1. Popeye’s
The hands-down winner for a high-decibel crunch and some fairly juicy flesh.
2. Pollo Campero
Good marks for crispness, but lacking the famous Latin flavor.
3. KFC
An unashamed judge immediately identified it as KFC, and then admitted it sent a Proustian shiver down his spine.
4. Kennedy Fried Chicken
“Loose batter, dry meat.”
5. New Caporal
The golden-brown hue looked nice, but the meat was “tough” and “very dry,” according to our panel.
Additional reporting by Christine Whitney.