Unearth The Voyage
Colorado’s chicken scene is booming, and locals know which spots are worth standing in line for. From crispy fried sandwiches to spicy Nashville-style heat, these chains have built loyal followings across the Front Range and beyond. Whether you crave all-natural ingredients or crave-worthy flavor bombs, these four chicken chains deliver every single time.
1. Birdcall
Colorado-born Birdcall has captured hearts with its all-natural chicken sandwiches and loaded tots that make every visit memorable. With ten locations now dotting the Front Range, including a brand-new Fort Collins spot that opened in 2025, this fast-casual favorite keeps expanding for good reason. Locals appreciate the crispy, hand-breaded tenders and creative sides that set Birdcall apart from typical chicken joints.
What really makes Birdcall special? You can even grab their food at Red Rocks Amphitheatre during concert season. Plus, a Wheat Ridge location near Clear Creek is coming by year’s end. The wait might test your patience, but that first bite of perfectly seasoned chicken makes it worthwhile every time.
2. Slim Chickens
Southern hospitality meets Colorado convenience at Slim Chickens, where buttermilk-marinated tenders steal the show. Hand-breaded to golden perfection, each piece comes with your choice from an impressive sauce lineup that turns every meal into a flavor adventure. Front Range residents from Aurora to Falcon have embraced this better-chicken concept wholeheartedly.
Multiple locations across Colorado Springs, Centennial, and Parker mean you’re never too far from satisfaction. The chain continues growing in 2025, proving that Coloradans can’t get enough of that crispy, tender bite. Lines form during peak hours, but regulars know the consistent quality and generous portions justify the short wait. That signature crunch keeps people coming back week after week.
3. Dave’s Hot Chicken
Spice lovers rejoice because Dave’s Hot Chicken brings authentic Nashville heat to Colorado with intensity levels ranging from mild to reaper. Fort Collins, Denver, and Colorado Springs locations serve up sandwiches and tenders that challenge your taste buds in the best possible way. Each bite delivers that addictive combination of crispy coating and fiery seasoning that’s earned cult-like devotion.
Broadway, Platte Street, and Interquest Parkway spots stay busy with crowds eager to test their spice tolerance. The flavor profile goes beyond simple heat, offering complex seasoning that keeps your palate engaged. Sure, you might wait fifteen minutes during rush hour, but watching others tackle the hottest levels provides free entertainment while you stand in line.
4. Chicken Salad Chick
Not every chicken chain needs a fryer to win hearts, as Chicken Salad Chick proves with its lighter, flavor-packed approach. Offering numerous chicken salad varieties from classic to adventurous, this concept appeals to diners seeking something beyond traditional fried fare. Six Colorado locations, including the newest Briargate spot in Colorado Springs, serve fresh sandwiches and satisfying sides that feel indulgent without the guilt.
Each flavor profile tells its own story, from fruity-nutty combinations to savory herb blends. The welcoming atmosphere and consistently fresh ingredients make this a lunch favorite among working professionals and families alike. Lines move quickly despite popularity, though peak lunch hours still require patience from devoted fans.
