When it comes to the chicken fast food industry, the more famous names include KFC, along with topnotch brands like Popeyes and Chick-fil-A. But if you’re a true fast food chicken fan, then you should broaden your horizons and try out the following chicken joints:
Jollibee
This brand originated in the Philippines, when it was launched to challenge the McDonald’s supremacy in the country. While their burgers didn’t exactly catch on, their chicken treats were excellent. So much so that Jollibee now has more than 1,300 locations around the world. It’s truly a global brand.
But its presence in the US is too limited. Jollibee came to the US back in 1998, and over the years they’ve only grown to about 37 locations in the country. It’s true that Filipino take a bit of getting used to, such as their adobo. The Jollibee locations even offer stuff like their spaghetti that’s made from banana ketchup, along with the iconic Halo-Halo treat that mixes several different ingredients in a glass, along with shaved ice.
But it’s their Chickenjoy that really hogs the spotlight. It’s a perfect example of the fried chicken ideal. It’s juicy on the inside and crunchy and never rubbery on the outside, and it’s well-seasoned and never dry. Whether you’re getting the bone-in Chickenjoy, their boneless dippers, or their breakfast chicken sandwich, you’re getting exceptional chicken here.
Bonchon
This is a South Korean chicken brand that started out in 2002, and it came to the US in 2006. They have 300 locations all over the world, and many say that they really should increase their locations in the US.
This time, it’s about their chicken wings, but they don’t exactly serve the tractional chicken wings you’re familiar with. Instead, they start with perfectly seasoned chicken, which they then deep-fry twice. That way, they may sure you’re getting the juicy chicken along with the crunchy skin.
There aren’t really all that many flavors available, with just Spicy, Soy Garlic, or a combo of the two (Half N’ Half). The Half N’ Half is actually a great option, since the two flavors are both terrific.
The prices for the Bonchon wings may be a bit higher than what you might encounter with other chicken chains, but you’re still getting your money’s worth. Besides, your order automatically comes with a free side, which include fries, rice, and pickled radishes. Try this chicken, and you might wish that you have a Bonchon location near where you live.
PDQ
Many consider this brand as a worthy rival to both Popeyes and Chick-fil-A. They’re that good, except that it doesn’t have as many locations as those 2 top brands. While they have more than 50 locations in Florida, they only have about a dozen more outside the state. They’re mostly in North and South Carolina, New York, and New Jersey.
Their brand name stands for People Dedicated to Quality, and that’s a straightforward description of what they’re all about. Their chicken proves the words, since the chicken are always fresh and never frozen. The chicken is completely natural, with no steroids or hormones.
You only pay $7.46 for 8 pc nuggets, so the prices are very reasonable. Try their tenders and salads as well, and go with the Honey Butter Chicken sandwich on your first visit. With 7 signature sauces to pick from, there’s a lot to enjoy here at PDQ.
El Pollo Loco
If you don’t live in the West, then you may not have tried out this brand yet. But if you ever visit California, Arizona, Texas, Utah, or Nevada, you may want to check out the chicken at El Pollo Loco.
Here, it’s not about the fried chicken. They marinate the chicken with citrus, and then they fire-grill the chicken so you end up with something truly delicious. The grilled chicken here is super juicy and tender, and they’re never slimy or soft.
As the name might have indicated, you can get whole chicken pieces here with tortillas, quesadillas, burritos, and bowls. Sure, they also have mashed potatoes with gravy, and mac n’ cheese. But with the citrusy flavor of the chicken, you’re better off with the Tex-Mex options. And don’t forget the salsa!
TKK Fried Chicken
This TKK brand has been around since 1974, when it was launched in Taiwan. But its presence in the US is extremely limited, with a few locations in Texas, Michigan, and some parts of the East Coast.
Here they offer 3 basic flavors for their fried chicken. There’s the Original, which is actually good. But you should really try either the Crispy Mild or Crispy Spicy. They’re not joking when they say it’s “Crispy”. These versions really offer that scrumptious crunch that you absolutely need with your fried chicken.
Aside from the fried chicken, you can also go with tenders, wings, and sandwiches. And the sides here at TKK are fantastic. Yes, they offer comfortably familiar options like mashed potatoes, curly fries, and coleslaw. But they also offer sweet potato fries, charred corn, and blistered shishito peppers. Then wash it all down with tea or beer!
