Last Updated on April 19, 2024 by Shari Mason
Chick-fil-A and Raising Cane’s are top competitors in the chicken and fast-food industry.
Both of these chains have their merits, but which one is better?
In the battle, Raising Cane’s vs Chick-fil-A, we dine in and compare the two chains’ menu offerings, prices, and overall dining experience.
Raising Cane’s & Chick-fil-A: The Great Chicken War
A new competitor has entered the arena in the age-old question of which is better, Raising Cane or Chick-fil-A. Both chicken strip chains have devoted fans, but only one can emerge victorious in this battle.
Chick-fil-A has over 2,000 locations in the United States, compared to Raising Cane’s just over 700. Moreover, Raising Cane’s is often considered a Southern fast-food chain than Chick-fil-A.
While Chick-fil-A and Raising Cane offer a variety of chicken-based items, the former’s menu is slightly more extensive.
The restaurant offers signature chicken sandwiches, waffle-styled french fries, crispy chicken tenders, Chick-fil-A sauce, wraps, salads, and breakfast meal items.
Chick-fil-A stands out as a beacon of quality and flavor.
-Eat Pallet Restaurant & Food Advice
As for quality, both restaurants use fresh, hormone-free chicken in their dishes. However, Chick-fil-A’s chicken has an advantage since it’s fried in peanut oil.
You may also want to check out our Culver’s and In-N-Out comparison here.
Comparing Their Key Differences
Popularity
Chick-fil-A is generally considered more popular than Raising Cane’s due to its more prominent presence and broader recognition across the United States.
Chick-fil-A has over 2,600 locations in 47 states, while Raising Cane’s has around 712 locations in 38 states.
Additionally, Chick-fil-A has been around since 1946 and has had more time to establish itself as a popular fast-food chain.
However, Raising Cane’s has a loyal following and is known for its undeniably delicious meals, so it remains a popular choice among those who have tried it.
Location
Chick-fil-A has more stores and locations than Raising Cane’s. Chick-fil-A has over 2,600 locations in 47 states while Raising Cane’s has around 500 locations in 28 states.
It means Chick-fil-A is more widely available and accessible to customers across the United States.
Menu Offerings
Chick-fil-A offers an expandable section of menu items than Raising Cane’s. Raising Cane’s offers diner-like menu options, while Chick-fil-A has a wide selection of meals to eat, from breakfast to dinner.
We frequently order chicken sandwiches, chicken tenders, nuggets in honey mustard, chicken strips, waffle fries, breakfast options, salads, and sides such as mac and cheese and fruit cups.
On the other hand, Raising Cane’s menu is more focused, and we like their famous chicken tenders, crinkle-cut fries, coleslaw, Texas toast, and Cane’s sauce.
While Raising Cane’s has a devoted following that appreciates the simplicity and quality of their menu, Chick-fil-A’s broad selection and innovative menu options are a plus.
Drinks Menu
Raising Cane’s offers limited drinks, such as lemonade, iced tea, and regular fountain drinks in only one size.
Chick-fil-A has a wider variety of different-sized drinks, including milkshakes, coffee, juice, and specialty beverages like frosted lemonade and peach tea lemonade.
Raising Cane Sauce vs Chick-Fil-A Sauce
Chick-fil-A has a broader selection of sauces, which include Polynesian, Chick-fil-A, Buffalo, and their signature Chick-fil-A sauce, a unique taste of sweet honey mustard and barbecue sauce.
We have tasted every sauce, and we recommend you try their signature Chick-fil-A sauce. I even dipped my bread in their signature sauces.
On the other hand, Raising Cane’s offers the signature Cane’s sauce, a tangy mix of mayo, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and spices.
They also have the honey mustard sauce, which we like to dunk our chicken tenders.
Specialty Orders
Raising Cane’s and Chick-fil-A are popular fast-food chains specializing in different fried chicken genres.
Raising Cane’s signature dish is the Box Combo, which consists of four chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries, coleslaw, Texas toast, and Raising Cane’s sauce.
Chick-fil-A’s signature dish is the Original Chicken Sandwich, which features a tender boneless chicken breast, pickles, and a buttered bun.
However, both chains also have secret menus that offer variations of their regular items, such as the Caniac Combo at Raising Cane’s and the Spicy Char at Chick-fil-A.
Product Quality
Chick-fil-A has the upper hand in product quality over Raising Cane’s. It offers more variety, freshness, and flavor in its chicken meal.
We also did a poll in our tasting group to check out which chicken place is the best. Chick-fil-A took the cake with over 91%, whereas Raising Cane’s had 9%.
Raising Cane’s chicken fingers tends to be dry and bland, so I wonder if I got a bad batch.
We ordered another set of chicken fingers, which are now hot and moist. We also like Raising Cane’s crinkle-cut fries, which are crispy on the outside but soft on the inside.
Chick-fil-A also has better sauces, sides, and desserts than Raising Cane’s. Their chicken tenders are juicy, crispy, and full of flavor. You should try and dip their bread in their sauce.
Price
Raising Cane’s chicken tenders combo with fries, coleslaw, Texas toast, and drinks are cheaper than Chick-fil-A.
Chick-fil-A offers sandwiches, waffle fries, chicken fingers, nuggets, wraps, salads, and desserts at a great value.
Cheaper is not always better, though. You should also consider the food’s quality, taste, and nutrition.
Dining Experience & Services
Raising Cane’s restaurants have a straightforward design, emphasizing drive-thru and takeout orders. Their meal is simple and consistent, which we appreciate, and their atmosphere is relaxed and casual.
However, I noticed that most of their crews could be more friendly and welcoming, so that’s a minus for Raising Cane’s.
“No goal is too high if we climb with care and confidence.”
– S. Truett Cathy, Founder of Chick-fil-A
On the other hand, Chick-fil-A is known for its friendly and courteous staff. We had an exceptional dining experience at their Atlanta restaurant. They offer indoor and outdoor seating options, creating a more upscale feel.
Controversy
Chick-fil-A has faced backlash for Dan Cathy and his foundation’s donations to anti-LGBTQ+ groups and its stance on same-sex marriage. It has also been criticized for its labor practices and environmental impact.
Raising Cane has been accused of mistreating and underpaying employees. As a result, it has implemented new policies to improve employee treatment and pay.
FAQs
u003cstrongu003eIs Chick-fil-A Raising Cane’s biggest competitor?u003c/strongu003e
Yes, Chick-fil-A has been recognized as one of Raising Cane’s biggest competitors. Chick-fil-A’s crunchy and tender chicken nuggets and crispy, perfectly salted waffle fry are at par with the famous Raising Cane’s chicken tenders, crinkle fries, and Texas toast.
u003cstrongu003eWhich came first, Chick-fil-A or Raising Cane’s?u003c/strongu003e
Chick-fil-A came first. Its first restaurant opened in 1946 by S. T. Cathy as The Dwarf Grill, while Raising Cane’s was founded by Todd Graves in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in 1996 [u003ca href=u0022https://www.raisingcanes.com/who-we-are/u0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noreferrer noopeneru0022u003e1u003c/au003e].
u003cstrongu003eIs Raising Cane’s healthier than Chick-fil-A?u003c/strongu003e
No, Raising Cane’s is not healthier than a Chick-fil-A meal. Its three chicken fingers have 390 calories, 15 grams of carbohydrates, and 18 grams of fat, while Chick-fil-A’s serving of 3 Piece chicken strips has 310 calories, with 14 grams of fat and 16 grams of carbohydrates [u003ca href=u0022https://fastfoodnutrition.org/raising-canes/chicken-fingersu0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noreferrer noopeneru0022u003e2u003c/au003e].
Final Verdict
Chick-fil-A [3] emerged as the clear winner when we compared these two competing restaurants. Its varied menu offerings, numerous locations across the US and abroad, and healthier options make it hard to beat.
Don’t get us wrong, because Raising Cane’s sells great chicken fingers [4]. Some customers may still prefer the simplicity and consistency of a Raising Cane meal.
However, others may appreciate Chick-fil-A’s diversity, customization, food quality, and ready-to-eat meals.
References:
- https://www.raisingcanes.com/who-we-are/
- https://fastfoodnutrition.org/raising-canes/chicken-fingers
- https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/food/2023/09/19/chick-fil-a-uk-restaurants/70899610007/
- https://www.mcall.com/2023/09/18/raising-canes-second-lehigh-valley-location/
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I don’t know what Raising Canes you ate at, but we recently got a one in East Lansing, MI, which is an hour from where I live. We stopped there to eat because we were in town for my niece’s college graduation. The first thing that we noticed was how HOT and JUICY the chicken fingers were! We actually were back in town today for another event and decided to go there for dinner. Once again they did not disappoint! Hot, moist chicken fingers, perfectly cooked crinkle-cut fries: crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside, and perfectly toasted Texas toast with just the right amount of butter and garlic. And that sauce! It is SO GOOD! I even dip my bread in it! We never eat at Chic-Fil-A because not only because we dislike their food, but we also don’t care for their ethics.