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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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Preservan

Preservan Joins UpFlip Academy To Teach Entrepreneurs How To Launch a Profitable Restoration Business

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USA Ninja Challenge

USA Ninja Challenge — From Start to Finish: A Business Model That Works

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Right at Home

Right at Home Expanding In-Home Care Services in Canton, Ohio

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Children's Lighthouse

Why Now Is the Time To Invest in a Children’s Lighthouse Franchise

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Layne's Chicken Fingers

Wisconsin Layne’s Franchisees Secures Real Estate, Set To Open in July

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5 Fried Chicken Brands We Love

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