While the burger is a quintessential part of American fast food, it’s hard to argue that fried chicken is up there with the best the industry has to offer. Crispy on the outside, soft and tender on the inside, there’s not many better fast food items out there than some good old fashioned fried chicken!

With so many amazing ways to produce a unique style of fried chicken, we have seen some truly amazing restaurant chains emerge over the years, all offering their own take on a classic dish.

Americans are truly spoiled for choice when it comes to top-quality fried chicken, as there is a truly fantastic range of restaurants offering some mouth-watering fried chicken products. Let’s check out the best:

KFC

Fried chicken restaurants probably wouldn’t be around today if it wasn’t for KFC, who can be thanked for originating restaurant chains specializing in fried chicken products. They are one of the first chains here in the US, while also being responsible for bringing the food to international locations.

So, it’s safe to say that KFC knows how to make some top notch fried chicken! They’re one of the most popular restaurant chains in the world for a reason – they make great fried chicken! The special seasoning of 11 herbs and spices offers a truly amazing tasting chicken, and KFC offers a wide range of great chicken products that rarely fail to disappoint.

Shake Shack

Shake Shack aren’t even fried chicken specialists but still manage to make the list thanks to their incredible fried chicken sandwich. Simply put, this easily one of the best fried chicken sandwiches available today, which is impressive considering it’s a relatively new product!

It’s a flawless chicken burger that has to be tried, consisting of delicious fried chicken fillet, buttermilk mayonnaise, pickles and lettuce. A simple combination yes, but a very effective one that really highlights the mouth-watering taste of fried chicken sandwiches.

Chick-fil-A

As one of the most popular restaurants in the country, it’s no surprise that Chick-fil-A offer some of the best friend chicken that money can buy. Perhaps one of the most impressive aspect of Chick-fil-A is how they’ve managed to flawlessly adapt fried chicken into an exceptional breakfast sandwich.

Their other chicken products are also of the highest quality, especially their chicken biscuit combos that are among the best in the entire country. Better still, Chick-fil-A aren’t resting on their laurels, continually expanding their menu to keep up with current trends.

Popeye’s

Fried chicken is southern specialty, to it makes sense that the chain offers authentic Louisiana style fried chicken! There’s a certain authenticity to the chicken from Popeye’s that’s hard to find elsewhere.

Coming with all the best southern-style sides, the chicken here is made with the out most care to produce a wonderfully cooked piece of fried chicken that hits all the right notes.