Our 13 picks for the best fried chicken outside of the South

Southern Kitchen ^ | April 18, 2019 | Rachel Taylor

[2ndDivisionVet]

There’s no denying the South has some of the best fried chicken in the country. But the secret's out and all around the country chefs are frying up some great fried chicken. Here are our picks for the 13 best.

If you find yourself craving fried chicken in upstate New York, Portland, Oregon or California, we’ve got you covered. Some of these restaurants are serving up classic Southern fried chicken or putting their own twist on our fried favorite. Either way, all of these restaurants will satisfy your fried chicken

The Crack Shack San Diego Founders Michael Rosen and Atlanta transplant Richard Blais had a bold, but simple vision when they created The Crack Shack: Southern California fried chicken and eggs. And with their “crack spice” and locally raised free-living chickens, the menu at The Crack Shack reimagines these classic dishes. While the menu varies at each location, the delicious fried chicken stays the same.

[smalltownslick]

I always loved Popeye’s, and hadn’t had any for a long time. Finally found some here in Ohio, and I was very disappointed. They’ve been sold twice, and now don’t seem any different from any others. Except for that blackened ranch dipping sauce. Which seems to me just like the salad dresing they used to have at eland’s.

[Some Fat Guy in L.A.]

Just tried Cracker Barrel’s new fried chicken meal. It’s OK - but tastes like Banquet frozen fried chicken to me. Can’t believe they are stopping their chicken and rice for this stuff.

Popeyes mild is my favorite chain chicken. KFC original is OK, but tends to be greasy. KFC extra crispy was good years ago when it first came out but just nasty today. A few local restaurants and gas stations make really good chicken. There used to be one in Ider, Alabama that had the best, but it changed hands and stopped making it.

[Iscool]

I used to love KFC. For years now, those KFC place near me serve a far inferior fried chicken.

KFCs close to me switched from selling chickens to chicks...Or maybe they're Cornish Hens...

[Iscool]

Why does everything have to have sweet potatoes or kale in it?

Why are they selling chicken and waffles together?

[Albion Wilde]

Royal Farms in MD and VA have the best “gas station chicken” I have ever come across. Try to grab some each time I travel through the area. I would take it over Popeye’s or Bojangle’s anytime.

You are correct. Royal Farms has the best fried chicken! Popeye's is next best in this zone.

[Hatteras]

I, personally, would rank Bojangle’s chicken over Popeye’s. But then again, Bojangles is more “inside” the South. Not a fan of Popeye’s. Every time I have tried Popeye’s it has been way too crispy, more batter than chicken.

[JimRed]

The Colonel’s recipe is fine with me!

[trisham]

I love tomatoes.

[Albion Wilde]

I, personally, would rank Bojangle’s chicken over Popeye’s. But then again, Bojangles is more “inside” the South.

The only ones anywhere near me are over an hour away, and all in majority not my kind of neighborhood. But I might try to make an incursion into the one in Union Station, DC if I am down in the District at an opportune time. Thanks for the tip.