best fried chicken los angeles

Top 10 Best Fried Chicken Los Angeles

Best Fried Chicken Spots

If you’re on the hunt for the best fried chicken in Los Angeles, I’ve got you covered. After munching my way through countless chicken joints, here are my top picks that every fried chicken fan needs to check out!

Les Sisters in Winnetka

Les Sisters is a hidden gem in Winnetka that dishes out fried chicken like no other. Their pieces are perfectly cooked with a crispy, well-seasoned coating that keeps you coming back for more. Pair it with their mac and cheese or Cajun fries for a meal that hits all the right notes. More details on Eater LA.

DishDescription
Fried ChickenGenerous pieces with a crispy coating
SidesMac and cheese, Cajun fries

Main Chick

Main Chick is a fantastic spot for those who prefer non-spicy fried chicken. They offer a variety of combos, including tenders, sandwiches, and quarter bird pieces. With multiple locations across LA, it’s easy to get your fix. Find out more at Eater LA.

Combo TypeOptions
TendersYes
SandwichesYes
Quarter BirdYes

Top Restaurant in Pasadena

Top Restaurant takes fried chicken to the next level. They marinate their chicken for 12 hours in a secret spice blend before frying it to crispy perfection. But heads up—they only serve 45 orders a day, so plan accordingly. More info at Eater LA.

DishSpecial Feature
Fried Chicken12-hour marinade
Daily Limit45 orders

Howlin’ Ray’s in Chinatown

Howlin’ Ray’s is a must-visit for Nashville hot chicken lovers. They offer spice levels from no heat to insanely spicy, and the long lines prove it’s worth the wait. If you can handle the heat, this is your spot! More details on Eater LA.

Spice LevelOptions
No HeatYes
MediumYes
Extra SpicyYes

Honey’s Kettle Fried Chicken

Honey’s Kettle has been perfecting their Southern-style fried chicken for over 40 years. Their golden crust is legendary, thanks to a top-secret spice blend and a 24-hour marinade. It’s simply divine! Learn more at Time Out Los Angeles.

FeatureDescription
StyleSouthern-style
Marination Time24 hours

With so many tasty options, finding the best fried chicken in Los Angeles is an adventure worth taking. Don’t forget to explore other food delights too, like the best brunch in Los Angeles or the best desserts in Los Angeles. Enjoy your fried chicken journey!

Fried Chicken Enthusiast

Jenn Harris’s Fried Chicken Obsession

Hey there, fellow fried chicken lovers! I’ve got to spill the beans about my fried chicken obsession, all thanks to Jenn Harris, the food writer from the Times who’s convinced that Los Angeles is the ultimate fried chicken paradise. Dubbed the #LAFriedChickenQueen, Jenn munches on fried chicken almost every day and dives into a smorgasbord of fried poultry dishes from around the globe (Los Angeles Times). Her latest series, “The Bucket List,” is all about hunting down the best fried chicken joints in the city, and I’m pumped to tag along on this crispy adventure!

Los Angeles: Fried Chicken Heaven

Los Angeles is a dream come true for fried chicken fans. The city’s fried chicken scene has blown up, especially with the rise of hot chicken, which kicked off with the legendary Howlin’ Ray’s in Chinatown (Los Angeles Times). This spicy trend has sparked a flurry of hot chicken pop-ups and eateries all over town, making LA the go-to spot for anyone craving that perfect crispy bite.

YearFried Chicken Trend
2008Fried chicken specials pop up during the recession
2015Hot chicken craze ignites with Howlin’ Ray’s
2020Boom of hot chicken pop-ups and restaurants

The Fried Chicken Scene Evolution

Watching the fried chicken scene in Los Angeles evolve has been a wild ride. It all kicked off with fried chicken specials showing up on menus during the recession. Then, the hot chicken craze exploded, paving the way for a slew of pop-ups and restaurants to put their own spin on this beloved dish (Los Angeles Times).

Nowadays, LA is bursting with fried chicken options, from classic Southern-style to fiery hot chicken. The sheer variety of flavors and styles makes it an exciting time to be a fried chicken fanatic. I’m itching to sink my teeth into the many mouth-watering offerings this lively city has to offer!

If you’re hungry for more of LA’s best eats, don’t miss our guide to the best food in Los Angeles.

Fried Chicken Recommendations

Looking for the best fried chicken in Los Angeles? I’ve got you covered. Here are three spots that have won my heart and taste buds. Each one brings its own twist to this classic comfort food, making them worth every bite.

Humble Bird in North Hollywood

Humble Bird is a gem in North Hollywood. Started by folks who used to work at Howlin’ Ray’s, they’ve taken fried chicken to a whole new level. Their bone-in chicken packs a punch of flavor that stands out, even against the heat of Nashville hot chicken. But the real star? Their fried chicken sandwich. Imagine a juicy chicken breast, perfectly cooked, with just the right amount of slaw, pickles, and “comeback” sauce. It’s a flavor explosion.

ItemDescription
Fried Chicken SandwichJuicy chicken breast, slaw, pickles, comeback sauce
Bone-in ChickenFlavorful, spicy, perfectly cooked

Want more tasty spots? Check out best food in Los Angeles.

Willie Mae’s Venice

Willie Mae’s Venice brings New Orleans right to LA. Since 1957, they’ve been serving up fried chicken with a hint of heat and a thick, satisfying breading. Pair it with Southern classics like red beans and rice, and you’re in for a treat. And if you’re feeling adventurous, their seafood gumbo is a must-try.

ItemDescription
New Orleans-style Fried ChickenSlight heat, heavy breading
Red Beans and RiceClassic Southern side
Seafood GumboUnique to the Venice location

Craving more variety? Check out best brunch in Los Angeles.

Anajak Thai Cuisine

Anajak Thai Cuisine offers a unique spin with their Hat Yai fried chicken. This Southern Thai-style dish is crispy, perfectly seasoned, and pairs beautifully with white rice and spicy nam jim sauce. It’s a refreshing twist on fried chicken that you won’t want to miss. Plus, their Thai Taco Tuesdays and monthly omakase dinners add even more excitement to your dining experience.

ItemDescription
Hat Yai Fried ChickenCrispy, well-seasoned, served with rice and nam jim
Thai Taco TuesdaysFun for the whole family
Monthly Omakase DinnersUnique dining experience

For more culinary adventures, explore the best tacos in Los Angeles.

These spots are a must-try for anyone craving fried chicken in Los Angeles. Each one offers something special, so get ready to indulge!

Unique Fried Chicken Experiences

Alright, fried chicken lovers, buckle up! Los Angeles has some hidden gems that are flipping the script on this classic dish. Here are three spots you absolutely need to hit up for a finger-lickin’ good time.

Crack Shack in Pasadena

Crack Shack in Pasadena is a treasure trove of flavor, thanks to celebrity chef Richard Blais. This place is buzzing with energy, set in a revamped Old Pasadena warehouse. Their 5- and 10-piece fried chicken meals are perfect for sharing, but the real stars are their sandwiches. The Coop Deville and the Firebird are not your average chicken sandwiches—they’re next-level delicious. And hey, they’ve got a full bar, so you can wash down that crispy goodness with a cold drink. Want more deets? Check out Pasadena Magazine.

ItemDescription
Fried Chicken Meals5- and 10-piece options
SandwichesCoop Deville, Firebird
LocationRevamped Old Pasadena warehouse

Daddy’s Chicken Shack

Just a hop, skip, and a jump away in Old Pasadena, Daddy’s Chicken Shack is all about killer chicken sandwiches. Chef Pace Webb has crafted some mouth-watering options like the Big Daddy and the Spicy Daddy. These bad boys are lightly breaded, perfectly spiced, and served on a soft brioche bun with Napa slaw and sriracha mayo. Each bite is a flavor explosion. Trust me, you’ll leave with a happy belly and a smile on your face. Get the scoop on Daddy’s Chicken Shack at Pasadena Magazine.

ItemDescription
Signature SandwichesBig Daddy, Spicy Daddy
IngredientsLightly breaded, well-spiced chicken with Napa slaw and sriracha mayo
LocationOld Pasadena

Braise & Crumble Cafe

Braise & Crumble Cafe is where fried chicken gets personal. They make each piece to order, ensuring it’s juicy and packed with flavor. Their boneless, skinless fried chicken is a family recipe, handed down from the owner’s grandma. It’s like a warm hug in chicken form. This heartfelt cooking approach makes every meal feel special. For more info, head over to Pasadena Magazine.

ItemDescription
Fried ChickenBoneless, skinless, made to order
Flavor ProfileJuicy and flavorful
Cooking StyleFamily recipes and techniques

Each of these spots brings something unique to the fried chicken game. If you’re on the hunt for the best fried chicken in Los Angeles, these places should be at the top of your list! For more tasty adventures, check out the best food in Los Angeles.

Homemade Fried Chicken Recipes

Who doesn’t love a good fried chicken? It’s crispy, juicy, and oh-so-satisfying. Here are three fried chicken recipes that I swear by: Fieri’s flavor explosion, Garten’s crowd-pleaser, and Brown’s spicy kick. Each one brings something special to the table.

Fieri’s Flavor Explosion

Guy Fieri’s fried chicken is like a party in your mouth. It’s got a ton of ingredients, but trust me, it’s worth it. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Ingredients:
  • Buttermilk
  • Pickle juice
  • Hot sauce
  • Fresh dill
  • Garlic
  • Onion powder
  • Black pepper
  • Flour
  • Cornmeal
  • Paprika
  • Mustard powder
  • Oil

The buttermilk and pickle juice make the chicken super tender and zesty. For the full recipe, check out Business Insider.

IngredientAmount
Buttermilk2 cups
Pickle juice1 cup
Hot sauce2 tbsp
Fresh dill2 tbsp
Garlic4 cloves
Onion powder1 tsp
Black pepper1 tsp
Flour2 cups
Cornmeal1 cup
Paprika1 tbsp
Mustard powder1 tsp
Oilfor frying

Garten’s Crowd-Pleaser

Ina Garten’s fried chicken is perfect for feeding a bunch of people. It’s got a mild flavor that goes with just about any sauce you can think of. Here’s a quick rundown:

  • Ingredients:
  • Whole chicken
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Flour
  • Oil

This recipe is great if you want to keep things simple but delicious. Customize it with your favorite sauces. For the full recipe, visit Business Insider.

IngredientAmount
Whole chicken1 (3-4 lbs)
Saltto taste
Pepperto taste
Garlic powder1 tsp
Flour2 cups
Oilfor frying

Brown’s Spicy Kick

If you’re craving something with a bit of heat, Alton Brown’s fried chicken is the way to go. This recipe uses a two-step dredging process that really locks in the flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Ingredients:
  • Chicken pieces
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Paprika
  • Garlic powder
  • Cayenne pepper
  • Buttermilk
  • Flour
  • Oil

The cayenne pepper and paprika give this chicken a nice spicy kick. Perfect for those who like it hot. Check out more on this recipe at Business Insider.

IngredientAmount
Chicken pieces1 (3-4 lbs)
Salt1 tbsp
Black pepper1 tsp
Paprika1 tsp
Garlic powder1 tsp
Cayenne pepper1/2 tsp
Buttermilk2 cups
Flour2 cups
Oilfor frying

These fried chicken recipes are sure to make your taste buds dance. Whether you want a flavor-packed bite, a milder option, or something with a spicy kick, these recipes have got you covered. For more tasty treats, check out the best food in Los Angeles.

Fried Chicken Culture

Fried chicken isn’t just food; it’s a whole vibe, packed with history and flavor. As I’ve chomped my way through Los Angeles’ best fried chicken joints, I’ve come to love the classic combos, the backstory of this beloved dish, and its impact on the food scene.

Iconic Fried Chicken Combos

One combo that’s a total game-changer is fried chicken and waffles. This sweet and savory duo kicked off during the Harlem Renaissance in the 1930s. The crispy chicken and fluffy waffles, often drenched in syrup, create a taste explosion that’s gone way beyond its roots. Places like Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles in LA have made this a must-try for any fried chicken lover.

ComboWhat’s in it?
Fried Chicken & WafflesCrispy chicken with fluffy waffles, syrup optional.
Fried Chicken & BiscuitsJuicy chicken with flaky biscuits, usually with gravy.
Fried Chicken & Collard GreensSavory chicken with seasoned collard greens for a Southern twist.

The Story of Fried Chicken

The tale of fried chicken is as rich as its taste. It started with the Scots frying chicken in fat, but it was African American cooks in the Southern U.S. who turned it into the comfort food we know today. It became a family staple, symbolizing warmth and celebration.

Fried chicken really took off during the Harlem Renaissance, becoming a hit both at home and in restaurants. Even fancy places got in on the action. Chef Thomas Keller of The French Laundry, for example, serves a posh version with caviar.

Fried Chicken’s Culinary Impact

Fried chicken’s magic isn’t confined to one place; it’s a global sensation. Chefs everywhere are adding their own twists, mixing in different flavors and techniques. Think Korean fried chicken with its super crispy skin and spicy sauces, or traditional recipes spiced up with global flavors. Fried chicken is a blank canvas for culinary creativity.

This dish has left a lasting mark on the food world, bringing people together over its deliciousness and the memories it stirs up. Whether you’re at a high-end restaurant or a casual diner, fried chicken keeps winning hearts and taste buds worldwide.

As I keep hunting for the best fried chicken in Los Angeles, I savor the stories and flavors that come with every bite.

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