Crunchy, yet tender on the inside — that’s what makes the perfect piece of fried chicken.
Yes, Chicago is best known for hot dogs and Italian beef, but you'll be sorry if you don't give the fried chicken offerings the respect they deserve. The recipes may be Southern in origin, but decades of experimentation have made Chicago's fried chicken its own.
Sorry vegetarians, but this one's for meat lovers.
Image via Facebook/Dave's Hot Chicken
Various Locations
Dave's Hot Chicken has touched down in Chicago! The Los Angeles-based chicken slingers are serving up tenders and sliders on Western Avenue. Test your tastebuds on Dave's spice meter and don't forget the extra sauce!
Image via Facebook/ParsonsChicken&Fish
2952 W. Armitage Ave. - Logan Square
2435 N. Halsted St. - Lincoln Park
2109 W. Chicago Ave. - West Town
We guarantee you’ll be spending at least one evening outside at Parson’s with a piece of chicken in one hand and an original Negroni slushy in the other!
Image via facebook.com/honeybutterfriedchicken
3361 N. Elston Ave. - Avondale
All of Honey Butter Fried Chicken’s chicken is boneless with the exception of the drumsticks. That might seem odd, but trust us, once you’re biting into a piece of chicken—slathered in that precious honey butter of course—you’ll understand why.
Image Via facebook.com/madchicken
1215 N Milwaukee Ave - Wicker Park
It finally happened, Mad Chicken opened their doors to their first Chicago location. Known for their insane portions and many many sauces. They take pride on using all natural ingredients, and believe me you can taste the difference. I'm just happy I don't have to roadtrip to Wisconsin anymore.
Image via Facebook.com/CRISP
2940 N. Broadway St. - Lakeview
Crisp puts a spin on things with its Korean fried chicken. A special blend of spices, marinade, and a secret batter will shake up what you know about fried chicken...in a good way.
Image Via facebook.com/roostchickenandbiscuits
494 N. Milwaukee Ave. - River West
2011 W. Roscoe St. - Roscoe Village
The Roost is toted as the “best damn fried chicken and buttermilk biscuits in the state” by “all the people.” Seems legit—and pretty damn accurate—to us!
Image Via facebook.com/thebudlong
1008 W. Armitage Ave. - Lincoln Park
4619 N. Western Ave. - Lincoln Square
100 Oakbrook Center Food Court - Oakbrook
The Budlong specializes in a specific type of fried chicken called “Nashville Hot”. Yes, it’s a bit spicy, but they have varying levels of heat so that everyone can give it a shot! And boy, should you!
6659 W. Archer Ave. - Garfield Ridge
Mini Hutt gets its chicken delivered fresh every other day, and that freshness is part of the reason it comes out so delicious. That, and the fact that it’s marinated overnight and fried to order in butter-flavored, seasoned flour. Definitely makes it worth the trip down south.
Image via facebook.com/haroldsdowntown
Various Locations
Harold’s and Chicago are almost synonymous by now, at least on the South Side where the first one was founded in 1950. Over the years, Harold’s has maintained its position as one of the best-fried chicken shops around. We think their mild sauce might have something to do with that.
Image Via Facebook.com/bigjoneschicago
5347 N. Clark St. - Andersonville
With a focus on sustainability and Southern heritage, you can feel good while munching away on the fried chicken from Big Jones. Both in your tummy and you're conscious!
Image Via facebook.com/chicagoshomeofchickenandwaffles
3947 S. King Dr. - Bronzeville
543 Madison St. - Oak Park
If waffles haven’t crossed your mind at least once while reading this article, then you’re not thinking “big picture.” Get your booty on over to Chicago’s Home of Chicken and Waffles and get your mind straight.
Photo via Facebook/Luella'sSouthernKitchen
4114 N. Kedzie Ave. - Lincoln Square
Great-grandma Luella came to Chicago all the way from Mississippi in the '40s. That’s why you’ll find Mississippi, and a bit of New Orleans, flavors mixed into the menu at Luella’s.
Photo via Facebook/Hienie's
10359 S. Torrence Ave. - Calumet Heights
Another South Side classic, Hienie’s has made a name for itself, not only with its fish and chicken but also its unique, neon orange hot sauce. The sauce has been shipped all across the country, so we think that’s reason enough to try it.
Photo via Facebook/Chicken Inn
7536 N. Milwaukee Ave. - Edison Park
With over 40 years in the game, Chicken Inn comes correct every time with its chicken, shrimp, ribs, and more!
image via facebook.com/frythecoop
Various Locations
The goal at Fry The Coop is to help restore your soul with each meal. So it's no wonder they picked fried chicken as the tool to do so! We double dare you to work your way up the six heat levels offered by this restaurant.
image via facebook.com/bonchonchickenofficial
635 E Boughton Rd - Bolingbrook
2163 S China Pl - Chinatown
4302 E New York St - Aurora
5237 W Touhy Ave - Skokie
18305 La Grange Rd - Tinley Park
1408 E Golf Rd - Schaumburg
Choose from traditional wings, drumsticks, strips, and boneless wings, or go an alternative route and try some bibimbap or potstickers! Regardless of what you choose, you'll leave Bonchon with a smile on your face.
Photo via Facebook/Lucy’s
1043 N. California Ave. - Humboldt Park
4570 N. Broadway Ave. - Uptown
At Lucy’s, you’ll find finger-licking-good, award-winning fried chicken. Stuff your face with comfort food that is made from scratch. Try the spicy fried chicken, premium steakburgers, golden fries, milkshakes and so much more!
2147 N Sheffield Ave. - Lincoln Park
Located right in Lincoln Park, Red Light Chicken is walk-up and pick-up only with a simple menu featuring a DELICIOUS chicken sandwich along with fries and nuggets. The spot is super affordable as well!
Updated June 2026
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