Where to Buy Fried Chicken: The Ultimate Guide to Crispy, Juicy Deliciousness

Have you ever found yourself craving that perfect piece of fried chicken but weren’t sure where to go? I’ve been there too! Whether you’re planning a family dinner, hosting a party, or just need to satisfy that fried chicken craving ASAP, knowing where to buy the best fried chicken can be a game-changer.

In this guide I’ll share the best places to buy delicious fried chicken – from popular fast-food chains to surprising grocery store options that might actually be better than what you’d get at a restaurant. Let’s dive into the crispy juicy world of store-bought fried chicken!

Fast Food Chains: The Classic Option

When most people think about where to buy fried chicken fast food restaurants usually come to mind first. And for good reason – they’re convenient, consistent, and often really tasty!

Bojangles: Southern Fried Chicken Excellence

Bojangles stands out as a top choice for authentic Southern fried chicken Their website showcases their commitment to “real Southern cooking” that’s perfect for feeding the whole family for breakfast, lunch, or dinner

What makes Bojangles special:

• Seared-to-perfection flavor
• Bold taste profiles
• Variety of options including their famous Bo’s Chicken Sandwich®
• Perfect for family meals

If you’re looking for that distinct Southern-style fried chicken with a crispy, flavorful coating, Bojangles is definitely worth checking out. They also offer catering options if you’re feeding a large group!

Other Popular Chicken Chains

While Bojangles deserves special mention, there are several other fast-food chains known for their fried chicken:

• Popeyes – Known for their crispy, spicy Louisiana-style chicken
• KFC – The original fried chicken chain with the famous secret recipe
• Jollibee – A Filipino chain with a passionate following for their uniquely seasoned chicken
• Church’s Chicken – Another Southern-style option with a distinctive flavor profile

Grocery Store Fried Chicken: The Surprising Winner

Here’s something that might surprise you – some of the best fried chicken you can buy isn’t from a restaurant at all! Grocery store delis have been stepping up their game, and many now offer fried chicken that rivals or even surpasses what you’d get at dedicated chicken restaurants.

According to a recent Food & Wine article, there are five grocery chains that have earned dedicated followings for their hot, ready-to-eat fried chicken. Let’s break them down:

1. Publix: The Clear Fan Favorite

If there’s one grocery store fried chicken that has achieved cult status, it’s Publix. This Florida-based supermarket chain has developed an intense following for their double-breaded fried chicken.

What makes Publix fried chicken special:

• Double-breaded for extra crispiness
• Consistently juicy and tender meat
• Well-seasoned coating
• Available hot in the deli section
• Includes breasts, wings, thighs, and drumsticks

Food reviewers often call Publix chicken “amazing” and “10 out of 10.” The double-breading technique is likely what gives it that ultra-crispy crust that so many people love.

2. Acme: Northeastern Fried Chicken Champion

For those in the Northeast, Acme is considered a hidden gem for fried chicken. Available daily after 10 a.m., many shoppers actually prefer it to dedicated chicken restaurants like Popeyes!

Insider tip: Fans recommend asking for your Acme fried chicken in a paper bag rather than plastic, as plastic can make the chicken soggy.

Acme even offers “Cheep Chicken Mondays” with discounted prices, making it both delicious AND budget-friendly.

3. Stop & Shop: Value-Packed Option

Stop & Shop has earned a reputation for having some of the “best box of chicken” around, particularly in the Long Island area. What sets them apart is their brining process, which helps keep the meat juicy and flavorful throughout.

Many customers praise Stop & Shop not just for the quality but also for the value – one fan mentioned feeding a family of 6 for under $25, including sides!

4. Kroger: Consistently Crispy and Fresh

Kroger’s 8-Piece Fried Chicken has earned an impressive number of five-star reviews online. Customers consistently praise it for being:

• Well-seasoned without being overly salty
• Fresh and juicy
• Perfectly breaded (not too much, not too little)

One factor in Kroger’s success might be that their chicken is hand-dipped and breaded daily, which contributes to that extra crispy texture everyone loves.

5. Walmart: Love It or Hate It

Perhaps the most controversial option on this list is Walmart’s fried chicken. Their Freshness Guaranteed Fried Chicken is listed as a best-seller on their website, but reviews are definitely mixed.

Some shoppers absolutely love it, calling it a “family favorite” with moist chicken and fantastic taste. Others have had negative experiences, finding it overcooked or dry.

If you’re a Walmart shopper, it might be worth trying their fried chicken to see which camp you fall into. Pro tip from fans: don’t buy it at the very end of the day if you want the freshest product.

What to Look for When Buying Fried Chicken

No matter where you choose to buy your fried chicken, here are some tips to ensure you get the best quality:

Freshness Matters

The freshness of fried chicken makes a huge difference in quality. Here’s what to look for:

• Appearance: The chicken should look appealing, with a golden-brown, crispy coating
• Temperature: It should be hot (unless you’re buying chilled chicken to reheat later)
• Timing: Try to buy when it’s freshly made rather than sitting under heat lamps for hours

Value Options

Fried chicken can be an economical meal option. Walmart’s 8-piece fried chicken is priced at just $7.97, making it one of the most budget-friendly options available. Other stores frequently offer specials or combo deals that include sides.

Nutritional Considerations

If you’re watching your diet, it’s worth noting that fried chicken is, well, fried! A typical serving (3 oz) of Walmart’s fried chicken contains:

• 260 calories
• 14g of protein
• 11g of carbohydrates
• 850mg of sodium

Most grocery stores and restaurants will have nutritional information available if you’re tracking your intake.

Best Ways to Serve Store-Bought Fried Chicken

Once you’ve picked up your fried chicken, here are some ideas to make a complete meal:

Classic Sides That Pair Perfectly:

• Mashed potatoes and gravy
• Macaroni and cheese
• Cole slaw
• Fresh salad
• Biscuits (especially from Bojangles!)
• Corn on the cob
• Baked beans

Beverage Pairings:

Based on popular purchases, many people enjoy pairing their fried chicken with:

• Pepsi or other cola drinks
• Sweet tea (especially with Southern-style chicken)
• Lemonade
• Beer (for adults)

How to Reheat Leftover Fried Chicken

Got leftovers? Here’s how to make sure they stay crispy and delicious:

1. Oven method (best for crispiness): Preheat to 400°F, place chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet, and heat for 15-20 minutes.

2. Air fryer method (quickest): 3-4 minutes at 375°F.

3. Avoid the microwave if possible – it’ll make your crispy chicken soggy!

When to Choose Each Option

Not sure which fried chicken option is best for your specific situation? Here’s a quick guide:

• For a quick individual meal: Fast food chains like Bojangles or Popeyes
• For family dinner on a budget: Grocery store options like Walmart or Kroger
• For impressing guests: Publix is consistently rated highest for taste
• For catering a large event: Bojangles catering or multiple 8-piece boxes from your favorite grocery deli

My Personal Experience

I’ve tried pretty much every fried chicken option out there (research purposes, obviously!), and I gotta say – don’t sleep on grocery store chicken! I was shocked the first time I tried Publix fried chicken – it was seriously better than most restaurants I’d been to.

My family has a tradition of grabbing an 8-piece from the grocery store deli for Friday movie nights. It’s easier than cooking, cheaper than delivery, and honestly just as good as anything we’d get from a fast food place.

The one thing I’ve learned? Timing matters! If you get that grocery store chicken right when they put out a fresh batch, it’s absolute perfection. But if it’s been sitting there all day… well, not so much.

Final Thoughts

Finding great fried chicken doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you choose a dedicated restaurant like Bojangles, a grocery store deli counter like Publix or Kroger, or even Walmart’s budget-friendly option, there are plenty of places to satisfy your fried chicken cravings.

The best approach? Try several options and decide which one you prefer! Each place has its own unique breading, seasoning, and cooking technique that creates a distinctive flavor profile.

So next time you’re wondering where to buy fried chicken, remember that some of the best options might be hiding in unexpected places – like your local grocery store deli counter!

What’s your go-to place for fried chicken? Have you tried any of these grocery store options? I’d love to hear about your favorites in the comments!