When you're really craving comfort food, there's little better than chicken dipped in batter and fried until crisp and golden. Whether it's stuffed in a bun with fries, piled on top of waffles with syrup and butter, or served in whole pieces with a selection of sides, we've found the best fried chicken across the US.
Click or scroll through our gallery to discover where to try the most delicious fried chicken in every state, counting down to the most highly rated restaurant of all.
Our ranking is based on genuine user reviews, awards and accolades, and the first-hand experience of our team. They're also regularly checked and updated.
Despite a menu full of comfort food classics and delicious brunch dishes, it's Station 22's signature fried chicken that keeps customers coming back. The 24-hour brined and deep-fried chicken with warm buttermilk waffles and syrup is a fan favorite, while the whiskey chicken – fried chicken with vegetables, gravy, and whiskey sauce – gets the thumbs up, too. The chicken pieces come Southern fried or doused in honey butter, and there are sides like biscuits, mashed potatoes, and coleslaw. Customers also rave about the mac ’n’ cheese.
If you’re going to focus on just two menu items, they both need to be excellent. Thankfully, Roscoe’s serves superb fried chicken and fluffy, perfectly golden waffles. It was founded in 1975 and now has seven locations scattered throughout Southern California. Be sure to douse your chicken and waffles with lashings of butter and syrup or go for a savory option like the Sir Michael – a quarter chicken smothered in gravy and onions and served with grits and a fluffy hot biscuit.
Founded in 1955, family-owned restaurant Lucky Wishbone in Anchorage is said to serve the best chicken around, with the five-piece Pop meal (which includes breast, thigh, leg, wing, and back) one of the most popular choices. The cute and cozy diner's walls are adorned with old black-and-white pictures of the owner's family, friends, and World War II flying buddies.
A must-visit, Prince's Hot Chicken is a legendary shack that claims to be the birthplace of Nashville hot chicken. The story is one of revenge served hot: wronged one too many times, Thornton Prince's scorned lover added a significant amount of chili and spice to his favorite fried chicken. However, Prince loved it so much that he perfected the recipe before opening his own restaurant, back in the 1930s. The joint now has five locations in Nashville and is still consistently named among the country's most important restaurants.
A modest-looking chicken shop, USA Chicken & Biscuit spoils its customers with a mouthwatering menu of individual chicken pieces, tender boneless bites, and wings, all of which can be ordered with a selection of sides and biscuits. Customers consistently praise the friendly and attentive staff, as well as the crispy, flavorful chicken.
A real Atlanta institution, this old-timer has been around since 1947, serving excellent fried chicken that customers keep coming back for. The recipe for success here is simple – the chicken is brined for 12 hours, hand-breaded, and freshly fried. The smothered version, which sees the chicken served on rice with a generous amount of pan gravy, is equally good. There are sides like candied yams, fried okra, and collard greens to complete the meal.
In a state where fried chicken shops are relatively scarce, your best bet is to head to Bodega in Jackson Hole. Parked outside the gourmet grocery and wine shop of the same name, this food truck serves seriously tasty fried chicken. Its triple-fried chicken sandwich gets a lot of praise from diners, who adore both the tender chicken and the spicy Mexican sauce that goes with it. What's more, you can enjoy your chicken with the gorgeous Teton mountain views in the background.
With a few locations in Seattle, Ma'ono serves brined, buttermilk-soaked, twice-fried chicken. It's spiced to your preference, from 'naked' to generously seasoned with Carolina reaper and ghost peppers and comes served with daikon pickles and a choice of dip. You could also enjoy your chicken sandwiched in a sweet bun with Kewpie mayo and lettuce.
This unusual small chain, found across Philadelphia, focuses on three things – great coffee, gourmet donuts, and Korean-style fried chicken. Customers are big fans of the joint, known locally as FedNuts, and can't get enough of its fried chicken. The savory menu has everything from three-piece fried chicken to wings and a fried chicken sandwich. There's also an intriguing three-piece meal with fried chicken breast, leg, and thigh, a honey-dipped donut, and fries. It's sweet and savory dining at its best.
There are three Revival restaurants in Minnesota, all serving an incredible array of Southern dishes – from shrimp 'n' grits to mac ’n’ cheese. But the fried chicken, whether Southern fried or Tennessee hot, is really the star of the show. Available in pieces, or as a whole or half bird, it's also stuffed in sandwiches and served with waffles, honey butter, and maple syrup.
For crispy, juicy, flavorful chicken and showstopping sandwiches, head to Honey Butter Fried Chicken. This diner serves up a wide range of sandwiches, as well as dishes like Buffalo mac ’n’ cheese and fried chicken with French toast. But the main attraction here is the signature fried chicken meal, which is served with honey butter and corn muffins and can be paired with a selection of dipping sauces and sides. There are two locations in Chicago and one in San Francisco.
Butterbird is the place to go for fried chicken in Wisconsin, offering a selection of coated chicken pieces – leg, breast, thigh, and wings – with pickles and a dinner roll. The classic fried chicken thigh sandwich, served with shredded lettuce, dill pickles, and dilly ranch, is a standout choice, or if you like spice, opt for the Badger version with hot chili oil and smoky chipotle mayo.
Can’t get enough chicken? Then head to The Keg for the Yard Bird Challenge: a belly-busting meal that includes 16 pieces of chicken, a pound of fries, a pint each of two sides (beans, slaw, or potato salad), and unlimited soda. Finish in 45 minutes and it’s free; lose and you’ll have to pay $40 – and your photo will be added to the wall of shame. For those after a less gargantuan meal, there's a large selection of chicken pieces, wings, tenders, and baskets as well as soups, sides, and salads.
Dishing out tasty fried chicken from its five locations in and around Oklahoma City, Nashbird is a customer favorite thanks to its tender and juicy chicken, which is perfectly crispy on the outside. With a particular focus on hot chicken, the menu features classics like chicken and waffles and fried chicken baskets and buckets, as well as a fried chicken sandwich, wrap, and tacos. The signature offering here is the Nashvillain – a fried boneless breast with mac ’n’ cheese, bacon, onion rings, and ranch dressing in a brioche bun.
In a city with endless choices, it’s not easy standing out – but Sweet Chick has gained a reputation for its impeccable fried chicken. With five locations in New York, this fried chicken chain is consistently rated highly for its juicy yet crispy chicken and excellent service. There's also a great selection of breakfast dishes and chicken sandwiches, plus classic sides like fries, biscuits, and potato salad.
Frank's Famous Chicken & Waffles can be found on a busy street in Albuquerque, and serves Southern-style food with a side order of nostalgia. This popular music-themed diner is decorated with old vinyl records, along with rock ‘n’ roll and country memorabilia. As the name suggests, the tasty fried chicken – either wings or tenders – is served with fluffy waffles. There's a selection of Southern favorites like po' boys, shrimp 'n' grits, and fried catfish on the menu, too.
Confidently claiming that it serves some of the most delicious fried chicken in New Jersey, Chicken Supreme has a long-standing history. The company was established in 1976 by Socrates Lambrinides and is now run by his son, Jason. The menu has a wide variety of chicken pieces, wings, wraps, tenders, nugget buckets, and classic sides. Customers love the juicy and tender chicken meat and crispy coating.
'The best takes a little longer' is the motto at Double Front, where the food is always cooked to order. It’s certainly worth the wait according to customers, who compliment the moist and tender chicken and the excellent service. The mouthwatering menu has a range of white and dark meat dinners, as well as gizzards and tenders.
A cross between a fried chicken joint and a sandwich shop, BRD cooks up juicy, fried chicken wings served with lashings of tasty sauces, like Japanese BBQ, sweet chili mayo, and Buffalo. There's also an array of chicken sandwiches on offer, including one with honey mustard and dill pickles. There are two BRD locations in Baltimore.
Greer’s Chicken in Bristol has been highly rated by customers since it first opened in the 1960s. The small shack serves up Southern-style chicken breasts, drumsticks, thighs, and wings – as well as hot and cold roasted chicken and a range of delicious sides like mac ’n’ cheese, baked beans, and mashed potatoes with gravy.
Customers flock to this lively restaurant and bar to enjoy the live music and excellent fried chicken dishes. The chicken sandwich, which is served in a bun with coleslaw and house sauce and comes with a side and sauce of your choice, is highly recommended. You can choose your level of spice; opt for classic Southern style, Hot for a 'bit of burn,' Nashville Hot for a 'bigger burn,' or White Hot, which is branded 'incendiary.' Customers also rate the potato salad with egg and bacon, and the sweet potato fries.
The team behind Little Italy fine dining restaurant Juniper and Ivy decided to turn the abandoned shack next door into a fried chicken joint in 2015, and it's now regarded as one of the best in the country. As well as its signature fried chicken pieces, it serves a menu of tasty sandwiches including the Katsu Lookin' with panko-breaded chicken breast, aioli, purple cabbage slaw, and namasu pickles served in a soft potato bun. There are also healthy, hearty salad bowls and sharing style ‘Flock’ meals available, too.
This chic restaurant in Providence is known for its perfectly crisp double-fried chicken wings and drums, which come with a deliciously sticky glaze. Choose between dark (soy garlic) and red (spicy), or go half and half. Other menu highlights include cheesy boneless chicken, and soy garlic chicken stew with sweet potato noodles, plus there are other specialties available such as ramen, katsu curry, and kimchi pancakes.
The focus at Lula's is Southern cooking with bold flavors – and the joint certainly delivers. There's a great menu to choose from, but the crispy and juicy fried chicken here is the standout option. Try it with waffles and chili syrup, or with smashed potatoes, gumbo gravy, and ham-glazed green beans. There's also a delicious platter available on the dinner menu consisting of fried chicken pieces, pickles, hot sauce, biscuits, and gumbo gravy. When it comes to sides, customers rave about the mac ’n’ cheese and fried green tomatoes.
With a particular focus on wings, Vons Chicken offers the perfect combination of crispy batter and tender, juicy meat. There are just seven chicken dishes on the menu (the crispy fried wings are the top choice), all available in 10 or 20-piece buckets. The deep-fried shoyu chicken is also worth a try – it comes covered in a Hawaiian-style sticky soy sauce, sugar, and garlic glaze.
Monte Ne Inn Chicken might look modest, but it serves some of the best chicken you could possibly find. With a history stretching back to 1972, the chicken has a deep brown crust that's the stuff of local legend. Served family-style, the all-you-can-eat meal includes bean soup, green beans, sweetcorn, mashed potatoes, gravy, house-made biscuits, and, of course, that tasty fried chicken. Customers rate the hearty portions, friendly service, and relaxed atmosphere.
Canteen Creemee Company serves an unusual combination of chicken and incredible ice cream desserts. It offers a selection of crispy fried chicken pieces with cornbread pudding, slaw, and pickles, a fried chicken Caesar wrap, and a fried chicken bánh mì. The menu changes regularly, with different specials each week. Make sure you save space for the brownie dessert, a heavenly mix of chocolate ice cream, brownie pieces, caramel, whipped cream, and chocolate dip.
Fried chicken lovers will find heaven here – Ma Lou's Fried Chicken offers a mouthwatering menu of all things poultry. There are sandwiches with your choice of fried breast or thigh, plus burgers and party wings with garlic or habanero sauces. You can, of course, buy chicken by the piece, too. Customers rave about Ma Lou's chicken and waffles, as well as the joint's take on a Vietnamese bánh mì.
The Coast Cafe was opened in 1997 by Tony Brooks and his sister Julie, with the slogan 'food from the soul.' The business is committed to serving the best fried chicken and mac ’n’ cheese in New England and, based on the rave reviews from customers, it's succeeding. The fried chicken is obviously the star here, but you won't go wrong by pairing it with candied yams and finishing your meal with sweet potato pie.
This Taiwanese chicken joint wins rave reviews from customers for its crispy, flavorful, and well-priced chicken that’s said to satisfy cravings every time. The chicken pops are the top order here, as well as the plentiful leg cutlet, which customers say is the best for miles around. Other specialty dishes include calamari balls and spicy sausage, while the garlic and Parmesan fries are a must-try, too.
Bob White Counter serves its fried chicken as tenders with dipping sauces, fries, and slaw, and in tasty sandwiches and wraps. The huge chicken Caesar wrap is the top order here, with customers raving about the juicy chicken, crisp lettuce, flavorful dressing, and crunchy croutons. The Buffalo chicken sandwich also comes highly rated. There are two locations in New York City, as well as one each in Jersey City and Long Island City.
With many locations in Virginia and several in a handful of other states, this Korean fried chicken chain is rated extremely highly by customers. Decide whether you want wings, tenders, drumsticks, or a whole chicken, then pick a glaze like garlic soy, green chili, or honey lemon. You can also choose to have your fried chicken snow-style – topped with freshly sliced onions and a sauce of your choice.
Calling itself a 'funky eating joint,' Brew Bird in Fargo focuses on all things fried chicken, with many gluten-free items on the menu, too. There's a long list of sauces to enjoy alongside the highly rated fried chicken tenders, from mild brown butter marshmallow to fiery yet creamy Buffalo. The chicken sandwiches are also popular – customers rate the Buff Bird, with Buffalo fried chicken, bacon, tomato, slaw, and blue cheese ranch vinaigrette.
Arthur Davis, the owner of Old Country Store, has earned the nickname 'King of Fried Chicken' for good reason. Using his grandmother’s recipes, Davis has been serving a hot buffet of heavenly fried chicken, okra, mustard greens, and potato salad since the late 1990s. The building, built in 1875, was once a community shop and its old weather-worn sign still hangs outside. Featured on the Travel Channel and Food Network's The Best Thing I Ever Ate, the buffet-style menu hasn't changed much in decades.
Famous for its fried chicken biscuit with Tabasco honey, which has been called a 'revelation' by happy customers, Willa Jean serves traditional Southern cuisine with a modern twist. Fans say the biscuit is light and fluffy, while the chicken is perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The sweet and tangy sauce takes the dish to another level.
A state known for fried chicken, Kentucky's reputation extends much further than the Colonel's famous buckets. Royals Hot Chicken is a top spot for fried chicken cooked your way, whether that's classic Southern style or Nashville hot. The crispy chicken also comes in a sandwich, taco, or on mac ’n’ cheese, and you shouldn't skip the most popular side – the loaded potato wedges.
Just a couple of blocks from the Missouri state border, this Kansas City outpost of Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken is one of several locations the small chain has across the country. Based on the Bonner family recipe from 1953, the chicken is slightly spicy, with a thick layer of seasoned crispy breading hugging various cuts, from breast and thigh to leg and wing. The traditional sides, like baked beans and potato salad, also come from family recipes that have stood the test of time.
Mother-and-son team Susan and Tom Alexander opened Lettie’s Kitchen in 2011 – and just three years later they received an accolade for 'best fried chicken' in the Best of Delaware awards. The restaurant is named after Susan’s late mother, who inspired her to prepare scratch-made comfort food using the finest ingredients. Lettie’s customers consistently praise the fried chicken, as well as the excellent service.
A small chain originally from Nashville, Tennessee, Hattie B's Alabama restaurant consistently gets rave reviews from customers. The menu focuses on plates with various chicken cuts flavored to your spice preference, from Southern (with no heat) to mild, medium, and Shut The Cluck Up!!!, which comes with a burn notice. There's also a hot chicken sandwich that customers love, and a selection of sides like baked beans, coleslaw, and fries.
Chicken is the star of the show at this cozy Texan restaurant. A half or whole bird is served with biscuits, pickles, and sauces, with the option of adding 8oz of fried gulf shrimp if you feel like splashing out. Diners say the crispy fried chicken is perfectly crunchy, juicy, and flavorful, with some claiming it's the best they've tried in years. They also rate the excellent service.
Dirty Bird's menu features a selection of specialty sandwiches, plus a range of fried chicken dishes. There's a variety of chicken piece boxes, chicken and waffles, and chicken and biscuits, as well as fried chicken sandwiches. Customers love the Buffalo chicken – a combination of spicy fried breast, Buffalo sauce, melted blue and pepper Jack cheeses, and jalapeño ranch.
Be sure to arrive hungry if you’re planning a visit to Basilisk in Portland – that way, you'll be able to handle the joint's signature fried chicken sandwich, which comes stacked with house-pickled cucumbers and cabbage slaw. The much-loved restaurant also serves fried chicken in a salad with noodles and spicy radishes, or smothered in Nashville-inspired hot sauce on toast.
Fried chicken is at the heart of the menu at The Crack Shack, sold as pieces and in sandwiches. The chicken pieces come with a choice of dipping sauces, from honey butter to sweet heat. Meanwhile, the customer favorite Coop Deville sandwich combines fried chicken breast with pickled Fresno chilies, lime mayo, and cabbage in a brioche bun. The service here is quick and friendly, too.
Sneaky’s Chicken was founded in 1979 by brothers Dave and Rick Ferris, who aimed to provide high-quality food at a fair price. Almost half a century later, the business is still going strong, receiving high praise from customers. The casual restaurant’s menu includes chicken buckets with as many as 300 pieces (yes, 300!), plus hot wings, Buffalo chicken sandwiches, and breaded gizzards.
Some passionate customers say that this small, family-owned Korean restaurant serves the most flavorful fried chicken in the whole country. The K-Crispy chicken can be enjoyed simply finished with mild, medium, or hot sauces, or with a host of extras – the popular Kang-Nam sees the chicken topped with freshly sautéed onions in a refreshing yogurt sauce. Other customer favorites include the Spicy Jeonju with sweet soy sauce, and the honey-butter pepper chicken. The portions are big, and the service is fast and friendly; just be prepared to wait for a table. There's a second location in Suwanee.
While other menu items at James Beard–nominated Yardbird, such as lemon basil pasta and lobster mac ’n’ cheese, might distract you, it's the chicken that steals the show. Lewellyn’s Fine Fried Chicken, served with honey sauce, was inspired by owner John Kunkel's grandmother’s recipe, and it takes 27 hours to prepare – so it's not surprising it's become the stuff of legend. Other menu highlights include chicken and waffles and whole fried chicken (served as pieces). There are six other locations across different states, as well as an outpost in Singapore.
Soho Chicken + Whiskey serves modern Southern cuisine along with an excellent range of craft beers and cocktails. The chicken is brined, breaded, and deep fried and comes in a bun with fries or as a dinner plate with sides like waffles, collard greens, and smoked Gouda mac ’n’ cheese. Customers rave about the wonderful service, great atmosphere, and mouthwatering chicken.
Mike's Chicken is renowned for its crispy yet tender chicken. The menu features every part of the chicken you could think of, in a variety of plate sizes from two-piece white breast meat to a half chicken. Everything is served with a choice of two sides (think creamy corn, fries, and baked beans) and a house-made biscuit or Texas toast. The chicken can also be customized with extra heat, if you prefer.
Rocky’s Hot Chicken Shack is all about delicious Nashville-style hot chicken and Southern soul food. Made using local ingredients and classic American recipes, the chicken is spiced with options ranging from mild honey to extra hot. There's also grilled and rotisserie chicken on offer, as well as wings, sandwiches, and sides. The three restaurants (two in Asheville and one in Greenville, South Carolina) have a range of special offers throughout the week, like Hand Pie Mondays, Wings Wednesdays, and Thighday Fridays.
Crispy Gai is a small restaurant tucked away in downtown Portland serving up dishes big on flavor. Offering a Thai twist on crispy fried chicken, the menu features brined chicken served with fried shallots. You can also opt for extra crispy wings instead of thighs and drumsticks (try the red curry or Thai Chinese Sichuan wings if you like your food spicy). There’s a great selection of sauces, from ginger soy to sour garlic, and customers love how perfectly crispy the chicken is.
All about fried chicken served with spicy hot honey, The Eagle pairs juicy yet crispy poultry pieces with the ultimate selection of all-American sides. There are fries, of course, as well as succotash, horseradish mashed potatoes, skillet cornbread with maple butter, and an irresistible mac ’n’ cheese. The highly rated chicken also comes in a sandwich with coleslaw and house pickles, while another tasty option is the fried chicken BLT with bacon, avocado relish, and jalapeño honey mayo, served on rustic Italian bread.
Crossroad opened in 2020 and has become the go-to place for hot and crispy fried chicken in Tampa. Customers love the 'salty and peppery' breading on the juicy chicken and say the mac ’n’ cheese side is the cheesiest and tastiest around. The chicken is served either bone-in or in strips with bread, pickles, and a side. The hot chicken sandwich with coleslaw is a popular order and the house-made sauces are sensational.
Boxcar Betty's, which has three locations in South Carolina (plus one in Chicago and one in Charlotte) serves up crispy, tasty chicken in delectable sandwiches. There's the Buffalo, for those who love a bit of spice and the much-loved signature Boxcar, with pimiento cheese, peach slaw, and house pickles. Building your own is also an option, with toppings like Kentucky beer cheese, pickled fried green tomatoes, and a variety of sauces available. The chicken tenders are said to be the best in the state, too.
Dirty Birds does something incredible to its chicken. First, the meat is brined for two days in liquid leftover from pickling green beans and cucumbers. It's then coated in batter, fried to a perfect golden brown, and finished with your choice of sauce, from Nashville hot to garlic honey. This process achieves a crispy, salty exterior with moist, tender meat – and customers can't get enough of it. The chicken is served with pickles, sauce, a side, and a biscuit, or you can order it in a brioche sandwich.
Chimaek is a South Korean word for chicken and beer – and this much-loved Korean fried chicken joint takes the popular food to new heights by dousing it in a variety of sticky, sweet, spicy, and savory sauces. Customers can choose from boneless pieces or wings, with steamed rice or coleslaw and a drink. The sauce flavors range from Buffalo to the restaurant's signature yangnyum – a sweet and spicy blend of gochujang (Korean red chili paste), garlic, sugar, and spices. And, of course, there's also a menu of tap and bottled beers.
Husband-and-wife team Johnny Ray Zone and Amanda Chapman developed a love of hot chicken during a trip to Nashville and realized LA was missing out on something truly delicious. They launched their food truck in 2014, before opening a bricks-and-mortar restaurant in Chinatown’s Far East Plaza a year later. Customers swing by in droves for the crispy, juicy, flavorful fried chicken with six levels of heat on offer. The Sando with boneless breast, slaw, comeback sauce, and pickles in a butter bun is one of the most popular orders. There's now a second location in Pasadena.
Hot Chicken Alley consistently wins five-star reviews from customers for its friendly service and perfectly cooked and flavorful hot chicken tenders. You can choose your heat level and have the tenders with either a soft tortilla or bread roll, plus sides including crispy fries, mac ’n’ cheese, and a selection of sauces. What's more, if you can't stand the heat, the joint will give you a free ice cream cone to help you cool down.