Fried chicken, a dish synonymous with Southern comfort food, has spread its deliciousness across the United States. Each state boasts its own version, often with unique twists and flavors. Here’s a guide to finding the best fried chicken in every state, ensuring that wherever you are, you can indulge in this crispy, juicy delight.
Alabama: Saw’s Soul Kitchen
In Birmingham, Saw’s Soul Kitchen delivers classic Southern fried chicken with an Alabama twist. The chicken is marinated, perfectly seasoned, and fried to a golden crisp, often served with a side of their famous white BBQ sauce.
Alaska: Lucky Wishbone
Anchorage’s Lucky Wishbone has been serving up mouthwatering fried chicken since 1955. Their method involves hand-breading the chicken and frying it to perfection, ensuring a crispy exterior and juicy inside.
Arizona: Lo-Lo’s Chicken & Waffles
Phoenix is home to Lo-Lo’s Chicken & Waffles, where you can savor fried chicken with a hint of sweet and savory. The crispy chicken pairs perfectly with fluffy waffles, creating a unique and delightful meal.
Arkansas: Monte Ne Inn Chicken
In Rogers, Monte Ne Inn Chicken offers a family-style dining experience with their famous fried chicken. The chicken is cooked using a secret family recipe that has been passed down through generations.
California: Howlin’ Ray’s
Los Angeles is renowned for Howlin’ Ray’s, where Nashville hot chicken meets West Coast vibes. The chicken is spicy, crispy, and always cooked to order, drawing long lines of eager patrons.
Colorado: The Post Chicken & Beer
In Boulder, The Post Chicken & Beer serves up fried chicken that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. They pair it with house-brewed beers, making it a perfect spot for a hearty meal.
Connecticut: Drumstik Bar-B-Q
Fairfield’s Drumstik Bar-B-Q offers a nostalgic dining experience with their crispy, golden fried chicken. It’s a local favorite that has been satisfying chicken lovers for decades.
Delaware: Mrs. Robino’s
Wilmington’s Mrs. Robino’s is an Italian-American restaurant that’s known for its perfectly seasoned and crispy fried chicken, making it a unique spot to enjoy this American classic.
Florida: Yardbird Southern Table & Bar
Miami’s Yardbird Southern Table & Bar offers a sophisticated take on Southern fried chicken. The chicken is brined for 27 hours before being fried to perfection, ensuring a flavorful and moist bite every time.
Georgia: Mary Mac’s Tea Room
In Atlanta, Mary Mac’s Tea Room is a beloved institution serving up some of the best Southern fried chicken in the state. Their chicken is crispy, juicy, and always served with a side of Southern hospitality.
Hawaii: Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers
Honolulu’s Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers may be a chain, but their dedication to quality makes them a standout. The chicken fingers are hand-breaded and fried to a golden crisp, served with their famous Cane’s Sauce.
Idaho: Chick N’ Little
In Boise, Chick N’ Little offers a modern twist on classic fried chicken. Their chicken is brined, battered, and fried to a crisp, often served with unique dipping sauces.
Illinois: Honey Butter Fried Chicken
Chicago’s Honey Butter Fried Chicken offers a unique take on the classic dish. The chicken is fried to perfection and served with a side of honey butter, creating a sweet and savory combination that’s hard to resist.
Indiana: Hollyhock Hill
Indianapolis is home to Hollyhock Hill, a charming establishment that has been serving up traditional fried chicken since 1928. Their family-style meals feature perfectly seasoned and crispy chicken that’s a local favorite.
Iowa: Bubba
Des Moines’ Bubba is a Southern comfort food restaurant known for its delicious fried chicken. The chicken is crispy, juicy, and served with a variety of classic Southern sides.
Kansas: Stroud’s
Kansas City’s Stroud’s is famous for its pan-fried chicken, which is cooked to perfection in cast iron skillets. The chicken is crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and always delicious.
Kentucky: Royals Hot Chicken
In Louisville, Royals Hot Chicken offers a spicy take on fried chicken. Their chicken is crispy, juicy, and can be ordered at varying levels of heat, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Louisiana: Willie Mae’s Scotch House
New Orleans is home to Willie Mae’s Scotch House, an iconic spot known for its world-famous fried chicken. The chicken is perfectly seasoned, crispy, and has been satisfying customers since 1957.
Maine: Figgy’s Takeout & Catering
Portland’s Figgy’s Takeout & Catering offers a unique take on fried chicken, with a focus on local ingredients and flavorful seasoning. The chicken is crispy, juicy, and always cooked to order.
Maryland: The Chicken or the Egg
In Baltimore, The Chicken or the Egg offers a modern twist on classic fried chicken. Their chicken is crispy, flavorful, and often served with creative sides and dipping sauces.
Massachusetts: Highland Kitchen
Somerville’s Highland Kitchen is known for its delicious fried chicken, which is crispy, juicy, and full of flavor. The chicken is a local favorite, often enjoyed with their famous mac and cheese.
Michigan: Mercury Burger & Bar
Detroit’s Mercury Burger & Bar offers a delicious take on fried chicken, with a focus on crispy, flavorful chicken that’s always cooked to perfection. Their chicken sandwiches are a must-try.
Minnesota: Revival
Minneapolis’ Revival offers some of the best fried chicken in the state. The chicken is brined, battered, and fried to a golden crisp, creating a mouthwatering experience with every bite.
Mississippi: Two Sisters’ Kitchen
In Jackson, Two Sisters’ Kitchen is a beloved spot for classic Southern fried chicken. The chicken is crispy, juicy, and always served with a side of Southern hospitality.
Missouri: Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken
Kansas City’s Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken offers a spicy take on the classic dish. The chicken is crispy, juicy, and always cooked to order, ensuring a delicious meal every time.
Montana: Roost Fried Chicken
Bozeman’s Roost Fried Chicken offers a modern twist on classic fried chicken, with a focus on local ingredients and flavorful seasoning. The chicken is crispy, juicy, and always delicious.
Nebraska: Big Mama’s Kitchen
In Omaha, Big Mama’s Kitchen is known for its delicious fried chicken, which is crispy, juicy, and full of flavor. The chicken is a local favorite, often enjoyed with their famous sides.
Nevada: Blue Ribbon Fried Chicken
Las Vegas’ Blue Ribbon Fried Chicken offers a unique take on the classic dish, with a focus on crispy, flavorful chicken that’s always cooked to perfection. Their chicken sandwiches are a must-try.
New Hampshire: Republic Cafe
Manchester’s Republic Cafe offers a delicious take on fried chicken, with a focus on crispy, juicy chicken that’s full of flavor. The chicken is a local favorite, often enjoyed with their creative sides.
New Jersey: The Chicken or the Egg
Beach Haven’s The Chicken or the Egg offers a modern twist on classic fried chicken, with a focus on crispy, flavorful chicken that’s always cooked to perfection. Their chicken sandwiches are a must-try.
New Mexico: The Farmacy
In Santa Fe, The Farmacy offers a delicious take on fried chicken, with a focus on crispy, juicy chicken that’s full of flavor. The chicken is a local favorite, often enjoyed with their creative sides.
New York: Blue Ribbon Fried Chicken
New York City’s Blue Ribbon Fried Chicken offers a unique take on the classic dish, with a focus on crispy, flavorful chicken that’s always cooked to perfection. Their chicken sandwiches are a must-try.
North Carolina: Beasley’s Chicken + Honey
Raleigh’s Beasley’s Chicken + Honey offers a delicious take on fried chicken, with a focus on crispy, juicy chicken that’s drizzled with honey. The combination of sweet and savory is a local favorite.
North Dakota: Sickies Garage Burgers & Brews
In Fargo, Sickies Garage Burgers & Brews offers a unique take on fried chicken, with a focus on crispy, flavorful chicken that’s always cooked to perfection. Their chicken sandwiches are a must-try.
Ohio: The Eagle
Cincinnati’s The Eagle offers some of the best fried chicken in the state. The chicken is brined, battered, and fried to a golden crisp, creating a mouthwatering experience with every bite.
Oklahoma: Eischen’s Bar
In Okarche, Eischen’s Bar is famous for its delicious fried chicken, which is crispy, juicy, and full of flavor. The chicken is a local favorite, often enjoyed with their famous sides.
Oregon: Screen Door
Portland’s Screen Door offers a unique take on fried chicken, with a focus on crispy, juicy chicken that’s full of flavor. The chicken is a local favorite, often enjoyed with their creative sides.
Pennsylvania: Federal Donuts
Philadelphia’s Federal Donuts offers a unique take on the classic dish, with a focus on crispy, flavorful chicken that’s always cooked to perfection. Their chicken sandwiches are a must-try.
Rhode Island: Bucktown
Providence’s Bucktown offers a delicious take on fried chicken, with a focus on crispy, juicy chicken that’s full of flavor. The chicken is a local favorite, often enjoyed with their creative sides.
South Carolina: Husk
Charleston’s Husk offers a sophisticated take on Southern fried chicken.