[[{“value”:”There’s something hard to beat about biting into a piece of freshly fried chicken with a crispy, well-seasoned coating and juicy meat underneath. But getting that combination right isn’t as easy as it sounds. The best fried chicken strikes a balance between crunch, seasoning, and tenderness, and some restaurant chains do it better than others. To find out which ones are worth a visit, Eat This, Not That! asked chefs to share the chains they turn to for fried chicken. Here are the top five.
Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken
Some fried chicken restaurants stand out for doing things a little differently, and Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken is one of them. “Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken is great for its signature spicy, crispy coating and exceptionally juicy chicken,” says Kerby Morgan Jr., chef and owner of Coastal Cuisine.” What I appreciate is the balance—the crust is thin and crunchy rather than overly heavy, while the seasoning brings a noticeable kick without masking the flavor of the chicken.” He adds, “It’s straightforward Southern fried chicken executed with consistency, character, and plenty of craveability.” The chain is grabbing the attention of other culinary pros like Steve Ingber, CIA-trained chef and owner of MileHighCook, a private chef company in Denver, Colorado, who also recommends the spot. “Gus’s started in Tennessee and grew into a small chain without losing what made it special,” he says. “The batter has a slow cayenne heat that builds as you eat, and the crust is thin and crackly instead of thick and bready. If you love spicy fried chicken, it’s worth seeking out.”
Flavor Rich Restaurant Fried Chicken
Good fried chicken starts with seasoning that goes beyond the crust. Flavor Rich Restaurant Fried Chicken puts the emphasis on bold, savory flavor, making it an option for diners who appreciate well-seasoned food, according to Chef Morgan Jr. “What I appreciate is how the crust brings plenty of crunch and seasoning without overpowering the chicken itself,” he says. “It’s Southern comfort food with a more chef-driven approach—familiar enough to satisfy that fried chicken craving, but elevated enough to feel memorable.”
Popeyes
Popeyes brings a taste of Louisiana to the fast-food chicken scene. Its signature seasoning and Southern-inspired approach give its fried chicken a distinctive flavor profile, which Chef Steve loves. “Popeyes is the chain fried chicken chefs that actually go out of their way to eat,” he says. “The bone-in spicy chicken has a craggy, shatteringly crisp crust, and the meat is seasoned all the way through, not just on the outside. Get a buttermilk biscuit with it and it beats a lot of restaurant fried chicken.”
Jollibee
Jollibee’s has earned a following for its satisfying crunch and flavorful, tender chicken. Served with the chain’s signature gravy, it offers a slightly different take on the traditional fried chicken meal. “The skin is thin, light and incredibly crispy, and the chicken underneath is some of the juiciest you’ll find at any fast food counter,” says Chef Steve. “The gravy on the side is a must. It’s a different style of fried chicken from the Southern one, and it’s fantastic.”
Bojangles
When it comes to Southern-style fried chicken, Bojangles brings plenty of regional flavor to the table. The chain is known for its Cajun-seasoned chicken, which delivers a savory, slightly spicy take on this comfort-food favorite.
“Bojangles starts with fresh chicken marinated in a buttermilk and hot sauce blend, which infuses bold Cajun flavors; they are also one of the few places that double-dredge,” says Chef Andrew Owens, a Michelin-trained private chef in Texas.
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