Chicken-focused fast food chains are a prominent part of our dining landscape, offering a variety of options from tenders to bone-in wings. Here are some of the top fast food chicken chains that cater to different tastes, from classic southern fried comfort to Mexican flame-grilled specialties.
A Moment of Nostalgia for Koo Koo Roo
Let’s take a moment to remember Koo Koo Roo, a beloved rotisserie chicken chain from the ’90s that holds a special place in many hearts. While it may have disappeared for a while, there are signs of its return, sparking hope and nostalgia among its fans.
1. Popeyes
Popeyes earns the top spot with its flavorful New Orleans-style seasoned chicken and a delectable array of sides like red beans and rice, seasoned fries, and mac and cheese. Pair them with Popeyes’ signature sauces for a truly satisfying chicken experience.
2. El Pollo Loco
For a non-fried option with strong flavors, El Pollo Loco stands out with its Mexican-style offerings such as Spanish rice and a variety of sauces at the salsa bar. Its unique aroma and taste make it a favorite among many.
3. Wingstop
Distinguishing itself from WingStreet, Wingstop excels in freshly fried chicken coated in a range of delicious sauces, including Korean barbecue and lemon pepper. The addition of sandwiches further enhances its menu offerings.
4. Jollibee
Despite being underrated, Jollibee offers quality fried chicken with a diverse selection of sauces like Sriracha mayo and sweet chili. The option to order spaghetti at the drive-through adds a quirky touch to its menu.
5. Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC)
Kentucky Fried Chicken, or KFC, has upped its game with a high-quality sandwich and its iconic 11 herbs and spices. Its chicken pot pie remains a classic favorite among customers.
6. Chicken Guy
Led by Guy Fieri, Chicken Guy impresses with its extensive range of 22 dipping sauces. Although not personally tried, the Flavortown magic behind the sauces earns it a spot among the top chicken chains.
7. Chick-fil-A
With a devoted following, Chick-fil-A is known for its unique Chick-fil-A Sauce, which sets it apart from other chicken chains. While opinions may vary, the sauce remains a standout favorite.
8. Bojangles
Bojangles excels in several areas, offering a range of menu items that cater to different tastes.
Thankfully, none of the items at Bo’s are chicken. While their breakfast biscuits and sweet potato pie are top-notch, their core menu item falls short. The ranch dressing is good, though, according to Kay J. on Yelp.
I’m at a loss for words regarding Zaxby’s. It has never impressed me. Apart from one excellent Buffalo sauce, the other options are disappointing, and their chicken doesn’t compare to industry giants like KFC or Popeyes.
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This piece was originally featured on Cheapism.
Image: RapidEye/istockphoto
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