern comfort food.
Restaurant Clicks adds a millennial perspective, mentioning the brand’s growing popularity and fierce competition with Chick-fil-A. They crown Popeyes the “king of spicy chicken,” praising its consistent crunch and juicy interior. While acknowledging quality variations across locations, they hail the success of the now-iconic Popeyes Chicken Sandwich for pushing the brand further into the spotlight. Overall, these sources agree: for an authentic, flavorful, and culturally-resonant fast food fried chicken experience, Popeyes stands out as the clear winner.
2. Chick-Fil-A
Speaking of Chick-Fil-A and the “chicken wars,” the next spot on the list of the best fast food fried chicken belongs to Chick-Fil-A. The chain might not be cooking up traditional, bone-in fast food fried chicken, but that doesn’t prevent the fast food megastar from being included in the conversation of the best fast food fried chicken restaurants. However, having some of the best chicken is only half the battle. Chick-Fil-A does the small things really, really well.
Mashed emphasizes their exceptional cleanliness and service, acknowledging that even those who disagree with their founders’ values can’t deny the quality experience. Restaurant Clicks backs this up, citing their top ratings in customer service and praising the menu’s overall deliciousness, from the iconic chicken sandwich to waffle fries and milkshakes.
They even have fried chicken for breakfast with the delectable chicken minis you can snag before 10 a.m. Taste of Home praises their “artful” approach to chicken and their unmatched combination of service and food quality. Overall, Chick-fil-A stands out not just for its chicken, but for the consistent cleanliness, exceptional service, and overall menu appeal that keep customers coming back for more.
3. Jollibee
The third spot on the list of the best fast food fried chicken goes to Jollibee. Jollibee is a Filipino fast food chain that specializes in making some of the best fried chicken you can ever imagine, and some experts think this relatively new restaurant is going to take America by storm.
Jollibee’s fried chicken, known as “Chickenjoy,” is making waves in the fast food scene. Foodbeast hails it as a potential “takeover” contender, praising its simplicity and the unique, flavor-packed gravy that sets it apart. They emphasize the gravy’s “ethereal” taste and ability to elevate the entire chicken experience.
Jollibee is unique, and that’s what the foodies love about it. Their fried chicken is crispy and juicy, a combination that’s simple yet tough to get right every time. As the experts explain, Jollibee needs more locations in the U.S. before it can compete for one of the top spots on this list.
Most of us don’t associate the Philippines with delicious fried chicken, but that’s exactly what Jollibee is pumping out – deep-fried deliciousness. Still, Jollibee lovers can’t wait to see more of these unique fast food fried chicken restaurants here in America.
Mashed calls Chickenjoy “exactly what fried chicken should be”: crispy, juicy, perfectly seasoned, and never dry. 12 Tomatoes further strengthens the case, calling Jollibee’s menu “unique.” They commend their simple chicken sandwiches and the star of the show – the “top drawer” Jollibee gravy.
Overall, Jollibee’s Chickenjoy stands out for its distinct flavor profile, quality ingredients, and perfect execution. While its limited presence might hold it back from the top spot, it’s definitely a fried chicken contender worth seeking out for its unique and delicious experience.
4. Church’s Chicken
Church’s fried chicken is a Southern-style restaurant specializing in classic, Southern-style fried chicken and sides. Church’s menu offers the perfect combination of delicious fried chicken and savory side dishes designed to transport you back to a simpler time. In all, Church’s Chicken has over 1,000 locations spread across the country.
When it comes to hand-battered, deep-fried goodness, Church’s Chicken claims its throne. Foodbeast praises their national reach and dedication to flavor, calling them the “gourmet KFC” for elevating the classic fried chicken experience. Their crispy, well-seasoned chicken is undeniable, even if their menu remains “simplistic.”
12 Tomatoes takes it a step further, calling Church’s “as close to gourmet as fried chicken can get.” They highlight the freshness, flavor, and variety beyond the chicken, including the irresistible Honey-Q sandwich and sides like breaded jalapeno bombers and honey biscuits.
Restaurant Clicks backs up the “hand-battered champion” title, praising the 67-year legacy and 1045 locations nationwide. They emphasize the perfectly seasoned, crispy chicken and crown their honey-butter glazed biscuits as a runner-up. Church’s hand-battered goodness, coupled with their flavorful sides and dedication to quality, earns them a well-deserved spot on the fried chicken map, appealing to both die-hard fans and those seeking a gourmet twist on the classic.
5. Raising Cane’s
Raising Cane’s was founded in Louisiana and specializes in frying up some of the tastiest chicken tenders you’ll find. They stick to what they know, so no bone-in chicken here, but that doesn’t matter. If you’re in the mood for some delicious fried chicken, then you can’t go wrong with Raising Cane’s.
One aspect that sets Raising Cane’s apart from other fast food fried chicken restaurants is its dipping sauce. Chicken lovers simply can’t get enough of it. In addition to their scrumptious sauce, their laser focus on quality solidifies their status as a great. Foodbeast crowns it the “winner” so far, praising the sauce’s versatility and ability to elevate even a “flip-flop.” They emphasize the iconic pairing of chicken fingers and fries dipped in the creamy sauce, drawing Instagrammers and customers alike. The sauce’s recipe is top-secret, so good luck getting it anywhere.
The Daily Meal sees the “beauty” of Raising Cane’s simplicity. They commend their focus on doing a few things well, offering just chicken fingers, fries, coleslaw, and Texas toast. This allows them to prioritize quality, which resonates with repeat customers.
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Sources:
- The Daily Meal
- Shopfood
- 12 Tomatoes
- Restaurant Clicks
- Mashed
- Taste of Home
- Foodbeast
- Tasting Table
- Eat This, Not That
- Red Book Magazine
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.
Starbird is at least number 2, if not number 1.
I do agree somewhat, but Popeyes is way to expensive, KFC truly blows and too much $. I have not had any of the other we do not have those franchises here in my area of Oregon. But something you should checkout is Buy2 markets have Krispy Krunch Cajon Chicken and its far superior to Popeyes.
KFC is No.1
I always thought that they were the best out of all the other chicken restaurants too.
Why is PDQ not listed. There chicken is outstanding. Much better than some of the names mentioned.
I’m quite impressed with Lucky markets 8 pieces for $8.99. Tasty, we’ll seasoned and freshly made.
You left out Kentucky Fried Chicken. KFC originally started the Chicken fast food restaurant
I have tried Popeyes three times and have bee disappointed each time. Dry, flavorless and greasy.
Chic fil a is a chicken sandwich
I have to disagree. I recently stopped at Church’s Chicken and was very disappointed. The chicken was tough and not favorable at all. Sorry, but my money is just too precious for me to ever eat their chicken again.
Any list that doesn’t include Bojangles is not a good list. Popeye’s is not that good and is flavorless in my opinion and shouldn’t even be on here. Church’s barely holding on around here. Original KFC and Chick-fil-A are good and both should be here.
Bojangles is better than Popeyes imo. Plus you don’t pay extra for biscuits.
Obviously YOU have NEVER tasted BOJANGLES… THE BEST!
Maryland Fried Chicken:Conway,S.C
Matt you got one right out of five. Church’s has good chicken. Chicken strips are not fried chicken. The other two places are not that great.
More than half of these places don’t even sell fried chicken. Chicken nuggets and tenders are not fried chicken. There delicious and I do like most of these places…. But there not fried chicken. Additionally, you left the best fried chicken place off the list, Bojangles. I’ve seen so many do taste tests online and constantly put Bojangles over Popeyes and Churches. I’ve eaten plenty of Bojangles myself and agree with the critics.
You nailed it! You are really testing the chicken not advertising. I agree with your choices 💯 percent! Excellent article!!! Keep up the good work!!!😊
You should do more research… lol. One of the ultimate best is Louisiana Chicken honestly. Then we have Honey Kettle Chicken, which is definitely in it’s own league!
You had me except for that #2 spot. Jollibee should be there and Chik-fil-A shouldn’t be anywhere near the list with their bland, boring chicken. KFC hasn’t been decent in years and it’s STILL better than C-f-A.
Where is KRUNCHY CHICKEN?
Generally at gas stations.
Can read or follow to many distactions i will not be back
This is completely wrong!
I must have been to Popeyes on an off day then. KFC was better than what I had that day.
Back in the Day, Pioneer Chicken was really Good. I think they still have 2 restaurants in the LA Area? Love the list and agree 100%.