Crunchy, yet tender on the inside; that's what makes for 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.
Updated: 7/3/2024
Photo via Facebook/Dave's Hot Chicken
3643 N. Western Ave. - North Center
169 W Ontario St.
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.com/parsonschicago
2952 W. Armitage Ave. - Logan Square
2435 N. Halsted St. - Lincoln Park
2109 W. Chicago Ave. - West Town
5721 N Clark St. - Andersonville
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/gussworldfamousfriedchickenchicago
847 W. Fulton Market - Fulton Market
What initially started as a craze outside of Memphis, Tennessee, quickly took Chicago, and the rest of the country, by storm. In fact, the craze was so insane, GQ named Gus’s one of the top ten meals in the U.S. worth flying for. Good thing you won’t need to travel far for that tasty chicken.
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/theroostcarolinakitchen
455 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
15 W. Washington St. - Loop (Inside Urban Space Food Hall)
1301 E. 53rd St. - Hyde Park
4619 N. Western Ave. - Lincoln Square
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.
Temporarily closed. Check the page for more details.
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.
Image Via facebook.com/bigbosschicken
2520 S. Halsted St. - Bridgeport
If you’re looking for that extra kick in your fried chicken, then look no further than Big Boss. The chicken is a hybrid of a Belizean method of seasoning to ensure extra crispiness and the Nashville level of heat. Are you brave enough to give it a go?
Photo via Facebook/Luella's Southern Kitchen
4609 N. Lincoln Ave. - Ravenswood
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.
They are temporarily closed- check their website for more details.
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
5128 W. 95th St. - Oak Lawn
623 W. North Ave. - Elmhurst
1529 W. Chicago Ave. - West Town
580 N. Milwaukee - Prospect Heights
16703 S. Harlem Ave. - Tinley Park
4300 N. Milwaukee - Portage Park
2019 75th St. - Darrien
2404 N. Lincoln Ave. - Lincoln Park
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
1732 W. Division St. - Wicker Park
2163 S. China Pl. - Chinatown
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!
Did we miss your favorite spot? Let us know at [email protected]!
