Move over, burgers—America’s obsession with chicken sandwiches has officially reached new heights. According to Yelp’s newly released 2025 Top 20 Chicken Sandwich Chains report, Chick-fil-A has claimed the top spot as the No. 1 chicken chain in the United States, beating out fierce competitors like Popeyes, Raising Cane’s, and McDonald’s.
Yelp’s rankings are based on user reviews, platform activity, and mentions of chicken sandwiches across chains with more than 100 locations nationwide. The results reflect a growing national appetite for crispy, saucy, and spicy poultry creations, with searches for “chicken sandwich” up 125% over the past six years.
Why Chick-fil-A Leads the Pecking Order
Chick-fil-A’s dominance comes down to consistency, quality, and fan loyalty. Its signature sandwich—featuring a buttermilk-brined chicken filet, dill pickle chips, and a toasted buttery bun—has become a cultural icon. Customers rave about the chain’s customer service and crave-worthy sauces, especially the classic Chick-fil-A Sauce and Polynesian.
With over 3,000 locations across 48 states, the Atlanta-based brand has built a reputation for delivering a reliably delicious product, whether you’re dining in Georgia or grabbing a drive-thru order in Oregon.
The Runners-Up: Hot Chicken and Cane’s Sauce
Coming in second is Dave’s Hot Chicken, a fast-growing chain known for its Nashville-style sliders and fiery spice levels. Founded in 2017 in an East Hollywood parking lot, Dave’s has exploded in popularity thanks to its bold flavors and social media buzz.
Third place goes to Raising Cane’s, the Louisiana-born chain famous for its crispy chicken fingers and cult-favorite Cane’s Sauce. With a minimalist menu and a focus on quality over quantity, Cane’s has earned a loyal following—especially among younger diners and TikTok creators.
Regional Favorites and Surprising Entries
While Chick-fil-A leads nationally, Yelp’s data reveals strong regional preferences. McDonald’s, for example, ranked No. 9 overall but topped the charts in the Midwest, Northeast, South, and California, thanks in part to the return of its beloved Snack Wrap, which saw a 218% spike in searches following its July 2025 comeback announcement.
Other notable entries in the top 10 include Shake Shack, Popeyes, and Wingstop, each offering their own spin on the crispy chicken craze. Meanwhile, regional chains like Zaxby’s and Slim Chickens continue to build loyal fanbases in the South and Midwest.
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