I Asked 6 Chefs for the Best Fast Food Fried Chicken, and Popeyes Won by a Landslide
Sorry, Bojangles and Zaxby’s—you didn’t even make the cut.
Let’s be real: when that crispy, juicy craving hits, not just any fried chicken will do. We’re not talking tenders or sandwiches today—we mean the real deal. Bone-in, golden, finger-lickin’ fried chicken. So to settle the debate once and for all, we turned to the experts: six professional chefs from across the country. Their mission? To crown the best fast food fried chicken.
And spoiler alert—Popeyes ran away with the title.
What Makes Fried Chicken Truly Great?
Before we dive into the winner, let’s talk about what separates okay fried chicken from chef-approved fried chicken. According to our panel of culinary pros, these five qualities are non-negotiable:
- Crispy, Not Greasy
A bit of grease is normal with deep-fried anything, but great fried chicken should crunch, not drip. “If grease is running down my fingers, I’m out,” says cookbook author Kelly Jaggers.
- Fresh Oil Matters
Reused oil? Big no. Old frying oil gives the chicken a bitter taste and soggy texture. Chefs say clean oil is key for that perfect golden color and crispiness.
- Brined or Marinated Chicken
Moisture and flavor start way before the fryer. Chef Jing Gao explains, “You can taste it when chicken has been marinated well. It’s juicy, seasoned, and memorable.” Brining works too—it locks in that juicy goodness.
- A Crunchy, Flour-Based Coating
This isn’t pancake batter, folks. A flour-based coating holds better and gets extra crispy. Bonus points if it stays crunchy even after the drive home.
- Chicken Should Be the Star
If fried chicken isn’t the restaurant’s main thing, don’t expect magic. According to Chef Dominic Iannarelli, the best chicken comes from places where poultry rules the menu.
So, Who Won?
🥇 Popeyes—The Clear Favorite
If you’ve ever bitten into a piece of Popeyes chicken, this probably won’t shock you. From the crunchy crust to the seasoned meat, it’s a Southern dream come true.
“No one does it better than Popeyes,” says food writer Meghan Splawn. “It’s crispy, peppery, juicy—even the breast meat is tender, and that’s hard to pull off!”
The secret? A 12-hour marinade, according to Popeyes’ website. That’s how every bite stays flavorful and juicy. Add in their thick but light crust and options for spicy or classic, and it’s no wonder chefs agree—this chicken slaps.
Chef MacKenzie Smith adds, “The coating is thick, flavorful, and never too heavy. And it holds up from store to table.”
Honorable Mentions—Still Finger-Lickin’ Good
Not quite Popeyes level, but still worth the drive-thru visit. These chains impressed the pros too:
🍗 KFC
You know the Colonel had to show up. The secret 11 herbs and spices still hit, and pressure cooking locks in juiciness. “Well-seasoned and flavorful,” says Chef Jing Gao.
🍗 bb.q Chicken
Double-fried Korean-style chicken? Yes, please. “The first fry cooks it through, the second makes it extra crispy,” Jaggers explains. Their sauces—from sweet honey garlic to fiery mala—bring variety without sacrificing crunch.
🍗 BonChon
With nearly 150 U.S. locations, BonChon is a rising star. Gonsar raves, “Every piece is evenly coated and seasoned. Plus, the sauce selection is a huge win.”
What Should You Eat With Fried Chicken?
While the chicken steals the spotlight, sides still matter. That said, you don’t have to go all in on fries and biscuits.
Chef Meghan Splawn’s tip? Balance it out with a homemade salad.
“I grab a family pack of chicken and pair it with a big salad at home. No reheating, no mess—just a fast, satisfying meal.”
Other chef-approved sides include:
- Coleslaw (crunchy and refreshing)
- Cornbread or biscuits (classic Southern sides)
- Pickles (to cut through the richness)
- Mashed potatoes (comfort food at its best)
Final Verdict
So, which fast food spot serves the best fried chicken according to the chefs?
✅ Popeyes — by a long shot.
Between their perfect crunch, juicy marinade, and seasoned flour coating, Popeyes just gets it. And while KFC, bb.q Chicken, and BonChon earn honorable mentions, none could quite match that Cajun-inspired perfection.
So next time the fried chicken craving hits hard, trust the pros—Popeyes is worth every crispy, savory bite.
Featured Snippet Friendly Takeaway
What is the best fast food fried chicken, according to chefs?
👉 Popeyes is the top pick, thanks to its 12-hour marinade, crispy coating, and juicy flavor. Honorable mentions include KFC, bb.q Chicken, and BonChon.
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