Best fast food fried chicken in the US? Surprise: It’s not Chick-fil-A
A popular fast food chain with headquarters in California serves up the best fried chicken in the nation.
That’s according to USA Today readers, who picked the top 10 quick-serve restaurants for crispy, crunchy chicken.
“Whether your craving is for bone-in fried chicken, chicken nuggets, chicken tenders or the mighty chicken sandwich, it’s a safe bet that there are drive-thrus near your neck of the woods ready to take your order,” USA Today said.
The best eateries combine “the most outstanding fried chicken” with tasty side dishes and speedy service, the publication said.
What is the best fast food restaurant for fried chicken?
Jollibee took first place on USA Today’s list of the best fast food spots for fried chicken, beating out competitors including Chick-fil-A and Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers.
It’s the third year in a row that Jollibee has snagged the No. 1 spot.
Founded in 1975 in the Philippines, Jolibee grew from a chain of Manila ice cream parlors to an international restaurant group with 19 brands, including Smashburger, Red Ribbon Bakeshop and The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.
Jollibee Group’s namesake brand, Jollibee, opened its first U.S. store in Daly City in 1998.
It’s maintained a strong connection to California, opening its North American headquarters in West Covina in 2019.
“We are deeply grateful to the USA Today readers who voted for Jollibee and to our loyal customers who continue to share their love for the brand,” Maribeth dela Cruz, Jollibee Philippine Brands’ North America president, said in a July 20 news release.
Company representatives said the win “marks another milestone in Jollibee’s growing list of international accolades,” noting that Eater and Thrillist have also recognized the brand.
Jollibee was named one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential Companies in 2026.
What’s on the menu at Jollibee?
According to USA Today, Jollibee is best known for Chickenjoy, its “signature juicy, flavorful fried chicken.”
“Order it in buckets or accompanied by sides — and don’t forget to dip it in their silky gravy,” the publication said.
In addition to chicken legs, thighs, nuggets and tenders, the Jollibee menu features burgers, chicken sandwiches, spaghetti and palabok, a Filipino noodle dish covered in garlic sauce, pork and egg.
Side dishes include adobo rice, fries and mashed potatoes.
Drink options include iced teas, sodas and quenchers, and there’s peach mango and ube pies for dessert.
Where are Jollibee locations in California?
Jollibee currently has more than 1,700 locations across the globe, including 80-plus stores in the United States.
As of Wednesday, July 22, there were 35 Jollibee locations in California, most of them concentrated in the Bay Area and Southern California.
That includes a Jollibee restaurant in Sacramento, at 6021 Mack Road.
What are top 10 fried chicken chains in the US?
According to USA Today readers, these were the top 10 fast food chains for fried chicken in the United States in 2026:
- Jollibee
- Church’s Texas Chicken
- Roy Rogers
- Huey Magoo’s Chicken Tenders
- Pollo Campero
- Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken
- Chick-fil-A
- PDQ
- Krispy Krunchy Chicken
- Raising Cane’s
How did USA Today rank top fried chicken spots?
To determine the winners of its 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, USA Today said its editors and a panel of quick-service dining experts compiled a list of their top picks for finger-licking chicken.
Readers then voted for their favorite fried chicken spots.
USA Today readers also picked the best fast food restaurants, best fast food burgers and in the country.
This story was originally published July 24, 2026 at 10:00 AM with the headline "Best fast food fried chicken in the US? Surprise: It’s not Chick-fil-A."
