Jollibee’s Chickenjoy has been named the best fast-food fried chicken in the United States for the second year in a row, according to USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. The results, announced on July 16, placed the Filipino fast-food chain ahead of major U.S. brands like Popeyes, Chick-fil-A, and KFC.
Chickenjoy, known for its crispy coating and juicy, flavorful meat, was chosen by both expert judges and public voters. It is often served with a signature gravy and reflects Jollibee’s blend of Filipino flavor and fast-food familiarity.
Ernesto Tanmantiong, CEO of Jollibee Group, said the win shows the brand’s global appeal. “This back-to-back win is a testament to Chickenjoy’s delicious taste that appeals to everyone across borders,” he stated.
Jollibee began in the Philippines in 1978 and opened its first U.S. branch in Daly City, California, in 1998. Today, the chain operates around 100 stores in North America and over 1,700 worldwide, making it the fastest-growing Asian restaurant company.
Alongside Chickenjoy, Jollibee’s menu features other Filipino-inspired items like Jolly Spaghetti and Peach Mango Pie, helping the chain stand out in a crowded U.S. market.
In this year’s rankings, Pollo Campero placed second, followed by Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken and Church’s Texas Chicken. Popeyes, Chick-fil-A, and KFC finished in the bottom three of the top ten.
The win adds to Chickenjoy’s growing list of awards. It was previously named Best Fast-Food Fried Chicken by Eater.com in 2022 and Best Chain Fried Chicken by Thrillist in 2021.
Fans online celebrated the win, with one user on X (formerly Twitter) calling it “Filipino-flavor world domination.”
Jollibee’s growing success is part of a larger global strategy. The company, which owns 19 brands and operates over 9,900 stores in 33 countries, reported a 14.6% revenue increase to $1.2 billion in the first quarter of 2025.
This latest recognition confirms Chickenjoy’s status not only as a top fast-food item but also as a symbol of Filipino pride on the global stage.
