14 Pennsylvania Chicken Chains With The Highest Ratings, According To Locals
Pennsylvania takes its chicken seriously, and locals know exactly where to go for the best of the best.
These 14 chicken chains have earned top ratings thanks to crispy coatings, juicy meat, and flavors that keep people coming back on repeat.
From quick comfort meals to full plates that feel like a reward, each spot delivers consistency locals trust and crave.
The kind of places where one visit turns into a habit. In Pennsylvania, great chicken is not about hype, it is about results, and these chains prove it with every order.
High ratings, loyal fans, and empty plates tell the whole story.
1. Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers
The menu features only chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries, coleslaw, Texas toast, and that legendary Cane’s Sauce that people literally dream about.
Every tender gets hand-battered and cooked to order, ensuring maximum crunch with every bite.
The restaurants sport a clean, bright yellow and red color scheme with walls covered in local memorabilia and sports photos.
Locations across Pennsylvania include spots in Pittsburgh at 3610 Fifth Avenue and in State College at 228 East College Avenue.
Fun fact: founder Todd Graves was told his chicken finger restaurant idea would fail, so he worked on an Alaskan fishing boat to fund it himself.
The Box Combo remains the most popular order, pairing four juicy tenders with all the fixings. Lines wrap around the building during lunch and dinner rushes, but the wait moves surprisingly fast
2. Dave’s Hot Chicken
Guests can choose from seven spice levels, with Reaper topping the chart and requiring a signed waiver before consumption.
The Nashville-style hot chicken gets paired with tangy pickles and soft white bread to cool the burn.
Most locations feature industrial-chic interiors with exposed brick, metal accents, and neon signs that scream modern cool.
You’ll find Dave’s at 1731 Chestnut Street in Philadelphia and 9173 Roosevelt Boulevard in Philadelphia.
The signature sliders pack serious flavor in a small package, making them perfect for testing your spice tolerance.
Celebrity investors including Drake and Samuel L. Jackson backed this brand early on.
Even the Medium spice level brings genuine heat that’ll make your nose run a little.
3. Bonchon
The signature soy garlic and spicy flavors come brushed on after cooking, creating a sticky, flavorful coating that stays crunchy even after cooling down.
Wings and drumsticks get the most love, though the chicken strips hold their own.
Sleek wooden tables, modern lighting, and Asian-inspired decor create a casual yet polished dining atmosphere.
Pennsylvania locations include 3836 Chestnut Street in Philadelphia and several spots throughout the greater metro area.
Bonchon literally means “my hometown” in Korean, reflecting the founder’s mission to share authentic flavors.
The Bulgogi sliders offer a delicious detour from fried chicken, featuring marinated beef with a sweet and savory kick.
Plan for a slightly longer wait since double-frying takes time, but that patience pays off with every bite.
4. Buffalo Wild Wings
With over twenty sauce options ranging from Sweet BBQ to Blazin’, there’s a flavor profile for every palate and pain tolerance.
Traditional and boneless wings get tossed to order, arriving at your table piping hot with celery and ranch or blue cheese.
Giant flat-screen TVs dominate every wall, ensuring you never miss a play no matter where you sit.
Locations blanket Pennsylvania, including 1155 Washington Pike in Bridgeville and 2065 Fruitville Pike in Lancaster PA.
The Mango Habanero sauce strikes a perfect balance between tropical sweetness and fiery heat.
Originally called Buffalo Wild Wings & Weck, the restaurant started near Ohio State’s campus in 1982. Trivia nights and weekday meal specials keep the crowds coming even when no major games are on.
5. Arooga’s
The Slammin’ Jammin’ wings come tossed in a signature sauce that blends sweet and spicy notes perfectly.
Beyond wings, the menu stretches into burgers, wraps, and flatbreads, but locals know the chicken options steal the show.
Massive projection screens, arcade games, and a lively arcade area create an energetic vibe perfect for watching Penn State football.
Find Arooga’s at 4301 Linglestown Road in Harrisburg and 1211 Haines Road in York, among other Pennsylvania locations.
The name Arooga comes from the sound of old car horns, reflecting the fun, nostalgic atmosphere.
Boneless Zingers offer a crispier alternative to traditional wings and come in generous portions. Half-price wing nights on Tuesdays draw massive crowds, so arrive early or prepare to wait.
6. Royal Farms
Pressure-cooked to perfection, the Real Fresh Real Fast chicken stays juicy inside while developing a satisfying crunch outside.
The Western Fries, thick-cut and seasoned beautifully, make the perfect sidekick to a chicken meal.
Bright red and yellow exteriors mark Royal Farms locations, with clean, well-lit interiors that feel more like fast-casual restaurants than typical gas stations.
Pennsylvania stores include 206 Rohrerstown Road in Lancaster and multiple Philadelphia-area locations.
Founded in Baltimore in 1959, Royal Farms now operates over 200 stores across the region. The chicken tenders come breaded fresh throughout the day, never sitting under heat lamps for long.
Breakfast sandwiches featuring fried chicken have developed a cult following among early-morning commuters.
7. Krispy Krunchy Chicken
Hidden inside gas stations and convenience stores across Pennsylvania, this Cajun-spiced chicken delivers restaurant-quality flavor at budget prices.
The Louisiana-style recipe features bold seasoning that goes way beyond basic salt and pepper. Legs, thighs, and tenders all get the same love, emerging from the fryer with a shatteringly crisp coating.
Since Krispy Krunchy operates inside existing stores, the setup varies, but the bright orange and red branding always catches your eye.
Locations pop up in convenience stores throughout Pennsylvania, including spots in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Allentown.
Founded in Louisiana in 1989, the brand now serves over 2,600 locations nationwide.
The honey biscuits deserve their own award, buttery and slightly sweet with a fluffy texture. Grab a box for your next road trip and watch it disappear before you hit the highway.
8. Jollibee
Chickenjoy lives up to its name, featuring ultra-crispy skin seasoned with a proprietary blend of spices.
The gravy served alongside tastes richer and more complex than typical fast-food versions, perfect for dipping or drizzling.
Bright, cheerful interiors with red and orange accents create a welcoming family-friendly atmosphere.
Pennsylvania locations include 7340 Bustleton Avenue in Northeast Philadelphia, with a drive-thru that keeps lines moving all day, even on busy weekends.
Jollibee started as an ice cream shop in Manila before pivoting to fried chicken in 1978. The Jolly Spaghetti, featuring a sweet banana ketchup sauce, confuses and delights first-timers.
Lines stretch long during peak hours, especially in areas with large Filipino communities.
9. Bojangles
The chicken gets marinated for twelve hours before hand-breading and frying, resulting in incredibly juicy meat beneath a peppery crust.
Supremes, the chain’s boneless breast tenders, rank as the most popular menu item.
Blue and white exteriors with bold lettering mark Bojangles locations, while interiors keep things simple and focused on quick service.
Pennsylvania spots include 1541 W End Blvd, Quakertown and 2685 Shillington Road, Reading.
The legendary Bo-Berry Biscuits blend sweet blueberries with buttery biscuit dough and a sugary glaze. Founded in 1977, Bojangles now operates over 750 restaurants across the Southeast and beyond.
The Cajun Filet Biscuit makes breakfast feel like a special occasion, combining spicy chicken with a fluffy biscuit.
10. Pelicana Chicken
The Original Pelicana sauce balances sweet, spicy, and tangy notes in a way that keeps you reaching for another piece.
Unlike some Korean chains, Pelicana offers a lighter, less greasy coating that doesn’t weigh you down.
Modern minimalist interiors with clean lines and simple furniture create a calm dining environment. Pennsylvania locations include 4002 Spruce Street in Philadelphia and draws fans across the entire metro area.
Pelicana started in South Korea in 1982 and now operates in multiple countries worldwide.
The Snow Cheese wings get dusted with a powdery cheese coating that sounds strange but tastes absolutely magical.
Half-and-half orders let you sample two flavors in one box, perfect for indecisive eaters or groups with different preferences.
11. Hangry Joe’s Hot Chicken
Nashville heat meets Pennsylvania attitude at this regional chain that takes spice seriously without sacrificing flavor.
The heat levels climb from Mild to Cluckin’ Hot, with each tier adding more cayenne punch while maintaining the savory seasoning blend.
Chicken sandwiches reign supreme here, stacked tall on buttered buns with pickles cutting through the richness.
Industrial vibes dominate the interior design, with exposed ductwork, concrete floors, and metal chairs creating an edgy urban feel.
Pennsylvania locations include spots in Mechanicsburg at 6416 Carlisle Pike and Harrisburg at 3883 Union Deposit Road.
The name perfectly captures that specific hunger-induced anger we all know too well. Loaded fries topped with chicken, cheese, and special sauce turn a side into a full meal.
The cooling coleslaw provides much-needed relief between bites of the hotter options.
12. Pollo Campero
Latin American flavors bring something different to Pennsylvania’s chicken landscape through this Guatemalan chain’s citrus-marinated recipes.
The chicken gets marinated in a blend of Latin spices and citrus before frying, creating a unique flavor profile that stands apart from typical American fried chicken. Both bone-in and grilled options cater to different preferences and dietary needs.
Warm colors, tile accents, and Latin-inspired decor create a welcoming atmosphere that feels like a trip south of the border.
Pennsylvania locations include 5147 North 5th Street Highway in Philadelphia and other spots in the metro area.
Founded in Guatemala in 1971, Pollo Campero now operates in over a dozen countries worldwide.
The Campero Bowl combines chicken with rice, beans, and fresh vegetables for a complete meal. Yuca fries offer a starchy, slightly sweet alternative to regular potato fries.
13. Chester’s Chicken
Small-town Pennsylvania knows this convenience store staple delivers consistent quality whether you’re in a city or rural area.
The chicken gets cooked fresh throughout the day using a proprietary seasoning blend that’s been unchanged since 1965.
Livers and gizzards appeal to adventurous eaters, while traditional pieces satisfy the classics crowd.
Operating inside gas stations and convenience stores, Chester’s keeps the setup simple with hot cases displaying golden chicken pieces.
Locations appear throughout Pennsylvania in smaller towns and along highways, including spots in Bedford, Chambersburg, and Gettysburg.
The brand started in Birmingham, Alabama, and now serves customers in over 1,200 locations across multiple countries.
Potato wedges come seasoned and crispy, making them a popular alternative to standard fries. The fried okra brings Southern soul food vibes to Pennsylvania convenience stores.
14. Wingstop
At Wingstop, Pennsylvania, wings aren’t just food; they’re a flavor adventure.
Each bite sparks a friendly debate over favorites: will it be the zesty snap of Lemon Pepper, the fiery rush of Original Hot, or the playful sweetness of Mango Habanero?
Fries arrive dusted with savory-sweet magic, begging for a dip in ranch or blue cheese, and you’ll catch yourself plotting your next visit before the plate is even empty.
Game nights in Pennsylvania suddenly feel complete when Wingstop is in the rotation.
Wings stay crisp without greasiness, tenders hold their crunch, and combos let you sample sauces like a flavor passport.
Extra napkins are a must, and if you crave that deep golden edge, ask for “well done” for wings with a little extra personality.
Whether it’s a casual hangout or a midnight craving, Wingstop turns every bite into a small celebration of spice, sweetness, and crispy perfection.