The Best Fast Food Fried Chicken Restaurants You Need To Visit!

Chicken is by far one of the best foods, you canpopeyes dirty rice recipes add it to so many dishes, whether it’s a sandwich, a soup, with rice, or even alongside a salad.

However, there is no denying that one of the most popular forms of chicken is the delicious crispy chicken.

Popular with everyone both young and old, crispy fried chicken is a much loved food item across the country, which is exactly why there are so many fast food restaurants that are based around serving it! 

However, not all of these chicken restaurants are created equal, and no two pieces of fried chicken are the same, which is exactly why we’ve compiled a list of the best fast food fried chicken restaurants that you need to visit! 

So, if you’re a lover of fried chicken and want to try and find the best fried chicken local to you, then work your way through our list and you might just discover your new favorite fast food restaurant!

The Best Fast Food Chicken Restaurants

So, if you’re looking for the best chain restaurants to enjoy some delicious fried chicken, then here are our favorite chicken restaurants!

Popeyes

Whilst those who are a little bit older might instantly think of the cartoon sailor when the Popeyes name is mentioned, those who are a bit younger will instantly jump to the delicious fried chicken restaurant! 

This chain has over 2,300 restaurants across the US, with more popping up as each day passes, and it’s no surprise really considering how popular the chain has become in recent years, and it’s now even beginning to challenge some of the larger chains too. 

If you like your chicken spicy, then there are not many restaurants better than Popeyes.

With their super crunchy coating, and their tender and juicy insides, it’s not hard to understand why so many people are obsessed with it.

Often some chains struggle to maintain their quality across such a vast amount of locations, however, it doesn’t seem like something that Popeyes is struggling to do! 

Plus, the popularity they gained on the release of their Popeyes Chicken Sandwich thanks to it becoming somewhat of a viral sensation has meant that the restaurant has seen an increase in sales year on year, so you should definitely give Popeyes a try if you haven’t before.

And if you’re looking for a taste of Popeyes at home, you might want to explore some Popeyes-inspired dirty rice recipes to recreate that savory and flavorful dish in your own kitchen.

Chick-Fil-A

Chick-Fil-A isn’t just one of the best fried chicken fast food restaurant chains in the country (see also ‘America’s 50 Best Fast Food Chains‘), it’s one of the best fast food restaurant chains in the country, period.

Those who regularly find themselves at Chick-Fil-A love every single item on their menu, and for good reason, as the restaurant has ensured that their high quality is kept up across every location. 

What makes Chick-Fil-A so great is the simplicity, their fried chicken sandwich consists of very few ingredients, namely a deliciously buttery bun, their classic recipe fried chicken, and some pickles to garnish.

Yet despite this simplicity, the taste is almost unrivalled, and no one can quite figure out what makes their sandwiches taste so good. 

Their success doesn’t just stop at the sandwiches however, as their chicken nuggets are also regarded as some of the best too, and combined with their unique Polynesian sauce, you’ll struggle to find anywhere better. 

They also sell a whole range of other food items, including waffle fries and super thick milkshakes.

Church’s Chicken

Having been in business for over 60 years, there’s no surprise that Church’s Chicken is to be found on this list, having perfected their craft over a number of decades, their fried chicken has been sought out by fans of the dish.

Plus, with over 1,000 locations in the US alone, you shouldn’t ever find yourself too far from your local restaurant either! 

Their hand-battered chicken is absolutely delicious, and features plenty of seasonings, as well as a delightfully crispy coating, which provides the perfect contrast to the juicy chicken on the inside. 

Their honey-glazed biscuits also need mentioning too, and are both crumbly and buttery, just as a biscuit should be, so these are worth a try if you find yourself in a Church’s Chicken after this review! 

They also have plenty of sides you should try, all of which give you that glimpse into the south! So whether it’s the fried okra or the cheese bombers, give them a go. 

Bojangles

Whilst located mainly in the southeast, Bojangles has hundreds of locations, so if you have one near to you, you should most definitely get yourself there as soon as possible for some of the tastiest fried chicken you will ever eat. 

Bojangles has a focus on using cajun in their fried chicken, which is what makes it so unique in comparison to so many other fried chicken restaurants out there.

These delicious pieces of fried chicken work in perfect harmony alongside their signature buttermilk biscuits, so whether you decide to opt for this, or even one of their bone-in chicken meals you’ll be sure to enjoy their incredible chicken. 

Their sides are worth checking out too, with their classic fries, green beans, mashed potatoes, and plenty of other southern-inspired sides on offer too! 

Raising Cane’s

Having been around since 1996, it’s fair to say that Raising Cane’s knows a thing or two about fried chicken, and has rapidly expanded to over 400 locations throughout the country, so it’s fair to say that they’re on the rise too! 

With their specialty being in boneless deep-fried chicken, with a gorgeous and irresistible batter, you’ll want to spend all day dipping their delicious chicken fingers into their signature sauce, with their crinkle-cut fries and fresh coleslaw also making for great additions to any meal, you’ll soon find yourself craving their food every day.

The only bad news is that their chicken fingers are the only fried chicken option available on their menu, so maybe it’s best to keep it to an occasional visit. 

Wingstop

Fried chicken isn’t all about boneless chicken breast pieces, however, and with over 1,100 locations in the US, it’s clear that there is a great demand for excellent juicy chicken wings. 

So, no matter whether you prefer boneless or bone-in chicken wings, Wingstop has something to offer for everyone, and you can rest assured that they also offer a wide variety of spices, so whether you like your wings mild or flaming hot, they’ve got you covered. 

If you’re feeling especially brave, then opt for the atomic wings, but be sure to have some cold water and ice cream nearby for when you eat them, as they most certainly do feel atomic with the heat they give off in your mouth! 

If the spicy life isn’t for you, there are still plenty of options available, the original hot flavor isn’t overwhelmingly spicy, and the sweet yet tangy Hawaiian wings make for the perfect mild choice of chicken flavoring too! 

Zaxby’s

A lot of the time if you’re a fan of both chicken wings or chicken fingers, it can be incredibly hard to find a restaurant that serves both to a high quality. Thankfully, you can stop the search, as Zaxby’s caters to fans of both! 

With over 900 locations in the US, it’s fair to say that Zaxby’s is as strong as ever, so whether you decide to fill yourself up on chicken fingers sandwiches, or some kickin’ chicken with Texas toast, then you can’t go too far wrong. 

They also make some incredibly bone-in wings if that’s your thing, and with a variety of sauces to choose from, then you’ll find yourself back at Zaxby’s in no time at all (see also ‘15 Delicious Items On Zaxby’s Menu That You Need To Try‘).

Our favorite has to be the chain’s signature buffalo sauce, which we definitely recommend trying.

The Nuclear and Insane sauces are for those seeking immense heat from their sauces. However, there’s also the wimpy sauce if you’re not a fan of anything too hot. 

So, with excellent fried chicken, and a great choice of sides, appetizers, and salads all available too, it might be worth checking out your local Zaxby’s some time! 

Jollibee

Originating in the Philippines, Jollibee has been present in the US since 1998, and as of today has well over 1300 locations worldwide, with more opening on a weekly basis. So it’s slowly beginning to make its way everywhere!

However, the chain only has 37 or so outlets in the US, so finding one near you might be rather difficult, however, if there’s one close to you it’s definitely worth checking out as they make sure to use a whole host of flavors and seasonings in order to differ themselves from your traditional fried chicken shop restaurants. 

Their menu’s variety is also extremely impressive, with things such as their Jolly Spaghetti, which features a particularly sweet sauce that consists of banana jelly, and their Halo Halo dessert, which despite being made from beans, is actually delicious! 

So whilst their chicken might not be the sweetest, it is packed full of flavor like you wouldn’t believe, so whether you choose the breakfast chicken sandwich or some of the boneless chicken dippers, their menu is consistent throughout. 

Shake Shack

Shake Shack is known across the country for their deliciously tender burgers. However, did you know that their fried chicken is just as delicious (see also ‘16 Best WingStop Menu Items‘)? So it’s definitely worth checking out if you find yourself passing Shake Shack on a regular basis! 

The chain has a signature chicken sandwich, known as the Chicken Shack, and you might be completely surprised to discover just how delicious this sandwich is, which features some gorgeous fried chicken, as well as pickles, lettuce, and creamy buttermilk mayo. 

The potato bun is also toasted to perfection too, so the level of crispiness throughout the sandwich is immense. The size of the sandwich is also impressive, so you definitely get fantastic value for money too. 

So whilst this sandwich sounds simple initially, once you try it you’ll never go back to eating their normal burgers ever again! 

Bonchon Korean Fried Chicken

Bonchon serves some of the tastiest bone-in fried chicken, and if you’re a fan of eastern or Asian-inspired flavors, then you need to find yourself at your local outlet as soon as possible. 

Another great thing about Bonchon is the portion sizes, they’re so big in comparison to other fried chicken restaurants there’s a good chance you won’t end up finishing your food.

They also feature a good amount of simple yet tasty sauces for you to dip your chicken into, which really allows you to mix up the flavors as well. 

What makes Korean fried chicken really special though is that it’s actually fried twice, first at a lower heat to ensure that the chicken is cooked through and then the second time is what really ensures that you get that super crisp outer layer. 

So with 100 locations currently in the US, if you can get yourself down to your nearest Bonchon then we’re sure you’ll love it! 

Slim Chickens

Despite having locations throughout the US, we feel like Slim Chickens doesn’t get enough love, especially when it comes to discussing some of the best fried chicken around, this southern-inspired restaurant seems to get forgotten about, which is why we’re here to right some wrongs. 

Slim Chickens’ menu has a wide variety of offerings for fried chicken lovers, with tenders and wings both available in varying quantities, as well as stacked sandwiches and even a selection of chicken wraps too.

In classic southern fashion, there are also chicken and waffle options if you’re looking to satisfy that craving for sweetness. 

Another area where Slim Chickens impresses is with its sides, fried mushrooms, okra, coleslaw, pickles, ranch chips, and mac & cheese all available, they really do help to provide you with a lot of the southern comforts that you’d expect from a fried chicken outlet! 

If you’re a big fan of milkshakes you’re in luck too, with their milkshakes being super thick and full of fresh delicious ingredients, it makes them an excellent accompaniment to any dish you decide upon. 

So, if you’re yet to discover this hidden gem, then you need to find your local Slim Chickens and try it out as soon as possible! 

Krispy Krunchy Chicken

Founded in 1989 in Louisiana, Krispy Krunchy Chicken started off as a convenience store food company (see also ‘14 Mouthwatering Items To Try Off Buc-ee’s Menu‘), and very quickly became an extremely popular fast food chicken restaurant.

Since then, they’ve grown rapidly, with over 2,500 stores, including some in both Malaysian and American Samoa, so it shows that their reach is slowly increasing even further!

Their menu is simple yet effective, and places a large focus on its delicious cajun-style fried “Krispy Chicken”, including cajun tenders and wings that all come part of different meal deals or family deals.

These deals also include various sides, from honey butter biscuits to mac & cheese, as well as rice and even chicken cracklings! 

They also serve a chicken sandwich, which features their signature fried chicken, as well as dill pickles, and a special honey butter spread that helps to give the sandwich a unique taste. 

KFC

Arguably the grandfather of the fried chicken, everyone is aware of the legendary status of this chicken giant, and it is widely regarded as one of the best fried chicken restaurants of all time. 

With a wide variety of portion sizes and options, there’s something for everyone at KFC (see also ‘16 of KFC’s Best and Most Delicious Menu Items‘), which is why it is known globally as the home of fried chicken. 

Final Words

There you have it, our list of some of the best fast food fried chicken restaurants that we believe you need to visit, we hope you enjoyed it (see also ‘Top 10 All-Day Breakfast Fast Food Restaurants‘)!