The hen franchise scene is scorching — iconic legacy manufacturers like Popeyes, KFC, and Wingstop proceed dominating with confirmed programs and widespread recognition, whereas quick‑informal newcomers are carving out their area of interest with daring flavors and trendy ideas. Mixed, these high contenders supply entrepreneurs a robust combine of brand name energy, operational help, and excessive shopper demand, making chicken-centric franchising one of many hottest progress sectors in meals service at the moment.
The manufacturers on this listing earned their spot on Entrepreneur’s 2025 Franchise 500, our annual rating of the strongest franchise programs, primarily based on components like unit progress, model stability and monetary efficiency. Whether or not you are searching for a globally acknowledged identify or a rising idea with momentum, these hen franchises signify among the greatest alternatives within the trade proper now.
Associated: Contemplating franchise possession? Get began now to search out your customized listing of franchises that match your way of life, pursuits and price range.
1. Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen
Based: 1972Franchising since: 1976Overall rank: 4Number of items: 4,796Change in items: +34.2% over 3 yearsInitial funding: $471,000 – $3,875,700Leadership: Jeff Klein, PresidentParent firm: Restaurant Manufacturers Int’l.
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, ranked #4 in Entrepreneur’s 2025 Franchise 500, boasts practically 4,800 items within the U.S. and 35+ international locations — up 34% in three years — backed by robust model help, entrepreneurial steering, and sturdy coaching packages. In a savvy progress transfer, Popeyes has expanded into airports and faculty campuses to construct model affinity in excessive‑site visitors areas, complementing its viral hen sandwich and new wings lineup
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2. Wingstop
Based: 1994Franchising since: 1998Overall rank: 11Number of items: 2,352Change in items: +44.8% over 3 yearsInitial funding: $259,400 – $912,100Leadership: Michael Skipworth, President & CEOParent firm: Wingstop Eating places Inc.
Wingstop has soared to greater than 2,350 areas worldwide, fueled by its well-known wings, streamlined operations and daring digital technique. With a low-labor mannequin and powerful unit economics, the model has grown practically 45% prior to now three years. Ranked #11 on Entrepreneur’s 2025 Franchise 500, Wingstop helps franchisees with complete coaching and expansive territory rights. It is a favourite amongst multi-unit operators because of its scalable setup and deal with taste innovation.
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3. KFC
Based: 1930Franchising since: 1952Overall rank: 21Number of items: 30,680Change in items: +19.5% over 3 yearsInitial funding: $1,852,825 – $3,771,550Leadership: Tarun Lal, PresidentParent firm: Yum! Manufacturers Inc.
KFC stays probably the most iconic names in quick meals, with an enormous world presence and a menu constructed round its signature authentic recipe. Backed by many years of brand name recognition, franchisees achieve entry to sturdy coaching, proprietary programs and ongoing area help. Whereas the funding is critical, the model gives unmatched scale and endurance. For entrepreneurs in search of a legacy identify with world attain, KFC, #21 on the 2025 Francise 500, continues to be a high contender.
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4. Slim Chickens
Based: 2003Franchising since: 2011Overall rank: 81Number of items: 251Change in items: +109.2% over 3 yearsInitial funding: $1,522,900 – $4,439,000Leadership: Sam Rothschild, COO & PartnerParent firm: Slim Chickens
Slim Chickens brings Southern consolation meals to the fast-casual area, serving recent, hand-breaded tenders, wings, and hen & waffles alongside signature dipping sauces and indulgent jar desserts. Since launching its franchise program in 2011, the model has grown to over 250 areas with robust momentum in each the U.S. and worldwide markets. Backed by sturdy coaching, advertising and marketing help and a hospitality-driven tradition, Slim Chickens appeals to franchisees searching for a contemporary, scalable idea with loyal followers — recognized affectionately as “Slimthusiasts.“
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5. Golden Chick
Based: 1967Franchising since: 1972Overall rank: 92Number of items: 231Change in items: +12.7% over 3 yearsInitial funding: $810,250 – $1,852,800Leadership: Mark Parmerlee, CEOParent firm: Golden Franchising Corp.
Golden Chick is a seasoned Southern-style hen franchise with roots courting again to 1967. Identified for its signature hand-breaded Golden Tenders, the model has constructed a loyal following throughout the South and Midwest. With greater than 230 areas and counting, Golden Chick gives franchisees robust operational help, complete coaching and advertising and marketing steering. It is a strong choice for each first-time homeowners and skilled operators searching for a reliable, scalable enterprise with regional appeal.
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6. Zaxby’s
Based: 1990Franchising since: 1994Overall rank: 109Number of items: 960Change in items: +5.7% over 3 yearsInitial funding: $1,406,700 – $3,323,200Leadership: Mike Mettler, CDOParent firm: Zaxby’s SPE Franchisor LLC
Zaxby’s stands out within the fast-casual hen area with its crave-worthy hen fingers, wings, hearty sandwiches, and signature “Zalads,” all paired with daring dipping sauces. With practically 1,000 areas — predominantly within the Southern U.S. — Zaxby’s ranked #109 in Entrepreneur’s 2025 Franchise 500 and continues to climb. Franchisees obtain robust help, from website choice and coaching to advertising and marketing and proprietary tech. Identified for its hospitality and neighborhood focus, it is a strong selection for operators eyeing recent fast-casual progress.
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7. Bojangles
Based: 1977Franchising since: 1978Overall rank: 145Number of items: 813Change in items: +4.9% over 3 yearsInitial funding: $720,220 – $3,779,700Leadership: Jose Armario, CEOParent firm: The Jordan Firm & Durational Capital Administration LP
Bojangles makes a speciality of Cajun-seasoned fried hen and buttermilk biscuits, constructing a loyal following since its 1977 debut in Charlotte. The model ranks #145 on Entrepreneur’s 2025 Franchise 500 and has expanded to greater than 800 areas with regular multi-year progress. Franchisees profit from complete help—together with website choice, in-depth coaching, advertising and marketing help, and proprietary instruments — together with robust neighborhood branding rooted in Southern hospitality, making it a standout alternative within the fast-food hen class.
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8. Chester’s
Based: 1952Franchising since: 2004Overall rank: 237Number of items: 1,062Change in items: -16% over 3 yearsInitial funding: $27,500 – $296,500Leadership: Wynn Giles, Managing DirectorParent firm: N/A
Chester’s brings recent, never-frozen, double-breaded fried hen to comfort shops, supermarkets, and journey stops throughout the U.S., utilizing a secret household recipe that is constructed a loyal following. With over 1,000 areas, the model has turn out to be a staple in high-traffic, nontraditional venues. Ranked #237 on Entrepreneur’s 2025 Franchise 500, Chester’s gives streamlined startup prices, robust coaching, advertising and marketing help and a recognizable “Fried With Love” id — best for operators in search of a easy, scalable hen idea.
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9. Church’s Texas Hen
Based: 1952Franchising since: 1969Overall rank: 402Number of items: 1,532Change in items: +5.4% over 3 yearsInitial funding: $648,866 – $1,896,300Leadership: Roland Gonzalez, CEOParent firm: Cajun World LLC
Church’s Texas Hen brings daring, bone‑in fried hen, honey‑butter biscuits, and flavorful sides to excessive‑site visitors areas like malls, comfort stops, and drive‑ins. Launched in 1952 in San Antonio, it has grown steadily to over 1,500 items throughout greater than 20 international locations. Ranked #402 on Entrepreneur’s 2025 Franchise 500, the model combines legacy attraction with trendy progress help — actual‑property experience, thorough coaching, advertising and marketing instruments and supply-chain backing — providing entrepreneurs a resilient, hospitality-driven funding in consolation‑meals franchising.
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10. Dave’s Sizzling Hen
Based: 2018Franchising since: 2019Overall rank: 453Number of items: 211Change in items: +1,072.2% over 3 yearsInitial funding: $619,800 – $1,963,000Leadership: Invoice Phelps, CEOParent firm: Roark Capital
Dave’s Sizzling Hen has ignited a foodie frenzy with its Nashville‑type sizzling hen tenders and sliders, provided in seven spice ranges and paired with easy sides like mac-and-cheese. Since franchising started in 2019, it is surged to over 200 U.S. areas and climbed into Entrepreneur’s 2025 Franchise 500, rating #453 — up practically 30 spots — because of explosive unit progress and viral attraction. Backed by celeb traders and now owned by Roark Capital, Dave’s brings daring taste and powerful franchise help to hot-casual hen fans.
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