Georgia’s Favorite Fried Chicken Chains Everyone’s Talking About

Georgia knows a thing or two about fried chicken, and folks here have strong opinions about where to get the best bird. From crispy coating to juicy meat, the perfect fried chicken is practically a religion in the Peach State.

Whether you’re craving classic Southern flavor or something with a spicy kick, these chains have earned their spot in the hearts and stomachs of Georgians everywhere.

1. Chick-fil-A

Born right here in Georgia back in 1946 with the opening of founder Truett Cathy’s first restaurant, the Dwarf Grill (later Dwarf House) in Hapeville, Chick-fil-A has become more than just a restaurant—it’s a cultural phenomenon.

The first Chick-fil-A-branded restaurant opened in 1967 at Greenbriar Mall in Atlanta, and the rest is delicious history. Every bite delivers that signature pickle-topped perfection that keeps lines wrapped around buildings.

The secret lies in the pressure-cooked method that seals in moisture while creating an impossibly crispy exterior. Sure, being closed on Sundays drives some folks crazy, but it only makes Monday taste better. From waffle fries to that legendary sauce, everything here screams Southern hospitality with a side of excellence.

2. Zaxby’s

When two childhood buddies from Statesboro decided they couldn’t find decent chicken fingers anywhere, they opened Zaxby’s in 1990 and changed the game forever. Their chicken fingers are thick, hand-breaded, and fried to golden perfection—no sad, skinny strips here.

What really sets them apart is the sauce selection that could make cardboard taste good. Tongue Torch sauce lives up to its name for heat seekers, while Wimpy is perfect for those who prefer flavor over fire.

The wings deserve their own fan club, with meat that actually falls off the bone. Zaxby’s proves you don’t need fancy equipment—just fresh ingredients and serious dedication to the craft.

3. Popeyes

Louisiana flavor crashed into Georgia like a delicious hurricane when Popeyes arrived, bringing bold Cajun spices that wake up your taste buds. Founded in 1972 in New Orleans, Popeyes has had a strong Georgia presence for decades, bringing its signature Cajun-style fried chicken and biscuits to nearly every corner of the state.

The chicken features a crunchy, peppery batter that’s worlds away from bland competitors. Each piece packs serious seasoning that makes you reach for your drink—in the best possible way.

Those flaky buttermilk biscuits deserve poetry written about them, crumbling perfectly with each buttery bite.

The red beans and rice aren’t just sides; they’re main event material that transports you straight to New Orleans. When that chicken sandwich dropped in 2019, it literally broke the internet and caused traffic jams at drive-thrus across Georgia.

4. Bojangles

Bojangles storms in from Charlotte, North Carolina, where it was founded in 1977, with a breakfast game so strong it’ll make you question every morning choice you’ve ever made. Their chicken biscuits are legendary—flaky, buttery vessels holding perfectly seasoned fried chicken that makes 6 AM feel like a celebration.

The secret seasoning blend keeps people guessing and coming back for more detective work.

Bo-Berry biscuits blur the line between breakfast and dessert with sweet blueberry goodness that’s borderline addictive.

The dirty rice brings Southern soul food authenticity that grandma would approve of. Cajun-seasoned fries add a spicy crunch that regular fries could never match, proving sides matter just as much as the star attraction.

5. Church’s Chicken

Since its founding in 1952 in San Antonio, Texas, Church’s has been serving up no-nonsense fried chicken that focuses on doing one thing exceptionally well. Today, its U.S. headquarters are based in Atlanta, Georgia, and the chain remains a Southern staple.

The chicken arrives bone-in and unapologetically greasy in the way that makes fried chicken purists nod with approval. Each piece features a thin, crispy coating that lets the juicy chicken shine through without overwhelming it.

Those honey butter biscuits are dangerously good, sweet and savory in perfect harmony that’ll have you ordering extras. The jalapeno peppers add a Texas twist that gives your meal some unexpected kick.

Church’s keeps things simple and affordable, proving you don’t need a complicated menu when your chicken speaks for itself with every crunchy, satisfying bite.

6. Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken

Memphis sent Georgia a spicy gift when Gus’s expanded beyond Tennessee, bringing fried chicken so hot it’ll make you sweat and smile simultaneously. This isn’t your grandma’s Sunday chicken—unless your grandma had a serious thing for cayenne pepper and didn’t mess around. Founded in Memphis, Gus’s now operates several Georgia locations, including Atlanta and Sandy Springs. The batter practically crackles with heat and flavor that demands respect.

Each piece is hand-battered and marinated for hours, creating the depth of flavor that made Gus’s a national cult favorite. The spice level sneaks up on you, starting mild then building into a crescendo that keeps your taste buds dancing. Simple white bread and pickles come alongside to cool things down when the heat gets real, old-school style.

7. Mrs. Winner’s Chicken & Biscuits

Mrs. Winner’s has been a Georgia staple since the late 1970s, when the first restaurant opened in Atlanta in 1979, serving up Southern comfort that feels like visiting a friend’s kitchen.

The chicken features a home-style coating that’s more subtle than flashy, letting quality ingredients do the talking instead of relying on gimmicks. Their biscuits arrive fresh throughout the day, warm and ready to soak up whatever you’re eating.

The country-style sides like mashed potatoes and green beans taste genuinely homemade, not like they came from industrial-sized cans. Breakfast here is a hidden gem that locals guard jealously, with chicken and biscuits that’ll ruin chain breakfast sandwiches forever.

While the chain has fewer locations today than in its peak years, several Georgia spots remain open, including ones in Stockbridge and Marietta. Mrs. Winner’s proves that sometimes the best chicken comes from places that feel like home.

8. KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken)

Colonel Sanders brought his secret blend of 11 herbs and spices to Georgia decades ago, and KFC remains the granddaddy of fried chicken chains worldwide. The Original Recipe still holds up with that distinctive flavor profile that’s instantly recognizable after just one bite.

Crispy chicken delivers a different experience with extra crunch, giving customers options based on their mood. Those mashed potatoes swimming in brown gravy hit the comfort food spot perfectly, especially when you’re having a rough day.

The coleslaw provides cool, creamy contrast that balances out all that fried goodness. While newer chains try to reinvent the wheel, KFC reminds us that classic recipes became classic for very good reasons, they simply work.