15 Fried Chicken Chains Texans Can’t Get Enough Of

Texas is home to some seriously passionate fried chicken lovers, and the Lone Star State has no shortage of spots to satisfy those cravings.

From family-owned joints to fast-casual favorites, Texans know exactly where to go when that crispy, juicy goodness calls.

Here are the fried chicken chains that keep folks coming back for more.

1. Church’s Texas Chicken

Born in San Antonio back in 1952, Church’s has been serving up crispy, flavorful chicken that Texans have loved for generations. The honey-butter biscuits alone are worth the trip.

With locations scattered across the state, this homegrown chain knows how to deliver that perfect crunch. You can taste the Texas pride in every bite, and locals wouldn’t have it any other way.

2. Raising Cane’s

Simplicity is the secret here – chicken fingers, fries, toast, slaw, and that magical Cane’s sauce. No complicated menu, just perfection on a tray.

Founded in Louisiana but wildly popular in Texas, this chain has fans lining up at drive-thrus daily. The tenders are always fresh, never frozen, and cooked to golden perfection every single time you visit.

3. Chicken Express

Started in the small town of Benbrook, Texas, Chicken Express has grown into a beloved regional favorite. Their catfish and chicken combo is a fan favorite that keeps people guessing which protein to choose.

The rolls are soft, buttery, and dangerously addictive. Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch or feeding the whole family, this spot delivers comfort food done right.

4. Babe’s Chicken Dinner House

Picture this: endless platters of golden fried chicken brought straight to your table, family-style. Babe’s doesn’t mess around with portion sizes or flavor.

The mashed potatoes, creamy gravy, and fluffy biscuits make this feel like Sunday dinner at Grandma’s house. It’s a Texas tradition where everyone leaves full, happy, and probably planning their next visit before they even leave.

5. Bush’s Chicken

With roots in Central Texas, Bush’s has been frying up chicken since 1996. Their honey butter biscuits rival any in the state, and that’s saying something.

Locals love the perfectly seasoned, hand-breaded chicken that arrives hot and crispy every time. The jalapeño poppers and fried okra make excellent sidekicks. Bush’s proves that Texas knows how to do comfort food with serious flavor.

6. Layne’s Chicken Fingers

College Station’s pride and joy, Layne’s has been feeding hungry Aggies since 1994. The chicken fingers are thick, juicy, and fried to absolute perfection.

Their secret sauce is so good, people have tried (and failed) to replicate it at home for decades. Simple menu, big flavors, and a cult following that spans generations – Layne’s is Texas fried chicken royalty.

7. Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken

Originally from Memphis, Gus’s brought its spicy, crispy magic to Texas, and locals fell hard. The chicken has a kick that sneaks up on you, leaving your taste buds dancing.

Fried in cast-iron skillets, each piece gets that signature crackly crust. The atmosphere is laid-back, the chicken is unforgettable, and Texans can’t seem to get enough of this fiery favorite.

8. Golden Chick

Golden Chick has been a Texas staple since the ’60s, serving up chicken that’s always juicy under that crispy, golden coating. Their dinner rolls are legendary – soft, sweet, and impossible to resist.

The gravy is creamy perfection, and the fried okra adds that Southern touch. With locations throughout the state, Golden Chick remains a go-to for quick, satisfying comfort food.

9. Frenchy’s Chicken

Houston’s Frenchy’s brings a Creole twist to fried chicken that’s downright addictive. The seasoning is bold, the chicken is perfectly fried, and the po’boys are stuff of legend.

Lines wrap around the block, especially on weekends, because people know good chicken when they taste it. Frenchy’s isn’t just food – it’s a Houston cultural experience that keeps fans loyal for life.

10. Hartz Chicken Buffet

All-you-can-eat fried chicken? Yes, please! Hartz Chicken Buffet lets you pile your plate high with crispy chicken, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, and more.

It’s a family favorite where everyone finds something they love. The dessert bar is a sweet bonus. Whether you’re celebrating or just really hungry, Hartz delivers value and flavor in every visit to their Texas locations.

11. Rudy’s Chicken

Not to be confused with the barbecue joint, Rudy’s Chicken is a hidden gem serving up some seriously tasty fried chicken. The seasoning is on point, and the chicken is always moist and flavorful.

Locals appreciate the no-frills approach and consistent quality. It’s the kind of place where you become a regular without even realizing it, because the chicken just keeps calling you back.

12. Lisa’s Fried Chicken

Lisa’s serves soul food that warms your heart and fills your belly. The fried chicken is crispy, seasoned beautifully, and cooked with love.

Sides like collard greens, candied yams, and cornbread complete the experience. This isn’t just a meal—it’s a celebration of flavor and tradition. Texans who know Lisa’s keep coming back for that authentic, homestyle taste that never disappoints.

13. Henderson’s Chicken

Henderson’s has been quietly serving some of the best fried chicken in Texas for years. The breading is perfectly seasoned, and the chicken stays juicy no matter which piece you pick.

It’s a neighborhood favorite where quality never takes a backseat. The friendly service and consistent flavors make Henderson’s a reliable choice for anyone craving that classic fried chicken experience done right.

14. The Cookshack

The Cookshack feels like eating at a friend’s house – if that friend happened to be an incredible cook. The fried chicken is made fresh, with a crispy coating that shatters with every bite.

Portions are generous, and the sides are just as good as the main event. It’s comfort food at its finest, served with a smile and a side of Texas hospitality you won’t forget.

15. The Original Chicken Shack

Sometimes the originals are the best, and The Original Chicken Shack proves it. The chicken is fried to perfection with a crispy crust that locks in all the juicy flavor.

Regulars swear by the consistency and quality that never wavers. It’s straightforward, delicious, and exactly what you want when a fried chicken craving hits. Texans know this spot delivers every single time without fail.