When you think of fried chicken, Popeyes, KFC, or Raising Cane’s might spring to mind. But according to customer reviews and local buzz, some of the best crispy, juicy chicken comes from places you wouldn’t expect.
Here’s a ranking of surprising fried chicken spots that are also famous for burgers, ice cream and pizza, but all earn praise for their chicken game
12. Pizza Hut – WingStreet’s Secret Weapon
It may be a pizza chain, but Pizza Hut’s WingStreet menu has loyal fans for its fried chicken wings. Reviewers from Chickadvisor say they’re consistently crispier and saucier than many dedicated chicken joints.
11. Denny’s – Late-Night Chicken Fix
Known for pancakes and 24-hour breakfasts, Denny’s isn’t where most people go for fried chicken. But its chicken tenders and “Chicken Fried Steak” get frequent late-night love from diners looking for comfort food.
10. Buffalo Wild Wings – Beyond the Sauces
BWW is famous for its wings, but many customers highlight the fried chicken sandwiches as a sleeper hit. The crispy breading and bold sauces make it more than just a sports bar snack.
9. Jack in the Box – Crispy Chicken Surprise
Better known for tacos and late-night munchies, Jack in the Box gets surprising praise for its fried chicken sandwiches. Fans say the texture and crunch often outperform fast-food rivals.
8. Whataburger – Texas Twist on Chicken
This Texas-born burger chain is beloved for its late-night burgers, but its fried chicken sandwiches and strips have a strong following. Customers call them juicy, well-seasoned, and “worth skipping the burger for.”
7. Raising Cane’s – Saved by the Sauce
Cane’s scored a 3.31 rating in one Yelp-based study. The chicken is often called plain, but the signature dipping sauce keeps fans lining up.
6. Bojangles – A Southern Classic
With a 3.37 rating, Bojangles has long been a Southern staple. Its seasoned fried chicken and fluffy biscuits keep it firmly in the comfort-food category.
5. Cracker Barrel – Comfort Food with a Crunch
Best known for homestyle breakfasts and rocking chairs, Cracker Barrel also delivers fried chicken that customers rave about. Served with sides like mac and cheese or cornbread, it feels like Sunday dinner every day.
4. Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers – Sweet Meets Savory
Mostly famous for burgers and frozen custard, Freddy’s surprises with its well-reviewed chicken tenders and sandwiches. Some diners even say it beats out Popeyes and KFC for flavor and consistency.
3. Shake Shack – Burgers Meet Bird
Shake Shack shocked many by outscoring Popeyes and Raising Cane’s in a Yelp ranking. Its chicken sandwich is praised for its crunchy breading and juicy meat, proof that this burger chain has mastered poultry too.
2. Chick-fil-A – The Predictable Favorite
With a 3.73 average rating, Chick-fil-A continues to dominate thanks to consistent quality and devoted fans. It’s no surprise they’re at the top, but the real fun is seeing who else sneaks onto the list.
1. Cheesecake Factory – A Sit-Down Stunner
You might go for cheesecake or pasta, but The Cheesecake Factory’s fried chicken dishes such as crispy sandwiches, chicken & jalapeno frittes and Chicken Littles have won rave reviews. Generous portions and reliable crunch make it a surprising but worthy contender.