This Growing Fried Chicken Chain Is One Of The Best In The Country, According To Reviews

When most Americans think of fried chicken chains, the usual names come to mind: Chick-fil-A, KFC, and Popeyes, Anthony Bourdain's favorite fast food chicken. But in recent years, another contender has been turning heads and earning rave reviews across the country and online: Jollibee, a Philippines-founded fast food brand with over 80 locations in the States.

Reviews of the Filipino chain range from happily satisfied to ecstatic, with one Reddit user claiming, "It's fantastic. No joke. I'm very glad I don't live near one. I would gain enough weight [to] be able to eat at Heart Attack Grill for free." Eating there for the first time, an Eater writer wrote that, "The subtly seasoned skin is as tectonically crunchy as advertised," while its gravy was no side, but an integral part of the meal. It's no wonder the chain describes its signature fried chicken dish as "Chickenjoy."

Head to TikTok and you'll see influencers drooling over the chain's chicken legs and thighs. "Jollibee's different, man," @jnov proclaims. "I don't know how they get it this perfect." Meanwhile, @s_johnson_voiceovers pronounced it to be "Some of the most crisp-pity, crackly chicken you're ever gonna find on the fast food side of things."

One reason Jollibee's fried chicken stands out is that it doesn't follow the traditional, "Southern-style" recipes. Its breading is lighter and crispier, and the seasoning is more savory-sweet. Many tasters think the fried chicken tastes so good because of secret umami ingredients, like MSG — Jollibee hasn't confirmed as such, however.

Founded in 1978 in the Philippines, Jollibee actually started as an ice cream parlor. Over the decades, the company grew into the nation's largest fast food chain, sometimes called the "McDonald's of the Philippines," and beloved for its playful branding and juicy chicken. When Jollibee entered the American market in the early 2010s, it first launched in Filipino-American communities, depending on word-of-mouth marketing.

Reviews from food critics and normies alike praise Jollibee's fried chicken as unique and deeply nostalgic. On Instagram, @iamgracioushaze writes, "@jollibee has always been part of my childhood memories." The flavor profiles and variety of dishes reflect Filipino comfort food traditions, including its signature dish, sweet spaghetti with hot dogs, and fried ube pie for dessert. Food is designed to be eaten with rice, and Jollibee's side of adobo rice is another crowd favorite. It's a comfort food made with day-old rice stir-fried with adobo sauce and chicken. And though it doesn't have anything like Chik-fil-A's Key Lime Frosted Lemonade, Jollibee boasts a delicious Pineapple Quencher.

In 2024 and 2025, Jollibee received the coveted honor of the best fast food fried chicken from USA Today. The Filipino-inspired themes of homey comfort and deeply felt communality are evident in its myriad dishes. For many people, Jollibee's success lies in the perception that its fried chicken tastes just like home.