The chicken franchise scene Sizzling – iconic legacy brands such as Popeyes, KFC and Wingstop continue to dominate with proven systems and widespread recognition, while fast newcomers select their niche with daring flavors and modern concepts. Combined, these top contenders offer entrepreneurs a powerful mix of brand strength, operational support and high consumer demand, making it one of the most popular growing sectors in food service on chicken -oriented franchising.
The brands on this list earned their place Entrepreneur‘S 2025 Franchise 500, our annual ranking of the strongest franchise systems, based on factors such as unity growth, brand stability and financial performance. Whether you are looking for a globally recognized name or an increasing concept with Momentum, these chicken franchises currently offer some of the best opportunities in industry.
Related: Consider franchise -ownership? Get started now to find your personalized list of franchises that match your lifestyle, interests and budget.
1. Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen
- Set up: 1972
- Franchising since: 1976
- General rank: 4
- Number of units: 4,796
- Change in units: +34.2% for 3 years
- Initial investment: $ 471,000 – $ 3,875,700
- Leadership: Jeff Klein, president
- Parent company: Restaurant brands Int’l.
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, arranged #4 in Entrepreneurs 2025 Franchise 500, has almost 4,800 units in the US and 35+ countries – an increase of 34% in three years – supported by strong brand support, entrepreneurial guidance and robust training programs. In a smart growth movement, Popeyes has been extended to airports and university campuses to build brand affinity in areas with high traffic, as a supplement to its viral chicken sandwich and new wings Line -up
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2. Wingstop
- Set up: 1994
- Franchising since: 1998
- General rank: 11
- Number of units: 2,352
- Change in units: +44.8% for 3 years
- Initial investment: $ 259,400 – $ 912,100
- Leadership: Michael Skipworth, President and CEO
- Parent company: Wingstop Restaurants Inc.
Wingstop has risen to more than 2,350 locations worldwide, fed by its famous wings, streamlined operations and daring digital strategy. With a low labor model and a strong unity economy, the brand has grown by almost 45% over the past three years. Rank on #11 on the franchise 500 of entrepreneur supports Wingstop franchisees with extensive training and vast territory rights. It is a favorite among operators with several units thanks to the scalable setup and focus on taste innovation.
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3. KFC
- Set up: 1930
- Franchising since: 1952
- General rank: 21
- Number of units: 30,680
- Change in units: +19.5% for 3 years
- Initial investment: $ 1,852,825 – $ 3,71,550
- Leadership: Tarun Lal, president
- Parent company: Yum! Brands Inc.
KFC remains one of the most iconic names in fast food, with a huge global presence and a menu built around the characteristic original recipe. Supported by decades of brand recognition, franchisees get access to robust training, own systems and continuous field support. Although the investment is considerable, the brand offers an unparalleled scale and permanent force. For entrepreneurs who are looking for a Legacy name with worldwide reach, KFC, #21 on the Francise 500 2025, remains a top candidate.
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4. Smart chickens
- Set up: 2003
- Franchising since: 2011
- General rank: 81
- Number of units: 251
- Change in units: +109.2% for 3 years
- Initial investment: $ 1,522,900 – $ 4,439,000
- Leadership: Sam Rothschild, COO & Partner
- Parent company: Slender chickens
Slim chickens brings southern comfort food to the fast-casual room, which serves fresh, hand-wearing tenders, wings and chicken and waffles in addition to characteristic immersion sauces and delicious pot of desserts. Since the launch of his franchise program in 2011, the brand has grown to more than 250 locations with a strong momentum on both American and international markets. Supported by robust training, marketing support and a culture driven by hospitality, Slim Chickens franchisees appeals to a modern, scalable concept with loyal fans love-known as “Slimthusiasts.“
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5. Golden girl
- Set up: 1967
- Franchising since: 1972
- General rank: 92
- Number of units: 231
- Change in units: +12.7% for 3 years
- Initial investment: $ 810,250 – $ 1,852,800
- Leadership: Mark Parmerlee, CEO
- Parent company: Golden Franchising Corp.
Golden Chick is a seasoned chicken franchise in southern style with roots that goes back to 1967. Known for its characteristic hand-in-handed gold tenders, the brand has built a loyal supporter in the south and midwest. With more than 230 locations and counts, Golden Chick Franchisees offers strong operational support, extensive training and marketing guidance. It is a solid option for both first owners and experienced operators who are looking for a reliable, scalable company with regional charm.
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6. Zaxby’s
- Set up: 1990000000000000000.
- Franchising since: 1994
- General rank: 109
- Number of units: 960
- Change in units: +5.7% for 3 years
- Initial investment: $ 1,406,700 – $ 3,323,200
- Leadership: Mike Mettler, CDO
- Parent company: Zaxby’s Spe FranchiseGor LLC
Zaxby stands out in the fast-casual chicken space with its craving worthy chicken fingers, wings, savory sandwiches and characteristic “salads”, all combined with bold immersing sauces. With nearly 1,000 locations – mainly in the southern US – Zaxby’s has been arranged #109 in Entrepreneur‘s 2025 Franchise 500 and continues to climb. Franchisees receive strong support, from site selection and training to marketing and their own technology. Known for its hospitality and community focus, it is a solid choice for operators who view a new fast-casual growth.
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7. Bojangles
- Set up: 1977
- Franchising since: 1978
- General rank: 145
- Number of units: 813
- Change in units: +4.9% for 3 years
- Initial investment: $ 720,220 – $ 3,79,700
- Leadership: Jose Carario, CEO
- Parent company: The Jordan Company & Duration Capital Management LP
Bojangles specializes in cajun season fried chicken and buttermilk cookies and has been building a loyal supporters since the 1977 debut in Charlotte. The brand ranks #145 on Entrepreneur‘S 2025 Franchise 500 and has been extended to more than 800 locations with a steady multi -year growth. Franchisees benefit from extensive support-inclusive site selection, in-depth training, marketing assistance and own tools with strong community fire rooted in southern hospitality, making it a striking opportunity in the fast food chicken category.
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8. Chester
- Set up: 1952
- Franchising since: 2004
- General rank: 237
- Number of units: 1,062
- Change in units: -16% in 3 years
- Initial investment: $ 27,500 – $ 296,500
- Leadership: Wynn Giles, director
- Parent company: N / A
Chester’s brings fresh, never frozen, double -inspected fried chicken to convenience stores, supermarkets and travel stops through the US, with the help of a secret family recipe that has built a loyal supporters. With more than 1,000 locations, the brand has become a staple in non-deffic, non-traditional locations. Arranged #237 on Entrepreneur‘S 2025 Franchise 500, Chester’s offers streamlined start -up costs, strong training, marketing support and a recognizable “Fried with love“Identity – ideal for operators who are looking for a simple, scalable chicken concept.
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9. Church’s Texas Chicken
- Set up: 1952
- Franchising since: 1969
- General rank: 402
- Number of units: 1,532
- Change in units: +5.4% for 3 years
- Initial investment: $ 648,866 – $ 1,896,300
- Leadership: Roland Gonzalez, CEO
- Parent company: Cajun Global LLC
The Texas chicken of the church brings bone -baked chicken, honey butter cookies and tasteful sides to locations with high traffic, such as shopping centers, convenience stops and drive -ins. Launched in 1952 in San Antonio, it has grown steadily to more than 1500 units in more than 20 countries. Arranged #402 on Entrepreneur‘S 2025 Franchise 500, the brand combines Legacy Appeal with modern growth support-real-estate expertise, thorough training, marketing tools and support for supply chain-en offers entrepreneurs a resilient, hospitality-driven investment in comfort-feed franchising.
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10. Dave’s hot chicken
- Set up: 2018
- Franchising since: 2019999999999999999999999999999999999999999111 2019 2019 2019 20199999 E Were991999999999999983111113313313111111115222222221111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 box -11111111111As11111As1As1a’s1a’s1a’s1a’s1a’s d1a’s dam that ‘to
- General rank: 453
- Number of units: 211
- Change in units: +1,072.2% for 3 years
- Initial investment: $ 619,800 – $ 1,963,000
- Leadership: Bill Phelps, CEO
- Parent company: Roark Capital
Dave’s Hot Chicken has inflamed a foodie reasons with its Nashville-style hot chicken offers and sliding controllers, offered in seven herb levels and combined with simple sides such as Mac-and-Cheese. Since the franchising started in 2019, it has risen to more than 200 American locations and have climbed in it Entrepreneur‘S 2025 Franchise 500, ranking #453 – almost 30 places up – thanks to the growth of the explosive unity and viral attraction. Supported by investors of celebrities and now owned by Roark Capital, brings Dave’s daring taste and strong franchise support to hot-casual kip lovers.
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