Fried chicken cravings don’t mess around—and neither do the chains that serve it best. From juicy thighs to crunchy wings, Americans take their fried chicken seriously. Some spots have loyal followings that span decades, while others are newer but already drawing long lines. If your weekend plans involve a bucket and some extra napkins, you’ll want to see if your go-to made the cut. This list of America’s top 10 fried chicken chains breaks down the heavy hitters keeping the fryers hot and customers happy.
KFC
Born in the heat of the Great Depression, KFC was the brainchild of Colonel Harland Sanders, who started slinging his signature fried chicken from a roadside diner in Corbin, Kentucky. By 1952, the colonel had franchised his secret 11 herbs and spices recipe to the masses, starting in Salt Lake City, Utah. KFC didn’t just challenge the burger giants—it redefined fast food with its crispy, golden-coated bird. It’s still the global fried chicken champ, because honestly, nobody does “original recipe” quite like the Colonel.
Jollibee
Started in 1978 by Tony Tan Caktiong in the Philippines, Jollibee has become a global underdog success story with its crunchy, juicy Chickenjoy stealing hearts (and stomachs) worldwide. What began as an ice cream parlor in Manila now rivals the biggest players with a cult following from Manila to Manhattan. The secret? Chicken so good, it makes you forget it came with a side of spaghetti.
Slim Chickens
Launched in 2003 by Greg Smart and Tom Gordon in Fayetteville, Arkansas, Slim Chickens brought Southern comfort to the fast-casual scene with crispy tenders, wings, and even chicken & waffles. They’re not shy about serving up their bird hot and fresh, with over a dozen house-made dipping sauces to seal the deal. It’s like your favorite diner and your favorite fried chicken shack had a baby—and that baby wore cowboy boots.
Wingstop
Founded in 1994 in Garland, Texas, Wingstop took flight with a retro aviation theme and a mission: serve up bold, saucy wings in every flavor imaginable. From Atomic to Lemon Pepper, their wings became cult-level iconic, and the brand soared to over 2,500 locations. With every bite, you’re basically signing up for a first-class ticket to flavor country—no boarding pass required.
Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers
It all started in 1996 when Todd Graves and Craig Silvey opened a humble chicken finger joint in Baton Rouge, Louisiana—and named it after Todd’s dog, Cane. Their no-frills menu focuses on just one thing: golden, juicy chicken fingers served hot with buttery Texas toast and that addictive Cane’s sauce. It’s the kind of place where fewer choices mean better chicken, and honestly, we’re not mad about it.
Buffalo Wild Wings
Founded in 1982 by James Disbrow and Scott Lowery in Columbus, Ohio, Buffalo Wild Wings (or B-Dubs, if you’re cool) turned casual wing nights into full-blown sports bar events. With dozens of wing flavors, beer on tap, and TVs in every direction, it’s not just a place to eat—it’s a lifestyle. Their wings bring the heat, and the crowd never misses kickoff.
Zaxby’s Chicken Fingers & Buffalo Wings
In 1990, two friends—Zach McLeroy and Tony Townley—launched Zaxby’s in Statesboro, Georgia, serving up crave-worthy Chicken Fingerz and signature Zax Sauce near their college campus. It quickly spread across the South, winning fans with its crunchy tenders, saucy wings, and epic Zalads (yep, salads, but better). Southern hospitality never tasted so fried.
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen
In 1972, New Orleans-born Al Copeland opened “Chicken on the Run” in Arabi, Louisiana—but when that flopped, he spiced things up and rebranded as Popeyes. With its Cajun-seasoned crust and Louisiana flair, Popeyes quickly became a heavyweight in the fried chicken game. Decades later, that crispy, spicy chicken sandwich frenzy? Still undefeated.
Chick-fil-A
Truett Cathy opened the first Chick-fil-A in 1967 in Atlanta, Georgia, offering the “original chicken sandwich” before it was cool. With a buttered bun, fried breast, and a couple pickles, they kept it simple—and it worked. Add in waffle fries, southern manners, and some Sunday scarcity, and you’ve got the most politely addictive chicken around.
Bojangles
Founded in 1977 in Charlotte, North Carolina by Jack Fulk and Richard Thomas, Bojangles has been slinging Cajun-spiced fried chicken and fluffy buttermilk biscuits ever since. It’s breakfast, lunch, and Southern comfort all rolled into one crispy, golden meal. One bite of that seasoned skin and you’ll understand why the South swears by it.
