14 Leading U.S. Chicken Chains With 4 Standout Chicken Pros On The Side

Americans love chicken, and it shows in the incredible variety of chicken-focused restaurant chains across the country.

From crispy fried goodness to flame-grilled perfection, these establishments have turned poultry into an art form.

Whether you’re craving tenders, wings, or a classic sandwich, these 18 chicken chains deliver flavor that keeps customers coming back for more.

1. Chick-fil-A: The Sunday-Closed Sensation

Chick-fil-A: The Sunday-Closed Sensation
© Chick-fil-A

Started in 1946 as the Dwarf Grill by founder Truett Cathy, this chicken giant has grown into America’s most beloved chicken sandwich destination despite being closed every Sunday.

The secret? A pressure-cooking method that locks in moisture and that special pickle-topped sandwich served with a smile. Their waffle fries and signature sauce have cult followings of their own.

2. KFC: The Colonel’s Secret Recipe Empire

KFC: The Colonel's Secret Recipe Empire
© KTCHNrebel

Born from Harland Sanders’ gas station cooking in Kentucky, KFC revolutionized fast food with pressure-fried chicken seasoned with those famous 11 herbs and spices.

The recipe remains locked in a vault in Louisville. Beyond the iconic bucket of chicken, their mashed potatoes and gravy comfort millions daily.

Operating in over 145 countries, the Colonel’s white suit and beard remain universally recognized symbols of finger-lickin’ goodness.

3. Popeyes: Louisiana Kitchen’s Sandwich Phenomenon

Popeyes: Louisiana Kitchen's Sandwich Phenomenon
© Nation’s Restaurant News

Founded in New Orleans in 1972, Popeyes exploded into mainstream consciousness when their chicken sandwich nearly broke the internet in 2019. Lines wrapped around buildings nationwide for weeks!

The chain’s spicy Cajun-style chicken delivers a distinctive crunch that rivals can’t match.

Their red beans and rice side dish stays true to Louisiana roots, offering authentic Southern flavors that transport diners straight to Bourbon Street.

4. Wingstop: Aviation-Themed Wing Heaven

Wingstop: Aviation-Themed Wing Heaven
© View the VIBE

Taking flight in 1994, Wingstop transformed the humble chicken wing into a customizable flavor adventure. Their nostalgic aviation theme sets the stage for wing magic to happen.

Offering 11 distinct flavors from Atomic to Garlic Parmesan, every order comes with made-to-order fries tossed in proprietary seasoning.

The chain’s commitment to fresh, never-frozen wings keeps quality sky-high while their online ordering system makes indulgence just a few clicks away.

5. Church’s Texas Chicken: Southern Comfort Since 1952

Church's Texas Chicken: Southern Comfort Since 1952
© Issenberg Britti Group

George W. Church Sr. opened his first fried chicken stand across from the Alamo, creating what would become a Southern institution.

Their extra-crunchy coating delivers a distinctive texture that keeps fans coming back. Famous for massive, melt-in-your-mouth honey-butter biscuits that practically demand to be devoured immediately.

Church’s has mastered the art of serving homestyle chicken that tastes like Sunday dinner at grandma’s house, complete with comfort sides like creamy mac and cheese.

6. Raising Cane’s: The Finger-Focused Phenomenon

Raising Cane's: The Finger-Focused Phenomenon
© Nation’s Restaurant News

Simplicity reigns supreme at this rapidly expanding chain founded by Todd Graves in 1996. The menu features exactly one entree: chicken fingers, perfectly executed every time.

Their secret weapon? Cane’s sauce – a tangy, creamy concoction that inspires copycat recipes across the internet.

Each location squeezes fresh lemonade daily and makes coleslaw from scratch, proving that doing a few things exceptionally well beats doing many things adequately.

7. Bojangles: Breakfast-to-Dinner Biscuit Brilliance

Bojangles: Breakfast-to-Dinner Biscuit Brilliance
© Restaurant News

Bursting onto the scene in 1977 in Charlotte, North Carolina, Bojangles married Cajun-spiced chicken with buttermilk biscuits to create Southern breakfast magic.

Their distinctive orange and brown color scheme has become a roadside beacon for hungry travelers. Bo-berry biscuits, sweet pastries studded with blueberries and drizzled with icing, have achieved cult status.

The chain’s sweet tea, brewed fresh throughout the day, provides the perfect counterbalance to their boldly seasoned chicken.

8. Zaxby’s: Saucy Southern Indulgence

Zaxby's: Saucy Southern Indulgence
© Zaxby’s

Childhood friends Zach McLeroy and Tony Townley launched Zaxby’s in 1990 near Georgia Southern University, creating a chicken joint that elevates the humble wing and tender to gourmet status.

Their Zalads broke the fast-food salad mold with restaurant-quality ingredients. Zax Sauce, a tangy, creamy signature condiment, inspires such devotion that fans buy extra containers to use at home.

The chain’s playful Southern atmosphere and attention to quality have helped it expand rapidly across the Southeast.

9. El Pollo Loco: Fire-Grilled Mexican Masterpiece

El Pollo Loco: Fire-Grilled Mexican Masterpiece
© Corpus Christi Caller-Times

Bringing the flames of Sinaloa, Mexico to America in 1980, El Pollo Loco stands apart with its fire-grilled, never-fried chicken marinated in citrus, herbs, and spices.

The open kitchen design lets customers watch as chickens rotate over open flames. Fresh-made salsas, warm tortillas, and authentic sides like Spanish rice complete the experience.

Health-conscious diners appreciate the lighter option compared to traditional fried chicken chains, while the bold flavors satisfy even the most discerning palates.

10. Dave’s Hot Chicken: Nashville Heat Goes National

Dave's Hot Chicken: Nashville Heat Goes National
© Restaurant Business Magazine

From a parking lot pop-up in 2017 to a nationwide sensation backed by celebrities like Drake, Dave’s Hot Chicken’s meteoric rise proves the power of doing one thing perfectly.

Their Nashville-style hot chicken comes in seven heat levels from No Spice to Reaper. Each piece features a distinctive spice-dusted exterior that creates an unforgettable red glow.

Kale slaw and mac & cheese offer cooling relief between bites of their incendiary chicken, creating a perfectly balanced flavor experience that’s worth the inevitable wait in line.

11. Jollibee: Filipino Fried Chicken Phenomenon

Jollibee: Filipino Fried Chicken Phenomenon
© The Mercury News

Crossing oceans to bring Filipino flavors to American shores, Jollibee offers a unique twist on fried chicken.

Their Chickenjoy features exceptionally crispy skin surrounding juicy meat, served with a side of gravy for dipping.

Unexpected menu companions like sweet spaghetti with hot dogs and Peach Mango Pie create a dining experience unlike any other chicken chain.

Originally founded in 1978 as an ice cream parlor, Jollibee has become a global ambassador for Filipino cuisine and culture.

12. Chicken Salad Chick: Southern Comfort in a Scoop

Chicken Salad Chick: Southern Comfort in a Scoop
© Courier & Press

Founded by Stacy Brown in 2008 after her homemade chicken salad became neighborhood-famous, this unique chain offers 12+ flavors of scratch-made chicken salad.

From classic to spicy, fruity to nutty, there’s a variation for every palate. The bright, cheerful cafes feel more like a friend’s dining room than a fast-food joint.

Perfect for lighter appetites seeking chicken without the fryer, their pimento cheese and egg salad round out a menu that brings Southern picnic favorites to the masses.

13. Krispy Krunchy Chicken: Convenience Store Surprise

Krispy Krunchy Chicken: Convenience Store Surprise
© Yelp

Hiding in plain sight inside gas stations and convenience stores across America, Krispy Krunchy has quietly built an empire of over 2,600 locations.

Their Cajun-marinated chicken delivers unexpected quality that shocks first-time customers. Honey-butter biscuits complement the perfectly seasoned chicken.

The chain’s unique business model as a turnkey operation for existing stores has allowed for rapid expansion without standalone locations, creating what fans call “the best chicken you’ve never heard of.”

14. Golden Chick: Texas-Born Tender Specialist

Golden Chick: Texas-Born Tender Specialist
© Yahoo

Hatched in San Marcos, Texas in 1967 as Golden Fried Chicken, this Lone Star State favorite has perfected the chicken tender.

Their Original Golden Tenders are marinated, hand-battered, and fried to create a distinctive golden crust. Sweet yeast rolls baked fresh throughout the day have their own devoted following.

The chain’s Southern sides like corn nuggets and dirty rice complete a meal that showcases Texas-sized flavors and portions, explaining why they’ve expanded to over 200 locations.

15. Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken: Memphis Heat Treat

Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken: Memphis Heat Treat
© Tripadvisor

Beginning as a small family operation in Mason, Tennessee in 1953, Gus’s distinctive spicy recipe has created a cult following that’s spread nationwide.

The chicken’s thin, crispy crust hides a subtle cayenne kick that builds with each bite.

Served on plain white bread with simple sides like baked beans and slaw, Gus’s embodies no-frills Southern cooking at its finest.

The atmosphere remains deliberately down-home even as they’ve expanded, preserving the authentic experience that made them famous.

16. Pollo Campero: Central American Flavor Explosion

Pollo Campero: Central American Flavor Explosion
© Chron

Founded in Guatemala in 1971, Pollo Campero brings Central American chicken traditions to American taste buds.

Their distinctive citrus-and-spice marinated chicken comes either fried or grilled, offering a completely different flavor profile than domestic chains.

Yuca fries and sweet plantains provide authentic sides rarely found in fast food.

The chain gained fame when travelers would bring whole suitcases of their chicken on flights from Latin America before U.S. locations opened, creating a legendary aroma that flight attendants still recognize.

17. The Crack Shack: Gourmet Chicken Playground

The Crack Shack: Gourmet Chicken Playground
© Yahoo

Launched by Top Chef winner Richard Blais in 2015, The Crack Shack elevates chicken to culinary heights using free-range, locally sourced birds.

Their open-air restaurants feature whimsical chicken-themed décor and bocce ball courts for entertainment while dining.

Signature sandwiches like the Firebird with spicy ranch aioli and Senor Croque with miso-maple butter showcase chef-driven creativity.

House-made sauces and bone broth demonstrate their commitment to quality, creating a fast-casual experience with fine-dining attention to detail.

18. Slim Chickens: Southern Hospitality Meets Fast Casual

Slim Chickens: Southern Hospitality Meets Fast Casual
© 10TV

Emerging from Fayetteville, Arkansas in 2003, Slim Chickens combines hand-breaded tenders with house-made dipping sauces in a relaxed, blues-soundtracked atmosphere.

Their chicken arrives fresh, never frozen, and is cooked to order. Jar desserts like strawberry cheesecake served in Mason jars add homespun charm.

With 17 house sauces ranging from Slim Sauce to Mango Habanero, customization is encouraged, making each visit a chance to discover new flavor combinations while enjoying their consistently juicy chicken.