Unearth The Voyage
Colorado is home to some of the best chicken chains in the country, and the good news is you don’t have to wait until tomorrow to enjoy them. From crispy Nashville-style heat to Korean fried perfection, the Front Range is packed with spots serving up juicy, flavorful chicken right now. Whether you’re craving classic comfort food or something bold and adventurous, these 16 chains are ready to satisfy your appetite tonight.
1. Raising Cane’s
Hand-battered chicken fingers arrive hot and crispy, paired with crinkle-cut fries and buttery Texas toast that soaks up every bit of flavor. The real star? Cane’s Sauce, a tangy, slightly sweet dip that keeps people coming back for more.
Lines stretch out the door at peak hours, but the wait moves fast because the menu is simple and the kitchen runs like clockwork. You’ll find locations across the Front Range, from Denver and Colorado Springs to Fort Collins, Lakewood, Thornton, and Parker.
If you’re looking for no-frills chicken done right, Cane’s delivers every single time without any unnecessary extras.
2. Chick-fil-A
Everyone knows the chicken sandwich that started it all. Tender, juicy chicken breast on a toasted bun with just pickles is a formula that works, and Chick-fil-A has perfected it over decades.
Nuggets and waffle fries round out the menu, and the customer service is famously polite and efficient. Colorado boasts dozens of locations, from Colorado Springs to Highlands Ranch and Aurora, making it easy to grab dinner on your way home.
Whether you’re a sandwich loyalist or a nugget fan, Chick-fil-A remains a reliable choice that never disappoints. Just remember, they’re closed on Sundays.
3. Wingstop
Sauce lovers, this is your spot. Wingstop offers more than 11 flavors, ranging from tangy Lemon Pepper to fiery Atomic, so you can customize your heat level and taste profile with every order.
Wings arrive crispy and generously coated, and the fries are seasoned to perfection. Multiple Colorado stores across Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, and beyond keep traffic steady every night of the week.
If you like variety and bold flavors, Wingstop gives you plenty of options to explore. Grab a combo and try a few different sauces to find your favorite.
4. Buffalo Wild Wings
Game day wouldn’t be the same without Buffalo Wild Wings. With 30-plus Colorado locations, B-Dubs is the go-to spot for wings, boneless bites, and plenty of big screens to catch every play.
The menu is massive, with traditional and boneless options tossed in sauces that range from sweet to scorching. Pair your wings with loaded nachos or a burger, and you’ve got a full meal that satisfies a crowd.
B-Dubs thrives on energy and atmosphere, making it perfect for watch parties or casual dinners with friends who love sports.
5. Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen
That crispy chicken sandwich took the nation by storm, and for good reason. The breading is crunchy, the chicken is juicy, and the pickles and sauce add just the right amount of tang and spice.
Spicy tenders and classic bone-in chicken are equally delicious, and the biscuits are buttery and flaky. Popeyes operates across the Front Range, including Denver, Aurora, Colorado Springs, and Pueblo.
If you want bold Louisiana flavors without leaving Colorado, Popeyes brings the heat and the hospitality every single time you visit.
6. KFC
Original Recipe or Extra Crispy? The choice is yours, but either way, KFC’s buckets and bowls have been feeding families for generations. The secret blend of 11 herbs and spices remains unmatched in the fast-food world.
Mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and mac and cheese make perfect sides, and the Famous Bowl packs everything into one satisfying dish. KFC locations span the Denver metro and beyond, making it a statewide staple.
Even with newer hot-chicken players in town, KFC holds its ground as a reliable classic that everyone knows and loves.
7. Dave’s Hot Chicken
Nashville-style heat has officially arrived in Colorado, and Dave’s Hot Chicken is leading the charge. Crispy tenders and sliders come with heat levels ranging from mild to Reaper, which is not for the faint of heart.
The chicken is juicy under a crunchy coating, and the spice builds with every bite. Dave’s has planted roots along the Front Range, including Colorado Springs and multiple Denver-area shops, as part of a 2025 growth spurt.
If you love spicy food and want to test your limits, Dave’s Hot Chicken is the place to go tonight.
8. Slim Chickens
Tenders are the main event here, and Slim Chickens does them right. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and served with a choice of 17-plus sauces that cover every flavor profile imaginable.
Mason-jar desserts like chocolate cake and banana pudding add a sweet finish to your meal. Several Colorado restaurants now operate across the Denver metro and along the Front Range.
Slim Chickens brings Southern hospitality to Colorado with a menu that’s simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor. Grab a combo and try a few sauces to find your new favorite.
9. Birdcall (Colorado-born)
A local success story, Birdcall started in Colorado and has since expanded to Arizona and Texas. All-natural chicken sandwiches and salads are the focus, with fresh ingredients and bold flavors that stand out.
The menu is designed for quick service without sacrificing quality, and the chicken is never frozen. Multiple Colorado storefronts make it easy to grab a healthy, flavorful meal on the go.
Supporting a Colorado-born brand feels good, and the food tastes even better. Birdcall proves that fast food doesn’t have to mean sacrificing quality or flavor.
10. The Post Chicken & Beer (Colorado-born)
Gluten-free fried chicken paired with house-brewed beer? Yes, please. The Post Chicken & Beer brings a unique twist to the chicken scene, making it a favorite for those with dietary restrictions and beer lovers alike.
Active locations include Boulder, Lafayette, Longmont, Estes Park, and Denver’s Rosedale neighborhood. The Fort Collins outpost closed, but the rest are going strong and packed on weekends.
The chicken is crispy, flavorful, and 100 percent gluten-free, proving that you don’t have to compromise on taste. Pair it with a cold craft beer for the ultimate Colorado dining experience.
11. Music City Hot Chicken (Colorado-born)
Colorado’s original hot-chicken specialist has been serving up Nashville-style heat since 2016. Music City Hot Chicken draws nightly crowds at two Fort Collins shops and one in Denver, with heat levels that cater to everyone.
The chicken is brined, fried, and coated with cayenne-based spice blends that deliver serious flavor and heat. Pickles and white bread help cool things down between bites.
If you want authentic Nashville hot chicken without leaving Colorado, Music City Hot Chicken is the real deal. Start with mild and work your way up to the hottest level if you dare.
12. Wing Shack (Northern Colorado-born)
A Northern Colorado favorite since 2004, Wing Shack has expanded to more than a dozen locations across Greeley, Loveland, Windsor, Fort Collins, Longmont, Johnstown, Brighton, Boulder, and even Cheyenne.
Wings come in a variety of flavors, and the portions are generous. The casual atmosphere makes it a great spot for families, groups, and anyone who loves good wings without the fuss.
Wing Shack’s growth proves that quality and consistency matter, and locals keep coming back for more. Stop by tonight and see why this NoCo chain has earned its loyal following.
13. Bonchon (Korean fried chicken)
Double-fried, ultra-crisp Korean-style chicken has a dedicated following at Bonchon’s Denver locations in Central Park/Northfield and Buchtel. The frying technique creates an incredibly crunchy exterior while keeping the meat juicy inside.
Soy garlic and spicy flavors are the classics, and the wings and drumsticks are coated in sticky, flavorful sauces. Pair your chicken with pickled radish and rice for a complete meal.
Bonchon brings authentic Korean fried chicken to Colorado, and once you try it, you’ll understand why people rave about it. The crunch alone is worth the trip.
14. Church’s Texas Chicken
Yes, Church’s is in Colorado, currently operating in Denver and Commerce City. The chicken is bold, peppery, and full of flavor, with a crispy coating that delivers a satisfying crunch.
Honey-Butter Biscuits are legendary, sweet and buttery with a tender, flaky texture. Sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and mac and cheese round out the meal perfectly.
Church’s Texas Chicken brings Southern comfort food to Colorado, and the flavors are as bold as they come. Stop by tonight and grab a bucket for the whole family.
15. Chicken N Pickle (new to Colorado)
Part chicken joint, part massive pickleball playground, Chicken N Pickle is unlike any other spot on this list. The first Colorado location opened in Thornton in 2025, and it’s been hopping ever since.
The menu features chicken sandwiches, wings, and salads, plus plenty of shareable appetizers perfect for groups. After you eat, grab a paddle and hit the courts for some friendly competition.
Chicken N Pickle combines food, fun, and fitness in one entertaining package. Whether you’re there to eat or play, you’re guaranteed a good time tonight.
16. Fire on the Mountain (Denver mini-chain)
Two Denver shops in Highlands and Wash Park sling crispy wings with a huge sauce list that covers every flavor imaginable. Whether you like sweet, spicy, tangy, or smoky, Fire on the Mountain has you covered.
Solid vegan options make this spot inclusive for everyone, and the wings are always cooked to perfection. Game nights pack the house, so arrive early or be ready to wait.
Fire on the Mountain is a Denver favorite for a reason, delivering consistent quality and flavor every single time. Grab a basket and settle in for a delicious evening.
