30 Best Fried Chicken Sandwich Chains, Ranked
In 2019, Popeyes declared war. It was a war of chicken sandwiches across the nation, which called on other fast-food chains to throw their contenders in the ring as they each battled for the title of best fried chicken sandwich in the land. It was a pretty clever marketing trend — one that got nearly every fast-food chain in the U.S. involved.
What goes into a truly amazing fried chicken sandwich? Purists will tell you that it all comes down to the individual ingredients: a crispy, crunchy, juicy chicken breast; a unique and tangy (or spicy) sauce; the crunch of pickle chips; and a fluffy brioche or potato bun. Of course, there will always be sandwiches that have a little extra pizazz, like habanero-infused mayo or garlic-soy glaze.
So, which fried chicken sandwich really is the best in the nation? Did Popeyes win at its own game, or was it bested by a competitor? You'll have to read on (and maybe sample a few yourself) to discover the best fried chicken sandwich chains in America, ranked.
30. White Castle
Headquarters: Columbus, Ohio
Year founded: 1921
No. of states with a location: 13
Why White Castle Is One of the Best
Bite-sized morsels of goodness between two buns. That's what White Castle has a reputation for, particularly when it comes to burgers. But how does its crispy chicken slider stack up? Not as well, so say the critics.
Chicken connoisseurs will tell you that the chicken slider from White Castle isn't doing much to hold its spot at fast-food court. The patty is dry, and the melted cheese does nothing to save it. Nary a pickle nor succulent sauce can be found anywhere between the buns, either. To the dungeons with this one, we say.
29. Dairy Queen
Headquarters: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Year founded: 1940
No. of states with a location: 49
Why Dairy Queen Is One of the Best
Dairy Queen has the market cornered when it comes to frozen ice cream drinks, but how does the popular chain stack when it comes to fried chicken sandwiches? Critics may warn you to stick to the ice cream, unfortunately.
The sliver of breaded chicken is embarrassing, leaving you searching for that satisfying crunch. What's more, the sandwich is void of pickles, which could be forgiven if the chicken itself made up for it. But it does not.
28. Carl’s Jr.
Headquarters: Franklin, Tennessee
Year founded: 1941
No. of states with a location: 14
Why Carl’s Jr. Is One of the Best
Carl's Jr. (or Hardees, depending on where you are) does have some of the tastiest cheeseburgers around. But like any other burger chain, the restaurant has also entered the chicken coop. Carl's Jr.'s hand-breaded chicken sandwich has a buttermilk-battered chicken breast that's served with garlic pickles and mayo on a toasted potato roll.
While the chicken filet is hardly considered skimpy, critics have said that the breast is noticeably smaller than the gargantuan chicken sandwiches from other chains. Other complaints are that the sauce and pickles are bland and that the bread is a bit chewy. All in all, it's not the worst fried chicken sandwich you'll find, but you could probably go elsewhere for a more satisfying experience.
27. Krispy Krunchy Chicken
Headquarters: Alexandria, Louisiana
Year founded: 1989
No. of states with a location: 47
Why Krispy Krunchy Chicken Is One of the Best
Born from the same Louisiana stock that brought us another highly praised fried chicken sandwich, Krispy Krunchy Chicken has a cult following all its own. The original winners at this chain are the individual pieces of chicken, which are truly gorgeous when it comes to crunch and crisp.
But the fried chicken sandwich leaves much to be desired from its nondescript white meat patty. Sure, you get a few pickles on there, but the chicken itself is rather disappointing, especially after you catch a glimpse of the restaurant's Cajun tenders or legendary Krispy Chicken pieces.
26. Harold’s Chicken Shack
Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois
Year founded: 1950
No. of states with a location: 2
Why Harold’s Chicken Is One of the Best
Similar to New Yorkers, Chicagoans can be particular when it comes to where they eat. Harold's Chicken Shack is a local Illinois and Indiana chain that has Chicagoans clucking praise for its fried chicken. The casual counter spots are all about fried chicken and fish (plus all the sides).
That said, their main event is really the individual pieces of bone-in fried chicken. The sandwich falls to the wayside and is not as much of a standout menu item.
25. Crown Fried Chicken
Headquarters: Fitchburg, Massachusetts
Year founded: 1979
No. of states with a location: 13
Why Crown Fried Chicken Is One of the Best
New Yorkers are passionate about, well, everything, but food above all else. Crown Fried Chicken is a northeast-based chain that has all sorts of fried chicken favorites, including but not limited to a fried chicken sandwich. The more popular menu items are the individual pieces of chicken, which are crispy and juicy all at once. The sides are also excellent, from the mashed potatoes to the macaroni and cheese to the corn nibblers.
The chicken sandwich, though, is less noteworthy than the other menu items, often being criticized as "disappointing" compared to the other menu items.
24. Roscoe’s House of Chicken & Waffles
Headquarters: Los Angeles, California
Year founded: 1975
No. of states with a location: 1
Why Roscoe’s House of Chicken & Waffles Is One of the Best
The Los Angeles-based restaurant Roscoe's Chicken & Waffles is the stuff fried chicken legends are made of. Known for its crispy fried chicken, fluffy waffles and sides, Roscoe's makes you wonder if its chicken sandwich, which sits at the bottom of the menu, stacks up.
Truthfully, there's a reason that the chicken sandwich (of which you can choose breast, thigh or leg meat) is buried beneath all the other items. It's just not as good. So, if you're going to Roscoe's, skip the sandwich and stick with the chicken and waffles. Be sure to throw a smothered biscuit in as well.
23. Sonic Drive-In
Headquarters: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Year founded: 1953
No. of states with a location: 46
Why Sonic Drive-In Is One of the Best
Much like other chains on this list, Sonic Drive-In is yet another one that leaves you spoiled for choice. Will today be a Footlong Quarter Pound Coney dog day, or will you go more traditional with a cheeseburger?
If you're in the mood for a fried chicken sandwich, however, you may want to consider other options. Critics of Sonic's Classic Crispy Chicken waive the chicken filet off as thin with a breading that is less than memorable. The bun also does not do much to contain what seems to be a grossly disproportionate amount of toppings compared to the thickness of the chicken. It's OK — but if you want crispy tater tots or a bacon breakfast burrito, Sonic is definitely a go-to.
22. Zaxby’s
Headquarters: Athens, Georgia
Year founded: 1990
No. of states with a location: 19
Why Zaxby’s Is One of the Best
What put Zaxby's on the map were its legendary chicken tenders. So, you'd imagine if a place knows its way around a tender, a sandwich can't be that much different. Unfortunately, the critics beg to differ.
While the Chicken Fingers Sandwich is solid (it's essentially just the chicken fingers on a bun with signature Zax sauce), the Southern TLC Sandwich is a bit lackluster. There's nothing particularly noteworthy about why the sandwich isn't stellar, but there also isn't anything particularly noteworthy about why it's good, either. Unmemorable would be the best way to describe it.
21. Arby’s
Headquarters: Sandy Springs, Georgia
Year founded: 1964
No. of states with a location: 48
Why Arby’s Is One of the Best
Arby's has a variety of fried chicken sandwiches to choose from (a chicken bacon Swiss, classic crispy chicken and buffalo crispy chicken). As one of the kings of fast-food deli sandwiches, how does its fried chicken stand up?
Surprisingly well, according to critics, who love the variety of the different sandwiches. More than getting just a classic versus a spicy, Arby's adds a little extra pizzazz with the bacon Swiss or the spicy buffalo flavors.
20. Kyochon
Headquarters: Osan-si, South Korea
Year founded: 1991
No. of states with a location: 1
Why Kyochon Is One of the Best
Believe it or not, there are not enough noteworthy chain restaurants out there slinging fried chicken sandwiches to get us to 30, so we have to bend the rules a bit. Enter Kyochon, a Korean-based fried chicken chain with California locations that is legendary for its signature fried chicken wings as well as its fried chicken pieces and Korean-inspired sides. Think kimchi fried rice and so-tteok so-tteok, a Korean street snack made with chicken sausage.
While a chicken sandwich may be lacking in its menu, the crispy, crunchy, Korean-infused flavors here are truly unique and add a nice alternative to the Southern-style fried chicken we usually crave in the U.S.
19. Jack in the Box
Headquarters: San Diego, California
Year founded: 1951
No. of states with a location: 21
Why Jack in the Box Is One of the Best
Jack in the Box is known for having a little bit of everything on its menu. This is the chain where you can order stuffed jalapeños alongside an order of egg rolls. So, it's no surprise that its chicken sandwich is something that thinks outside of Jack's box, too.
Jack in the Box has a few options when it comes to fried chicken. There is the Jack's Spicy Chicken with Cheese, which is a variation on the Jack's Spicy Chicken, which has lettuce, tomato and a fluffy bun. And the Cluck Sandwich is its most "back to basics" fried chicken sandwich, with a mayo-based spicy sauce and a mountain of pickles. Both are decent options.
18. Culver’s
Headquarters: Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin
Year founded: 1984
No. of states with a location: 26
Why Culver’s Is One of the Best
Culver's does a lot right regarding its fried chicken sandwich. Juicy chicken? Check. Pickles? Check. Soft and fluffy bun? Check and check.
But critics of Culver's Crispy Chicken Sandwich are disappointed by the absence of sauce on the sandwich. Everyone knows part of the magic of a fried chicken sandwich is the slather of sauce that coats the bun. To not have a single sauce or slice of cheese seems negligent, if not reckless.
17. Wendy’s
Headquarters: Dublin, Ohio
Year founded: 1969
No. of states with a location: 50
Why Wendy’s Is One of the Best
Like other fast-food chains, Wendy's gives you a couple of fried chicken sandwich options to choose from — a regular and a spicy.
Wendy's chicken breast is plump and juicy on the inside, but critics say it lacks that same satisfying crunch on the outside as other sandwiches. Still, the tangy pickles, lettuce and tomato are a welcome addition.
16. Shake Shack
Headquarters: New York, New York
Year founded: 2004
No. of states with a location: 26
Why Shake Shack Is One of the Best
Shake Shack definitely has a cult following when it comes to its cheeseburgers. (East Coasters suffering from In-N-Out envy have made it their own "ride or die" burger joint.)
But did you know the chain also has a crispy chicken sandwich worth devouring? The Chicken Shake is one of the top things on the menu, with its buttermilk-herb mayo, pickles and lettuce.
15. Parson’s Chicken & Fish
Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois
Year founded: 2013
No. of states with a location: 1
Why Parson’s Chicken & Fish Is One of the Best
While most fried chicken sandwiches on this list are made with the juicy and tender breast meat, Parson's Chicken & Fish goes rogue and serves their Hot Chicken Sandwich with the even more tender and juicy thigh meat.
The dark meat has its own unique flavor, surrounded by the crackly crunch of the breading and topped with an assortment of pickles, coleslaw and spicy sauce. There's a reason this Chicago-based chain is a favorite among residents and fried chicken die-hards.
14. BonChon
Headquarters: Dallas, Texas
Year founded: 2002
No. of states with a location: 21
Why BonChon Is One of the Best
BonChon is a Korean-inspired fried chicken chain that is known for its crispy fried chicken that comes with a choice of soy garlic or spicy sauces. The menu has a few other unique items, too, like potstickers, shrimp shumai and takoyaki.
But BonChon also happens to have succulent chicken sliders that provide a unique twist to the traditional chicken sandwich. The sliders are topped with coleslaw, cucumber, red onion and a spicy mayo, all of which sit upon a mini potato bun.
13. Federal Donuts
Headquarters: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Year founded: 2011
No. of states with a location: 1
Why Federal Donuts Is One of the Best
Federal Donuts is a Philly-based donut chain that also, surprisingly, makes some epically good fried chicken. It's so good that critics call the Federal Donuts crispy chicken sandwich one of the best in the business.
A fluffy potato bun holds a thick-and-crunchy crusted chicken breast, all topped with gooey melty cheese and a special sauce. So, if you find yourself in Philadelphia, you'll want to add Federal Donuts to your restaurant list.
12. Pollo Campero
Headquarters: Dallas, Texas
Year founded: 1971
No. of states with a location: 19
Why Pollo Campero Is One of the Best
When you think of the regional specialties of Guatemala, fried chicken doesn't necessarily spring to mind. However, this Dallas-based, Guatemalan-founded chain is breaking all stereotypes and coming out swinging with its delicious menu of Latin American-inspired chicken.
And its fried chicken sandwich is certainly a leader of the pack, thanks to its Habanero mayo, sweet pickles and fluffy buttered brioche bun. The mayo is the show stealer, according to critics, thanks to the hunks of fresh raw garlic and that habanero kick. The sweet pickles are a nice balance to the otherwise fiery sauce and spices in the breading.
11. Raising Cane’s
Headquarters: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Year founded: 1996
No. of states with a location: 33
Why Raising Cane’s Is One of the Best
Raising Cane's does its signature "The Sandwich" a little differently from other places. Rather than one thick breast of chicken, what you're served is three of the signature crispy chicken fingers between a substantial bun.
The chicken fingers at Raising Cane's are really something to talk about, so when you put three together on such a bun with the signature sauce, it almost makes up for the fact that the sandwich is lacking pickles. The addition of pickles would truly send this sandwich over the edge.
10. Jollibee
Headquarters: Pasig, Philippines
Year founded: 1978
No. of states with a location: 13
Why Jollibee Is One of the Best
From all the way in the Philippines comes one of the world's most renowned cuts of supremely crispy chicken. Jollibee is a Filipino chain that came across the seas to the U.S. to share its high-quality chicken sandwiches.
The crunch on the thick chicken breast is superlative, while a creamy, tangy sauce stands between the filet and its toasted brioche bun.
9. Ezell's Famous Chicken
Headquarters: Bellevue, Washington
Year founded: 1984
No. of states with a location: 2
Why Ezell’s Is One of the Best
Here's the thing. While Ezell's does not have a fried chicken sandwich on its menu, the chicken served at this Washington-based chain is Oprah Winfrey's favorite fried chicken, so that means it's worth a top spot on our list. The Queen of Media loves Ezell's chicken so much that the restaurant catered her birthday party.
What makes the chicken so special? The menu is basically all original, and the restaurant uses a frying system in which everything is hand-dipped in seasoned flour just moments before getting dunked in the fryer. The result is supremely seasoned and crispy chicken on the outside and hot, tender and juicy on the inside. Every order comes with a fresh baked roll, so you can certainly make your own sandwich if you're so inclined.
8. Church’s Chicken
Headquarters: Atlanta, Georgia
Year founded: 1952
No. of states with a location: 27
Why Church’s Chicken Is One of the Best
With "Chicken" in the chain's name, you would expect that the fried chicken sandwich from Church's knows what it's doing. In many respects, it certainly does.
How can you argue with a chunky, crispy filet of chicken breast, surrounded on both sides by either regular or spicy sauce, topped with tangy pickle chips and served between buttery brioche buns? It's a solid chicken sandwich that is sure to satisfy.
7. McDonald’s
Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois
Year founded: 1955
No. of states with a location: 50
Why McDonald’s Is One of the Best
They say McDonald's treats you right, and that is certainly the case with their fried chicken sandwich. The iconic Crispy Chicken Sandwich is exactly what you want from a fast-food chain — juicy, Southern-fried white meat chicken stacked on a potato roll and topped with pickles and a spicy sauce, and that's pretty much it.
The simplicity is part of the secret to its perfection.
6. Bojangles
Headquarters: Charlotte, North Carolina
Year founded: 1977
No. of states with a location: 15
Why Bojangles Is One of the Best
Bojangles is a right of passage for anyone who travels below the Mason-Dixon. This North Carolina-based chain does chicken right (not to mention its fluffy biscuits, macaroni and cheese and mashed potatoes).
Bo's chicken sandwich takes all the beauty of the Cajun fried chicken and places it between a buttered bun, piled high with thick pickle chips.
5. Burger King
Headquarters: Miami, Florida
Year founded: 1954
No. of states with a location: 50
Why Burger King Is One of the Best
When you're considered to be hamburger royalty, one may overlook the poultry side of the menu. But that would be a big mistake at Burger King. His Highness of Hamburgers does it right when selecting the breaded chicken filet, which is said to be one of hefty substance.
The browned, crunchy chicken is sandwiched between two fluffy slices of potato bun, topped with crunchy pickles and slathered in a tangy, mayo-based sauce.
4. Checkers and Rally’s
Headquarters: Tampa, Florida
Year founded: 1999
No. of states with a location: 28
Why Checkers and Rally’s Is One of the Best
Checkers and Rally's is also a heavy-hitter when it comes to crafting a beloved fried chicken sandwich. The restaurant chain's menu has a bunch of different options, but most chicken lovers are coming for the Spicy Chicken Sandwich or the Classic Mother Cruncher.
The Classic Mother Cruncher has a new, creamy "squawk sauce" as well as the ubiquitous pickles, lettuce and tomato (which aren't necessarily givens on fried chicken sandwiches). You can also order a BBQ Mother Cruncher, which has bacon, creamy honey mustard, lettuce and crispy onions.
3. KFC
Headquarters: Louisville, Kentucky
Year founded: 1952
No. of states with a location: 50
Why KFC Is One of the Best
If there's one thing you'd expect from Kentucky Fried Chicken, it's that the restaurant chain knows its way around, well, fried chicken. In 2021, KFC rolled out a new (and allegedly improved) fried chicken sandwich, complete with everything you need for success: extra-crispy breaded chicken breast, pickles and a choice of regular may or spicy sauce piled atop a buttery brioche bun.
The result is a light and fluffy vehicle for delivering those iconic 11 herbs and spices that encrust a delightfully juicy breast of chicken.
2. Chick-fil-A
Headquarters: Atlanta, Georgia
Year founded: 1946
No. of states with a location: 47
Why Chick-fil-A Is One of the Best
Meet the Original Chicken Sandwich. Much like KFC, Chick-Fil-A has prided itself on putting poultry first. And many chicken fans will tell you that Chick-Fil-A has the best fried chicken sandwich in town. The juicy chicken breast is coated with a crunchy, yet light, breading that's placed between a fluffy bun. Pickle chips add an extra crunch, and you can customize your sauce.
Critics, however, point out that the packaging of the sandwich (a foil bag) allows for extra steaming, thus rendering certain aspects of the sandwich soggy — a huge faux pas when it comes to fried chicken.
1. Popeyes
Headquarters: Miami, Florida
Year founded: 1972
No. of states with a location: 49
Why Popeyes Is One of the Best
The first thing you'll notice when you get your Popeye's chicken sandwich is the sheer weight of it. Popeye's is not messing around when it comes to giving you a fist full of chicken. The perfectly breaded, crispy filet is sandwiched between a gloriously light and buttery bun, topped with your choice of spicy sauce or mayo and heaped with pickles.
It's simple and yet so incredibly flavorful that we know Popeyes will rank high on your personal list. It’s No. 1 on ours.