15 Best Chicken Restaurant Franchises to Consider for 2024

The chicken restaurant segment is thriving; in 2023, the chicken fast-food segment alone was worth an impressive $59.4 billion. Luckily for entrepreneurs who want in on the booming market, there are plenty of franchise brands to choose from. Here are 15 of the top options. 

Chick-fil-A

• Initial Investment: $10,000 franchise fee
• Unit Count: 3,000+

With a low initial investment of just $10,000 and an absence of net worth or liquid asset requirements, Chick-fil-A offers a unique franchise opportunity. However, the process for selecting franchisees is highly selective, with only 1% of the tens of thousands of annual applicants being accepted. Franchisees benefit from extensive training, strong brand recognition and a loyal customer base, but must be prepared for full-time involvement and a steep royalty structure. This combination of low cost and high demand makes Chick-fil-A a sought-after but challenging franchise opportunity.

Popeyes

• Initial Investment: $384,000 - $3,700,000
• Unit Count: 4,000+

Popeyes started in 1972 in New Orleans and is famous for its bold Cajun and Creole-inspired menu, especially its fried chicken and spicy chicken sandwiches. Its unique flavors and quality have helped it grow to over 2,700 locations in North America. The franchise is appealing because it has a proven business model, strong brand recognition and flexible restaurant formats. Plus, it’s relatively affordable to start and offers great support to franchisees, making it a smart choice for anyone looking to own a popular and profitable restaurant.

KFC

• Initial Investment: $1,900,000 - $3,800,000
• Unit Count: 28,475

KFC, known for its secret 11 herbs and spices recipe, got its start in 1952 when Harland Sanders opened the first Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant in Corbin, Kentucky. The brand, which rebranded to KFC in 1991, quickly grew and today has over 28,000 locations worldwide. KFC offers traditional sit-down restaurant models for franchisees, along with non-traditional locations in airports, truck stops, retail stores and military bases. KFC franchisees benefit from strong brand recognition and a proven business model backed by Yum! Brands. 

Wingstop

• Initial Investment: $315,310 - $948,080
• Unit Count: 2,000+

Wingstop, which was founded in 1994 in Garland, Texas, has quickly become a leading name in the fast-casual dining sector, renowned for its high-quality, freshly cooked chicken wings and a variety of bold flavors. Wingstop's franchise model stands out for its relatively low initial investment, streamlined operations and strong brand recognition. Franchisees benefit from comprehensive training, ongoing support and a proven business model that emphasizes quality and efficiency. Wingstop's success is driven by its unique combination of delicious, flavorful wings and a straightforward, profitable franchise opportunity.

Buffalo Wild Wings

• Initial Investment: $2,481,500 - $4,804,800
• Unit Count: 1,250+

Founded in 1982 in Columbus, Ohio, Buffalo Wild Wings is a premier sports bar franchise known for its authentic Buffalo-style chicken wings. The brand combines high-quality food, a lively atmosphere and innovative sports-watching experiences. As part of the Inspire Brands family, franchisees benefit from top supplier relationships, a proprietary POS system and expert marketing support. With 26 signature sauces and seasonings, Buffalo Wild Wings has become a leader in the QSR industry, making it a highly appealing and profitable franchise opportunity.

Pollo Campero*

Brand Development Page

• Initial Investment: $1,287,250 - $2,491,500
• Unit Count: 100 U.S. locations and another 350 worldwide

Pollo Campero, which started in Guatemala in 1971, has been serving high-quality, flavorful chicken for over 50 years. Expanding into the U.S. 20 years ago, it has grown steadily, thanks to its delicious Latin American-inspired flavors. This unique approach has made Pollo Campero a standout in the fast-food industry, attracting a wide range of loyal customers. The brand’s simplified business model and innovative menu make it a great and profitable franchise opportunity for those looking to invest in something special and successful.

Layne’s Chicken Fingers*

Brand Development Page

• Initial Investment: $446,500 - $1,015,000
• Unit Count: 16

Founded in 1994, Layne’s Chicken Fingers quickly became a beloved spot in College Station, Texas, known for its friendly service, crispy chicken fingers and flavorful secret sauce. The brand aims to expand its reach nationwide by partnering with passionate franchisees. In the growing fast-food chicken market, Layne’s stands out for its quality and service, leading to a loyal customer base that keeps coming back even with many chicken options available. Despite its small-town charm, Layne’s boasts a strong business model and a powerful leadership team with decades of experience.

Slim Chickens

• Initial Investment: $1,100,000 - $3,400,000
• Unit Count: 270+

Slim Chickens was founded in 2003 and has quickly grown to over 270 locations. The brand specializes in made-to-order chicken tenders, wings, sandwiches and salads, all served with a variety of house-made dipping sauces. What makes Slim Chickens unique is its commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients and a menu that offers something for everyone. Its franchise model is an attractive option due to the brand’s fast growth and strong market presence, providing a solid investment opportunity.

Wings and Rings*

Brand Development Page

• Initial Investment: $1,482,700 - $1,999,700
• Unit Count: 85+

Established in 1984 in Cincinnati, Ohio, Wings and Rings offers a sports restaurant experience with chef-inspired recipes, crave-worthy wings, chicken sandwiches and custom-crafted cocktails. This club-level sports bar is designed for social connection, making it the perfect place to catch a game, enjoy a craft beer or celebrate a win. The franchise combines the simplicity of fast-casual with the high revenue potential of casual dining, providing a proven business model perfected over 30 years. Franchisees benefit from a strong support infrastructure, low financing interest rates and an expert leadership team. 

Atomic Wings*

Brand Development Page

• Initial Investment: $155,900 - $338,500
• Unit Count: 25+

Atomic Wings began with a dream to bring authentic Buffalo wings to the U.S. and beyond. Founded in 1989 by Adam Lippin —  who perfected the recipe and process after craving the hot, crispy wings he enjoyed in Buffalo, New York — the brand quickly gained popularity in New York City. As the wing segment grew, Atomic Wings stood out with its 14 unique sauces and dedication to quality. In 2016, Zak Omar, inspired by his father's food truck success, took over the business and expanded it further. Atomic Wings’ unique niche between fast-food and casual dining, coupled with its proprietary sauces and outstanding customer service, sets it apart from competitors. 

Golden Chick

• Initial Investment: $993,750 - $1,852,800
• Unit Count: 200+

Founded in San Marcos, Texas, in 1967, Golden Chick has nearly 60 years of experience serving delicious chicken to millions in a fast and friendly environment. Known for its golden fried chicken, the brand combines the quality of traditional Southern recipes with modern fast-food convenience. Unlike many large chains, Golden Chick maintains a family-like atmosphere where franchisees are supported closely by the management team, many of whom operate their own Golden Chick locations. This hands-on approach ensures franchisees receive personal attention and practical advice. 

Southern Classic Chicken 

Brand Development Page

• Initial Investment: $777,500 - $1,235,500
• Unit Count: 17

Southern Classic Chicken has been a beloved family institution in North Louisiana for over 35 years. Founded in 1989, the restaurant was built on four key principles: quality, the best fried chicken, classic Southern sides and Cajun-seasoned French fries. In 2019, the brand began franchising, expanding its reach from Texas to Mississippi and Southern Louisiana. Prospective franchisees are offered a uniquely positioned, family-owned quick-service restaurant (QSR) franchise opportunity that stands out in the competitive fried chicken market, blending tradition, quality and great customer value.

Chester’s 

• Initial Investment: $28,000 - $297,000
• Unit Count: 1,000+

Chester's Chicken, established in 1952, is a leading QSR concept with 1,200 active locations. Known for its high-quality, great-tasting fried chicken, Chester's operates in convenience stores, truck stops and supermarkets across America. The secret to its success lies in using only fresh chicken that is specially marinated and double-breaded with an old family recipe, delivering a delicious, consistent product every time. Franchisees benefit from comprehensive pre-opening training and ongoing operational support.

Zaxby’s

• Initial Investment: $1,391,700 - $3,266,200.
• Unit Count: 920+

Zaxby's, founded in 1990 by two childhood friends in Statesboro, Georgia, has grown into a beloved fried chicken franchise with over 900 locations. Known for elevating chicken fingers and wings from appetizers to entrees, Zaxby's offers a craveable menu featuring signature sauces, made-to-order Zalads and irresistible sides. The brand combines the personal touch of a local business with the extensive resources of a nationwide leader, fostering a community-focused atmosphere that treats franchisees and customers like family. 

Chicken Salad Chick

• Initial Investment: $744,300 - $960,500 
• Unit Count: 240+

Founded in 2008, Chicken Salad Chick offers a unique and exciting franchise opportunity in the fast-casual dining space. Specializing in a variety of fresh, made-from-scratch chicken salads, the brand has grown to over 275 locations across 19 states. Known for its work-life balance — with all locations closed on Sundays — Chicken Salad Chick provides franchisees with a flexible lifestyle. The brand stands out with its simple operations model and a strong support system rivaling top franchises. Franchisees benefit from comprehensive training and a close-knit franchise community that meets regularly. 

The chicken restaurant segment offers a multitude of thriving franchise opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs, each with its own unique appeal and strengths. With their proven business models and strong brand recognition, these 15 franchises are well-positioned for success in the booming chicken restaurant industry.

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