With so many chicken places within walking distance, which one is overall the best?
Which chicken places people prefer will always be a massive debate among college students. Everyone seems to back their opinion with fire and confidence, as they believe their place of choice is superior in every way.
Here at APU, we are blessed to have three great options all within walking distance. Chick-Fil-A, Raising Cane’s and Popeyes are all popular among the APU student body. But, which does the general public prefer? To find out, I asked around campus and took various polls to gauge the most unbiased opinion of as many students as possible.
From my poll, there was a standout winner. Out of 120 people polled, 74 picked Chick-Fil-A as the best chicken place out of the three. In second place, much closer than I thought, was Raising Cane’s with 46 votes. And in dead last, with three votes, Popeyes.
To be honest, this response came as no surprise to me, as I believe Chick-Fil-A is by far the best chicken place out of the three. Not only does Chick-Fil-A have a variety of options, but its pricing is great, the food is fantastic, the rewards program is the best around and its service is A+. Chick-fil-A would rank as #1 in fast food for me.
To many reading this, seeing Chick-Fil-A in the #1 spot is also no surprise, as it’s a fan favorite. Despite Chick-Fil-A’s exceptional performance in polling, it did not run away completely with first place. Raising Cane’s was only 28 votes back, a strong second.
Raising Cane’s has a lot of things going for it as well. Their chicken and fries are solid, and for many, the bread and sauce are what makes it such a special franchise. Without these two staples, Raising Cane’s would be nothing. I have had various encounters with fellow students where they have passionately expressed their love for the Texas Toast and sauce at Cane’s, something that wouldn’t typically evoke passion, but I guess Raising Cane’s has a special aura.
In dead last: Popeyes. Now, to be fair, I am not the person to speak on Popeyes, as I rarely eat there. Yet, for those of you who voted Popeyes as the best, my respect for the spicy chicken sandwich is high. Other than that, I don’t see the appeal.
Now, although it seems the APU student body is set on Chick-Fil-A, it is still important to investigate some other factors in this chicken debate. For example, bang for your buck is key.
Coming in last is Chick-Fil-A. A sandwich meal, combined with fries and a fountain drink, typically costs about $8.50. This is a solid price, but the amount of food isn’t great.
Second is Popeyes. The average chicken sandwich meal is about $8, which is served with a side, biscuit and a drink. With a lower price than Chick-Fil-A, and more food, the bang for your buck is much higher.
Finishing first is Raising Cane’s. With the average box combo priced at about $8.60, served with toast, fries, chicken and a drink, this combo is legendary. Although it’s a bit more expensive, the calories consumed for about $9 are absurd. I have never finished a Raising Cane’s meal feeling hungry. Cane’s has the best value without a doubt.
All that said, get out there and try each restaurant if you haven’t already. Each chain has a variety of chicken that is incredible and unique — try them for yourself!