The 10 Worst Fast Food Fried Chicken Joints In America & The 10 Best

Fried Chicken Misses And Hits

Craving fried chicken can lead you to some mouthwatering discoveries—but also some major letdowns! With so many fast food spots claiming to serve the crispiest, juiciest chicken, it gets tricky to separate hype from reality. Some chains have nailed the golden formula, while others leave you wondering how they're still in business. So, to help you enjoy the best fried chicken in America, we’ve compiled a list that looks at both ends of the spectrum. Let’s begin with the 10 worst spots you need to avoid.

1. Church's Texas Chicken

At first glance, the generous portions seem like a win. But take a bite, and the salty batter may overpower everything else. The coating often slips right off the meat, too. Add slower service during busy times and limited sauce choices—everything starts to disappoint.

2. KFC

Some fans still swear by KFC’s classics, although the experience isn’t always consistent. In many outlets, breading tends to get soggy fast, and recipe tweaks have stirred mixed reactions. Even the meat tenderness changes from store to store. On top of that, the oil quality varies, dragging down the flavor even lower.

3. Popeyes

Expect bold flavor here, but sometimes, it leans too salty. The white meat loses its moisture due to being fried too long, and long drive-thru lines test your patience. Also, spice levels vary between locations, so you never quite know what you’re getting.

4. Jollibee

Jollibee stands out with its sweet-style batter, which surprises those expecting savory flavors. With unusual menu pairings like spaghetti, opinions remain divided. In busy stores, the crispness of the chicken also varies, and for some diners, the flavor mix feels too unconventional.

5. Chester’s Chicken

Found in gas stations and rest stops, Chester’s is all about convenience. Unfortunately, freshness takes a hit as the breadings get heavy and mushy and lack proper seasoning. Plus, portion sizes swing wildly depending on who’s behind the counter that day.

6. Raising Cane’s

Raising Cane’s keeps its recipe simple and consistent, which appeals to some. However, the flavor rarely ventures into exciting territory. Since the menu excludes bone-in options, the variety feels limited. Some customers also find the breading too light.

7. Zaxby’s

If you’re in it for the tenders, Zaxby’s delivers. But when it comes to bone-in chicken, the crunch just isn’t there. The breading slides off mid-bite, and without sauce, the flavor feels incomplete. Even sides lose their texture as soon as they’re out of the fryer.

8. Golden Chick

Here, bone-in pieces leave less of an impression. Compared to competitors, seasoning also feels lighter. At Golden Chick, the yeast rolls get more attention than the chicken. This joint only earns some points for its well-seasoned tenders.

9. Bojangles

People mostly head to Bojangles for the biscuits and fries, not chicken. Spice levels don’t stay consistent at all, and bone-in pieces can taste under-seasoned. Some sides even arrive cooler than expected.

10. Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken

Lee’s uses a thick breading that feels too heavy when you’re craving a crisp bite. Also, the oil quality isn't always consistent across locations. With limited sauces, portions can feel bland, too, especially when sizes change from store to store.

Now that we’ve covered the misses, let’s talk about the fried chicken joints that actually get it right.

1. Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A's Original Chicken Sandwich—crispy, hand-breaded chicken on a buttery bun with pickles—is the chain's claim to fame. It's pressure-cooked in peanut oil for a signature flavor. The drive-thru keeps it hot and fast, and beyond the classic, they offer spicy and deluxe versions, too.

2. Slim Chickens

Slim Chickens knows how to hit that fried chicken sweet spot. Each tender is hand-breaded and surprisingly crisp. Their wide range of sauces keeps things fresh, and the chicken and waffle combo wins fans instantly. Finally, the large portions seal the deal every single time.

3. Bush’s Chicken

At Bush’s, the bone-in chicken always arrives hot and juicy. That classic seasoning hits just right, especially alongside their famous sweet tea. For families, vehicle service lanes add unmatched convenience. Then there are traditional options, like gizzards and hearty meal bundles, that make it feel familiar.

4. Krispy Krunchy Chicken

Despite being tucked into gas stations, their signature chicken packs bold flavor that holds up even in takeout. Krispy Krunchy Chicken specializes in Cajun-style fried chicken that’s hand-breaded and freshly made in small batches. Whether you order jumbo tenders or wings, the menu delivers Southern comfort at wallet-friendly prices.

5. PDQ (People Dedicated To Quality)

PDQ puts freshness first with chicken that's never frozen. It’s always fried on the spot. The flavor also gets an upgrade as sauces and dressings are made in-house. Even for takeout, the tenders retain their texture, which really sets them apart.

6. Bantam + Biddy

Bantam + Biddy pays extra attention to ingredients. The chicken is antibiotic-free and comes in both bone-in and tender options. Comfort sides like cornbread and collard greens round out the plate. Brownie points to their fast service, which doesn't come at the cost of flavor.

7. Pollo Campero

What makes Pollo Campero special? Their citrusy, Latin-style marinade. It gives each bite a punch of freshness. The fried option stays light, never greasy, while sides like yuca fries and Campero beans keep things interesting. Families especially love the shareable meal packs.

8. Huey Magoo’s

There’s something refreshingly simple about Huey Magoo’s approach—every tender is hand-breaded, moist, and consistently crisp. The sauces also help balance the flavor. Moreover, orders are made fresh, which helps maintain texture and flavor.

9. Super Chix

Super Chix feels more like a modern kitchen than a typical chain, and that comes through in the food. Each sandwich features hand-breaded chicken with clean seasoning, supported by crisp fries and house-made sauces. Additionally, the frozen custard gives it a sweet finish.

10. Dave’s Hot Chicken

Dave’s Hot Chicken serves up spicy fried chicken sliders and tenders that are as bold as they are flavorful. Each order comes with your chosen heat level—from “No Spice” to the fiery “Reaper”—clearly marked so you get the burn you want. The crust is crunchy and packed with seasoning, while the chicken inside stays juicy.