The Best Places to Buy Fried Chicken

Fried chicken is a classic American dish that people love. The crispy, crunchy coating combined with tender, juicy meat is hard to resist. When you get a craving for this comfort food, you want to know the best places to buy fried chicken. I’ve done the research to find the top spots for picking up high-quality fried chicken.

Fast Food Fried Chicken

One of the most convenient places to buy fried chicken is at fast food restaurants. The major chains have fried chicken as a menu staple and often offer special deals.

KFC

With over 18,000 locations worldwide, KFC is one of the largest fast food chains specializing in fried chicken. Their original recipe features a secret blend of 11 herbs and spices to give the crispy coating a signature flavor. KFC is best known for their boneless chicken options like chicken tenders and popcorn nuggets. Meals, buckets, and family packs make it easy to order fried chicken for a crowd.

KFC also often has deals and coupons that can save you money on fried chicken. Their mobile app lets you get special deals and easily order food online for delivery or pickup.

Popeyes

Popeyes has over 2,600 locations, mostly in the United States. They marinate their real chicken for 12 hours and then bread and batter it by hand. You can get chicken tenders with or without bones, as well as signature sides like Cajun fries, biscuits, red beans and rice, and Cajun fries.

Popeyes often has mix and match meal deals so you can sample different fried chicken pieces and sides. Their mobile app also provides discounts and makes online ordering convenient

Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A is known for its chicken sandwiches, but it also serves traditional fried chicken. The chicken is first marinated in pickle juice and then breaded by hand. You can order more than just sandwiches. You can get nuggets, strips, and grilled or fried boneless main dishes.

While Chick-fil-A is not open on Sundays, you can take advantage of their mobile ordering and drive-thru on other days of the week. Their app provides easy access to promotions and loyalty rewards.

Grocery Store Fried Chicken

You can find great fried chicken in the deli and prepared food sections of grocery stores. It is often made fresh daily right in the store.

Publix

With over 1,200 locations in the southeastern United States, Publix is a favorite for fried chicken. Their old-fashioned Southern style chicken is so popular it even has its own cult following. It is marinated in buttermilk then breaded and fried to crispy perfection. You can buy Publix fried chicken hot by the piece or cold by the pound from the deli.

Wegmans

This East Coast chain has over 100 stores across seven states. Wegmans uses fresh, never frozen chicken for their signature fried bird. It is marinated in a honey brine then breaded and fried until golden brown. An eight piece fried chicken box is about $20.

Kroger

As one of the largest U.S. grocers with over 2,700 stores, Kroger offers fried chicken at affordable prices. Hot chicken can be found in the deli or ready-to-eat sections. An eight piece meal with a choice of sides is usually under $10.

Albertsons

This chain has over 2,200 stores primarily on the West Coast and in the South. Their fried chicken tends to be a bit greasier than some competitors but has a satisfying crunch and lots of seasoning. You can buy it hot or cold.

Food Lion

Food Lion has over 1,000 locations in the eastern and southeastern U.S. Their fried chicken is coated in a peppery breading with crispy ridges. When fresh, it’s crunchy and delicious. Just $5.99 gets you three pieces of chicken and two sides.

Fried Chicken Restaurants

For a focused fried chicken experience, visit a restaurant that specializes in the dish. Some even focus on particular styles like Nashville hot chicken.

Bojangles

This fast food chain has over 750 locations, mostly in the Southeast. Their chicken is hand breaded and seasoned then cooked in specially designed fryers. Along with individual pieces, you can order family meals, chicken supremes, and signature sandwiches.

Church’s Chicken

Church’s has over 1,700 restaurants globally. Their chicken is marinated, hand battered, then fried in small batches for a homestyle flavor. You can choose mixed chicken plates or family packs. Church’s also offers all-you-can-eat fried chicken specials.

Jollibee

Specializing in Filipino fried chicken, Jollibee has over 1,200 locations worldwide. Their chicken is marinated in a garlic seasoning then fried twice for an extra crispy crust. You can order bucket meals or a la carte chicken joy pieces.

Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken

Gus’s has over 140 locations across the U.S. Their fried chicken is breaded in a secret blend of seasonings then fried fresh throughout the day. You can choose spicy or mild chicken along with tenders, sandwiches, and family meals.

Hattie B’s

With over 20 locations in the Nashville area, Hattie B’s does hot chicken right. Chicken is brined overnight then fried to order. You choose your spice level from Southern (no heat) to Shut the Cluck Up (burn notice). Sides like pimento mac and cheese pair perfectly.

Tips for Buying Fried Chicken

• For maximum crispness, buy your fried chicken shortly after it is made rather than choosing pieces that have been sitting under heat lamps.

• Takeout fried chicken travels best in vented boxes or bags that allow steam to escape, so crispy skin stays crispy.

• When reheating fried chicken at home, use an oven or air fryer rather than microwave which can make it soggy.

• For a fun twist, try Nashville hot fried chicken or Korean fried chicken with gochujang sauce.

• Add sides like biscuits, coleslaw, and potato wedges to round out your fried chicken feast.

With so many excellent options, there is no shortage of places to buy flavorful, crispy fried chicken. From fast food to grocery stores to specialized restaurants, you can easily satisfy a fried chicken craving. Use this guide to locate the best fried chicken spots in your area the next time you get a hankering for this crispy, juicy treat.