Jollibee, the beloved Filipino fast-food chain, has officially cemented its place in American hearts and taste buds. For the second consecutive year, USA Today has named Jollibee the Best Fast Food Fried Chicken in the USA, a title that has sparked pride among its global fan base and surprise across the fast-food world.
In a competitive field dominated by giants like KFC, Popeyes, Chick-fil-A, and Raising Cane’s, Jollibee has stood out not just as a foreign brand in a crowded U.S. market, but as a clear favorite among fried chicken lovers.
The announcement came as part of USA Today’s 2025 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, where readers across the country voted for their favorite fried chicken chain. Once again, Jollibee soared to the top spot, impressing voters with its juicy, crispy Chickenjoy the brand’s signature item.
Jollibee first entered the U.S. market in 1998, opening its first store in Daly City, California. At that time, it primarily served Filipino-American communities, offering a taste of home. But over the last decade, the brand has expanded aggressively and introduced a broader American audience to its bold, flavorful menu.
What sets Jollibee apart from its competitors is its unique Filipino-style fried chicken, marinated in a secret blend of spices and served with either a rich gravy or sweet-style spaghetti another fan favorite. The Chickenjoy, known for its crispy outside and juicy inside, has become the star of the show in every Jollibee location across the U.S.
By combining a joyful brand image, flavorful dishes, and cultural authenticity, Jollibee has succeeded in doing what few international chains can win over American palates on their own terms.
USA Today’s 10Best rankings are not decided by critics or food editors alone. They rely heavily on public voting, which means Jollibee’s win is a true reflection of consumer preference. Fans across the country both Filipino and non-Filipino came out in full force to support the brand.
The win is particularly impressive considering the strong competition. American fast food chains have long been obsessed with perfecting fried chicken. Yet, in this year’s rankings, Jollibee managed to outshine traditional favorites like Chick-fil-A, Bojangles, Zaxby’s, Wingstop, and even Popeyes, which is often praised for its crispy southern-style chicken.
Jollibee’s growing social media presence and viral food reviews have also played a role. Online food influencers and YouTube personalities have frequently featured the chain in taste tests, helping introduce it to millions of viewers who may never have heard of it before.
At the center of Jollibee’s U.S. success is the Chickenjoy meal a simple, yet expertly crafted dish. The fried chicken is marinated for hours, hand-breaded, and deep-fried to golden perfection. It is served with warm gravy that customers often rave about. Many say it has the ideal balance of crispiness and tenderness, with just the right hint of spice.
Customers can order it as a solo item or as part of combo meals, often paired with sweet-style spaghetti, buttery mashed potatoes, or steamed rice. The chain also offers family buckets, catering to gatherings and celebrations a strategy that aligns perfectly with its family-friendly branding.
This year’s back-to-back win shows that Americans are not only willing to try something new they are eager to return for more.
While the fried chicken grabs headlines, Jollibee’s menu also includes several standout items, from the Yumburger to the Peach Mango Pie. These Filipino-inspired dishes offer a unique blend of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors that distinguish Jollibee from other fast food brands.
For many Filipinos in the U.S., Jollibee offers more than just food. It’s a piece of home, a comfort, and a place where culture and nostalgia meet. For non-Filipinos, it’s a flavorful discovery that breaks away from the usual fast-food routine.
The brand has mastered the art of blending cultural heritage with mainstream appeal, which helps explain its rapid rise and customer loyalty.
With more than 90 stores now open across North America, Jollibee is pushing forward with its expansion plans. Major cities like New York, Los Angeles, Houston, Las Vegas, and Seattle already have Jollibee locations, but the chain has announced plans to open more than 500 U.S. stores in the coming years.
New drive-thru models, modern interiors, and expanded delivery services are also part of Jollibee’s U.S. strategy. The company hopes to go head-to-head with legacy American fast food brands and continue gaining ground in the highly competitive quick-service restaurant space.
Parent company Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC) has made it clear that its long-term vision is to become one of the top five restaurant companies in the world. With successful brands under its belt including Smashburger, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, and Chowking JFC is building a powerful portfolio.
This latest award from USA Today adds momentum to those goals, proving that Jollibee can not only survive in the U.S. market, but thrive as a top player.
Social media exploded with excitement after the announcement. Filipino communities worldwide expressed pride in the recognition, calling it a “win for Filipino food.” Many fans shared their own stories of introducing Jollibee to friends and family, highlighting the emotional connection tied to the brand.
Photos of Chickenjoy buckets, peach mango pies, and celebratory meals flooded platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and TikTok. For loyal customers, the award wasn’t a surprise just confirmation of what they already believed.
Jollibee’s back-to-back win as USA Today’s Best Fast Food Fried Chicken is more than just a title. It marks a shift in the American fast-food scene, where international flavors are no longer niche they’re now leading the pack.
From a small Filipino chain to an international fast-food powerhouse, Jollibee’s journey has been fueled by heart, flavor, and the power of community. As it continues to grow across the United States, it’s clear that Jollibee isn’t just here to stay it’s here to win.
With two straight years at the top, the question now is simple: Can anyone beat Chickenjoy next year?
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