If there’s one thing America loves, it’s fried chicken. A recipe that likely came from overseas and later was perfected in the southern states, fried chicken has crossed borders and cultures as people everywhere crave the combination of juicy, crispy, spicy and tender chicken.
The United States has more than a dozen fried chicken chains all across the country, each one taking the concept of fried chicken and doing it a little bit differently. Some chains are doing it so well that they’ve developed extremely loyal followings.
So, which fried chicken chains are the best in the U.S.? Take a look to see if your favorite chicken spot has made the cut of our top 15.
15. Wingstop
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Headquarters: Addison, Texas
Year founded: 1994
No. of states with a location: 27
Why Wingstop Is One of the Best
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Wings may not be the traditional fried chicken that comes to mind, but these petite poultry bites are most definitely dipped in oil. Wingstop has perfected the art of the saucy wing with 11 different sauce options to choose from.
Tip: Wingstop’s Korean boneless wings have a perfect blend of sweet, spicy and crunch.
14. White Castle
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Headquarters: Columbus, Ohio
Year founded: 1921
No. of states with a location: 13
Why White Castle Is One of the Best
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White Castle isn't typically known for its fried chicken. Its small (yet mighty) burgers are what usually earn this chain its crown. But White Castle Chicken Rings still earn a spot on this list for its, um, peculiar shape (it's an O-shaped piece of chicken), as well as its nuggety flavor and texture.
13. Bojangle’s
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Headquarters: Charlotte, North Carolina
Year founded: 1977
No. of states with a location: 8
Why Bojangle’s Is One of the Best
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Now we're entering into chicken royalty territory. Bojangles is a North Carolina-based chain that is known first and foremost for its fried chicken and biscuits. The crispy breading is a blend of spicy-meets-succulent spices and comes with a plethora of dipping sauces to choose from. The fluffy biscuit on the side is a necessary (and appreciated) touch.
12. McDonald’s
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Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois
Year founded: 1940
No. of states with a location: 50
Why McDonald’s Is One of the Best
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McDonald's has introduced several different fried chicken versions to the public over the years (RIP chicken selects). But what has been a constant throughout generations of childhoods is the world-renowned Chicken McNugget. McNugget loyalists have stood by this dish through all of its many PR obstacles (like that time they were made with questionable ingredients). Today, we're pretty sure they are all white meat, real chicken and we love them all the more for it.
11. Shake Shack
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Headquarters: New York City, New York
Year founded: 2001
No. of states with a location: 12
Why Shake Shack Is One of the Best
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Shake Shack was the East Coast answer to In-N-Out — and die-hard Shake Shackers will tell you that its food reigns supreme over the West Coast competitor. But what most people do not know is that Shake Shack's Chick'n Shack fried chicken sandwich is even more delicious than the chain's signature burger.
10. Bonchon
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Headquarters: Dallas, Texas
Year founded: 2002
No. of states with a location: 21
Why Bonchon Is One of the Best
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This Korean fried chicken chain is truly a jewel of an institution, particularly for its Bonchon combo with half-and-half. This order includes wings and drumsticks, with both soy garlic sauce and a gochujang-based sauce.
Bonchon is purely about fried chicken and a variety of sauces. Sure, the menu has other highlights like pot stickers and popcorn shrimp, but what people are coming for is always the fried chicken.
9. KFC
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Headquarters: Louisville, Kentucky
Year founded: 1952
No. of states with a location: 50
Why KFC Is One of the Best
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KFC is likely America's most famous fried chicken chain. Colonel Sanders is one of the most recognizable faces and he's the one who brought the signature blend of 11 herbs and spices to the rest of the world. KFC's menu has expanded significantly over the years, but what has remained the same is the secret recipe that has made KFC so internationally renowned. In fact, KFC remains one of the largest fried chicken chains in the country.
8. Church’s Chicken
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Headquarters: Atlanta, Georgia
Year founded: 1952
No. of states with a location: 27
Why Church’s Chicken Is One of the Best
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While KFC is all about Kentucky fried chicken, Church's changes it up with their introduction of Texas fried chicken. You've got the choice of original and spicy, or you can choose the smokehouse chicken for a non-fried option. Church's also doesn't skimp on sides, whether it's fried okra or baked mac and cheese — and do not sleep on the honey butter biscuits.
7. Chick-fil-A
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Headquarters: Atlanta, Georgia
Year founded: 1946
No. of states with a location: 47
Why Chick-fil-A Is One of the Best
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One thing is for sure: Chick-fil-A loyalists will not be messed with. Lovers of this now-iconic chicken sandwich come back over and over for the breaded breast, which sits nestled between a fluffy bun and topped with crisp, tangy pickle chips. It's not fried chicken in the traditional sense, but it is most definitely one of America's most beloved fried chicken sandwiches. The chain also makes nuggets, as well as grilled chicken sandwiches.
6. Zaxby’s
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Headquarters: Athens, Georgia
Year founded: 1990
No. of states with a location: 19
Why Zaxby’s Is One of the Best
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With nearly 1,000 locations across the country, Zaxby's is a (relative) newcomer that is gaining fast traction. They don't do traditional fried chicken on the bone here. Instead, it's a selection of strips and wings, as well as other options like salads and snacks. The real winner on the menu here is the chicken fingerz, thanks to the juicy, tender chicken and the flaky, hot, crispy spicy coating.
5. Popeyes
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Headquarters: Miami, Florida
Year founded: 1972
No. of states with a location: 49
Why Popeyes Is One of the Best
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For a Louisiana-style spin on fried chicken, Popeyes has the fast food market cornered. Known for their signature Cajun seasoning blend, the fried chicken here is a game changer. The chicken sandwich (in both original and spicy) has fried chicken fans lined up around the block — and that's not an exaggeration. The chain also serves a fried chicken combo and plenty of sides to choose from.
4. Slim Chickens
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Headquarters: Fayetteville, Arkansas
Year founded: 2003
No. of states with a location: 32
Why Slim Chickens Is One of the Best
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Slim Chickens is another spring chick in the world of fried chicken chains. Born in 2003, the ethos of this brand is all about chicken strips (among other menu items). While Slim Chickens is most definitely considered fast food, all the chicken tenders are hand-breaded and made with all-natural chicken, which really does make a difference when it comes to flavor and texture.
3. Jollibee
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Headquarters: Pasig, Philippines
Year founded: 1975
No. of states with a location: 14
Why Jollibee Is One of the Best
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Jollibee has the market cornered for fast Filipino food. The Philippines-based chain has a loyal following in many states across the U.S. Their bone-in fried chicken comes in a choice of either leg or thigh. If you're a white meat-only fan, then you'll want their chicken strips and sandwiches. While you're at it, try some of their other signature items like the Yumburger or their spaghetti.
Yes, you read that right — fried chicken and spaghetti.
2. Raising Cane’s
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Headquarters: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Year founded: 1996
No. of states with a location: 31
Why Raising Cane’s Is One of the Best
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Hot, juicy, flaky, seasoned, delicious chicken tenders. That's what Raising Cane's does with exceptional perfection. Their menu is simple. It's chicken fingers, crinkle cut fries, cole slaw and Texas toast.
The one menu item you must make sure you always have, though, is the Cane sauce — an addictive elixir that makes every menu item simply sing.
1. Gus’s Fried Chicken
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Headquarters: Memphis, Tennessee
Year founded: 1984
No. of states with a location: 14
Why Gus’s Fried Chicken Is One of the Best
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All hail the holy grail of fried chicken. What started from a single, humble restaurant in Memphis, Tennessee has grown into an empire of legendary chicken — the stuff of great lyric poems. The chicken here is perfectly cooked: crispy and juicy, spicy and just the right amount of grease.
You can also order sides like fried green tomatoes and fried okra. Now the chain is available across 14 states, but its recipe and its overall ethos have not diverged from the original.