7 Chicken Chains In California That Keep Running Despite Poor Reviews

California’s fast-food scene features several chicken chains that somehow stay in business despite consistently negative customer feedback. From soggy chicken to bland flavors, these restaurants face serious criticism yet maintain their presence across the Golden State. Let’s explore seven chicken spots that Californians love to complain about but still seem to frequent enough to keep their doors open.

1. KFC’s Faded Glory

Once the gold standard for fried chicken, KFC now battles complaints about greasy, inconsistent offerings. The Colonel’s secret recipe doesn’t seem to mask the soggy breading and questionable freshness that plague many locations.

Yet nostalgia keeps customers returning to those iconic red and white striped buckets.

2. Buffalo Wild Wings’ Noisy Disappointment

Sports fans flock here for the wall-to-wall TVs, not the overpriced, often overcooked wings. The restaurant banks on its atmosphere; loud cheering and flowing beer to distract from mediocre food quality.

Many California locations maintain packed houses during game days despite scathing Yelp reviews about the actual chicken.

3. Church’s Texas Chicken’s Flavorless Fall

Remember when Church’s delivered that authentic Southern kick? Those days seem long gone according to disappointed Californians. The chain’s expansion throughout urban centers came with a noticeable decline in quality.

Customers regularly lament the bland, oil-soaked offerings that barely resemble proper Southern fried chicken.

4. Raising Cane’s One-Note Wonder

The cult of Cane’s sauce can’t hide a painfully limited menu. With just chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries, and Texas toast, variety isn’t their strong suit.

Despite the simplistic approach and frequent complaints about ordinary chicken quality, lines still form at California locations, puzzling food critics and delighting franchise owners.

5. Dave’s Hot Chicken’s Instagram Illusion

Born from LA food truck fame, Dave’s prioritizes photo-worthy presentation over consistent flavor. The vivid red coating often masks dry, uninspiring chicken beneath.

Yet social media buzz keeps new customers flowing through doors, smartphones ready to capture colorful meals before disappointment sets in after the first bite.

6. Angry Chickz’s Spice Without Substance

Heat levels ranging from “Country” to “Angry Hot” sound impressive until you taste the artificial spice profile. Nashville-style hot chicken deserves better than the rubbery texture frequently reported by customers.

Location quality varies dramatically, making each visit a gamble that many Californians still seem willing to take.

7. Vons Chicken’s Korean Disappointment

Korean fried chicken should boast crispy skin and juicy meat—qualities regularly missing at Vons locations. Their attempts at authentic Korean flavors fall flat with soggy exteriors and bone-dry interiors.

Even their signature sauces can’t rescue the fundamental cooking issues that plague this expanding California chain.