Sophie Bennett
Fried chicken is one of the most popular comfort foods, and in recent years, the number of chicken chains has been growing. KFC, the granddaddy of fast-food chicken, has been surpassed in popularity by a rising competitor and no longer ranks among the top three chicken chains in the United States. Louisiana-based Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers has overtaken KFC in annual sales, now trailing Chick-fil-A and Popeyes. Other popular chicken chains include Wingstop, Church's Texas Chicken, Bojangles, Slim Chickens, and Checkers.
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What You'll Learn
Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers
Graves and Silvey wrote a business plan for a chicken-finger restaurant while studying at different universities. Despite receiving a C-minus grade and numerous rejections from investors, they persevered, working manual labour jobs to earn the money needed to open their first restaurant.
Raising Cane's is one of the fastest-growing restaurant chains in America, increasing sales by nearly 26% in 2016. The chain primarily features hand-battered chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries, buttery "Texas toast", and a signature Cane's Sauce. While some have criticised the chain for being a "one-trick pony", others have praised its food and vibrant atmosphere, which sometimes includes a live DJ.
Raising Cane's has expanded internationally, opening its first restaurant outside of the US in Kuwait in 2014. As of 2025, it operates in 42 states and several Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, with plans to expand to 1,000 restaurants by the end of the year. The chain has also collaborated with celebrities such as Post Malone and Ice T for promotional campaigns and themed locations.
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Wingstop
The chain seems to have a strong social media presence, utilizing platforms like Instagram and Facebook to engage with their customers and promote their latest offerings. With a substantial number of followers, Wingstop has created a community of fans who enjoy their food and stay updated on new flavors and promotions.
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Slim Chickens
Chick-fil-A and Popeyes are two other major chicken chains that have seen increased consumer spending, surpassing KFC in popularity. Boston Market is also known for its homestyle meals and rotisserie chicken. Even gas stations and convenience stores house chicken chains like Champs Chicken, which has over 1,500 locations across more than 40 states.
While KFC was once a dominant force in the American fast-food chicken market, it has faced increasing competition from these rising competitors, causing a decline in consumer spending at KFC restaurants in recent years. However, KFC still holds a significant presence in the market, and its parent company, Yum Brands, reported increased revenue in 2025.
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Church's Texas Chicken
In 1965, the Church family began to franchise the business, with the son of Church Sr., Bill Church Jr., as the top executive. Church Jr. and his brother Richard developed a signature marinade that could be prepared at any location. By 1968, the chain had expanded to 100 restaurants in seven states, becoming the first chicken chain from Texas to become a national one.
In 1969, the Church family sold the company, which then became incorporated and went public. The chain continued to expand rapidly, with 387 more restaurants opening between 1969 and 1974. In 1970, the chain began its international expansion, opening restaurants in Canada, Mexico, Japan, and Puerto Rico.
In 1989, after a four-month legal dispute, Church's Chicken was acquired by Popeyes for $330 million, becoming the second-largest chicken restaurant chain in the US. As of 2022, Church's Texas Chicken operates more than 1,500 locations worldwide.
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Bojangles Famous Chicken and Biscuits
Bojangles' Famous Chicken 'n Biscuits is a popular fried chicken chain that serves up a variety of chicken dishes, including their famous fried chicken and scratch-made biscuits. With a focus on fresh, never-frozen chicken, Bojangles offers a range of mouth-watering options like their Cajun Chicken Filet Biscuit, Chicken Sandwich, and 8-piece chicken meals. Their menu also includes breakfast items such as their hearty breakfast burrito and their famous biscuits, which can be ordered with sausage, bacon, egg, cheese, and country ham.
Bojangles has a strong presence in the American South, with locations in over 40 states, and their restaurants cater to various dining preferences, offering takeout, drive-thru, and dine-in options. The chain has developed a loyal following due to its delicious food and convenient services, such as their exclusive app, which provides customers with monthly offers and easy ordering options.
Bojangles' commitment to serving fresh, high-quality chicken sets them apart from competitors. Their chicken is known for its succulent flavor and extra-thick breading, resulting in a great crunch. The chain also offers a range of sides, including their famous Bo's Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce, and desserts, ensuring a well-rounded dining experience.
In addition to their focus on food quality, Bojangles also prioritizes customer satisfaction. While some customers have noted that staff could be more welcoming, the chain seems committed to ensuring that customers receive their food "hot, fast, and with a smile." This combination of delicious food and attentive service has likely contributed to the chain's success and popularity.
Bojangles' Famous Chicken 'n Biscuits is a strong competitor in the fried chicken market, offering a unique and tasty alternative to KFC and other chicken chains. With their focus on fresh ingredients, convenient services, and customer satisfaction, Bojangles has carved out a place in the highly competitive fried chicken landscape.
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Frequently asked questions
Some chicken chains other than KFC include Raising Cane's, Chick-fil-A, Popeyes, Church's Texas Chicken, and Bojangles.
Raising Cane's has recently overtaken KFC in annual US sales and is now the third-largest chicken chain in the US, behind Chick-fil-A and Popeyes.
Raising Cane's menu primarily features hand-battered chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries, buttery "Texas toast", and a signature Cane's Sauce.
This is subjective, but some sources claim that Raising Cane's cannot compete with other fried chicken chains due to its limited menu. Church's Texas Chicken's fried chicken is said to rival KFC and Popeyes, and Bojangles' fried chicken pieces and wings are also considered some of the best in the business.
