These Are The Best Fried Chicken Joints In Every State, Hands Down

Is there any food more satisfying than fried chicken? It has fed millions, from the Scottish immigrants who first brought it to the United States to Black communities in the South who made the recipe their own. Today, fried chicken is enjoyed the world over, while in the U.S., an array of cultures have left their mark on this culinary staple, serving everything from Korean to curried varieties.

Some make it at home, trying all sorts of ways to take their fried chicken to the next level, but plenty of others stick with the professionals for their comfort food, and here's where it pays to be in the know. Alongside global brands, there are dozens of places across the country, delighting locals with bone in, bone out, gluten free, battered, or breaded fried chicken, with flavors ranging from slightly seasoned to so hot that people question their life choices. But is your favorite among our run-down of the best fried chicken joints in every state, hands down?

What started as entrepreneur Zebbie Carney's food truck business has expanded to three sites in Alabama, though it's the Birmingham location that has been showered with praise. And rightly so.

Eugene's Southern-style fried chicken has a spice blend developed by Carney himself, with four heat levels that goes from zero to "Stupid Hot." While everything on the menu is good, it's the tenders (solo or in a "sammich") that have everyone coming back for more.

eugeneshotchicken.com

Multiple locations

There may not be much room to swing a cat inside this Palmer eatery, but when the fried chicken is this good, who cares? Expect fresh, flavorful food and, if heat is your thing, there's plenty in the "Inferno" level.

Regulars are full of praise for the spicy chicken sandwiches that not only taste amazing but are hefty enough to satisfy even the biggest appetites. Just watch out for the peacocks.

the-chicken-coop.menu-world.com

(907) 746-2442

7884 E Palmer-Wasilla Hwy, Palmer, AK 99645

Anyone looking for fuss-free Nashville-style fried chicken tenders will find them at this wildly popular family restaurant. They're thick, juicy and spicily hot. 

They come either in a bun or a taco, depending on your chosen combo, and all are generously drizzled with the Alley Sauce. You know it's good when locals consistently praise the quality of the chicken — especially when the ice cream is free.

hotchickenalley.com

(602) 675-2407

13636 N Tatum Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85032

For more than 40 years, this restaurant has been making people blissfully happy with its endless plates of fried chicken. Monte Ne Inn Chicken's homey vibe isn't just for tourists, either.

Everything is served up family style, (though a carry-out service is available for those seeking to devour theirs in private). While that's part of what makes it an unforgettable experience, the chicken remains the star of the show.

monteneinnchicken.net

(479) 636-5511

13843 E Highway 94, Rogers, AR 72758

The Chinatown eatery is the OG for this Nashville hot chicken place, one of three outlets run by Johnny Ray Zone and his wife Amanda. He brings the culinary background, while she's the soulful foodie.

Together, they make food magic. Expect lines as it's only open five days a week but the fried chicken — ranging in heat from none to "Howlin'" — is more than worth the (potentially hours-long) wait.

howlinrays.com

Multiple locations

In 2016, the doors opened on Colorado's first hot chicken and beer place. Locals in three sites have been in food heaven ever since.

Sure, you could go for the tenders (which are amazing), but the chicken sandwich, made with a crispy thigh, hits the spot like nothing else. Unless you're vegetarian or vegan, then Music City Hot Chicken caters for you, too, with tempeh or breaded oyster mushrooms.

mchcco.com

Multiple locations

With four established locations across Connecticut and more to come, word is spreading about Birdcode — and it's all good. The spicy boneless breast, tenders, and bites are all cooked in 100% refined peanut oil so it's crisped to perfection.

But be warned – this chicken comes with a mighty kick. That said, there's an incredible balancing act at work with Birdcode's menu, and each bite is as close to perfection as it gets.

eatbirdcode.com

Multiple locations

The biggest names in fried chicken talk up their secret recipes, but some of the smallest ones have them, too. Among them is Walt's, which has been keeping Wilmington customers happy since 2002, picking up plenty of awards along the way.

Do whatever it takes to be in the neighborhood and try both the white and dark meat. That is, if you think your grandma's fried chicken can't be beaten.

waltsexpress.com

(302) 429-2587

103 N Lincoln St, Wilmington, DE 19805

She's cooked for celebrities, but since 2021, it's the residents of Doral who are beating a path to Amaris Jones' door, seeking fresh, next-level crispy fried chicken. It takes 24 hours of marinating in a blend of spices, herbs, and mustard, before each piece is cooked in expeller-pressed oil.

The results speak for themselves. Make sure to order a side of sweet potato biscuits with cinnamon rum butter for flavor heaven.

chicknjones.com

(305) 335-0538

9420 NW 41st St, Doral, FL 33178

Anyone within running distance of Mothers Best in Decatur knows it is the (underlined and in bold) place to be for the greatest fried chicken in the state. Seriously.

Marinated in a brown sugar brine, covered in a secret blend of spices that don't overwhelm the meat, and hand-breaded doesn't even start to tell you how good this is. Parking close by can be a challenge, but the walk will be worth every crispy mouthful.

mothersbestchicken.com

406 Church St, Decatur, GA 30030

Many people head to this popular Kailua Kona eatery for the live entertainment, but they stay for the Nashville-style chicken and its seven spice levels. Whether you plump for crispy wings or juicy tenders with a flavor that will leave a tingle on your tongue or feel "Like Lava," they all come with generous sides.

Rest assured, everything at the chicken shack tastes just as good as it looks.

willieshotchicken.com

(808) 796-3088

74-5599 Pawai Pl, Kailua Kona, HI 96740

There's a lot of cheap fried chicken out there, but some are worth paying that little extra for. Han's Chimaek, in Boise, is just such a place.

Owner Ryeongmin Han offers a pared-back menu of double-fried chicken, sauces (including the traditional Yangnyum) and sides of rice, radish or coleslaw. One mouthful of chicken at this Korean-fried gem and you'll be handing over your hard-earned, just like everyone else.

hanschimaek.com

(208) 336-5959

1716 S Broadway Ave, Boise, ID 83706

What originally began in downtown Chicago in the 1950s has expanded to become a multi-state business. However, Harold's Chicken remains a firm Illinois favorite.

There are lots of outlets in Chicago alone, but the OG is Number 88 on East 35th Street. If you're not hungry when you arrive, you will be by the time one of the crispy chicken dinners, drenched in mild sauce, is in your hands (it gets very, very busy).

haroldschickendowntown.com

Multiple locations

Things are done the old fashioned way at Wagner's Village Inn, and that's no bad thing. Its method of pan-frying chicken in hog fat has been used for over 270 years — long before Indiana's oldest restaurant even set up trade.

And there's no reason why things should change now. In Wagner's country-style restaurant, people can happily tuck into piles of golden, crispy chicken, as well as gizzards, all served with lashings of traditional sides.

wagners-village-inn.site

(812) 934-3854

22171 Main St, Oldenburg, IN 47036

What turns an everyday restaurant into a foodie magnet? According to the team behind the current three Charlotte's Kitchen outlets across Iowa, it's love and amazing fried chicken.

For a place that initially focused on desserts, the savory switch was a smart move. They'll put your chicken in a salad, wrap or sandwich, and for the latter, we recommend the crab rangoon: Crispy chicken, wonton chips, lettuce, sweet chili sauce and crab rangoon spread.

charlotteskitchendsm.com

Multiple locations

This Pittsburg eatery has been serving fried chicken since the early 1940s, and people are still discovering its delicious fare. The set menu offers chickens divided by small and large, white and dark meat, and anyone asking for no skin has to pay extra for the privilege.

If you prefer to order out, bear in mind some sides come in pints or quarts. But every scrap will be devoured.

hchickenmarys1942.com

(620) 231-9510

1133 E 600th Ave, Pittsburg, KS 66762

This Louisville-based eatery says its chicken comes with "endorphin-ringing" heat, and, according to plenty of satisfied customers, the company isn't wrong. It ranges from none at all to "Gonzo," which literally takes your breath away.

Don't be put off by the fact each meal only includes two tenders. Teamed with a hefty side and a 16-ounce, slushie (we see you, Suckleberry) they are big enough to satisfy the hungriest of diners.

royalshotchicken.com

(502) 919-7068

736 E Market St, Louisville, KY 40202

It's impossible to visit New Orleans' French Quarter and downtown regions, and not be lured into one of the eight Willie's Chicken Shack outlets. If the lines of people waiting to pick up their food — even after midnight — doesn't intrigue you, the smell of fresh fried chicken will drag you over the threshold.

Of course there's a secret recipe involved. But cut out all the noise, and it's quite simply the best fried chicken in the state.

willieschickenshackneworleans.com

Multiple locations

Want your fried chicken full of flavor but with a twist? Consider it done at Bar Harbor's Maine Chick. Opened in 2025, it has made a big impression with locals and tourists.

Menu highlights include the Cordon Bleu chick: fried chicken, with shaved ham, Swiss cheese, and dijonnaise, and the Bar Harbor hot chick, with pickles made in-house. Be sure and check out the loaded fries, too, especially the yummy herbed garlic truffle ones.

mainechickbarharbor.com

(207) 749-6960

15 Cottage St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609

BRD wants nothing more than to cook delicious chicken and provide old-school hospitality at its two Baltimore locations, and gets 10 out of 10 for both. It's open seven days a week, but expect to wait during busy periods, and your patience will be rewarded with the best fried chicken sandwich in the state.

Head to the Federal Hill site if you want a hot honey sauce. It's the only place you can get it.

eatbrd.com

Multiple locations

Diners may be spoiled for choice when it comes to the home-made sides on offer at this soul food Massachusetts mainstay. But make no mistake: The chicken is the star of the show.

The family-run business offers a selection of crispy fried chicken, and that includes BBQ, jerk, and buffalo wings, as well as a flourless option. Every item has one thing in common: They will leave you wanting more.

coastsoulcafe.com

(617) 354-7644

233 River St, Cambridge, MA 02139

Voted the best fried chicken eatery in Michigan and home to the state's best chicken sandwich in 2024, there's no excuse for not swinging by Ma Lou's. As well as chowing down on crisp, perfectly seasoned fried chicken, flavor-loving foodies should try out the curry lemon pepper and the mango habanero wings.

It's a tiny place, so expect there to be long lines. But, it will be more than worth the wait.

ma-lous.com

(734) 905-7994

15 W Michigan Ave, Ypsilanti, MI 48197

What do you do if your fried chicken restaurants, which were a total hit with Twin Cities locals, are forced to shut up shop? Well, if you're the people behind Revival, you get new backers and hit the road in a food truck.

Original owners Nick Rancone and Thomas Boemer are consultants for the Jester-acquired fledgling business, but the best news of all? Revival's iconic Southern fried chicken will definitely be on the menu.

revivalrestaurants.com

(612) 236-4101

When Alton Brown declared, "This is the best fried chicken I've ever had in my life," foodies should make it their mission to get to The Old Country Store in Lorman and try it for themselves. Cooked by owner Arthur Davis (aka Mr. D) and seasoned with his secret "shake," it's crisp, juicy, and delicious.

The recipe has been transplanted to New York food trucks. So if you see one, go get some.

mrdsfriedchicken.com

(769) 215-9698

2274 Hwy 552, Lorman, MS 39096

This fried chicken eatery has gone from beloved hidden gem to expanding franchise, delighting a fanbase who can't get enough of its consistently great, Nashville-style food. You can choose from four traditional heats, starting at zero and working up to an out of body experience.

Brave customers can ask for a fifth and sixth. So if you adore fried chicken that kicks like the angriest mule, Chuck's is the place to be.

chuckshotchicken.com

Multiple locations

If you ever find yourself in the Yellowstone neck of the woods, be sure to visit this small but perfectly formed fried chicken joint. Roost is family owned and they're confident enough to put their own spin on Southern classics.

That's especially true for the Nashville fried chicken sandwich, which is slathered with Comeback and hot sauce. Locals flock to Roost, and any tourists who drop in for a bite while passing through very quickly understand why.

roostfriedchicken.com

(406) 404-1475

1520 W Main St, Bozeman, Montana 59715

"Our soul belongs to fried chicken," says the team at Dirty Birds. And boy do the customers benefit.

Locally-raised poultry are used to make their amazing-tasting fried chicken, which is either brined in sweet tea or pickle, depending on whether it's white or dark meat. As if that's not raising the bar high enough, traditional soul food sides sit on the menu alongside golden beet soup and bacon and tomato bisque.

dirtybirds69.com

(402)-557-5558

1722 St Marys Ave, Omaha, NE 68102

One of the best ways to watch the hustle and bustle of the strip, The Crack Shack's Las Vegas patio is also the perfect place to devour their award-winning fried chicken. Amid the glamour and glitz, this brand (which originated in San Diego and has expanded to four additional sites) sources its chicken locally, so prices will vary from outlet to outlet.

Happily, it's no gamble. The whole menu's a winner.

crackshack.com/location/las-vegas

Multiple locations

What do you get if you combine meat soaked in a sweet tea brine and covered in a lavender/thyme breading? Sweet Chix Kitchen's mouthwatering fried chicken is the answer.

Customers who know the Southern spicy chicken have lavished this outlet with praise — and with good reason. The attention to detail includes gluten-free coatings and even a plant-based sandwich option, while the rest of the menu is chock-full of goodies, too. We recommend trying the lavender-infused honey.

sweetchixkitchen.com

603-379-9388

184 Lafayette Rd, North Hampton, NH 03862

With four locations to choose from in New Jersey, it couldn't be easier to get your hands on the best chicken in town – and the state. The original outlet in Hackensack serves up a wide range of Korean fried deliciousness, like the mouthwatering chicken tender combo.

It includes meat marinated in rosemary and a choice of either crispy or spicy coatings. Watch out for the wasabi coleslaw: It packs a punch without hurting your wallet.

bloomchicken.com

Multiple locations

Although the name is Pakistani for "skinny chicken," diners have been blown away by the size of the fried chicken at this trio of Albuquerque eateries. The OG is in the 505 Central Food Hall and is little more than a walk-in stand, but don't let that fool you.

The chicken is hot in every way. Spice levels run from the mild to "insane hot," and you'll need to at least partially dismantle any sandwich to get your jaw around it.

kukriabq.com

Multiple locations

First opened in 2012 in Manhattan's Avenue C, Bobwhite Counter's three outlets have become the place to get fried chicken in New York. Everything is made in-house.

The chicken is brined overnight in sweet tea, coated and pressure-fried in 100% beef tallow for the crispiest, most flavorful bite. Some regulars have been visiting Bobwhite Counter for years, but if you're a newcomer and don't know where to start, try the No. 1 with truffle aioli.

bobwhitecounter.com

(646) 760-7786

94 Ave C, New York, NY 10009

If you are one of the many people who loves the idea of Nashville style hot chicken but can't tolerate any heat at all, Rocky's has got you covered. This Best of WNC Hall of Famer is renowned by locals and out-of-towners alike for its amazing fried chicken, as well as the casual vibe and warm welcome.

It's best to visit Rocky's hungry. Two pieces of chicken with sides will satisfy even the biggest appetites.

rockyshotchickenshack.com

Multiple locations

You'd think the almost entirely gluten-free menu would be the biggest talking point about this tow truck shop-turned eatery. Maybe the fact dogs are more than welcome, or maybe the lively community Brew Bird is part of.

Nope, nope, and nope: It's the fried chicken. Hand battered and regarded by many who eat it as the best they've ever had, it's worth taking on Fargo's baffling one-way system of roads to find it.

brewbirdfargo.com

(701) 205-0238

30 N University Dr, Fargo, ND 58102

Drew Clearly could be the king of fried chicken in Ohio. His first restaurant, Uncle Nick's, was adored by locals and they followed in 2020 when Clearly opened The Crispy Coop.

With a second outlet in Reynoldsburg, more people are getting a taste for his Tennessee Mild and Nashville Hot chicken. The menu is smart, too: Dinners are split into white and dark meat, tenders, and wings, as well as sandwiches, so there's something for everyone.

thecrispycoop.com

Multiple locations

Everybody is welcome at this family-friendly eatery, and while plenty of people come for the vibe, they stay for the (Hot!) fried chicken. With heat levels ranging from mild to crazy hot, there's something for every palate and feeding the flock won't break the bank, either.

A 10-piece basket of nuggets, complete with a single side, plus bread, pickles, and sauce, will set you back just $11. Just make sure to get the buttermilk ranch signature sauce.

nashbirdchicken.com

Multiple locations

A lot of fried chicken places make a lot of claims about their food, but in Portland, Basilisk deserves to add the word "legendary" to its fried chicken sandwiches. These towering, crunchy confections, served dripping in sauce, look like you need a ladder to climb them and 18 napkins to clean up afterward.

Trust us, they're more than worth any mess. Want a fried chicken-Asian flavor fusion? Add the Dan Dan fries to your order.

basiliskpdx.com

(503) 234-7151

820 NE 27th Ave, Portland, OR 97232

Some eateries rely on secret spices to make their chicken stand out. The owners of this wildly popular place focus on the meat, using humanely raised poultry that's coated in a buttermilk batter, and fried in small batches.

The result is crispy, delicious chicken that is so good, people don't so much eat it as inhale it. Luckily, more outlets are being added to the two existing Philly locations.

loveandhoneyfriedchicken.com

Multiple locations

Fried chicken doesn't come cheap from this Rhode Island restaurant, but anyone who has ever wrapped their lips around it knows it's worth every cent. Small but perfectly formed, locals love it, with words like "incredible," "top notch," and "unbelievable" regularly peppering the online reviews.

Honeybird offers a range of flavors with the fried chicken, including Nashville hot and spicy. But if you're looking for something more sophisticated, the honey cholula is a standout.

honeybirdri.com

(401) 919-5885

230 Massasoit Ave, East Providence, RI 02914

From a single, run-down Savannah Highway building, the dedicated team behind Boxcar Betty's have taken the fried chicken sandwich concept, and run with it to three South Carolina outlets and one in Chicago. The OG eatery at West Ashley is still going strong, with plenty of customers creating (and happily devouring) their own combos.

Whether you grab a table or go for takeout, make sure to order the chicken sandwich with pimiento cheese and peach slaw. It's divine.

boxcarbettys.com

Multiple locations

There are a lot of figures on this outlet's website but their fried chicken is definitely not by the numbers. Dipped in wet batter and hand fried, one piece at a time, locals come back to The Keg again and again for the crunchiest, golden chicken that always hits the spot.

The atmosphere is friendly and the sides are served buffet-style. Try the baked beans and slaw — both are made from scratch, using in-house recipes.

thekegchicken.net

(605) 275-4534

4211 W 12th St, Sioux Falls, SD 57106

Classically trained chef Eric "Red" White is the driving force behind this West End gem that only opens for several hours a day, and not at all on a Monday or Tuesday. If you're looking for bone-in chicken, you might be disappointed but don't let that stop you from ordering. 

Regulars know the Nashville hot tenders are to die for. But the hot chicken crunchwrap is perfect for a next-level fried chicken experience.

reds615kitchen.com

(615) 400-1454

115 27th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37210

In business since 1993 and with recipes developed by co-owner Mary Beth "Babe" Vinyard, this restaurant delights customers with its relaxed, come-as-you-are vibe and delicious fried chicken across multiple locations. The menu isn't the biggest but what it lacks in complexity it more than makes up for in flavor.

The traditional sides come in big quantities and everything is served family style. And, the food is — according to many satisfied diners — as fresh as a daisy.

babeschicken.com

Multiple locations

Award-winning chef Viet Pham and his wife Alexis have created something special with Pretty Bird, which has four outlets (so far) across Utah. Although fine dining is a key component of their success, it's the award-winning Nashville hot fried chicken that has everyone talking.

The chicken combo is a particular favorite. There's a vivid dollop of cider slaw and range of heat levels, though watch out for the massive portion sizes.

prettybirdchicken.com

Multiple locations

Drop whatever you're doing and beat a path to this South Burlington fried chicken place before it achieves global dominion (there are also locations in Canada and the Middle East) and you have to stand in line with everyone else. The chicken heat levels include the trademarked Reaper.

It is so hot it comes with its own waiver. The kale slaw is a nice twist on the traditional side.

daveshotchicken.com

Multiple locations

If crispy, delicious fried chicken, served in clean, unpretentious surroundings is your idea of heaven, then hit up one of Southern Style Chicken & Waffle's four Virginia locations. Every piece of chicken is fried to order, so it's deliciously fresh as well as succulent and tasty.

You can pair it with a waffle or a savory side or add a homemade pudding. Wash it all down with fresh lemonade or half and half.

wafflessc.com

Multiple locations

You know you're onto a good thing when locals stack out an eatery, and so it goes with Dirty Bird. Sidestep the specialty sandwiches and focus on the incredible fried chicken — you won't regret it.

Get it in a box or with a waffle, or sink your teeth into one of their amazing sammies, all at less than $9. Looking for a lunchtime bite? Grab a Bake Sale Betty. Prepared to get messy? Then a Vera Cruz is what you need.

dirtybird.mymenus.store

(304) 284-9599

301 High St, Morgantown, WV 26505

The quirky name is a hangover from the building's time as an auto mechanic place, and while that's a charming story for visitors, locals (especially those who know and love Southern chicken) are much more interested in the incredible fried chicken on offer. You can get up to eight pieces at a time, all perfectly seasoned and fried to perfection.

Team it with a donut (it won't last long enough to benefit from this tip). Now you're in foodie heaven.

zippylubemadison.com

(608) 467-8418

2013 N Sherman Ave, Madison, WI 53704

Fried chicken is many things but at Flock, it's the ultimate comfort food. The Wyoming eatery also proved it's possible to improve on perfection, after it began frying its hand-breaded, buttermilk marinated chicken in beef tallow in October 2025, a move that went down a storm with customers.

Have them on their own, in a sandwich combo, or in a loaded bowl. It will be devoured in moments, but you'll remember it forever.

flockeats.com

(307) 333-5197

3095 Talon Dr Ste 100, Casper, WY 82604

Finding the best fried chicken joints in every state involved a lot of research. We started by focusing on independent or hole-in-the-wall places, then we scoured the internet, and read hundreds of comments from customers across the country, as well as reviews from food critics and influencers. We also took into account whether they had won any regional or state awards, and looked at the chefs and cooks offering their own spin on this beloved food.