8 Budget-Friendly Fried Chicken Joints That Rival Chick-fil-A

Who doesn’t love fried chicken? While Chick-fil-A is a popular choice for many, it's always fun to switch things up and explore new places. There are plenty of other fried chicken options that offer even better flavor at more affordable prices.

We’ve compiled a list of 8 fried chicken spots that are definitely worth trying out. Who knows, you may find your new favorite.

Founded in October 2018 by retired basketball star Shaquille O’Neal, this fast-casual restaurant chain serves delectable Louisiana-style fried chicken sandwiches. There are a few locations that also serve hard liquor, wine, and craft beers. Furthermore, their chickens are not raised with any hormones or antibiotics.

The Original: Your choice of crispy or grilled chicken with Big Chicken sauce and pickles served on a brioche bun. Price: $8.99 each. The staff are very friendly, and the restaurant is spotless. 

Founded in March 1930 by Colonel Harland Sanders, he began selling fried chicken from a roadside restaurant during the Great Depression. KFC is known for its iconic secret blend of 11 herbs and spices. As of 2024, there are 30,000 locations worldwide. KFC continues to attract customers with its affordable prices and convenient locations.

The 10-piece Feast is one of my favorites to get because it’s enough for the whole family, and it has a variety of items. You can choose between 10 pieces of chicken available in the Original recipe, Kentucky grilled, or extra crispy. Furthermore, it comes with gravy, a large coleslaw, 2 large mashed potatoes, a beverage bucket, four biscuits, and four cookies, all for $30.00.

Founded in 1984, Buffalo Wings and Rings has 80 locations in the United States, Europe, and the Middle East. Restaurant Business magazine named it number one on its Future 50 list of growing restaurant chains in 2008. 

Buffalo Chicken Sandwich: A crispy chicken fillet tossed in Buffalo sauce, pickles, fried onion slivers, and lettuce served with your choice of ranch or bleu cheese and topped with a chicken wing. It comes with French fries and homemade coleslaw. All for $6.29.

Founded in June 1972 with 3,705 locations as of 2021, this fast food chain restaurant is known for its delicious fried chicken. The batter is full of flavor and crispy. There are a variety of options to choose from that will satisfy your fried chicken craving.

While their chicken sandwiches are a must-have, their chicken tenders are a real hit. They are marinated and then fried with Louisiana seasonings and herbs and include 4 dipping sauces. I really enjoy the bayou buffalo sauce and blackened ranch sauce. You can pick up 12 handcrafted chicken tenders for $31.19.

Harold’s Chicken Shack was founded by an African American named Harold Pierce in June 1950. The chain operates mainly in the Black communities in Chicago; however, there are additional locations in Los Angeles, Phoenix, Arizona, California, and Houston, Texas.

If you’re looking for an affordable lunch, the chicken sandwich includes lettuce, pickles, and mayonnaise and only costs $10. Another favorite to try is the lemon pepper wings with a side of mild sauce. The sauce is really delicious and has a slightly tangy, sweet, spicy flavor.

Established in 1990 with over 900 locations across the United States, Zaxby’s specializes in sandwiches, chicken fingers, and wings. Zaxby’s has become popular for its quick and delicious chicken meals at affordable prices.

If you are looking for a light meal, you should try the House Zalad Boxed Lunch. It comes with red cabbage, mixed greens, carrots, fried or grilled chicken, fried onions, cucumbers, tomatoes, cheddar Jack cheese, and your choice of dressing. Served with a chocolate chip cookie and Texas toast, all for $8.99. I would take their House Zalad over Chick-fil-A’s Cobb salad any day.

Founded in 1977, Bojangles’ Famous Chicken ‘n Biscuits has over 800 locations. The chain specializes in its signature Cajun-style fried chicken that has unique flavors and crispy skin, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a bit of spice.

Crunchy, juicy, and oh-so-delicious! In addition, biscuit sandwiches are popular breakfast items, and for lunch or dinner, the bone-in fried chicken is a real hit. Add a side dish of Cajun-seasoned pinto beans, dirty rice, or coleslaw to finish off this meal.

Church’s Texas Chicken was founded in 1952 and has more than 1500 locations. It started as a single walk-up restaurant that only served fried chicken. A roll and two pieces of chicken cost 49 cents. In 1955, Church's Chicken expanded their menu and included fries and jalapeños.

When life gives you fried chicken, make it finger-lickin' good. Their menu features a variety of fried chicken options that include boneless wings, chicken tenders, sandwiches, wraps, and spicy chicken. Enjoy your fried chicken with a delicious, flaky honey-butter biscuit and flavorful side dishes like coleslaw, gravy, Wild West rice, or jalapeno bombers.

Finally, these 8 fried chicken spots that are better and cheaper than Chick-fil-A are well worth investigating to satisfy your fried chicken craving.