The Midwest’s #1 Chicken Sandwich Chain Will Shock You

What’s more American than fireworks and cookouts? Fast food, obviously. And not just any fast food, chicken sandwiches. Because apparently, we’ve reached a point where deep-fried poultry is a full-blown personality trait.

What’s More Midwest Than a Chicken Sandwich?

Yelp recently dropped its first-ever list of the Top 20 Fast Food Chicken Sandwich Chains across the U.S., based on reviews, popularity, and our collective obsession with sauce-drenched fillets. According to Yelp, searches for “chicken sandwich” skyrocketed 125% since 2019, which honestly feels low.

So, who’s crushing the chicken game in the Midwest?

The Top 5 Midwest Chicken Sandwich Chains

According to Yelp, here’s who reigns supreme in our region:

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#5 Denny’s – Didn’t see that one coming. Are people just ordering chicken sandwiches at 3 am with their pancakes?

#4 Zaxby’s – Strong contender, but good luck finding one in Illinois.

#3 Wingstop – Saucy fingers, no regrets.

READ MORE: The 5 Unhealthiest Chicken Sandwiches Revealed

#2 Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen – My personal winner. That sandwich? Perfection.

And at number one,

#1 McDonald’s – Wait, really?

Yep, the Golden Arches claimed the crown, not just in the Midwest, but everywhere except the West. I guess we’re loving it more than we thought. Did you hear McDonald's brought back the Snack Wrap?

Can We Talk About This?

Every chain on the list (except Zaxby’s) has a home in the Rockford area, so feel free to judge them all equally. But McDonald’s over Popeye’s? Let’s hear it… who do YOU think really makes the best chicken sandwich? Sound off in the comments or on our socials. The debate is open, and we’re hungry.

READ MORE: 5 Best Places to Get Fried Chicken in the Rockford Area