Well bless your heart, you want some fried chicken? Though the birds up here might not hold a candle to what your grandma cooks down south, this city is certainly no stranger to good eats. These are the 5 best fried chicken spots to try in Chicago.
View the Best Chicken Wings in Chicago
Craving more of that chicken goodness? View our list of the best chicken wings in Chicago.
View the Best Chicken Wings in Chicago
The Budlong
Multiple Locations
If you’re looking for the best Nashville hot fried chicken in Chicago, the Budlong has been burning the taste buds off of hungry eaters since 2016. Reimagining the legendary recipe created by Music City’s own Prince’s way back when, this slightly sweet and oh-so-spicy bird comes in a sandwich, tender, and plate form, and pairs best with a tall glass of sweet tea, some mac n’ cheese, and lots of towelettes. (We’re talking handfuls of towelettes.) If you can’t beat this heat, we understand.
Parson’s Chicken & Fish
2952 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647 | 2435 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614
This neighborhood chicken shack and bar is all about letting the good-time roll. From their fried chicken forward menu to their giant outdoor patio, sitting down to eat at Parson’s in Chicago is like settling into a friend’s backyard cookout. But with much better drinks, that is.
Whether you’re enjoying a plate full of Nashville Hot or plain ole’ chicken and waffles, there’s pretty much nothing on the menu that won’t satisfy your fried chicken craving. Add an order of negroni slushies onto your bill and, damn, you’re in for one helluva good night.
Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken
847 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607 | 401 N State St, Chicago, IL 60611
Look, they don’t call it ‘world-famous’ on a whim. This long-running West Loop chain hails to the Windy City from Memphis, Tennessee, and has quickly become a Chicago favorite. Known for their no-fluff menu and kick-ass fried chicken plate, get your order with a side of mac n’ cheese and fried okra if you know what’s good for you. (At least get some kind of side! Just a chicken plate? What are you? A monster?) And you know what, while you’re at it, go ahead and follow up with a slice of pecan pie, you deserve it.
Harold’s Chicken Shack
Multiple Locations
If you don’t know about Harold’s yet, then we’re not exactly sure how we can save you from this faux pas. This true, quintessential Chicago classic has been serving up the best fried chicken since the 1950’s and isn’t going anywhere soon. Often heralded (or… Harold-ed, if you will) as one of the best chicken shacks this side of Kentucky, you simply cannot go wrong at this beloved staple. For a full list of locations, visit their corporate website, here.
Honey Butter Fried Chicken
3361 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
With a name like Honey Butter Fried Chicken you just know this Avondale fan-favorite has got to be good. Offering everything from classic birds to a fried chicken pizza in partnership with Piece Pizzeria & Brewery, Honey Butter Friend Chicken is the dream-fulfiller of fried chicken shops in Chicago.
Available for dining in, delivery, and catering, HBFC has pretty much anything you would want from a southern joint, including, but not limited to: pimento mac n’ cheese, buttery corn muffins, boozy floats, cobbler dump cake and so, so much more.
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Featured Image Credit: Honey Butter Fried Chicken
