The Ultimate Quest for the Best Fast Food Fried Chicken
When you think of fast food, the mind often drifts to quintessential items like cheeseburgers, fries, and perhaps the savory fried chicken. We often assume that the variety and accessibility of fast food equate to bland, cookie-cutter offerings. But some chefs have passionately proved this stereotype wrong, often debating which fast food fried chicken reigns supreme.
In our endeavor to create the definitive guide to fast food fried chicken, we queried six culinary experts for their top picks. As we dove into their heated discussions and savory recommendations, the results were undeniably delicious.
Our Panel of Fried Chicken-Rating Chefs
- Jing Gao – Chef and founder of Fly By Jing, based in Las Vegas, Nevada. Author of The Book of Sichuan Chili Crisp.
- Dina Deleasa Gonsar – Recipe developer from Whippany, New Jersey, and creator of Dish It Girl. Author of At the Kitchen Sink.
- Dominic Iannarelli – Chef-owner of Prime & Providence in West Des Moines, Iowa.
- Kelly Jaggers – Cookbook author based in Dallas, Texas, known for The Everything® Restaurant Copycat Recipes Cookbook.
- MacKenzie Smith – A food blogger from New Smyrna Beach, Florida at Grilled Cheese Social.
- Meghan Splawn – A freelance food writer and creator of the Stir & Scribble recipe newsletter.
Qualities of the Best Fast Food Fried Chicken
So, what exactly makes fried chicken from a fast food chain stand out among hundreds of competitors? According to our experienced panelists, there are several key attributes to look for:
- Not Too Greasy: A hint of grease is expected, but good fried chicken should not taste like it’s been fried in old oil.
- Fresh Frying Oil: Quality matters. Chains that frequently change their oil provide a cleaner, more enjoyable taste.
- Flavorful Brining or Marination: Moisture and seasoning are paramount; well-brined chicken ensures every bite is juicy.
- Adhering Coating: A well-prepared coating keeps the crunch intact. Ideally, flour-based coating is preferred over a dripping batter.
- Focused Menu: Chains that specialize in fried chicken often achieve better results when poultry is the primary menu attraction.
The Best Fast Food Fried Chicken, According to Chefs
After reviewing various options, one name rose above all others: Popeyes. This Louisiana-based chain clinched the title of best fast food fried chicken by a landslide vote from our chef panel.
Splawn praises Popeyes for its “salty, peppery, crispy coating,” applauding its consistency in delivering juicy and tender chicken even in typically dryer breast pieces. This deliciously moist chicken is a result of 12-hour marination—a detail proudly highlighted on the Popeyes website.
Chef Iannarelli noted the "light Cajun influence" in both the marinade and coating, while Smith emphasized the option to choose between classic or spicy, along with various cuts like wings, breasts, or thighs. The unanimous agreement among our panelists is that Popeyes sets the standard for fast food fried chicken.
Yet, while Popeyes dominates the conversation, several restaurants deserve an honorable mention:
- KFC: Renowned for its well-seasoned chicken and secret blend of 11 herbs and spices.
- bb.q Chicken: Known for the double-frying technique resulting in a crispy exterior and moist interior, as noted by Jaggers.
- BonChon: A favorite among Gonsar for its tender chicken and tantalizing signature sauce options.
What to Eat with Fast Food Fried Chicken
The right side dishes can elevate your fried chicken experience. Our chefs recommend pairing delicious chicken with complementary sides.
Splawn’s go-to approach is simple yet effective: when purchasing fried chicken for her family, she opts for a family pack and adds a fresh salad to enhance the meal without requiring reheating.
Consider creating your own DIY salad and side combo for a balanced and satisfying meal. Whether you crave creamy coleslaw or a zesty Caesar salad, these additions can turn your fast food fried chicken feast into a hearty banquet.
Final Thoughts
While the landscape of fast food fried chicken is vast and varied, our panel of chefs has shed light on the gold standard: Popeyes. With a robust coating, juicy meat, and culinary finesse, it’s no wonder this chain takes the crown. So, the next time you crave fried chicken, remember their insights and dig into the crispy, mouthwatering goodness of Popeyes chicken.
For more culinary inspiration, check out Allrecipes’ fried chicken recipes to recreate your favorite dish at home!
