When you’re craving fried chicken, what’s your go-to? There are several factors that play into the perfect fried chicken. First, it can’t be too greasy and there has to be lots of crunch. Next, the seasoning has to be complementary, but not overpowering. Lastly, the chicken has to be cooked perfectly. Dry chicken won’t cut it! Here we’ll discuss the best and worst fried chicken from chain restaurants we all know and love.
1. Popeyes
Popeyes is one of the best fried chicken options out there. Popeyes marinates all of their chicken for at least 12 hours in Louisiana Cajun seasons, and the flavor is apparent. They make sure that all their chicken is the right size so cooking is uniform and always deliciously moist. Popeyes also uses more batter and beef tallow to fry their chicken. We love the crunch and the saltiness in every bite.
2. KFC
KFC Colonel might be the king of fried chicken, but to us, it has lost its appeal. Nothing can replace KFC’s spice blend, but the chicken is sometimes dry and greasy. Sometimes it’s even cold like it has been sitting out too long. We wish it were as consistent as it used to be.
3. Bojangles
We find Bojangles fried chicken on the bone to be very greasy. It’s always moist though. Their fried chicken sandwich is delicious and rivals Popeyes. The texture is perfect and the Cajun flavors shine through.
4. Zaxby’s
Some people are loyal to Zaxby’s, but it’s not our first choice. For fried chicken purists, they only offer tenders and a fried chicken Philly. Our one complaint is that the breading sometimes falls off. Their sauces are great though and their menu offers a lot of variety. They used to make everything to order, but now lean more towards fast food quality.
5. Church’s Texas Chicken
With just about 800 locations, there isn’t a Church’s in every state. If there is one near you, consider yourself lucky. The chicken isn’t our favorite of all the chain restaurants, but the sides are great. We love the apple pie and honey butter biscuits. Church’s Chicken has a lot of novelty that customers say wears off over time. Plus it’s always busy.
6. Bonchon
Have you had Korean fried chicken? If not, you have to try Bonchon. Bonchon uses potato starch, which is why their chicken is super crispy. It might be the best fried chicken we’ve ever had. It’s a great way to discover Korean flavors and spices. There are great sides and appetizers to choose from too like bao buns and kimchi. There are only 139 locations in the U.S., but if you come across one it’s worth a try.
7. Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A might not have bone-in chicken, but everything there tastes better because of their great service. They know what they do well and they always deliver. The Chick-fil-A sauce is our favorite. The chicken minis for breakfast are excellent and so are the biscuits. We have been loving the new pimento cheese sandwich too.
8. PDQ
If you go to PDQ, you have to get their chicken tenders. They are made to order and are always hot and delicious. Some other customers have complained about other menu items like the chicken sandwich tasting too processed. They make all their sauces in-house too. You have to try the hand-spun milkshakes too.
The Best Fried Chicken
Not all fried chicken is created equal. Everyone has their preferences and some people fiercely support a particular establishment. The best way to know what you prefer is to try all of the chicken chain restaurants! So what do you think? What’s the best or worst fried chicken you’ve ever had?