15 Colorado Chains Serving Chicken So Good They’re Always Full
Colorado has become a hotspot for chicken lovers who crave everything from crispy tenders to spicy Nashville-style sandwiches. Whether you’re looking for fast-casual bites or sit-down meals, the state offers plenty of chains that consistently pack their dining rooms with satisfied customers.
I’ve explored the chicken scene across Colorado and found spots that truly stand out for their quality, flavor, and ability to keep people coming back for more.
1. Birdcall
Born right here in Colorado, this fast-casual spot has earned serious street cred for crafting some of the best chicken sandwiches you’ll ever taste. Their all-natural chicken is never frozen and always fresh, which makes a huge difference in flavor and texture.
I love how they’ve expanded across the Front Range with locations popping up everywhere from Denver to Fort Collins. The loaded tots are absolutely addictive, piled high with toppings that complement the juicy chicken perfectly.
What really sets them apart is their commitment to quality ingredients without the premium price tag. They’ve won multiple awards from local publications, and once you try their signature sandwich, you’ll understand why the lines stretch out the door during lunch rush.
2. Slim Chickens
Southern hospitality meets Colorado appetite at this beloved chain that’s taken over Colorado Springs, Centennial, and Parker. Their buttermilk-marinated tenders are hand-breaded fresh throughout the day, creating that perfect crunch everyone craves.
When I first tried their chicken, I was blown away by how juicy each piece stayed even after cooling down a bit. The generous portions mean you’ll definitely get your money’s worth, and their sauce selection offers something for every taste preference.
Their sweet tea and homemade sides transport you straight to the South without leaving Colorado. The consistency across locations is remarkable, which explains why they’ve built such a dedicated following in just a few years of operation here.
3. Dave’s Hot Chicken
Are you brave enough to handle authentic Nashville heat? This chain brings serious spice levels to Fort Collins, Denver, and Colorado Springs with chicken that’ll make you sweat and smile simultaneously.
The varying heat options mean beginners can ease in while spice veterans can challenge themselves with the reaper level. I’ve watched grown adults cry tears of joy and pain while devouring these addictive sandwiches and tenders.
What started as a parking lot pop-up in California has exploded into a cult-like phenomenon across Colorado. The secret seasoning blend creates layers of flavor beyond just heat, and the pickles provide perfect cooling relief between bites that keep you reaching for more despite the burn.
4. Chick-fil-A
It’s no secret that this nationwide favorite has mastered the art of the chicken sandwich, and Colorado locations stay packed from breakfast through dinner. Their signature sandwich features a perfectly seasoned, pressure-cooked chicken breast that’s become the gold standard.
The efficiency of their drive-through service is legendary, with employees working outside taking orders on tablets even during snowstorms. I’m always impressed by how they manage massive lunch crowds while maintaining quality and keeping wait times surprisingly short.
Those waffle fries and that Chick-fil-A sauce create a combination that people genuinely crave. The breakfast menu deserves special mention too, offering chicken biscuits and minis that start your day right and keep customers lining up before the doors even open.
5. Raising Cane’s
How does a restaurant succeed with just one main item on the menu? By perfecting chicken fingers so consistently crispy and flavorful that nothing else matters.
This Louisiana-born chain has rapidly expanded across Colorado, and each new location opening creates genuine excitement in the community. The simplicity of their menu means they’ve mastered every element, from the proprietary Cane’s sauce to the buttery Texas toast.
I appreciate how they never try to be something they’re not, focusing entirely on doing chicken fingers better than anyone else. The crinkle-cut fries and tangy coleslaw round out the box combo perfectly, while their fresh-brewed sweet tea hits the spot every time you visit one of their always-busy locations.
6. Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen
Did you know that one chicken sandwich launch created such a frenzy it broke the internet? This Louisiana chain brought bold Cajun flavors to Colorado and never looked back.
Their bone-in fried chicken carries that distinctive Southern seasoning blend that makes every bite an experience. The buttermilk biscuits are dangerously good, flaky on the outside and soft inside, perfect for soaking up those flavorful drippings.
When their famous chicken sandwich returned after selling out nationwide, Colorado locations saw lines wrapped around buildings for weeks. The red beans and rice, dirty rice, and Cajun fries offer authentic Louisiana taste that you won’t find at other chicken chains operating throughout the state.
7. Wingstop
Wings aren’t just game-day food anymore, and this chain has proven that Colorado residents will happily devour them any day of the week. Their flavor selection is absolutely massive, ranging from mild to atomic hot.
I’m particularly fond of their lemon pepper and garlic parmesan options, which offer incredible taste without setting your mouth on fire. The wings are always cooked to order, ensuring that crispy skin everyone loves, and their fries are tossed in signature seasoning too.
Though they started in Texas, they’ve found a permanent home in Colorado hearts and stomachs. The boneless wings provide a tender alternative, while their ranch and blue cheese dipping sauces are made fresh daily at each location across the state.
8. KFC
When Colonel Sanders perfected his secret blend of eleven herbs and spices back in the 1930s, he created something truly special that still packs Colorado restaurants today. Their Original Recipe chicken remains a comfort food classic that generations have grown up loving.
The extra crispy option gives you that satisfying crunch, while the mashed potatoes and gravy feel like a warm hug on a cold Colorado day. I’ve noticed their Famous Bowls have become hugely popular, layering all your favorites into one convenient container.
Despite being one of the oldest chicken chains in America, they continue innovating with new sandwiches and chicken options. Their pot pies and biscuits round out a menu that offers something for everyone in the family at affordable prices.
9. El Pollo Loco
Fire-grilled chicken marinated in authentic Mexican spices creates an unforgettable flavor experience that sets this chain apart from typical fried options. The Denver location has become a neighborhood favorite since opening, drawing crowds who appreciate the healthier cooking method without sacrificing taste.
Customers rave about the citrus-marinated chicken that’s cooked over an open flame, giving it a distinctive smoky char. The menu includes family meals, tacos, burritos, and bowls that showcase the signature pollo.
Long lines during lunch and dinner prove that Coloradans have embraced this California-based chain’s approach to chicken. The combination of fresh ingredients, bold seasonings, and that irresistible grilled texture keeps tables full daily.
10. Good Times Burgers & Frozen Custard
Born and raised in Colorado, this regional gem has earned serious street cred for serving humanely raised chicken alongside its famous frozen custard. What started as a burger joint has evolved into a full-menu destination where the chicken options shine just as brightly as the beef.
The crispy chicken sandwiches and tender strips use all-natural poultry without hormones or antibiotics, appealing to health-conscious diners. Pair your meal with hand-cut fries and a shake made from real frozen custard for the ultimate comfort food experience.
With locations scattered across the Front Range, Good Times has been voted Colorado’s favorite fast food spot multiple times. The busy parking lots and drive-thru lines prove locals trust this homegrown brand.
11. Zaxby’s
Southern hospitality meets serious chicken craftsmanship at this Georgia-born chain that’s been winning over Colorado taste buds. Known for their hand-breaded chicken fingers and wings tossed in signature sauces, Zaxby’s brings authentic Southern flavors to the Rocky Mountain region.
The Zax Sauce has developed a cult following among fans who can’t get enough of its tangy, slightly spicy kick. Chicken finger plates come with Texas toast, coleslaw, and crinkle-cut fries that complete the comfort food trifecta perfectly.
Multiple Colorado locations stay packed with customers craving that perfect crunch and juicy interior. The combination of generous portions, flavorful sauces, and consistently crispy chicken explains why wait times stretch during peak hours.
12. Guthrie’s
Sometimes simplicity wins, and this Auburn-born chain proves it by focusing on one thing: perfectly cooked chicken fingers. No complicated menu, no distractions—just golden, crispy tenders served with their legendary secret sauce that keeps people guessing about the ingredients.
Each order arrives hot and fresh with thick-cut fries, coleslaw, and Texas toast for dipping. The straightforward approach means quality control stays high, and every piece meets the same standard of crispy-outside, tender-inside perfection.
Colorado locations have quickly built loyal followings among college students and families alike. The consistent crowds and frequent sellouts during evening hours demonstrate that sometimes doing one thing exceptionally well beats offering everything mediocrely.
13. Huey Magoo’s
Florida’s chicken tender royalty has arrived in Colorado, bringing their award-winning recipe that’s been perfected over decades. This fast-casual spot specializes in hand-breaded tenders made from premium chicken breast, never frozen and always made to order.
The signature Magoo Sauce adds a creamy, tangy element that perfectly complements the crispy coating. Customers can choose from grilled or fried options, plus sandwiches, salads, and wraps that showcase the star ingredient in different ways.
Since expanding into Colorado, lines have been consistently long as word spreads about the quality and flavor. The family-friendly atmosphere and commitment to fresh preparation make this a destination worth the wait, especially during busy weekend rushes.
14. Chicken Salad Chick
Rotisserie-roasted chicken gets transformed into over a dozen creative chicken salad varieties at this Southern-inspired concept that’s taken Colorado by storm. From classic to cranberry kelli to jalapeño holly, each recipe offers unique flavors that go way beyond basic mayo-and-celery combinations.
Served on croissants, as scoops with sides, or atop fresh greens, the options satisfy both light eaters and hearty appetites. The cozy atmosphere and scratch-made sides like broccoli salad and pasta salad create a homestyle dining experience.
Lunch crowds pack the dining rooms as office workers and shoppers seek satisfying meals that feel both indulgent and wholesome. The rotating monthly flavors keep regulars coming back to try new combinations.
15. Bojangles
Carolina-style fried chicken seasoned with a proprietary blend of spices has finally made its way westward, and Colorado couldn’t be happier about it. This Southern institution serves up crispy, flavorful chicken alongside legendary buttermilk biscuits that are made from scratch throughout the day.
The Cajun-spiced fries and sweet tea complete the authentic Southern experience that transplants crave and newcomers quickly embrace. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner all feature chicken as the star, whether in biscuit sandwiches or dinner platters.
Early morning lines form for the chicken biscuit combo, while evening crowds seek the bone-in chicken dinners. The bold seasonings and distinctive crunch have earned Bojangles a dedicated following in every Colorado community they enter.
