Popeyes Vs Bojangles: Which Chain Makes The Best Southern-Style Fried Chicken?

Fried chicken has always been popular in the U.S. But ever since the great chicken sandwich wars of 2019, it really seems like fried chicken has gone to the next level, with that crispy exterior and all that delicious seasoning. And that's great for us as customers, because constant competition can only make fried chicken chains, like Popeyes and Bojangles, better. According to QSR, both of these chains are in the top seven of fried chicken chains by sales, and both have plenty of loyal customers. They both have some of the best chicken sandwiches in the industry, but which one makes the best Southern-style fried chicken? From scouring the internet, reading reviews, rankings, and ratings — and from our own personal experience as well — we have to say that Popeyes has the better fried chicken.

Based on online ratings, Bojangles averages out to around 2.3 stars out of 5, at least on Yelp. Comparatively speaking, Popeyes scores a 3.5 across multiple review outlets. Many commenters seem to believe that, while the fried chicken at Popeyes is far superior to Bojangles, the customer service is sorely lacking. As one Redditor says, "Popeye's destroys Bojangles on every other level, other than service. Popeye's employees generally always have a s**t attitude from my experience."

From personal experience, as a Georgia-born boy who now lives in Nashville, Tennessee, I know fried chicken. And to be honest, I'm very partial to Bojangles because I grew up less than a mile away from one location as a kid. And I'll tell you this: That Cajun Filet Chicken Biscuit is where it's at. But having tried both chains — and I'm strictly talking fried chicken here — I also have to give the nod to Popeyes. Both have really delicious Cajun-seasoned chicken. But the one-two punch of seasoning plus a crispy exterior really sets Popeyes apart, even though we'd highly suggest avoiding the chain's signature Sweet Heat sauce. 

From our research, Redditors tend to agree. "Popeyes takes Bojangles out back and sends it into the drive-through in the sky," one Redditor says. "Not even close." Another Redditor agrees, "... I like the options at Popeyes so much more, and the chicken itself is exactly how I like my fried chicken." That said, most commenters tend to agree that Bojangles takes the biscuit crown and it's not that close. We're not shocked about that, as Bojangles takes its biscuit making very seriously. 

Data shows that only Chick-fil-A makes more income annually than Popeyes, so it's no surprise this Cajun fried chicken chain has plenty of fans who love its savory and spicy chicken. Bojangles is absolutely a worthy competitor — especially when it comes to its breakfast and sides — but the fried chicken itself isn't quite up to Popeyes' level.