9 Maryland Chicken Chains That Regulars Say Never Let Them Down

Alright, fellow Marylanders, let’s talk chicken. Not just any chicken, mind you, but the kind that fuels our Friday nights, the kind that makes road trips just a little bit better, and the kind that, honestly, we just crave.

I’ve spent a good chunk of my life exploring our state’s culinary landscape, and when it comes to fried, grilled, or rotisserie perfection, there are a few spots that consistently hit the mark.

These aren’t the fancy, Michelin-starred places; these are the beloved local joints that have earned their stripes, and their regulars swear by them no matter what.

1. Royal Farms (RoFo)

Born and bred in Maryland, Royal Farms has become more than just a convenience store. It’s a full-blown cultural phenomenon. Locals call it RoFo with the same affection they reserve for Old Bay, and the chicken here is genuinely legendary.

Walk into any Royal Farms location across the state and you’ll find fresh fried chicken prepared throughout the day. The breading strikes that perfect balance between crunchy and seasoned, while the meat stays juicy inside. Western fries on the side complete the experience.

What sets RoFo apart is its consistency across hundreds of Mid-Atlantic locations. Whether you’re grabbing lunch in Baltimore or refueling on the Eastern Shore, the quality remains rock-solid every single time.

2. Gino’s Burgers & Chicken

Baltimore nostalgia runs deep, and few names trigger warm memories quite like Gino’s. The original chain closed decades ago, but its revival has brought back that old-school charm. Longtime Maryland diners remember exactly how those chicken sandwiches tasted back in the day.

Gino’s trades heavily on its local heritage, and honestly, it works. The chicken sandwiches and combo plates deliver straightforward, no-nonsense satisfaction. Nothing fancy, nothing pretentious, just solid chicken done right.

My uncle still talks about taking his first date to Gino’s in 1978. Now he takes his grandkids to the revived locations, pointing out menu items like he’s showing them family heirlooms.

3. Chick-Fil-A

Chick-fil-A locations dot Maryland like stars in the sky. From college campuses to shopping malls to standalone drive-thrus, this chain has planted its flag firmly in Old Line State territory. The brand’s reputation for crispy chicken sandwiches and almost unsettlingly polite service holds true here.

Maryland regulars appreciate the reliability factor. Order a chicken sandwich in Bethesda or Salisbury and you’ll get the exact same product. That consistency breeds loyalty, especially among families and busy professionals who value predictability.

The waffle fries don’t hurt either. Neither does the Chick-fil-A sauce, which Marylanders guard as jealously as they do their crab seasoning recipes.

4. Raising Cane’s

Raising Cane’s swept into Maryland like a chicken-fingered tornado, and locals have embraced it with surprising enthusiasm. The menu’s simplicity is actually its greatest strength. Chicken fingers, fries, coleslaw, Texas toast, and that mysterious Cane’s Sauce that people would probably drink if socially acceptable.

What wins over Maryland regulars is the execution. Every finger comes out hot, crispy, and consistently sized. No surprises, no disappointments, just exactly what you ordered every single time.

The Cane’s Sauce deserves its own paragraph, but we’re keeping things brief. Just know that Marylanders have been known to request extra cups, and some swear it improves everything from fries to toast to vegetables.

5. Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen

Popeyes brings New Orleans flavor to Maryland streets, and the state has responded enthusiastically. You’ll find locations everywhere, from Baltimore City to suburban strip malls. The spicy, boldly seasoned fried chicken stands out in a crowded field.

Maryland regulars who prefer their chicken with some attitude choose Popeyes. The spicy version delivers legitimate heat, not the wimpy kind that disappoints. The mild option still packs more flavor than many competitors’ best efforts.

Last summer, I watched two coworkers nearly come to blows debating whether Popeyes or Royal Farms reigns supreme. They’re still friends, but the question remains diplomatically unresolved between them.

6. KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken)

KFC might not be the flashiest option, but it’s earned its place through sheer staying power. Dozens of locations across Maryland mean you’re never too far from a bucket of the Colonel’s recipe. Regulars appreciate that accessibility.

The classic buckets and tenders satisfy in that familiar, comforting way. Sure, newer chains might grab headlines, but KFC keeps delivering what generations of Marylanders have grown up eating. The biscuits alone keep some folks coming back.

Original or Extra Crispy remains a personal choice, like choosing between Old Bay and J.O. Spice. Both have devoted defenders, and neither side will ever fully convince the other.

7. Bojangles’ Famous Chicken ‘N Biscuits

Bojangles occupies a special place in Maryland’s chicken landscape, though its footprint has shifted over recent years. Where locations remain open, regulars treat them like precious resources. The Southern-style seasoned chicken and legendary biscuits inspire genuine devotion.

Franchise changes and some closures have made Bojangles less ubiquitous than it once was in Maryland. That scarcity has somehow increased loyalty among those who still have access. Check local listings before planning a Bojangles run.

The biscuits deserve special mention. Fluffy, buttery, and substantial, they’re not just a side item but a legitimate reason to visit. Some Marylanders plan road trips around Bojangles locations.

8. Zaxby’s

Zaxby’s represents the new wave of chicken chains expanding into Maryland territory. The brand began opening locations during its 2024-25 growth push, and early adopters have greeted it enthusiastically. Chicken fingers and sandwiches form the menu backbone.

What’s winning over Maryland customers is the sauce game. Zaxby’s offers a whole lineup of signature sauces, each with its own personality and flavor profile. Tongue Torch lives up to its name, while Wimpy is anything but.

The brand’s still building its Maryland presence, but regulars are already forming. Give it a few years and Zaxby’s will likely feel as Maryland as any chain that’s been here for decades.

9. Church’s Texas Chicken

Church’s Texas Chicken is making a Maryland comeback, and longtime fans couldn’t be happier. The brand’s return includes a new Parkville location in development, bringing back memories for those who remember Church’s from years past. Value-friendly fried chicken has always been the brand’s calling card.

Regulars appreciate Church’s straightforward approach. No fancy marketing gimmicks, just solid fried chicken at prices that don’t require a second mortgage. The honey-butter biscuits add a sweet touch that balances the savory chicken perfectly.

My neighbor spotted the Parkville construction signs and literally cheered. She’s been waiting for Church’s to return since the original locations closed.