Yelp just crowned the top 20 fast food chicken sandwich chains in the U.S., and it’s the first time the platform has done so. Turns out, America’s craving for crispy chicken is still going strong — and maybe stronger than ever.
“Move over, burgers,” Yelp declared in its press release. “America’s love affair with chicken sandwiches is hotter than ever.” From Nashville heat to buttermilk classics and saucy tenders, these sandwiches have taken over menus nationwide.
Yelp’s data shows that searches for “chicken sandwich” are up 125% since June 2019 — the year the chicken sandwich wars kicked off. The trend hasn’t cooled down. If anything, it’s just getting crispier.
To make the list, each fast-food chain had to have over 100 locations, be active in multiple states, and have reviews specifically praising their chicken sandwiches. It’s a true roundup of customer favorites.
And with National Fried Chicken Day now in the rearview, Yelp figured there’s no better time to settle the chicken sandwich debate.
Here’s who made the Top 10:
- Chick-fil-A – The classic is still king.
- Dave’s Hot Chicken – Spicy sliders with a cult following.
- Raising Cane’s – Chicken fingers meet sandwich perfection.
- Shake Shack – Elevated ingredients, major flavor.
- Popeyes – The OG viral sandwich still packs a punch.
- Habit Burger & Grill – Spicy and crispy with attitude.
- Denny’s – Yes, the diner! Their bacon chicken sandwich got love.
- Wingstop – Louisiana Rub flavor in sandwich form.
- McDonald’s – Snack Wraps are back in the chicken chat.
- Zaxby’s – Southern comfort in every bite.
Here are the restaurants that failed to crack the top 10:
- Jack in the Box
- Dairy Queen
- Slim Chickens
- Burger King
- Wendy’s
- Sonic Drive-In
- Bojangles
- KFC
- Arby’s
- Church’s Chicken