Claire Thompson
Fried chicken is a staple of fast-food chains across the world, with a diverse range of options available. From chicken sandwiches to tenders and wings, there are numerous styles and flavours to choose from. While Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) is the most well-known fried chicken chain globally, with over 25,000 outlets in more than 145 countries, other popular options include Popeyes, Chick-fil-A, Slim Chickens, and Guy Fieri's Chicken Guy!. Regional favourites like Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken and Korean-style fried chicken chains such as bb.q Chicken also offer unique takes on this beloved dish. With so many choices, it can be challenging to determine which chicken restaurant is the best.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | KFC, Chicken Guy!, Huey Magoo's, Slim Chickens, Checkers, Popeye's, Chick-fil-A, Bonchon, Wingstop, bb.q Chicken, Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken, El Pollo Loco, Church's Chicken |
| Number of Outlets | KFC: 25,000 outlets. bb.q Chicken: 3,500 outlets |
| Countries | KFC: 145 countries. bb.q Chicken: 57 countries |
| Speciality | KFC: 11 herbs and spices. Chicken Guy!: Chicken tenders. Huey Magoo's: Basic chicken tender. Checkers: White meat crispy chicken tenders. Popeye's: Signature fried chicken. Chick-fil-A: Waffle fries. Bonchon: Spicy wings. Wingstop: Chicken wings. bb.q Chicken: Korean-style fried chicken. Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken: Southern spicy chicken. El Pollo Loco: Grilled chicken. Church's Chicken: Chicken sandwich |
| Popularity | Popeye's has a fervent loyalty of customers. |
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What You'll Learn
Korean-style fried chicken
While there are many chicken restaurants around the world, Korean-style fried chicken, or KFC as it is often called, is a unique and delicious option. This style of fried chicken is characterised by a super crunchy exterior and a juicy, tender interior. The key to achieving this texture is a technique called double frying. The chicken is fried once to seal in the flavours and a second time to crisp up the skin. This results in a less greasy piece of chicken that is lighter than other fried chicken.
The batter for Korean-style fried chicken is typically made with potato or corn starch, which gives it a light and crispy texture that is naturally gluten-free. The chicken is then coated in a sweet, spicy, and sticky sauce, often made with gochujang (fermented Korean chilli pepper paste), soy sauce or tamari, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and garlic. This combination of flavours creates a unique taste profile that is both savoury and sweet, with a hint of spice.
Making Korean-style fried chicken at home is a relatively simple process, and there are many recipes available online. The key steps include cutting the chicken into pieces, coating it in a starch-based batter, double frying, and then tossing the chicken in the sauce. The result is a delicious and addictive dish that is perfect for any occasion.
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Chicken sandwiches
While opinions vary on which chicken restaurant is the best in the world, there are several that have been mentioned by multiple sources.
Popeyes, a global phenomenon with more than 3,000 restaurants worldwide, is a favourite to take the top spot for many. The chain has earned a fervent loyalty from its customers and is known for its signature fried chicken.
KFC, or Kentucky Fried Chicken, is undoubtedly the most well-known fried chicken restaurant, with over 25,000 outlets in more than 145 countries and territories. The iconic Colonel Sanders and his secret blend of 11 herbs and spices have made this restaurant and its fried chicken recognisable across the globe. However, while the chicken is described as "delightfully moist", the coating is said to be too thin and the skin "rubbery" rather than crispy.
Chicken Guy!, a restaurant by celebrity chef Guy Fieri, is another top pick. Located on Walt Disney World property, this restaurant offers excellent chicken tenders.
Other notable mentions include Huey Magoo's, a newer chain that is quickly gaining popularity; Slim Chickens, praised for its dip options; and Checkers (also known as Rally's in some areas), a fast-food restaurant chain operating in 28 states throughout the US, known for its "Fry-Seasoned Tenders".
When it comes to chicken sandwiches specifically, Church's Chicken, a chain that has stuck to the same recipe since 1952, is said to have one of the best. Their chicken sandwich is made with top-quality ingredients.
If you're looking for a Korean-style fried chicken sandwich, bb.q Chicken is the place to go. With over 3,500 locations across 57 countries, this chain serves "Best of the Best Quality" chicken that is fried using a traditional method, hand-brushed, hand-battered, and fried at lower temperatures for longer. The result is a less messy, lighter, yet crisp piece of chicken with a pleasant hint of garlic and onion powders in the batter.
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Chicken tenders
Tenders are preferred by some over nuggets due to their size and meatiness, and the assurance that they are whole pieces of meat. A great chicken tender should be crunchy, tender, and flavoured with a mix of spices.
Some chicken tenders are elevated by their sauces. For instance, Chick-fil-A's tenders are complemented by a thick, sweet sauce, while the Zesty dipping sauce served with Checkers' "Fry-Seasoned Tenders" is heavy on horseradish.
Other restaurants take a different approach to their tenders. For example, bb.q Chicken uses a Korean-style of frying, with chicken fried twice to seal in flavours and add crispness to the skin. Meanwhile, Chicken Guy! serves wide and flat tenders, resembling pounded and breaded chicken cutlets.
For those who want to make their own chicken tenders, a simple recipe involves coating chicken in flour, then dipping it in a batter made from egg, chicken broth, milk, onion powder, salt, pepper, and flour, before frying it.
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Chicken wings
While searching for the best chicken wings, you may come across the famous Texas-based international chain of restaurants, Wingstop, which primarily sells chicken wings. However, there are several other restaurants that are worth mentioning for their chicken wings.
Bonchon
Bonchon's spicy wings are very hot, even for those who enjoy spicy food. The soy garlic variety helps balance the heat, and both varieties have a hint of sweetness. Bonchon reigns supreme in basically every other judging criterion.
Popeyes
Popeyes has earned the sort of fervent loyalty enjoyed by few other chains in the world of fast-food fried chicken. Founded in a suburb of New Orleans in 1972, the chain has grown into a global phenomenon with more than 3,000 restaurants worldwide.
Chicken Guy!
Guy Fieri's chicken restaurant, Chicken Guy!, serves excellent chicken tenders. Located on Walt Disney World property at Disney Springs, it is a great choice for a quick bite.
Bb.q Chicken
This chain, with over 3,500 locations across 57 countries, serves Korean-style fried chicken. The chicken is fried twice: the first time to seal in the flavours, and the second time to crisp the skin. The result is a less messy, lighter piece of chicken with a crisp skin that provides the ideal amount of crunch without overwhelming the meat. The chicken is then tossed in one of the chain’s signature sauces, such as honey garlic, soy garlic, or galbi.
Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken
This Memphis-based chain serves Southern spicy chicken. Its fried chicken is made-to-order and hand-battered, and its sides, such as baked beans, slaw, and potato salad, are made in-house daily. Gus’s has earned a spot on the Dallas Observer’s list of best fried chicken spots in 2023 and has expanded to about 40 locations across the U.S.
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Fried chicken restaurants vs. chicken dishes at burger spots
Fried chicken is a beloved dish around the world, and there are many restaurants dedicated solely to this crispy, juicy delight. However, fried chicken is also a staple on the menus of burger spots and other fast-food establishments. So, how do dedicated fried chicken restaurants compare to the chicken dishes offered at burger joints?
When it comes to variety, burger spots may have an edge. In addition to their namesake dish, burger joints often feature a range of chicken options, from sandwiches to nuggets and tenders. These can be a draw for those seeking a quick bite, as burgers typically provide a more enclosed, less messy eating experience than fried chicken. The versatility of burgers also extends to customisation options, allowing customers to tailor their meal to their preferences.
On the other hand, fried chicken restaurants showcase the expertise that comes with a laser focus on one dish. These establishments often experiment with different frying techniques, coatings, and seasonings to create signature flavours and textures. For instance, Korean-style fried chicken, as offered by restaurants like Bonchon, is double-fried to achieve a powerful snap in the skin, even when smothered in sauce. The result is a lighter, less greasy piece of chicken with a satisfying crunch.
While both options have their merits, it's worth noting that health considerations may tip the scales for some. Fried chicken is often associated with trans fats and partially hydrogenated oils, which can be detrimental to health. However, it's important to remember that not all fried chicken is created equal, and some restaurants may use healthier cooking oils, like olive or coconut. Burgers, when made with lean beef, whole-wheat buns, and vegetable toppings, can be a more nutritious option.
Ultimately, the choice between fried chicken restaurants and chicken dishes at burger spots comes down to individual preferences. Both options offer unique flavours, textures, and experiences that have captivated diners worldwide. Whether it's the juicy crunch of fried chicken or the customisable convenience of a burger, there's something to satisfy every craving.
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Frequently asked questions
While it is subjective, some popular opinions include:
- Popeye's
- Chick-fil-A
- bb.q Chicken
- Chicken Guy!
- Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken
Some well-known chicken restaurant chains include:
- KFC
- Wingstop
- Checkers
- Slim Chickens
- El Pollo Loco
Popular dishes at chicken restaurants often include:
- Fried chicken
- Chicken sandwiches
- Chicken tenders or nuggets
- Chicken wings
- Chicken and waffles
The taste of chicken can be influenced by various factors, such as:
- Freshness and quality of the meat.
- Preparation methods, including frying, grilling, or baking.
- Spices, herbs, and other ingredients used in marinades or coatings.
- Accompanying sauces or dips.
When comparing chicken restaurants, some criteria to consider are:
- Taste and texture of the chicken.
- Variety of menu options.
- Restaurant ambiance and service.
- Value for money.
