The Best Fried Chicken in the U.S. | Top 20 Spots Ranked

Picture this: It’s a nice sunny day. You’re enjoying a picnic and take the perfect bite of juicy, crispy, and crunchy fried chicken. This nostalgic flavor can only be found at your favorite local fried chicken restaurant.

Fried chicken is the perfect dish for any occasion, whether you’re relaxing and enjoying a picnic or grabbing a bite to eat before watching your favorite NBA team. It’s one of those dishes that reminds you of home and brings people together.

The top 20 fried chicken restaurants in the U.S.

1. Mama’s Phried & Phillys, Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Sporting an impressive 4.70 rating on Google reviews, Mama’s Phried & Phillys in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, has been ranked the top fried chicken restaurant in the U.S. With a refreshing sweet tea costing $1.24 and a fried chicken meal costing $7.50, Mama’s Phried & Phillys is one of the most affordable fried chicken joints across the U.S. According to Google reviews, Mama’s Phried & Phillys is known for its good food, good service, and great atmosphere; perfect for catching a Sioux Falls Skyforce game.

2. Peck Peck Chicken, Teaneck, New Jersey

Peck Peck Chicken in Teaneck, New Jersey, ranks second among the top fried chicken spots in the U.S. With a score of 4.80 out of 5 on Google, this fried chicken joint proudly serves the locals of Teaneck. This mom-and-pop Korean fried chicken shop offers tea for just $1.75 and crispy chicken for $9.50.

3. Jim Dandy Fried Chicken, Los Angeles, California

Jim Dandy Fried Chicken in Los Angeles, California, ranks third with a Google Review score of 4.40. This fried chicken joint brings a touch of Southern charm to Los Angeles. You can enjoy a great meal for cheap, with tea for $1.50 and crispy fried chicken for $5.98. Google reviews describe Jim Dandy’s as a true neighborhood gem.

4. Chicken on the Bayou and Boudin Shop, Breaux Bridge, Louisiana

Chicken on the Bayou and Boudin Shop in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, has a score of 4.60 on Google. This unfussy roadside kitchen/general store supplies hungry travelers with refreshing tea for just $2.07 and fresh fried chicken for $7.27. If you’re ever traveling through Louisiana, Chicken on the Bayou and Boudin Shop is definitely worth the stop.

5. The Chicken Shack, Luverne, Alabama

The Chicken Shack in Luverne, Alabama, scored fifth for the top sports bar in the U.S. This family restaurant has been around since 1956. With a score of 4.50 on Google Reviews, The Chicken Shack offers tea starting from $1.29, and a fried chicken meal will cost you just $9.00.

The best-fried chicken restaurant in every state

Whether you’re in your home state and want to find the best local fried chicken spot, or you are traveling and looking for the nearest place to grab an iconic bite, you can use this tool to search for the top fried chicken restaurant in each state in the U.S., ranked by their Google reviews, or the price of a standard fried chicken meal and sweet tea.

The most expensive cities In the United States for sweet tea

1. Roscoe’s Chicken & Waffles, Los Angeles, California

Situated in Los Angeles is the long-time classic Roscoe’s Chicken & Waffles, which has been a staple since 1975. They serve up their unique version of an Arnold Palmer, called Lisa’s Delight. This lemonade and iced tea combo will cost you a total of $6.50.

2. Honey Kettle Fried Chicken, Culver City

Situated in Culver City, California, right outside Los Angeles, this chicken joint serves refreshing beverage combos with various fruit-infused lemonades and teas. These will cost you a total of $6.00, but they are worth the refreshing splurge.

3. Amy Ruths, New York, New York

Amy Ruth’s has established itself as a New York staple with over 5,000 Google reviews. This down-home restaurant is known for serving up chicken and waffles to tourists and locals alike. A refreshing and homemade sweet tea will cost you $5.75 at this New York classic.

The most expensive cities In the United States for fried chicken

Fried chicken fans, are you curious about where in the U.S. you’ll pay the most for your favorite crispy treat? We’ve got the scoop on which cities have the highest prices for fried chicken.

1. Handsome Hog, St.Paul, Minnesota

Handsome Hog, located in St. Paul, Minnesota, is known for serving up traditional southern eats and in HUGE portions. Their ‘Combo #5’ includes fried chicken and brisket, spare ribs, smoked pulled pork, a cornbread muffin, grilled sweet corn, and house pickles. For $35.00, that’s a meal that can feed a small army.

2. The Love, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

This upscale restaurant is known for serving up delicious American fare. Their signature ‘Love Bird’ combines buttermilk fried chicken, buttery corn grits, comeback sauce, and collard greens. For $33.00, you can get a taste of southern comfort in Philly.

3. The Cookery, Seward, Alaska

The Cookery, a modern New American eatery that opened in 2015, is known for its unique take on fried chicken. For $30.00, you can enjoy their dish featuring fried chicken with napa and cucumber salad, pickled onion, fresh herbs, maple-glazed peanuts, and fish sauce.

With this guide, you can now find the top fried chicken restaurants in each state, ranked by the price of tea, a tasty fried chicken meal, or location.

From Mama’s Phried & Phillys in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Peck Peck Chicken in Teaneck, New Jersey, there is no shortage of fried chicken joints across the U.S. to enjoy from picnic to tailgates.

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Methodology

We reviewed and ranked the top fried chicken restaurants across every state in the U.S. based on average Google review scores, the price of tea, and the cost of a standard fried chicken meal. The higher the Google review score and the lower the cost of tea and fried chicken, the higher the restaurant ranked. The data is accurate as of June 20, 2024.