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Yoyo Chicken Needs To Be Your New Chicken Obsession

A new favorite chicken shop is emerging among TikTok mukbang-ers and foodies alike: Yoyo Chicken. With its crispy chicken served in slider form or as tenders alongside a smash burger and the signature Yoyo bowl, this spot has quickly become the talk of the town with its most popular mukbang having over 1.4 million views on TikTok. 

What is Yoyo Chicken?

With six locations across New York and New Jersey, Yoyo Chicken appears to be the next best thing in the chicken world. In July, the restaurant came into the TikTok mukbang sphere and it did not disappoint. This restaurant, with a 4.6/5 star rating on Google reviews offers chicken in six different styles and one 5 star review states, “Just try it.” Many reviewers compliment the employees at the stores, saying, “This food is amazing and the people in the store were super polite. This is my favorite chicken spot.”

What makes Yoyo Chicken different?

While Wingstop has long been the go-to for traditional wings and seasoned fries, Yoyo Chicken is redefining what fast-chicken can be. Wingstop is known for its many flavors like Lemon Pepper, Garlic Parm, and Mango Habanero. Its menu is extensive and is constantly releasing new deals and combos. This is great when you’re in the mood to plan ahead and indulge in a sit-down meal, but sometimes you want something quick and simple and this is what you get at Yoyo.

Yes, Yoyo Chicken has more than just chicken – it has smash burgers, loaded waffle fries, and milkshakes, but each of these items stays relatively consistent. It’s not complicated and you know exactly what you’re going to get. TikTok user @good.bytes said he “can’t ask for anything better than that.”

Another TikTok food reviewer, @dlameats, captioned his video saying that he found “some of the best fried chicken and smashburgers at Yoyo Chicken,” complementing the crispiness and moisture of the tenders.  

Wingstop will always have its loyalists, especially among wing purists, but for those who hold the opinion that less is more, Yoyo Chicken is the flavorful underdog that’s winning hearts and stomachs alike.  

Similar to Wingstop, Dave’s Hot Chicken has its devout fans. It’s known for its ultra-crispy chicken tenders drenched in Nashville-style heat. Dave’s built its reputation on one thing: extreme spice. Here is where Yoyo Chicken comes to the table. While Yoyo is simple in comparison to Wingstop, it is perfectly complex in comparison to Dave’s.

Food influencer @VinceEats compares Yoyo to Dave’s and says that Yoyo is a must-have if you’re in New York. 

Dave’s has tenders, sliders, fries, and slaw. That’s it. Yoyo gives you a little more room to play. With the easy customization and the straightforward ability to order sides as “little” or “extra” depending on your mood, Yoyo is the perfect place to get exactly what you want, without all the theatrics. 

Yoyo Chicken feels like a fresh alternative to big chicken chains. It is a place where creativity, texture, and local flair intersect. Everything is designed to be shared or savored solo which makes it the perfect place for any occasion. While Wingstop and Dave’s are classics, Yoyo combines both innovation and accessibility without complications or underdone wings.

Molly Duffy

Villanova '27

Molly Duffy is a member of the Spoon University National Writer Program, covering current food news and trends.

Outside of Spoon, Molly is in her sophomore year at Villanova University pursuing a bachelor's degree in English and Communications with a focus on Journalism. Molly writes for the opinion section of her college's student-run newspaper, The Villanovan, where she covers her opinion on trends around campus and acts as a representative of the student body.

In her free time, Molly loves to read and hangout with friends. She is an expert on popular thriller novels, but also likes to stick her nose in a good classic every once in a while. With her friends, she enjoys trying new restaurants and will never pass up the opportunity for chips and guac.