Chicken sandwich wars have officially reached new territory. Yelp’s inaugural in-depth analysis of America’s top 20 chicken sandwich chains shows that although Chick-fil-A is still America’s favorite, regional tastes create a fascinating landscape of hometown loyalty and newcomers challenging upstarts against old favorites.
Based on Yelp’s review data and platform insights, searches for chicken sandwiches have increased 125% in the last six years, mirror America’s increasing love affair with this convenient street food that is spreading as rapidly as fries and burgers. The rankings, published on July 8, 2025, factor in chains with over 100 locations across multiple states by evaluating review quality and consumer interaction.
Top 20 Chicken Sandwich challengers finished
Chick-fil-A secures its top position for the nation, with Yelp reviewers praising its Southern chicken patty, dill pickle chips, and butter bun as a trio. The Atlanta chain’s dominance doesn’t stop at its 3,000+ locations in 48 states, but also is a record holder of an overwhelming 83-point customer satisfaction rating and ranks for its 11th consecutive year as the category leader.
In second place on that list is Dave’s Hot Chicken, which is the lightning growth of Nashville-style hot chicken since the chain was initially established in 2017 in an East Hollywood parking lot. The US-born concept has taken over 100 units, recently sizing at $1 billion through its Roark Capital acquisition.
Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers ranks third, capitalizing on Louisiana pride and social media-conscious fans who post the chain’s secret sauce on TikTok and Instagram frequently. The chain has 849 restaurants across 44 states, with Texas having 200 restaurants.
The full ranking showcases remarkable diversity in the chicken sandwich cravings of America:
- Chick-fil-A – The undisputed king
- Dave’s Hot Chicken – The pioneer of Nashville-style hot chicken
- Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers – Louisiana chain favorite
- Shake Shack – High-end chain burger chicken offering
- Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen – 2019 chicken sandwich war leader
- Habit Burger & Grill – California chain
- Denny’s – Diner chain chicken sandwich
- Wingstop – Wing chain sandwich option
- McDonald’s – Golden Arches chicken options
- Zaxby’s – Southern regional chain giant
- Jack in the Box – West Coast favorite
- Dairy Queen – Ice cream chain chicken option
- Slim Chickens – Arkansas-based concept
- Burger King – Maker of the Whopper’s chicken product
- Wendy’s – Square patty chain’s chicken
- Sonic Drive-In – Drive-in chain’s offering
- Bojangles – Southeastern biscuit leader
- KFC – First chicken chain
- Arby’s – Roast beef chain’s chicken
- Church’s Chicken – Fried chicken leader based in Texas
- Regional Preferences Reveal America’s Chicken Sandwich Geography
While Chick-fil-A has the nation beat overall, local trends show a more complex and multi-hued image than America’s chicken sandwich affection. Yelp’s study finds that McDonald’s surprisingly takes the majority of states, ranking well in the Midwest, Northeast, South, and California.
The South: Chick-fil-A’s domain with Zaxby’s gaining ground
The South is still Chick-fil-A’s stronghold, where the chain originated and has its most saturated locations. Georgia, Chick-fil-A’s native state, has 271 locations for 10.6 million people, for a density of one location per 39,177 people.
But Zaxby’s is the regional threat, especially ruling in certain Southern markets. Georgia-based chain that was established in 1990 boasts 909 locations in 17 southeast states, with Georgia taking the lead with 153 locations. Mississippi prominently places Zaxby’s as the most searched chicken chain, showing wide regional allegiance.
Texas is the chicken sandwich battle ground, with the largest number of either of the two giants: 500 Chick-fil-A and 432 Popeyes. Such concentration is due to Texas’s huge population (29 million) and the fact that it is a top expansion market for all the major chains.
The Midwest: McDonald’s surprising dominance
McDonald’s is a Midwestern monarch of the chicken sandwich segment, riding its ubiquity and highly promoted comeback of the Snack Wrap. The Golden Arches’ line of chicken sandwiches, including the McCrispy and McChicken, are helped by the chain’s large infrastructure and well-known brand presence.
Popeyes has strong secondary positioning in Midwest markets, especially in Illinois where it has 151 units. Spicy and bold Louisiana flavor of the chain appeals to Midwest consumers who are looking for heat and authenticity.
The West: Chick-fil-A battles Dave’s Hot Chicken
Chick-fil-A maintains Western leadership despite California’s competitive landscape, where the chain operates 204 locations across the state’s 39.5 million population. However, Dave’s Hot Chicken emerges as the primary regional challenger, leveraging its Los Angeles origins and celebrity endorsements from Drake, Samuel L. Jackson, and others.
California’s chicken sandwich preferences reflect innovation and premium positioning, with chains like Dave’s Hot Chicken and Raising Cane’s (108 California locations) challenging traditional players. The state’s diverse population and willingness to embrace new concepts create opportunities for emerging brands.
Top Chick-fil-A States by location density
Texas leads with 500 locations, serving one restaurant for every 57,992 residents, making it the most Chick-fil-A-dense large state. Florida and Georgia tie at 271 locations each, but Georgia’s smaller population (10.6 million vs. Florida’s 21.5 million) creates higher per-capita density.
The Southeast corridor shows Chick-fil-A’s strongest regional presence: North Carolina (194 locations), Virginia (146 locations), South Carolina (104 locations), Tennessee (105 locations), and Alabama (98 locations) all demonstrate above-average location density.
