---
title: "5 Fried Chicken Brands We Love"
url: https://burnaze.com/article/0cd518d1-9f26-4810-a52a-3d65a67fdd7e
source: "1851 Franchise"
original_url: https://1851franchise.com/5-fried-chicken-brands-we-love-2717431
category: "Chicken"
industry: "Restaurants"
segment: "Chicken"
published: 2021-12-10T12:07:00.000Z
modified: 2026-11-01T01:40:43.750Z
image: https://newimage.1851franchise.com/cdn-cgi/image/quality=85,format=webp,width=1280,height=720/story/featureImage/291392b9a07d1cc498bfe66024f0ca6a1923.jpg
---

# 5 Fried Chicken Brands We Love

**TL;DR:** Five fried chicken brands, including Layne's Chicken Fingers and Popeyes, have been identified as attractive investment opportunities. The chicken category has seen a surge in popularity, with orders for chicken entrees at U.S. restaurants up 4% for the year ending in April 2021.

*originally published in 1851 Franchise on 2021-12-10. [Read the original](https://1851franchise.com/5-fried-chicken-brands-we-love-2717431).*

## Story

After Popeyes’ chicken sandwich went viral in late 2019, the chicken category has been on fire. According to a report by The NPD Group, orders for chicken entrees at U.S. restaurants were up 4% for the year ending in April 2021. The versatility of chicken, combined with the meat’s popularity and relatively low price, makes investing in a chicken restaurant a no-brainer.

- Start Up Costs: $737,000 – $1,217,500

Why we love it: Founded in 1994 in College Station, Texas, Layne’s Chicken Fingers quickly garnered a cult-like following due to its close proximity to Texas A&M’s campus. What began as a single-unit restaurant has turned into a Lone Star State icon over the years, known for its great chicken fingers and friendly service. Our go-to order is the Three Finger Meal with fries, and of course, their delicious homemade buttermilk ranch dipping sauce.

- Start Up Costs: $841,900 – $1,739,000

Why we love it: The leader in the “better chicken” category, Slim Chickens diverse menu options give diners the chance to sample their hand-breaded chicken tenders in a variety of ways including in wraps, salads and the beloved chicken and waffle combo. Our go-to order is the Buffalo Chicken Wrap.

- Start Up Costs: $887,250 – $2,126,500

Why we love it: Pollo Campero has paved its own way in the chicken market by combining Central American flavors with juicy grilled or fried chicken. What began as a family-owned and operated chicken joint in Guatemala has evolved into an internationally recognized and beloved restaurant, allowing those who grew up eating Pollo Campero to enjoy a taste of home wherever they are. Our go-to order is the two-piece meal with citrus grilled chicken, tortillas and fries.

- Start Up Costs: $347,600 – $759,100

Why we love it: Since opening its first shop in Garland, Texas in 1994, Wingstop has become a staple in the quick-service chicken industry. Armed with proprietary recipes, fresh ingredients, and friendly service, Wing Stop is the fastest-growing franchise in the country. Our go-to order: a six-piece wing combo, half bone-in and half boneless, with buffalo and ranch.

Why we love it: Cowboy Chicken tastes like drinking sweet tea, in a rocking chair, on the porch watching the sunset — and that’s exactly what Phil Sanders, Cowboy Chicken founder, set out to do when he opened his first location in 1981. Their signature, wood-fire-roasted chicken is covered in their proprietary spice blend that keeps customers craving their rotisserie chicken. Our go-to order: a quarter piece of white meat chicken with green beans and baked mac and cheese.

## Entities

- 1851 Franchise (publication)
- Restaurants (sector)
- Slim Chickens (company)
- Popeyes (company)
- Wingstop (company)
- Layne's Chicken Fingers (company)
- Pollo Campero US (company)
- Texas A&M (company)
- investment opportunities (topic)
- restaurant investment (topic)
- chicken category (topic)
- fried chicken (topic)

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Originally reported by 1851 Franchise (https://1851franchise.com/5-fried-chicken-brands-we-love-2717431). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/0cd518d1-9f26-4810-a52a-3d65a67fdd7e).