Crispy, juicy, and savory,fried chickenis one of the most quintessential comfort foods.
Just look at Chick-fil-A and Popeyes.
Meanwhile, Chick-fil-A’s market share increased from 38.3% to 45.5% last year.
Top: Keith Homan / Shutterstock; Bottom: Bruce VanLoon / Shutterstock
Regardless of the numbers, it would be an understatement to say Chick-fil-A and Popeyes have loyal customer followings.
Here are eight major differences between the two chains.
Store footprint
Chick-fil-A operatesmore than 3,000 restaurantsacross North America while Popeyes hasover 2,700.
rblfmr / Shutterstock
Venture outside of the continent, and the chains' footprints look a bit different.
Popeyes boastsmore than 1,000 locationsoutside of the U.S., adding 13 international markets since 2021, according toQSR Magazine.
Chick-fil-A’s international presence only exists in Canada, which is currently home to13 restaurant locations.
Jonathan Weiss / Shutterstock
Going forward, the fast-food chain plans to expand in Europe and Asia in 2025.
Then, by 2030, the chain aims to open locations in additional international markets.
Chick-fil-A has been famously closed on this day of the week since opening its first restaurant in 1946.
Shutterstock
Despite these commonalities, each chicken hotspot does its food a little differently.
For one,Popeyes' menushowcases Cajun flavors, which is no surprise since the chain istheLouisiana Kitchen.
Chick-fil-A does offer one kind of chicken that its rival can’t matchthe non-fried kind.
Photo: Deutschlandreform / Shutterstock
Its customers can opt for grilled chicken instead, which is available on a sandwich or in nugget form.
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a single non-fried chicken item at Popeyes.
Even the non-breaded blackened chicken is fried, according to the website.
Photo: Chick-fil-A / Facebook
Popeyes vs. KFC: Which Has the Best Bone-In Fried Chicken?
A few options include Cajun Fries, Mashed Potatoes with Cajun Gravy, and Red Beans & Rice.
Some menu options may differ based on your location.
Popeyes
Beverage options
Want to pair your chicken sandwich with a milkshake?
Chick-fil-A is the spot for you.
Other Chick-fil-A-specific sips include frosted lemonade and frosted coffee.
Photo: Marouanesitti / Shutterstock
Popeyes doesn’t offer these frosty treats, with its beverage menu only including soft drinks and lemonade.
Take Chick-fil-A, for example.
Chick-fil-Adescribesthis signature sauce as having “notes of mustard and a smoky tang.”
Customers progress to new membership tiers as they spend money at the chain.
This allows them to gain access to various perks.
