When it comes to fried chicken, Americans don’t mess around. Whether it’s crispy, juicy, spicy, or dripping in honey butter, there’s just something about golden-fried goodness that keeps us coming back for more.
While KFC and Raising Cane’s often steal the spotlight, there’s a whole world of incredible fried chicken spots out there that deserve just as much love—if not more.
From Southern staples to international chains that have taken the U.S. by storm, we’re breaking down 12 of America’s favorite fried chicken restaurants that bring the crunch, the flavor, and the finger-licking satisfaction.
Whether you’re craving spicy Nashville hot, perfectly seasoned tenders, or Korean-style double-fried wings, this list has something for every fried chicken lover.
1. Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen
If there’s one chain that’s truly challenged KFC’s dominance, it’s Popeyes. This Louisiana-born brand is famous for its ultra-crispy, perfectly seasoned fried chicken that’s marinated for 12 hours before it even hits the fryer. The result? Juicy, flavorful chicken with a deep, golden crust that shatters with every bite.
But Popeyes isn’t just about chicken—it’s a full-on Southern comfort food experience. Their legendary buttery biscuits are practically a meal on their own, and their Cajun-style sides, like red beans and rice or mac & cheese, take everything up a notch.
And let’s not forget the chicken sandwich that set the internet on fire—crispy, spicy, and topped with just the right amount of sauce. If you haven’t had Popeyes yet, you’re seriously missing out.
2. Church’s Chicken
Everything’s bigger in Texas, and that includes the bold, crispy fried chicken at Church’s. This chain specializes in massive, crunchy pieces that are fried to golden perfection and packed with a signature peppery kick.
Each bite is an explosion of juicy goodness, making it easy to see why Church’s has been a fan favorite for decades.
One of Church’s biggest claims to fame? Their honey-butter biscuits. These warm, flaky biscuits are brushed with just the right amount of sweetness, creating the perfect balance to the salty, crispy chicken. If you’re a sauce lover, their spicy jalapeño bombers and rich, creamy gravy are also must-tries.
Whether you go for classic bone-in chicken or their hand-breaded tenders, Church’s delivers big flavors in every bite.
3. Bojangles
Bojangles isn’t just a fried chicken restaurant—it’s a Southern institution. Known for its Cajun-spiced fried chicken, fluffy, made-from-scratch buttermilk biscuits, and legendary seasoned fries, this North Carolina-based chain serves up some of the best comfort food in the game.
Their bone-in chicken is coated in a bold, flavorful seasoning that gives it a slightly spicy kick, making it stand out from your usual fast-food fried chicken.
But perhaps the biggest fan favorite is their Chicken Supremes—crispy, juicy tenders that come with a side of tangy Bo’s Special Sauce.
Pair it all with a side of creamy mac & cheese, dirty rice, or their famous Bo-Berry Biscuit (a sweet biscuit topped with icing and blueberries), and you’ve got yourself a true Southern feast.
4. Jollibee
Jollibee has taken America by storm, and for good reason. This Filipino fried chicken chain is best known for its Chickenjoy—crispy, juicy, and seasoned just right, with a unique blend of spices that sets it apart from American-style fried chicken.
Each piece is perfectly golden, light yet crunchy, and always served piping hot.
But what makes Jollibee truly stand out is its unexpected pairings. Instead of the usual biscuits or coleslaw, Chickenjoy is often served with steamed rice, gravy, and even sweet spaghetti.
Yes, you read that right—Jollibee’s spaghetti is a fan favorite, featuring a sweet tomato sauce, sliced hot dogs, and melted cheese. It’s different, it’s delicious, and it’s something you absolutely have to try at least once.
5. Zaxby’s
If you’re a chicken tenders enthusiast, then Zaxby’s is your paradise. This Southern-born chain specializes in hand-breaded chicken tenders that are always crispy, flavorful, and cooked fresh to order.
While their tenders are already amazing on their own, the real magic happens when you start dipping.
Zaxby’s offers more than a dozen unique sauces, ranging from the signature Zax Sauce (a creamy, tangy, peppery dip) to the fiery Tongue Torch and the extra-spicy Nuclear Sauce.
Their crispy chicken sandwiches and loaded chicken salads (known as Zalads) are also popular picks, but no trip to Zaxby’s is complete without a side of Texas toast and a tall glass of their legendary sweet tea.
6. Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken
Some places claim to be world-famous, but Gus’s actually is. This Tennessee-based fried chicken joint has built a cult-like following for its perfectly spiced, ultra-crispy fried chicken that delivers just the right amount of heat.
Unlike traditional hot chicken, Gus’s keeps things balanced—spicy, but not overwhelming, with a crunchy, flavorful crust that locks in all the juicy goodness inside.
What makes Gus’s even more special? The old-school diner vibes.
hether you’re at their original Memphis location or one of their newer spots, you’ll get the same welcoming atmosphere, simple sides like baked beans and coleslaw, and a plate of chicken that’ll make you wonder why you ever settled for anything less.
7. Hattie B’s Hot Chicken
If you love fried chicken with a serious kick, Hattie B’s is the spot for you.
This Nashville-based hot chicken chain has become a household name for its perfectly crispy, flavorful chicken that comes in six different heat levels—ranging from the mild and buttery “Southern” to the eye-watering, sweat-inducing “Shut the Cluck Up.”
But Hattie B’s isn’t just about heat—it’s about flavor. The chicken is brined, hand-breaded, and fried to golden perfection, then dusted with their signature spice blend to create a crunchy, smoky, and slightly sweet finish.
Pair it with their creamy pimento mac & cheese, tangy vinegar slaw, or a slice of banana pudding, and you’ve got yourself a meal that hurts so good.
8. Bonchon
Bonchon isn’t your typical fried chicken joint—it’s a Korean fried chicken experience that takes crispiness to a whole new level. Their chicken is double-fried, which creates an extra-crunchy, shatteringly crisp crust while keeping the inside ridiculously juicy.
But what really makes Bonchon stand out? The sauces.
Each piece of chicken is hand-brushed with their signature sauces—choose from soy garlic (sweet, savory, and umami-packed) or spicy (a fiery, peppery kick with just the right amount of heat).
And while their wings and drumsticks are the main attraction, their Korean-inspired sides—like kimchi coleslaw, pickled radish, and bulgogi-loaded fries—make every meal feel like a flavor-packed feast.
9. Slim Chickens
Slim Chickens might not have the same name recognition as some of the bigger fried chicken chains, but those who know about it are obsessed. This Arkansas-based chain specializes in fresh, hand-breaded chicken tenders that are juicy, crispy, and packed with flavor.
And while the chicken alone is fantastic, what really sets Slim Chickens apart is their sauce selection—with 17 different dipping sauces to choose from, including Mango Habanero, Garlic Parmesan, and their famous Slim Sauce.
But Slim Chickens isn’t just about tenders. Their chicken & waffles is a must-try, featuring fluffy waffles and crispy tenders drizzled with maple syrup and butter.
And for dessert? Mason jar desserts like strawberry cheesecake and chocolate brownie pudding make for the perfect sweet ending to a crispy, crunchy meal.
10. Golden Chick
Golden Chick may not be as widely known as some of the giants on this list, but in Texas, it’s a fried chicken institution. Their Original Golden Tenders are famous for their extra-crunchy, flavor-packed coating, and their bone-in fried chicken is just as satisfying.
What sets Golden Chick apart is their old-school, no-frills approach to fried chicken, where quality and consistency come first.
Their jalapeño poppers, fried okra, and battered fries make the perfect sides, but if you’re looking for something truly unique, their Golden Roast Chicken (a slow-roasted alternative to fried chicken) offers a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.
Whether you go for classic fried or golden roast, one thing’s for sure—Golden Chick delivers big on taste and Texas-sized portions.
11. The Crack Shack
If fast food fried chicken isn’t your thing, then The Crack Shack is where you need to be. This chef-driven fried chicken eatery started in San Diego and has since expanded to multiple locations, serving high-quality, gourmet fried chicken with a fun, modern twist.
Their free-range, antibiotic-free chicken is always fresh, never frozen, and is fried in small batches to ensure maximum crispiness and juiciness.
But what really makes The Crack Shack stand out is their unique sandwich menu, featuring creations like the Firebird (spicy fried chicken with ranch and pickles) and the Señor Croque (crispy chicken, bacon, runny egg, and cheddar on a brioche bun).
Their house-made dipping sauces, like Kimchi BBQ, Sriracha Thousand Island, and Curry Mayo, take the experience to another level. And with sides like Mexican poutine and deviled eggs, The Crack Shack proves that fried chicken can be both indulgent and elevated.
12. Frenchy’s Chicken
Since 1969, Frenchy’s Chicken has been a Houston legend, serving up some of the most flavorful Creole-style fried chicken you’ll ever taste. This isn’t your typical fast-food fried chicken—it’s bold, deeply seasoned, and packed with just the right amount of Louisiana-inspired spice.
Their chicken is crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and comes with sides that are just as iconic as the main dish. Their dirty rice, greens, and jalapeño cornbread are must-tries, but if you’re looking for something extra special, grab a Po’Boy sandwich or one of their famous stuffed turkey legs.
Frenchy’s is the kind of place that locals swear by, and once you get a taste of their signature Creole seasoning, you’ll understand why. It’s fried chicken done right—with soul, spice, and a whole lot of heart.
Leave a comment