Chick 'n' Joy's recipe is as close to KFC's original recipe without being KFC's original recipe.
A side-by-side comparison:
1. The chicken is fresh not frozen so there's no smell where the meat meets the bones (unlike KFC).
2. The pieces are larger than KFC's.
3. Ample fries with the boxed meals (no 'individual'-sized bagged fries -- why bag the fries when the bag goes into a box anyways?)
4. Less salty and oily than KFC.
5. More variety of sides (mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, etc.)
6. For the most part, cheaper priced than KFC.
Yes, it can get busy during lunch and dinner so there is a little wait but that's a testament to the popularity of this place.
I had the three piece dark meat (rib, thigh, leg) boxed meal for $6.79. A printable coupon from their website tacked on a free soda and biscuit to my meal. Nice.
My go-to place for fried chicken from now on.