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After Popeyes’ chicken sandwich went viral in late 2019, the chicken category has been on fire. According to a report by The NPD Group, orders for chicken entrees at U.S. restaurants were up 4% for the year ending in April 2021. The versatility of chicken, combined with the meat’s popularity and relatively low price, makes investing in a chicken restaurant a no-brainer.&nbsp;Here are five of our favorite fried-chicken franchises.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.layneschickenfingers.com/franchising/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=5-fried-chicken-brands-we-love-2717431" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Layne&#x2019;s Chicken Fingers*&nbsp;</a><ul><li>Start Up Costs: $737,000 – $1,217,500</li><li>Units: 8</li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/layneschickenfingers/info">1851 Brand Newsroom</a></li></ul>Why we love it: Founded in 1994 in College Station, Texas, Layne’s Chicken Fingers quickly garnered a cult-like following due to its close proximity to Texas A&amp;M’s campus. What began as a single-unit restaurant has turned into a Lone Star State icon over the years, known for its great chicken fingers and friendly service. Our go-to order is the Three Finger Meal with fries, and of course, their delicious homemade buttermilk ranch dipping sauce.&nbsp;<a href="https://slimchickensfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=5-fried-chicken-brands-we-love-2717431" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Slim Chickens&nbsp;</a><ul><li>Start Up Costs: $841,900 – $1,739,000</li><li>Units: 130+&nbsp;</li></ul>Why we love it: The leader in the “better chicken” category, Slim Chickens diverse menu options give diners the chance to sample their hand-breaded chicken tenders in a variety of ways including in wraps, salads and the beloved chicken and waffle combo. Our go-to order is the Buffalo Chicken Wrap.&nbsp;<a href="https://camperofranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=5-fried-chicken-brands-we-love-2717431" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Pollo Campero*&nbsp;</a><ul><li>Start Up Costs: $887,250 – $2,126,500</li><li>Units: 350+&nbsp;</li></ul>Why we love it: Pollo Campero has paved its own way in the chicken market by combining Central American flavors with juicy grilled or fried chicken. What began as a family-owned and operated chicken joint in Guatemala has evolved into an internationally recognized and beloved restaurant, allowing those who grew up eating Pollo Campero to enjoy a taste of home wherever they are. Our go-to order is the two-piece meal with citrus grilled chicken, tortillas and fries.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wingstop.com/own-a-wingstop?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=5-fried-chicken-brands-we-love-2717431" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Wingstop&nbsp;</a><ul><li>Start Up Costs: $347,600 – $759,100</li><li>Units: 1,500+&nbsp;</li></ul>Why we love it: Since opening its first shop in Garland, Texas in 1994, Wingstop has become a staple in the quick-service chicken industry. Armed with proprietary recipes, fresh ingredients, and friendly service, Wing Stop is the fastest-growing franchise in the country. Our go-to order: a six-piece wing combo, half bone-in and half boneless, with buffalo and ranch.<a href="https://www.cowboychicken.com/franchising/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=5-fried-chicken-brands-we-love-2717431" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Cowboy Chicken</a><ul><li>$511,996 – $844,907</li><li>Units: 26+&nbsp;</li></ul>Why we love it: Cowboy Chicken tastes like drinking sweet tea, in a rocking chair, on the porch watching the sunset — and that’s exactly what Phil Sanders, Cowboy Chicken founder, set out to do when he opened his first location in 1981. Their signature, wood-fire-roasted chicken is covered in their proprietary spice blend that keeps customers craving their rotisserie chicken. Our go-to order: a quarter piece of white meat chicken with green beans and baked mac and cheese.&nbsp;

5 Fried Chicken Brands We Love

1851 Franchise

As the chicken wars rage on, here are five of our favorite chicken joints.

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Dillas Quesadillas

Design with photo of Michael Mabry and Dillas Primo Quesadillas logo

Franchise Times: New Franchise Exec Says Dillas Is Bringing ‘Excitement’ Back to QSR Category

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Lawn Squad

Greener, Faster, Smarter: Why Entrepreneurs Are Choosing Lawn Squad 

Greener, Faster, Smarter: Why Entrepreneurs Are Choosing Lawn Squad as a Treatment-Only Lawn Care Franchise

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Jollibee

How Jollibee’s Veteran Leadership Team Is Rewriting the Playbook for U.S. Expansion

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Woodhouse Spas

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Mellow Mushroom

How Mellow Mushroom’s Model Made it the Perfect Addition to Brad Harper’s Restaurant Portfolio

How Mellow Mushroom’s Flexible Model Made it the Perfect Addition to Brad Harper’s Growing Restaurant Portfolio

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5 Fried Chicken Brands We Love

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