Americans are well-known for their love of fried chicken. From classic Southern comfort to more modern and exotic recipes, the United States is peppered with diverse friend chicken chains ranging from spicy dishes to savory and sweet. (These are the biggest restaurant chains in America.)
But the U.S. isn’t the only fan of fried chicken. This cuisine shows up in many different cultures all around the world, each with its own special twist. This has resulted in a plethora of choices in the U.S. and internationally. So, in no particular order, here are the best fried chicken chains in the U.S. (These are the oldest restaurant chains 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.
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
Fried chicken.
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.
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
Fried chicken.
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
Fried chicken.
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
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.
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
Zaxby’s car.
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
Fried chicken.
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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