April 24, 2025
There’s something magical about fried chicken. Done right, and it’s just the perfect mix of crispy and crunchy, moist and juicy, with the kind of seasoning that sets your mouth a’tingle. While you can definitely make your own deliciously delectable versions of extra-crispy fried chicken at home, we know your favorite restaurant tastes better. Is it the fact that you’re not doing the work? That restaurants have had the time and experience to perfect procedures and recipes? Or maybe it’s the minimal dishes you have to do post-meal.
Whatever the reason, we have some good news for you: There are a number of fried chicken chains that are poised to make some major expansions in 2025 and beyond. Better yet? This could mean that you might soon have the opportunity to find a second favorite fried chicken chain when new locations open near you, and with so much to worry about in the world today, that’s a little bit of comfort that we can all appreciate.
While some of these announcements might leave you craving some more details, some fried chicken chains have announced what states will be targeted for 2025 expansions. Let’s talk about what we do know, what trends these chains are riding on, and talk a little bit about what each one is going to be bringing to a whole new audience.
Krispy Krunchy Chicken
The only thing better than fried chicken might be fried chicken tenders, and those are on the menu at Krispy Krunchy Chicken — along with some fried Cajun tenders that have to be tried to be believed. Add in those honey biscuits, and it’s no wonder that it’s such a fan favorite. In 2024, the chain opened an impressive 605 new locations.
If there’s not one near you, don’t worry. The Louisiana-based Krispy Krunchy Chicken has not only expanded its corporate footprint, but has set the goal of repeating 2024’s success and opening another 600 locations in 2025. Along with that, you’re likely to see the chain hitting marketing and promotions in a big way. As for where these stores are going to open, some will be popping up inside Walmart, and you’re also going to see increased availability on delivery apps.
At the time Krispy Krunchy Chicken announced its 2025 plans, it already had around 3,200 stores. About 500 of those had opted in to delivery apps, and with the wild success that those had seen, more are expected to follow. The chain reported that it had seen some major growth during the holiday seasons, and it makes sense — what brings a family together like fried chicken?
