This Is America's Favorite Chicken Sandwich Chain, According To Yelp Rankings

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For decades, burgers and fries have reigned supreme in the fast-food kingdom. Recently, however, brands are flocking to the poultry market. What started as a simple fried chicken patty between two buns has evolved into one of the country's most beloved food categories. When Yelp revealed its Top 20 Chicken Sandwich Chains of 2025, the anticipation was palpable. Results show one chain soars above the competition: Chick-fil-A.

Founded in 1946 by S. Truett Cathy in Hapeville, Georgia, an Atlanta suburb, Chick-fil-A began as a single restaurant called the Dwarf Grill. The chain's signature sandwich emerged from Cathy's straightforward recipe: pressure-cook chicken breast in peanut oil, season it with a secret blend of spices, and serve it on a toasted buttered bun with two dill pickle chips. This approach has remained virtually unchanged over the years, which perhaps explains what makes Chick-fil-A's sandwiches so iconic. Each bite delivers dependable quality that has built a devoted following among customers, many of whom plan their meals around the chain's Sunday closure policy.

Yelp's rankings focused on chains with more than 100 locations spread across multiple states. Searches for "chicken sandwich" on the online platform surged 125% in June 2025 versus June 2019, just before Popeyes launched its viral chicken sandwich in August 2019. Dave's Hot Chicken claimed the runner-up position. Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers secured third place, followed by Shake Shack in fourth. The remaining slots went to Popeyes, Habit Burger & Grill, Denny's, Wingstop, McDonald's, Zaxby's, Jack in the Box, Dairy Queen, Slim Chickens, Burger King, Wendy's, Sonic Drive-In, Bojangles, KFC, Arby's, and Church's Chicken, respectively.

Part of Chick-fil-A's staying power lies in its focused menu. The original chicken sandwich — a breaded boneless chicken breast with two dill pickle chips — is the crown jewel. The spicy version features a piquant breading, while the grilled sandwich offers lemon-herb marinated chicken served on a toasted multigrain bun with lettuce and tomato. These variations maintain interest while staying true to the classic formula.

Despite facing competition from established brands and flashy newcomers, Chick-fil-A's high standing demonstrates how authenticity and consistency still triumph in America's fast-food landscape. Sometimes, the best recipe for success is sticking with what works.