KFC Vs Raising Cane's: Which Chicken Chain Is The Better Value?

Americans love chicken; poultry became the country's protein of choice in the 2010s. So in addition to convenient forms like Costco's cheap rotisserie chicken and frozen chicken nuggets, you can expect to find chicken in many fast food forms, too. Two widespread options include KFC and Raising Cane's; the Southern businesses both draw acclaim for their fried bird. So naturally, the question arises: Which chain serves the better value chicken?

Truth be told, the economics boil down to what you order. The two chains offer competitive pricing, with below $10 chicken meals available at each. If you're looking to get in and out the door spending the least on a meal, KFC has the better offerings. However, if you're after the absolutely best-priced chicken tenders, Raising Cane's takes the cake.

Keep in mind fast food prices vary significantly per region, so savings may not reflect in your area. Not to mention, KFC operates well over 3,000 outlets nationwide, while Raising Cane's has just short of 1,000 locations in 45 states — availability may skew the deals as well. Still, it's helpful to stop by either chain and know what's on offer.

KFC offers a wide breadth of fried chicken bites, ranging from the famous bowls (which you can make even tastier) to box meals, nuggets, sandwiches, and even pies. It's a considerably more expansive selection of food than at Raising Cane's. If you're simply after a bite of chicken, KFC offers lots to choose from for less than a $9.89 Three-Finger Combo, Raising Cane's lowest-priced offering.

For instance, you can get the two-piece chicken combo for  $7.59, a mac and cheese bowl for an affordable $6, or simply a 12-piece of nuggets for $6.99. There are also deals like the $7 box feast, which includes 5 nuggets, a KFC Snacker, fries, and a drink. 

The value continues comparing sandwich to sandwich. An a la carte chicken sandwich costs $5.29 at KFC, while the smaller KFC Snacker — a small bun stuffed with one tender — is priced at $2.99. Meanwhile, a standalone sandwich at Raising Cane's costs a steeper $7.79, although the dish is more filling than KFC's options.  

KFC runs frequent promotions, with items like the $4.99 Taste of KFC two-piece, not to mention it's easier to find a coupon for the chain. Raising Cane's does have a membership program, as well as a coupon here and there, but the scope of savings can't compete with KFC.

As opposed to KFC's more varied chicken options, Raising Cane's runs a more streamlined menu — a potential surprise during a first-time visit. It's all about tenders here, which are sold standalone, with sides, or in sandwich form.  So If you're after tasty breaded fingers, the chain's cheaper. The fried chicken bite sells for $1.99 standalone, as opposed to $2.39 at KFC. As part of a meal, the savings are slightly better at KFC: You can get three of the fried chicken pieces alongside fries, biscuit and a drink for $8.99. At Raising Cane's, a three-finger combo — which comes with a fountain drink, fries, Texas Toast, and the signature sauce — goes for a slightly steeper $9.89.

Where Raising Cane's really pulls ahead with savings is on bulk deals. KFC's standalone tenders go up to a 16-piece quantity for $33.99 a bag – that's $2.13 a tender. At Raising Cane's, however, you can order larger-quantity Tailgate Trays, which number up to 300 fingers per box. The more you buy, the better the savings: A 25-count works out to $1.68 a tender, while the 300 averages only a $1.40 strip. So if you're after the absolute best-value tender and nothing else, know that Raising Cane's is the spot.