These 16 Fried Chicken Chains Have Earned A Loyal Following Across Georgia

Georgia has become a true home for fried chicken lovers, and it shows in the number of popular chains spread across the state. From quick lunch stops to busy family dinner destinations, fried chicken is a shared obsession here. These restaurants have built loyal followings by delivering crispy, juicy chicken that hits the spot every single time.

Some specialize in bold spices that bring serious heat, while others stick to classic Southern flavors that never go out of style. No matter your preference, there is a spot that feels made just for you. Locals grow attached to their favorites, often visiting the same location for years and bringing new generations along with them.

These chains are more than places to eat. They are part of daily routines, road trips, and family traditions. If you love fried chicken, Georgia offers plenty of reasons to keep coming back for more.

1. Chick-fil-A

Starting in Atlanta back in 1967, this chain has grown into one of the most beloved fast-food spots in Georgia and beyond. You can find locations throughout the state, including the original Dwarf House at 461 North Central Avenue in Hapeville, Georgia 30354. Their chicken sandwich has become legendary, and I think you’ll understand why after your first bite.

The breaded chicken breast gets pressure-cooked in peanut oil, creating that signature crispy outside and tender inside. People line up for their waffle fries and those addictive sauces too. Every Sunday, they close their doors, which has become part of their identity.

Families appreciate the clean restaurants and friendly staff who always say “my pleasure.” The breakfast menu offers chicken biscuits and mini versions perfect for kids. When you visit Georgia, stopping here feels almost like a requirement for understanding local food culture.

2. Popeyes

Louisiana-style cooking meets Georgia hospitality at this chain known for its bold, spicy flavors. Locations across Georgia, like the one at 5975 Roswell Road in Sandy Springs, Georgia 30328, serve up chicken with a serious kick. Their buttermilk-marinated pieces come with a crunchy coating that keeps people talking.

The chicken sandwich wars really heated up when they introduced their version in 2019. I’ve seen lines wrap around buildings as folks waited to try it. The flaky biscuits deserve their own fan club, honestly.

Red beans and rice, Cajun fries, and dirty rice round out the menu with authentic Southern sides. Many Georgia residents grew up eating here and now bring their own kids. The spice level might surprise you if you’re not ready, but that’s part of the experience that keeps fans loyal for decades.

3. Raising Cane’s

Simplicity defines this chain that focuses on doing one thing incredibly well: chicken fingers. Georgia locations like the restaurant at 3637 Marketplace Boulevard in East Point, Georgia 30344 serve fresh, never-frozen tenders every single day. The limited menu means everything gets made to perfection.

Each order comes with their secret Cane’s Sauce, which has developed an almost cult-like following. People try to recreate it at home but never quite nail the flavor. The crinkle-cut fries and Texas toast complete the combo that has won over Georgia diners.

College students especially love this spot for late-night cravings and quick meals between classes. The chicken stays juicy inside while maintaining that golden crispy coating. I appreciate how they don’t try to do too much—just great chicken fingers done right every time you visit their bright, clean restaurants.

4. Slim Chickens

Arkansas-born flavor has found a happy home in Georgia with this growing chain. You’ll find locations like the restaurant at 2200 Pleasant Hill Road in Duluth, Georgia 30096 offering hand-breaded tenders and wings. They bread each piece to order, which makes a noticeable difference in freshness.

The sauce selection sets them apart with 17 different options ranging from mild to wild. I recommend trying the Cayenne Ranch or Honey BBQ on your first visit. Their chicken and waffles bring sweet and savory together in the best possible way.

Southern sides like fried pickles, mac and cheese, and coleslaw complement the chicken perfectly. The casual atmosphere works great for families or friends grabbing lunch together. Many Georgia locations have opened recently as word spreads about their quality and variety, making them a chain to watch in the coming years.

5. Huey Magoo’s

Florida’s favorite chicken tender spot has been expanding into Georgia with enthusiastic reception. The location at 6690 Roswell Road in Sandy Springs, Georgia 30328 brings their signature grilled and fried options to hungry diners. Their motto promises “filet mignon of chicken tenders,” and they deliver on that bold claim.

What makes them special is offering both fried and grilled tenders with the same great taste. Health-conscious eaters appreciate having quality grilled chicken that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. The Magoo Sauce has become legendary among fans who keep extra packets in their fridge at home.

Kids meals come with fun options and reasonable prices for families eating out. The salads featuring their chicken make for lighter meals without feeling like you’re missing out. Georgia residents have welcomed this chain warmly, and I expect you’ll see more locations opening as their popularity continues growing throughout the state.

6. Jollibee

Filipino flavors have arrived in Georgia with this international chain’s unique take on fried chicken. The location at 5150 Buford Highway NE in Atlanta, Georgia 30340 serves their famous Chickenjoy with a sweet-style spaghetti that surprises first-time visitors. Their chicken features a crispy coating with a slightly sweet flavor profile different from traditional Southern recipes.

The combination meals pair chicken with rice, gravy, and sometimes a burger called a Yumburger. Filipino communities in Georgia have celebrated having this taste of home, while others discover these flavors for the first time. The peach mango pie offers a tropical dessert option you won’t find elsewhere.

Lines can get long, especially during dinner hours and weekends when families gather. The service style feels more like a celebration than just another meal. I find their approach refreshing and different from typical American fried chicken chains operating in Georgia.

7. Royal Farms

This convenience store chain from Maryland has brought their surprisingly amazing fried chicken to Georgia. Locations like the store at 1015 Memorial Drive SE in Atlanta, Georgia 30316 offer fresh chicken cooked throughout the day. People stop in for gas and leave with a whole chicken dinner.

The pressure-fried method creates chicken that rivals sit-down restaurants at convenience store prices. Western fries seasoned with Old Bay give that Mid-Atlantic flavor touch. You can grab breakfast, lunch, or dinner here with chicken available in various piece counts.

The 24-hour locations mean you can satisfy late-night chicken cravings anytime. Many Georgia drivers have been pleasantly surprised discovering quality fried chicken at a gas station. The chicken biscuits in the morning have developed their own dedicated following among commuters heading to work throughout the Atlanta metro area and beyond.

8. PDQ Chicken

Quality and speed come together at this fast-casual chain with Georgia locations. You’ll find restaurants like the one at 1675 Cumberland Parkway SE in Smyrna, Georgia 30080 serving hand-breaded chicken made fresh. Their name stands for “People Dedicated to Quality,” and that commitment shows in every bite.

The chicken gets hand-breaded and cooked after you order, never sitting under heat lamps. Tenders, sandwiches, and salads give you plenty of options for any appetite. The honey butter biscuits might be the best-kept secret on the menu.

Fresh-squeezed lemonade and hand-spun milkshakes add to the quality-focused experience. The dining rooms feel more upscale than typical fast-food spots with modern decor. I think families appreciate the healthier preparation methods while still enjoying classic fried chicken flavors.

Georgia locations have built steady customer bases who value the balance between speed and quality ingredients.

9. Cook Out

Born in North Carolina but beloved throughout Georgia, this chain offers incredible value. The location at 2555 Cobb Parkway SE in Smyrna, Georgia 30080 serves chicken tenders, nuggets, and sandwiches at prices that seem too good to be true. Their combo trays let you choose multiple items for one low price.

Late-night hours make them a favorite among college students and night shift workers. The drive-through lines move surprisingly fast despite the crowds. You can add a huge milkshake in over 40 flavors to any meal for just a couple dollars.

BBQ chicken sandwiches and spicy chicken options provide variety beyond basic tenders. The casual, no-frills approach keeps costs down while maintaining decent quality. Many Georgia residents have memories of post-game meals or late study sessions fueled by Cook Out chicken and those massive, affordable milkshakes that have become part of their identity.

10. Wingstop

Wings take center stage at this chain with numerous Georgia locations. The restaurant at 2970 Cobb Parkway SE in Atlanta, Georgia 30339 specializes in chicken wings tossed in 11 different flavors. From Lemon Pepper to Atomic, you’ll find heat levels and tastes for every preference.

The wings come fresh, never frozen, and get cooked to order. Boneless wings appeal to those who want the flavor without the mess. Louisiana Rub and Hickory Smoked BBQ bring Southern influences to the menu.

Fries seasoned with their signature blend complement the wings perfectly. Sports fans gather here on game days to watch and eat together. The focus on wings rather than traditional fried chicken pieces sets them apart in Georgia’s crowded chicken restaurant scene.

I’ve watched friends debate which flavor reigns supreme, and that conversation never gets old among loyal customers throughout the state.

11. American Deli

Atlanta-born and Georgia-raised, this chain serves wings and chicken fingers with serious flavor. Locations like the restaurant at 5050 Jimmy Carter Boulevard in Norcross, Georgia 30093 offer lemon pepper wings that have achieved almost legendary status. The dry rub seasoning creates an addictive coating that keeps people coming back weekly.

Philly cheesesteaks and gyros round out the menu beyond chicken options. The portions are generous, and prices stay reasonable for the amount of food you receive. Many locations operate in strip malls and food courts throughout metro Atlanta and beyond.

The lemon pepper wet wings add butter to the classic seasoning for extra richness. College students and working professionals grab quick lunches here regularly. Georgia residents consider this chain a local treasure that represents Atlanta’s unique food culture.

The casual atmosphere and consistent quality have built a devoted following across multiple generations of diners.

12. Golden Chick

Texas-style fried chicken has found fans in Georgia with this expanding chain. The location at 3655 Marketplace Boulevard in East Point, Georgia 30344 serves chicken marinated in a special blend before frying. Their Golden Tenders and fried chicken pieces offer that Southern comfort food feeling.

The dinner rolls come free with most meals and taste amazing with honey butter. Fried okra, mashed potatoes, and green beans provide authentic Southern sides. Family meals feed groups affordably with various piece counts available.

The chicken stays juicy inside thanks to their marinating process before breading and frying. Many Georgia locations have opened recently as the chain expands eastward from Texas. I appreciate their commitment to traditional recipes and cooking methods.

The sweet tea tastes just right, and the overall experience delivers solid, dependable fried chicken that satisfies cravings without breaking your budget on any visit.

13. Bojangles’

Carolina-style chicken and biscuits have won over Georgia diners at this Southern chain. The location at 1030 North Highland Avenue NE in Atlanta, Georgia 30306 serves seasoned fried chicken with a distinctive spice blend. Their Cajun-inspired flavoring sets them apart from more traditional recipes.

The made-from-scratch buttermilk biscuits deserve all the praise they receive. Bo-Berry Biscuits with sweet icing make breakfast feel special any day of the week. Dirty rice and Bojangles fries bring additional Southern flavors to your meal.

Breakfast served all day means you can get chicken biscuits whenever the craving hits. The Bo’s Chicken Sandwich competes well in the ongoing chicken sandwich competition. Many Georgia locations stay busy from morning through evening with locals who’ve adopted this chain as their own.

The Southern hospitality and comfort food combination creates an experience that feels right at home in Georgia’s food landscape.

14. Zaxby’s

Founded in Statesboro, Georgia, this homegrown chain has spread throughout the state and beyond. The original location at 418 South Main Street in Statesboro, Georgia 30458 started serving chicken fingers and wings back in 1990. Their Zax Sauce has become so popular that people buy bottles to take home.

Chicken finger plates, wing baskets, and zalads offer variety for different appetites. The tongue torch sauce brings serious heat for those who can handle it. Crinkle fries and Texas toast come standard with most meals.

Georgia residents feel proud supporting this local success story that competed with national chains. The Kickin’ Chicken Sandwich and Buffalo Chicken Zalad rank among customer favorites. Tailgating and game day traditions often include Zaxby’s runs for groups of friends.

I’ve watched this chain grow from regional favorite to serious national player while maintaining the quality that made them special from day one in Georgia.

15. KFC

The Colonel’s original recipe has been satisfying Georgia appetites for decades at countless locations. You’ll find restaurants like the one at 2915 North Druid Hills Road in Atlanta, Georgia 30329 serving that secret blend of 11 herbs and spices. Their pressure-cooked chicken created the fast-food fried chicken category.

Extra Crispy offers an alternative to Original Recipe for those wanting more crunch. Popcorn chicken, chicken sandwiches, and Famous Bowls provide options beyond traditional pieces. The biscuits and mashed potatoes with gravy remain menu staples.

Many Georgia families have memories spanning generations of KFC meals at celebrations and regular dinners. The bucket meals feed groups economically with various piece counts available. While newer chains have emerged, KFC maintains its position through name recognition and consistent flavor.

The Nashville Hot chicken and chicken sandwiches show they’re adapting to modern tastes while respecting their heritage in Georgia’s competitive fried chicken market.

16. Church’s Chicken

Texas-founded but Georgia-loved, this chain has served communities throughout the state since the 1950s. Locations like the restaurant at 2581 Candler Road in Decatur, Georgia 30032 offer honey-butter biscuits that melt in your mouth. Their chicken features a unique breading that creates a different texture than competitors.

The Spicy Chicken brings heat without overwhelming the chicken flavor underneath. Jalapeño peppers and fried okra add Southern touches to the sides menu. Family meals provide affordable options for feeding groups on tight budgets.

Many locations serve neighborhoods where Church’s has operated for decades building loyal customer bases. The Apple Pie and Honey Butter Biscuits work perfectly as dessert or snacks. While they may not get as much attention as some newer chains, Church’s continues serving Georgia communities with dependable fried chicken.

The straightforward approach and focus on value keep people returning regularly for meals they can count on every single time.