Best of 22 fried chicken in Chicago
Fried chicken is a beloved dish in Chicago, enjoyed by both locals and visitors alike. This delicious meal, with its crispy exterior and juicy interior, can be found in various eateries across the city. From upscale restaurants to classic diners, fried chicken in Chicago is a foodie's delight, offering unique flavors and memorable experiences. Explore the Windy City's fried chicken scene and indulge in this delectable comfort food.
- 1. Honey Butter Fried Chicken
- 2. Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken
- 3. Parson's Chicken & Fish
- 4. Crisp
- 5. Big Boss Spicy Fried Chicken
- 6. Roost Chicken & Biscuits
- 7. Red Light Chicken
- 8. Big Jones
- 9. The Budlong Southern Chicken
- 10. Feed
- 11. Dave’s Hot Chicken
- 12. The Art of Chicken
- 13. Chicken Hut
- 14. Parson's Chicken & Fish
- 15. Uncle Remus SFC - Central & Madison
- 16. CM Korean Fried Chicken of Lincoln Park Chicago 충만 치킨
- 17. Lucy's Fried Chicken & Burgers
- 18. Harold's Chicken Shack West Loop
- 19. Roost Chicken & Biscuits
- 20. The Budlong Southern Chicken
- 21. Sir Chicken
- 22. Uncle Remus SFC - 47th Street
1. Honey Butter Fried Chicken
Serves homemade sides and offers brunch on weekends

The fried chicken at this location is truly exceptional. The addition of honey butter to the dish sets it apart, creating a unique and delightful flavor. This hidden gem serves some of the best fried chicken, making it a must-try for any food lover.
The honey butter enhances the flavor of the crispy, tender fried chicken and elevates it to a new level. Anyone who tries this dish is in for a real treat. This incredible fried chicken experience is due to the innovative combination of sweet and savory, making it the best fried chicken that has ever been tasted.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Cheap Eats
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2. Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken
Family-owned business since 1953, Made-from-scratch sides

The chicken dish at this establishment is exceptional, featuring a perfect level of heat and a delightful blend of flavors. Its crispy exterior and juicy interior make it a standout, making it hard to focus on anything else. The sides are decent, but the chicken is the true star, leaving a strong desire to return for more.
Some individuals have reported a contrasting experience with the food, describing it as being too salty and cold. Disappointingly, a few even found hair in their meals. However, others have raved about the delicious food and the variety of southern-style desserts on offer. These mixed reviews leave room for interpretation, and a second opinion may be beneficial before forming a final judgment.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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3. Parson's Chicken & Fish
Stylish yet casual hangout with a spacious patio, serving Southern-style comfort food and cocktails

The fried chicken sandwich I ordered was incredibly messy, but its taste was delicious and satisfying. The chicken was juicy and well-seasoned, while the bread provided a good balance to the sandwich's overall flavor. Although it was messy to eat, it was a worthwhile experience due to its exceptional taste.
Some customers consider the hot chicken sandwich to be phenomenal. Its taste and quality have received high praise, making it a popular choice among food enthusiasts. Whether it's the spicy kick or the juicy chicken that people love, the hot chicken sandwich is undoubtedly a standout menu item in the food industry.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
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4. Crisp
Local chain with a focus on fresh, quality ingredients and friendly service

Korean-style fried chicken is renowned for its crispy exterior and tender, juicy interior. The unique and crave-worthy flavor comes from a glaze made of sweet soy, ginger, and garlic, which caramelizes on the chicken as it fries. This glaze adds a tangy and slightly sweet taste that sets it apart from traditional Southern-style fried chicken.
Crisp's fried chicken is a standout example of this popular Korean dish. The chicken is fried to perfection, resulting in a shatteringly crisp crust that gives way to succulent, flavorful meat. The combination of the crispy exterior and juicy interior, along with the distinctive soy-ginger-garlic glaze, creates a delicious and addictive flavor profile that is sure to impress. Whether you're a fan of Korean cuisine or simply looking to try something new, Crisp's Korean-style fried chicken is a must-try.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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5. Big Boss Spicy Fried Chicken
Korean-style fried chicken, dine-in, takeout, and delivery available

The chicken tenders served are incredibly large in size and well-seasoned, providing a delicious and flavorful experience. The X-Hot Sauce that accompanies the tenders adds an extra kick and perfectly complements the chicken, making it a hit. The chicken is cooked to perfection, juicy and tender on the inside with a crispy exterior. It is a standout dish, worth returning for and is sure to satisfy any chicken lover.
In summary, the chicken tenders offered are impressive in size and taste, boasting a well-seasoned coating and perfectly cooked interior. The X-Hot Sauce is the perfect addition, adding a spicy kick that elevates the dish. Whether you're a fan of chicken or just looking for a tasty meal, this scrumptious chicken tender dish is not to be missed and is definitely worth a repeat visit.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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6. Roost Chicken & Biscuits
Local and sustainable ingredients, Scratch-made biscuits

The individual chicken pieces and buttery biscuit sandwiches are standout items at this establishment, featuring juicy meat with crispy, peppery skin. The experience is enhanced by housemade sauces such as habanero BBQ and chipotle ranch.
If you're looking for a must-try dish, the chicken and waffles are highly recommended. The combination of juicy chicken and fluffy waffles is a flavor explosion that will not disappoint. This dish is so delicious that it has been praised by many, including the reviewer referred to as "Mike from that Google review," who insists that anyone who tries it will be blown away by the taste.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
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7. Red Light Chicken
Serves Korean-style fried chicken with various flavors

The hot honey sandwich, featuring mayo and pickles, is a delicious and satisfying choice. Its delicious flavor has left a lasting impression, and I plan to order it again on future visits. The restaurant's welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere, combined with great service, made for an excellent dining experience.
The chicken sandwich, in particular, stands out as a popular and tasty menu item. Its juicy and crispy texture, along with the balanced flavor of spice and sweetness from the hot honey, make it a crowd favorite. The sandwich is a perfect example of the quality and care put into the preparation of the food at this establishment.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Social Gatherings
- Dinner
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8. Big Jones
Offers gluten-free and vegetarian options, and uses organic and sustainable ingredients.

This establishment is frequently featured on Best Fried Chicken in Chicago and America lists. It is a popular dining destination for locals and a must-visit for tourists. The restaurant is known for its modern regional Southern cuisine, which is carefully sourced and made by hand.
The fried chicken and shrimp and grits are consistently delicious, but the seasonal dishes are truly outstanding. These dishes change regularly and are the highlight of every visit. They showcase the restaurant's creativity and commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Whether you're a local or a tourist, this restaurant is a must-visit for anyone's Chicago dining bucket list.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
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9. The Budlong Southern Chicken
Family-owned business, Uses high-quality ingredients, Offers catering services

The chicken sandwich offered at this establishment is described as juicy, hot, and delicious, with small but well-received tenders. Customers praise the quality of the sandwich, often highlighting the spicy house sauce as a standout feature. The food is known for its scrumptious, spicy, and warm qualities, with the chicken sandwich being a popular choice among patrons.
The sandwich's spicy house sauce is a favorite component, and the food's warmth is consistently noted as a positive aspect. While the size of the chicken tenders in the sandwich is smaller, customers still receive them well. Overall, the chicken sandwich is a highly regarded menu item, with customers praising its quality and spiciness.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Cheap Eats
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10. Feed
Voted as one of the best fried chickens in the US

Feed is a restaurant specializing in rotisserie-style chicken with a simple southern-style menu. The chicken can be ordered whole, half, or by the quarter, and is accompanied by a selection of traditional sides. This chicken is exceptionally juicy, making it some of the best I've ever tasted.
Unfortunately, Fried chicken is not an option at Feed. However, there is plenty of baked chicken, as well as delicious corn pudding and greens. The food here is consistently excellent, so it's a great place to visit for a tasty and satisfying meal.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Lunch
- Dinner
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11. Dave’s Hot Chicken
Focuses solely on Nashville-style hot chicken

The fried chicken offered at this establishment is truly exceptional. It features a perfectly crispy exterior with seasoning that is expertly balanced, resulting in a delightful explosion of flavors with every bite. The quality of the fried chicken is so impressive that it warrants a return visit.
If you're in the mood for a delicious sandwich, the fried chicken sliders are an excellent choice. These miniature sandwiches consist of crispy fried chicken topped with pickles and a spicy mayo dressing. The combination of these ingredients adds a tangy and spicy kick that complements the chicken perfectly.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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12. The Art of Chicken
Serves halal meat, Homemade side dishes, Casual atmosphere

The food from this location is delicious and satisfying. The fried chicken stands out for its crispy exterior and rich flavor. The side dishes, such as broccoli and sweet potato fries, are also noteworthy and add to the enjoyable dining experience. The business is family-owned and run, which contributes to its welcoming atmosphere.
During a recent visit, the service was exceptional. The staff member, Yari, was friendly and helpful in suggesting menu options. The chicken was a highlight, being both juicy and perfectly seasoned. Overall, the first experience at this location was a positive one, and the intention to order from there again was expressed.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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13. Chicken Hut
Offers vegetarian and spicy options, with delivery and online ordering available

Chicken Hut is known for its fresh and flavorful fried chicken, cooked to perfection for every order. The exterior is crispy, while the interior remains juicy and satisfying. Accompanying sides complement the main dish well, making for a well-rounded meal.
Fried chicken at this establishment is a must-try for any poultry lover. It boasts a delightful crunch on the outside, combined with a tender and moist inside that is impossible to resist. Diners highly recommend this dish for its exceptional taste and quality.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
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14. Parson's Chicken & Fish
Offers a fun and lively atmosphere with a spacious patio

The hot chicken option stands out for its crispy exterior and juicy interior, all while providing a spicy kick that adds excitement to each bite. On the other hand, the original chicken sandwich offers a delicious flavor, but its texture is slightly harder compared to the hot chicken option.
Both menu items are part of the popular chicken sandwich craze, but the hot chicken option distinguishes itself with its bold spiciness that is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their meals. Meanwhile, the original chicken sandwich serves as a classic alternative, catering to those who prefer a simpler and more traditional sandwich experience. Despite their differences, both options maintain a high standard of taste and quality, ensuring a satisfying meal for customers.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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15. Uncle Remus SFC - Central & Madison
Southern-style home cooking, Family-owned and operated

For over half a century, our establishment has been renowned as the home of Chicago's most delicious and satisfying saucy fried chicken. Our chicken is known for its crunchy exterior and juicy, fresh interior, resulting in a flavor explosion that is sure to make you a lifetime customer.
However, while many customers rave about our perfectly fried chicken with a sweet and mild sauce, there have been some complaints about dry chicken and slow service. Despite these occasional missteps, the overall consensus is that our chicken is a must-try for anyone looking for a taste of the best fried chicken Chicago has to offer. Some satisfied customers specifically recommend ordering the 10-wing portion with rolls and mild sauce for a truly memorable meal.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
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16. CM Korean Fried Chicken of Lincoln Park Chicago 충만 치킨
Authentic Korean fried chicken, Casual and cozy atmosphere

Our mouthwatering fried chicken is known for its delightful crunchy-juicy combination, achieved through a double-fried process. First, the chicken is fried at a lower temperature to ensure the meat is cooked thoroughly. After that, the chicken is fried once more at a higher temperature, creating a gorgeous golden and crispy batter.
When it comes to Korean fried chicken, our restaurant offers an authentic and delicious spicy option. This spicy fried chicken is renowned for its fiery heat, which perfectly balances out the crispy exterior and juicy interior. With just the right amount of spice, this dish will surely leave a lasting impression on your taste buds.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Cheap Eats
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17. Lucy's Fried Chicken & Burgers
Serves alcohol and has a great selection of craft beers, Offers vegetarian and vegan options, Has a cozy and casual atmosphere

The Bacon Jam Fried Chicken Sandwich was a standout dish, featuring crispy and juicy chickenwith a generous helping of sweet and flavorful bacon jam. It was a delightful combination of textures and tastes that left a lasting impression.
In addition to the fried chicken sandwich, the Juicy Lucy's sauce and spicy chicken sandwich were also notable. The sauce added a rich and tangy flavor to the sandwich, while the spicy chicken had a satisfying kick that was not too overpowering. Overall, the sandwich options were impressive and satisfying.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
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18. Harold's Chicken Shack West Loop
Family-owned and operated, serving the West Loop community since 1950s

We opted for pick-up and enjoyed fresh and crispy chicken. The 1/2 white meat chicken meal was my order, which included two wings, two breasts, fries, and two slices of bread. Customers have the option to have their chicken covered in a sauce of their choice at no extra cost.
The chicken was the highlight of the meal, being both fresh and crispy. I chose the 1/2 white meat chicken meal, which came with two wings, two breasts, fries, and two slices of bread. There was a range of sauces available to pour over the chicken at no additional cost.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
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19. Roost Chicken & Biscuits
Uses locally sourced, hormone-free chicken, with a commitment to sustainability and community.

Summary:
Fried chicken is a popular menu item, but opinions on its taste vary. Some customers rave about its juiciness and rich flavor, while others find it lacking in seasoning. Despite the mixed reviews, many agree that it is a must-try.
Delving deeper:
Fried chicken is a dish that can be found in many restaurants, and it has become a crowd favorite in many places. One establishment's fried chicken, in particular, has garnered attention for its quality. Some customers have praised the chicken for its juiciness and savory flavor, making it a must-order item on the menu. However, others have expressed disappointment, stating that the chicken was not as flavorful as they had hoped. These mixed reviews suggest that while some customers have had a positive experience with the dish, others may be left wanting more. Nonetheless, the fried chicken remains a popular choice for many.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
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20. The Budlong Southern Chicken
Located in a cozy and modern setting, offers catering services and has vegetarian options

The hot chicken sandwich is a customer favorite due to its spicy and generously sized patty. Its heat level is particularly appreciated by those who enjoy spicy food.
The service at this establishment is a topic of mixed reviews. Some customers commend the quick delivery and friendly demeanor of the staff. However, others have criticized the customer service for various reasons.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
- Dinner
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21. Sir Chicken

TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Cheap Eats
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22. Uncle Remus SFC - 47th Street
Down-home Southern cooking, Friendly atmosphere

The taste of the chicken served at this establishment is remarkably similar to that of Popeye's. The chef here excels in cooking various chicken dishes, including fried chicken, chicken rolls, and chicken wings. The chicken wings, in particular, are a standout option. However, it's best to avoid anything larger than a wing as it may become overcooked and lose its taste.
In addition to their excellent chicken dishes, this BBQ establishment also offers delicious desserts. The triple chocolate cake is a must-try, as it is perfectly cooked and has an incredible taste. Whether you're in the mood for chicken or something sweet, this BBQ knows how to satisfy its customers.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
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