Fried chicken has been a massive part of American cuisine, be it southern-style, Nashville hot chicken, or the good old KFC. Moreover, can you deny fried chicken as one of your favorites in that meant-loving heart of yours? No is the correct answer. So, sit back and read through this list of mouth-watering restaurants that dish the best-fried chicken in Chicago.
Best Fried Chicken in Chicago
Don’t settle for anything less than the crunchiest, juiciest, and most tender fried chicken in all of Chicago. Southern-style, Nashville style, or even Koren fried chicken, we got you covered. These restaurant picks are the lands of no food regrets.
The year was 2015, the city of Chicago finally got its first Tennessee’s beloved fried chicken chain, Gus’s. No one can claim to be ‘world famous’ and not show receipts for it. So, you can bet your last penny that Gus’s will deliver on their claim. Gus’s whole foundation stands on a family recipe by Na and Bonner, and boy, do they have a secret formula. For that reason, all their fried chicken is perfectly succulent, juicy, and seasoned to excellence. Let’s discuss the breading……a deep golden-brown, all the nooks and cracks well coated, forming the extra crispy, craggy bits we all love. Every piece of the bird has excellent structural integrity. Like any good fried chicken place in Chicago, Gus’s serves all cuts of the bird and has some great beverages, sides, and dessert options. Address: 847 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607 Contact: (312) 733-1971Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken
If fried chicken awards were a thing (which they totally should be!), this joint’s chicken would win ‘The Best Dressed Chicken’! This institution started as a pop-up restaurant and pretty much instantly generated a cult following. Christine and Joshua Kulp followed through and did right by their fans and opened up a restaurant. Their chicken is breaded heartily and therefore is supremely crunchy and finished off with their signature honey butter glaze. Bonus: fried chicken orders come with a side of little crispy-edged corn muffins to catch all that honey butter glaze drip. Yum! As if all this wasn’t convincing enough, they have put the fried chicken on everything from the nachos to sandwiches. Moreso, there is a delicious selection of side dishes like mac and cheese, BBQ, salads, and biscuits. Address: 3361 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60618 Contact: (773) 478-4000Honey Butter Fried Chicken
Zoë Schor perfected her fried chicken recipe over the years cooking for her family and friends. Split Rail’s menu is straightforward and well-crafted. Sticking to the culinary basics has made this fried chicken the closest thing to perfection. The poultry sits brining overnight and lightly breaded, giving it perfectly crunchy skin. On top of that, they have their sauce game down; house-made sauces such as chile-maple butter and curry mayo. The classic here is the four-piece order, with a bone-in leg and thigh, a split boneless breast. It is regarded to be some of the best in Chicago. Guess what? These beautiful people at Split Rail even provide gluten-free and vegan alternatives; no one feels unwelcome here. Address: 2500 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 Contact: (773) 697-4413Split Rail
Do you know – Top 10 tallest buildings in Chicago?
One of the best Nashville-style fried chicken in Chicago is brought to you by The Budlong. They were the face of this hot fried chicken trend in The Windy City. Owner and chef Jared Leonard serve this classic spicy chicken with mild, medium, or extra hot sauce options. The bird is salted, the breading is craggy, and the spice coating will warm you right up. At Budlong, diners get to choose between two glorious options of hot-fried chicken. It’s a choice between the White Hot Chicken or Dark Hot Chicken. In true Nashville fashion, the chicken is served on top of a slice of white bread to soak up all that hot sauce; and topped with tangy pickles. Besides, sandwiching the chicken is an option, with a dash of the Budlong signature sauce, coleslaw, and the mandatory pickles. Address: 1008 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60614 Contact: (773) 270-9005The Budlong Hot Fried Chicken
Relocating from Lawndale to West Town, owner and chef Larry Tucker has gained a new wave of fans. Having served at the older location for years, Crazy Bird finally moved to a spacious locale, and rightfully so. The regulars at this joint swear by its moist, lightly-breaded, and Amish-style fried chicken. For around $11, one would be served two pieces of the clucker with a side of your choice. The mac ‘n’ cheese and collard greens, highly recommended for the side order. Now let’s talk sauces; your dressing options are honey chipotle, tangy buffalo, or Sriracha mayo. You can even help yourself with some duck bacon. Yes, you read that right! Tucker’s lovely wife bakes a wholesome pound cake. A slice of the cake and you have yourselves a complete meal. Address: 1160 W Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60642 Contact: (312) 877-5684Crazy Bird Chicken
Uncle Remus sound’s like one of your favorite uncles’ cooking in his backyard. This fried chicken joint is as homely and welcoming as it sounds if you are looking for a venue to host a family feast, look no further. They are dishing out some of the crunchiest and juiciest fried chicken in Chicago with ample room and friendly staff. Thickly dusted pepper seasoning over the crust balanced out by a sweet sauce slathered over the bird. Likewise, try out their Mixed G-pan along with their finger-licking sauces. Also, the 6 Wing Value Meal is one of the most popular orders from customers. Undoubtedly, they taste as delicious as they look. Besides, they have a great list of sides that include hot fries, jalapenos, and coleslaw. Fair warning, be prepared for a little while to enjoy these saucy birds, or call ahead and place your order ahead of time. Address: 5611 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60644 Contact: (773) 261-7311Uncle Remus
The legends at Crisp are doing ‘Korean fried chicken’ in Chicago. Yeah, take a second to let that sink in. People, if you haven’t eaten Korean fried chicken, I promise you, you need some in your life right now. Now, this heavenly place is dishing this fried piece of bird heaven out laden with sauces. The holy-trio used on the post-fryer chicken is a combination of; BBQ, Seoul Sassy and Buffalo. This incredible joint even does jumbo wings. The best sauce to bathe these wings in is the Seoul Sassy, a hint of sweetness with a blend of ginger, garlic, soy, and other spices. Address: 2940 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60657 Contact: (773) 697-7610Crisp
Conclusion
So many different components go into making the best possible fried chicken. There are so many minor variables, the seasoning ratio, the batter consistency, or the types of side dishes available. Therefore, find a place that does it the best is so important. Fried chicken can pose as any meal, even breakfast. Fried chicken and waffles for breakfast, you might have to take a nap right after, but what a fun way to start the day!
Also for the Best Steakhouse in Chicago, do read the article. And if you visit Seattle, you need to check out the places for the best-fried chicken in Seattle.
