15 Fried Chicken Chains Texans Swear By

Nothing gets Texans more riled up—or more passionate—than a good old-fashioned debate about fried chicken. As a born-and-raised Dallas gal, I’ve crisscrossed the state, tasting golden, crispy perfection from Beaumont to El Paso, and one thing’s clear: we don’t play around when it comes to our fried bird.
Whether it’s a tiny gas station with a devoted following or a small-town, family-run spot serving the same mouthwatering recipe for generations, Texas is packed with legendary chicken joints that inspire serious loyalty.
Some are hidden gems, others are roadside icons, but all have one thing in common—they’re worth every mile driven and every napkin used. Ready to discover the best of the best?
1. Bush’s Chicken: The Hometown Hero

Y’all haven’t lived until you’ve pulled up to a Bush’s drive-thru after a long day of Texas heat! Founded in Waco in 1996, this joint spread faster than gossip in a small town church.
The tenders here are so juicy they should come with a warning label. Last summer, I drove 40 miles out of my way just to grab their sweet tea and chicken combo when nothing else would satisfy my craving.
Their signature yellow buildings dot the Central Texas landscape like little beacons of deep-fried happiness. Bush’s keeps it simple—just good ol’ fashioned chicken with that perfect peppery kick that somehow tastes exactly like coming home.
2. Golden Chick: The Texas Treasure

Holy moly, those rolls! Golden Chick started as Golden Fried Chicken in San Marcos back in 1967, and they’ve been rolling in dough (literally and figuratively) ever since.
My grandma used to bribe me with their tender meals when I needed motivation to finish my homework. The chicken has this signature golden crust that shatters just right when you bite into it, revealing perfectly moist meat underneath.
What really sets them apart? Those heavenly yeast rolls that taste like they were kissed by butter angels. I’ve witnessed grown adults nearly come to blows over who gets the last one in the family pack. No shame—I’d probably join that fight!
3. Chicken Express: The Small-Town Sensation

Sweet tea so good it’ll make your teeth hurt! Chicken Express rolled out of Mineral Wells in 1988 and has been the go-to post-Friday night football feast across small-town Texas ever since.
Their chicken strips maintain that perfect balance of crunchy exterior and tender interior that keeps folks coming back. My first high school job was at the local Chicken-E, where I learned their secret weapon isn’t just the chicken—it’s that sweet tea that flows like liquid gold from those giant containers.
The hush puppies deserve their own fan club, with a slightly sweet cornmeal batter that complements the savory chicken perfectly. When Texans say they’re making a “tea run,” everyone knows exactly where they’re headed.
4. Layne’s Chicken Fingers: The College Station Classic

Aggies don’t just pledge allegiance to their university—they swear by Layne’s! This College Station institution has been serving no-frills chicken fingers since 1994, and the lines still wrap around the building on game days.
The first time I tried their signature sauce (a tangy, slightly spicy orange concoction), I nearly proposed marriage to the cashier out of sheer gratitude. My Aggie friends claim the secret to their success is simplicity—just a few menu items done absolutely perfectly.
The Texas toast that comes with each order isn’t an afterthought; it’s buttery, thick-cut perfection that deserves respect. When former students return to College Station, Layne’s is often their very first stop, even before visiting campus.
5. Williams Chicken: The South Dallas Legend

Spicy, soulful, and unapologetically authentic! Williams Chicken has been holding it down in South Dallas since 1987, when founder Hiawatha Williams opened his first location with just $5,000 and a dream.
Growing up, my uncle would bring Williams chicken to every family gathering, and the adults would reminisce about how the spice blend hadn’t changed in decades. Their hot sauce deserves its own ZIP code—it’s got that perfect vinegar-forward tang with enough heat to make you pay attention without overwhelming the chicken.
What I love most is how each location feels like a community hub. The chicken is consistently crispy, with that distinctive peppery kick that’s become their signature. True Dallasites know: it’s not just chicken, it’s a cultural institution.
6. Raising Cane’s: The Louisiana Import Texans Adopted

Cane’s Sauce might as well be liquid gold in the Lone Star State! Though technically born in Louisiana, Raising Cane’s found its second home in Texas, where we’ve embraced it like a long-lost relative.
My college roommate and I once drove through a literal tornado warning just to satisfy our Cane’s craving. That’s not exaggeration—we watched the sky turn green while waiting in the drive-thru line, and still didn’t budge! The chicken fingers maintain that perfect juiciness that somehow stays consistent across every single location.
Their crinkle-cut fries, buttery Texas toast, and coleslaw all play supporting roles, but everyone knows the real star is that mysterious sauce. I’ve tried countless copycat recipes, but nothing compares to the original.
7. Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken: The Memphis Transplant

Spicy, crispy, and worth every minute of the wait! When Gus’s opened locations in Texas, fried chicken aficionados across the state collectively rejoiced—myself included.
Last year, I celebrated my birthday at their Houston location, and the waitress actually sang to me while carrying a piece of chicken with a candle stuck in it instead of cake! The Memphis-style spicy batter creates this mahogany-colored crust that shatters perfectly when you bite into it, revealing juicy chicken that practically melts in your mouth.
Unlike many chains, Gus’s chicken arrives piping hot, fresh from the fryer, served on paper plates—no pretension, just perfection. The slight sweetness in the batter balanced with cayenne heat creates an almost addictive flavor profile that keeps Texans coming back.
8. Babe’s Chicken Dinner House: The Family-Style Phenomenon

Buttons popping after dinner is just part of the Babe’s experience! This North Texas institution serves family-style feasts that have become legendary milestone celebration spots for generations of Texans.
My first date with my husband was at the original Roanoke location—I knew he was a keeper when he didn’t bat an eye at how I demolished half a chicken by myself. The servers bring endless sides of mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, and those addictive biscuits that could make a grown man weep.
Each location occupies a historic building with quirky decor, and servers occasionally break into the “Hokey Pokey” right in the middle of service. The chicken itself? Perfectly seasoned, crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside—Texas comfort food perfection.
9. Mike’s Chicken: The Hidden Dallas Gem

Tucked behind a laundromat in Dallas, Mike’s Chicken might be the worst-kept secret in North Texas! This family-owned spot has people lining up out the door for chicken that’s fried to order—none of that heat-lamp business here.
I discovered Mike’s during the pandemic when comfort food became my love language. Their chicken has this impossibly crispy, craggly exterior that somehow stays crunchy even during the drive home. The family recipes extend to their sides too—those homemade mashed potatoes with chicken gravy have healing properties, I’m convinced.
What makes Mike’s special is watching Mama Tran in the kitchen, personally inspecting every piece before it goes out. When locals bring out-of-towners here, we always pretend we’re not smug when they declare it the best chicken they’ve ever had.
10. Frenchy’s Chicken: The Houston Institution

Creole seasoning meets Texas-sized portions at this Houston landmark! Since 1969, Frenchy’s has been serving up Creole-style fried chicken that’s become as much a part of Houston’s identity as the Astrodome.
During college, my roommate from Houston would bring back Frenchy’s after holiday breaks, and we’d hoard it like treasure. Their chicken has this distinctive red-hued, peppery crust that announces its New Orleans influence loud and proud.
The dirty rice alone is worth the trip—speckled with bits of chicken liver and perfectly seasoned. What really seals Frenchy’s legendary status is their connection to Houston’s Third Ward community and nearby Texas Southern University. On Sundays after church, the line stretches around the block, but nobody complains—some things are worth waiting for.
11. Lucy’s Fried Chicken: The Austin Hipster Haven

Farm-to-table meets deep-fried deliciousness! Lucy’s embodies Austin’s weird-but-wonderful vibe, serving up locally-sourced chicken alongside craft cocktails and live music.
During SXSW last year, I squeezed in at the South Congress location and ended up sharing a picnic table with a famous musician—that’s just how Lucy’s rolls. Their chicken has this gorgeous mahogany color from a special blend of spices, and the meat stays impossibly juicy even in the breast pieces (a true miracle in fried chicken science).
Don’t sleep on their unique sides like Mexican Coke sweet potatoes or the grilled corn with sriracha mayo. The outdoor patio with string lights creates this magical Austin atmosphere that makes Yankees want to relocate and Texans feel smug about already living here.
12. Bubba’s Cooks Country: The Highland Park Classic

Housed in a converted Texaco station, Bubba’s has been serving up old-school Southern fried chicken to Dallas’ Highland Park neighborhood since 1981. The retro diner vibes are almost as delicious as the food!
My grandmother used to take me here after shopping trips, and I still order the same thing: chicken strips with extra gravy for dipping everything (including my fingers when nobody’s looking). Their chicken has that perfect old-fashioned buttermilk tang that reminds you of what fried chicken tasted like before fast food chains took over.
The rolls are basically clouds of buttery heaven, and the mashed potatoes clearly contain real potatoes—revolutionary concept! Bubba’s proves that sometimes the best things come in unassuming packages, like gas stations converted into chicken joints that serve food fit for royalty.
13. Rudy’s Chicken: The Oak Cliff Sensation

Cash only, no frills, and worth every minute in that infamous line! Rudy’s has been a South Dallas institution for decades, with a drive-thru line that regularly blocks traffic—and nobody minds one bit.
When my cousin got out of the military, his first request wasn’t to see family; it was to hit Rudy’s for that special batter that somehow stays crispy for hours. Mayor Mike Rawlings even helped them build a bigger location to handle the crowds, which tells you everything about their local legend status.
The chicken comes in a simple white box with white bread and jalapeños—no fancy packaging needed when the product speaks for itself. What makes Rudy’s special isn’t just the perfect seasoning; it’s how it represents the heart and soul of Oak Cliff, serving as both community landmark and culinary treasure.
14. Fixins Soul Kitchen: The Newcomer Making Waves

Basketball legend Kevin Johnson brought his Sacramento soul food concept to Texas, and we’re mighty grateful he did! This Black-owned restaurant chain landed in Texas with a splash, serving chicken that scores nothing but net.
Last month, I tried their signature chicken and red velvet waffles combo that had me seeing stars. The chicken gets this incredible herb crust that’s unlike anything else in the Texas fried chicken scene—fragrant with rosemary and thyme notes that elevate it beyond typical Southern-style.
Beyond just great food, Fixins celebrates Black culinary traditions with wall displays about soul food history. The mac and cheese side dish deserves its own fan club—five cheeses and a crunchy top that’s caused more than one friendly fork battle at my table.
15. Henderson’s Chicken: The North Texas Neighborhood Favorite

Scattered across North Texas in unassuming strip malls, Henderson’s has built a cult following without any flashy marketing—just consistently excellent chicken with that perfect pepper-forward seasoning.
My first apartment was dangerously close to a Henderson’s, and my budget suffered accordingly. Their chicken has this distinctive seasoning that somehow permeates all the way to the bone, and the crust maintains structural integrity even under a blanket of their liquid gold hot sauce.
Each location feels slightly different, but they all share that neighborhood joint atmosphere where regulars are greeted by name. The chicken fried rice side option creates a Texan-Asian fusion that shouldn’t work but absolutely does. When North Texans debate the best chicken spots, Henderson’s loyalists defend their choice with almost religious fervor.