National fried chicken day is right around the corner, so you better get ready to jump on the bandwagon! We’ve honestly been dying to do a roundup for the best fried chicken in Chicago ever since we put together Chicago’s best chicken & waffles, and now is our chance! Whether you love dark meat, white meat, or are a tender person, you’ll find someplace from this list to satisfy your cravings.
Ina Mae Tavern
1415 N Wood St, Chicago, IL 60622
If you’re looking for the best fried chicken in the city, look no further than Wicker Park’s favorite corner tavern—Ina Mae Tavern. Here, you can experience the authentic flavor of the South’s fried chicken by indulging in many fried chicken variations from Chef Brian Jupiter, 2022 Chopped champion and 2-time James Beard Award Semifinalist.
With recipes deriving from Chef Jup’s NOLA roots, menu options include mixed fried chicken (pc fried chicken; mixed with dark & white. Served with a buttermilk drop biscuit), fried chicken tenders, boneless thighs, chicken wings, big chicken dinner (8pc fried chicken served with two sides & four buttermilk drop biscuits), and Nashville fried chicken po’boy!
Frontier
1072 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60642
West Town’s Frontier is known for going big, and their fried chicken sandwich is no exception. The best chicken to bite into in the city, Frontier’s fried chicken sandwich presents crispy, tender Southern-style chicken thighs joined by Nashville sauce, banana peppers, and provolone, all nestled between a brioche bun and served with fries.
Arbella
112 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60654
You may know Arbella for their delicious cocktails, specifically, their traveling Old Fashioned program. But, did you know they have some tasty, juicy fried chicken for regular dining and happy hours? Try their delicious chicken tenders in Korean Sweet & Spicy or the classic Buffalo Hot & Spicy—the Buffalo tenders are available late night as well! Did someone say guilt pleasure?
Quality Crab & Oyster Bah’s
1962 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614
Surf and Turf? Nah. How about Chicken & Crab! Quality Crab & Oyster Bah is here to swoop you off your feet with the Fried Chicken & King Crab meal combo, paired with a glass of bubbles and the house signature hot sauce! (Be careful, it’s really spicy!) Or, you can go the old-schooled way and take a bucket of chicken togo — again, don’t forget the hot sauce!
Sushi-san
63 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60654
You thought Sushi-san only had Sushi? So wrong. Japanese people are actually know for their unique fired chicken! In our humble opinions, Sushi-san’s Togarashi Chicken Nuggets is definitely one fo the best fried chickens in Chicago. They’re fresh, spicy, and perfectly breaded. A perfect kick for a lazy, muggy summer afternoon!
Sunda New Asian
110 W Illinois St, Chicago, IL 60654
Speaking of asian fried chicken, of course, we cannot leave Sunda New Asian out. With a recently launched brunch program, diners now have more crispy delicious options at Sunda. Choose from the Happy Hour Seoul Fried Wings, brunch Ube & Chicken Waffles or Japanese Fried Chicken, and the classic Korean Fried Chicken Steamed Buns with crispy chicken thighs and asian slaw!
Boxcar Betty’s
all locations
Make it easy. If you are looking for the best fried chicken in Chicago, you just can’t go wrong with Boxcar Betty’s. We’re obsessed with their classic crispy chicken sandwich lately thanks to its sweet and savory flaovor. However, if you want someting more daring, try their DIY sandwich and make a crazy combo of your own! PS: the Agave Buttermilk is where it’s at!
Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken
847 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607
Do we need to say anything else? You can never go wrong with Gus’s! Get a half chicken order with two sides, or a chicken bucket (dark or white meat) for the family. We love their Mac & Cheese and potato salad. And, of course, don’t forget to add an order of fried green tomatoes!
Honey Butter Fried Chicken
3361 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
Half of fried chicken is about the dressing. And Honey Butter Fried Chicken has the best spicy honey dip in town. We also love their honeycone cornbread and sweet butter. All in all, this place is a fantastic destination for some unapologetic guilt-pleasure.
BB.Q Chicken
2026 S Clark St unit g, Chicago, IL 60616
In collaboration with Tsaocha, one of the best bubble tea havens in Chicago, BB.Q Chicken is the most authentic Korean fired chicken spots in town. Choose from savory to insanley spicy and enjoy the soft, tender, juicy Korean fried bbq chicken. This place will keep you licking your fingers and coming back. How do we know? Well… just look at our Doordash ordering history.
Crazy Bird Chicken
1160 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60642
Personally, we prefer their smoked chicken more than anything. But their fried chicken iis just as good. This black-owned restaurant lives up to its name. Go with the classic fired chicken, or try their BBQ offerings like the cherry smoked thighs. We also love their rice and gravy. Honestly, a side order isn’t enough. We need a full order!
Kitchen + Kocktail
444 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
If you love fried chicken, you need to check out K+K. Their portions are solid, and their flavors are quite unique compared to other places in town. Go with their flavorful fried chicken, or try the classic chicken & waffle. While you’re at it, why not add a side of the signature mac & cheese and a cocktail to make it a full meal?
Mother Cluckers
5200 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60630
Do you believe in your spicy tolerance? Then, come challenge Mother Clucker’s nashville hot fried chicken! We confess. We reached our limit on this one. But that’s why this place is so good! It’s worth risking getting your lips and tongue burnt! They also have a wide variety of cajun Po Boys and delicious sides.
The Budlong Hot Chicken
all location
Another tasty spicy fried chicken spot in Chicago is the Budlong. With five locations, the Budlong is here to satisfy your clucking craving any day, anywhere. If you’ve never been there, you HAVE TO try the iconic spicy chicken sandwich. By the way, their mac and cheese is also truly spectacular.
Burnin’ Mouth
203 Yorktown Shopping Center, Lombard, IL 60148
Challenge yourself with some Nashville-style hot chicken at Burnin’ Mouth in Yorktown Center! Their signature sandwich the Bang Bang features Nashville-style fried chicken served on a brioche bun with coleslaw, crispy onions, pickles, comeback sauce, and fries. Spice up your sandwich with your choice of garlic soy sauce (mild) or sweet chili sauce (spicy). Offering five levels of heat with “INSANE” being the hottest, Burnin’ Mouth says their sandwiches might burn your tongue off, but it leaves an addicting and lasting impression making you come back for more.
Featured Image: The Budlong Hot Chicken