Finding the best fried chicken in Seattle was easy since nearly every style of cuisine has its own take on it. It’s one of the few dishes that works equally well as down-to-earth comfort food as it does upscale dining or out-of-the-box Asian fusion.
So, if you’re trying to narrow down your choices on where to find the best fried chicken in the city, consider this your ultimate guide. Expect to find everything from your neighborhood fried chicken joint to Asian-style wings and grab-and-go takeout.
Best Fried Chicken in Seattle
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Ezell’s
website | neighborhood: many locations
Ezell’s is one of the most prolific Black-owned restaurants in Seattle. They opened in 1984 as the OG fried chicken spot in Seattle. They now have 17 locations across Washington, partially ignited when Oprah listed Ezell’s as her favorite fried chicken.
Their menu features large pieces of fried chicken available in original, spicy, or half-and-half. Every order comes with housemade rolls, though you can also add on some of their souther-style side dishes. I’ve never been much of a fried okra person, but they do a great job. And, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can tack on an order of fried chicken livers or gizzards.
Heaven Sent Fried Chicken
website | get directions | neighborhood: Lake City
A few years ago, the owner of Ezell’s sold his namesake chain and opened up a new spot, Heaven Sent. Many OG Seattleites prefer Heaven Sent, and I tend to agree. Their menu is similar to Ezell’s, but the batter makes for a more flavorful, crunchy piece of chicken. Heaven Sent also has a significantly better spicy version of their chicken that will satisfy serious spice lovers.
Sisters & Brothers
website | get directions | neighborhood: Queen Anne
If you’re craving Nashville hot chicken, it really doesn’t get better than Sisters & Brothers. It’s easily one of my favorite comfort food spots in Seattle, especially when I’m craving huge portions of flavorful fried chicken. Their sandwiches come fully loaded in soft brioche buns that soften the blow of the shattering crisp chicken coating.
If you’re not feeling the fried chicken sandwich, you can order a chicken stack atop a piece of white bread with pickles and your choice of a side. They have varying spice levels, and I usually stick to the mild so I can really taste the chicken. It’s not as greasy as a lot of other spots, so there’s no need to steal a package of napkins if you’re taking it to go.
Quick Pack Mart
website | get directions | neighborhood: Central District
Hidden inside this convenience store is fried chicken that’s low key some of the best cheap eats in Seattle. There are no frills, sides, or dipping options, which is part of what makes it so darn good. It’s just good fried chicken executed perfectly. It’s even made ahead of time and sits under a heating lamp, and it’s still that good.
Now if you want it fresh, the owner will make it for you, but you have to order at least seven pieces. I think it’s worth it, especially considering it’s so cheap at less than $2 per piece! It is cash preferred, so keep that in mind before you pop in.
Percy & Co.
website | get directions | neighborhood: Ballard
Percy & Co. is one of my go-to lunch spots in Ballard, namely for their life changing fried chicken sandwich. The vibe is modern, and their menu dances between being upscale and seasonally driven while still being low key southern-inspired. Their fried chicken sandwich comes loaded on a buttered brioche bun with a kale and celery root slaw and a hint of truffle oil that will not go unnoticed.
Ma’ono
website | neighborhoods: West Seattle (get directions) | U-District (get directions) | South Lake Union (get directions) | Capitol Hill (get directions)
Ma’ono serves up Hawaiian-style fried chicken inside Rachel’s Ginger Beer, except at the West Seattle location which is inside the Benbow Room. Their menu is concise but packs a punch, making it some of the best Hawaiian food in Seattle. You can order either the fried chicken sandwich, drumsticks, or chicken fingers, at five different spice levels.
Their chicken is incredibly juicy and tender, with a nice crunchy breading that pairs perfectly with the buttery soft buns and tangy pickles. If you’re going spicy, definitely order the potato mac salad to balance it out.
Taku
website | get directions | neighborhood: Capitol Hill
Taku is a fun and lively Japanese karaage fried chicken restaurant owned by Top Chef contestant and Iron Chef victor, Chef Shota Nakajima. There’s a lot going on on their menu, but their fried chicken thighs are what really puts them on the map for me.
For starters, they double fry the chicken, then toss it in a dry or wet seasoning blend. I personally prefer either the curry or bonito dry flavors. The curry is mild and not overly spicy, so you can taste the chicken, whereas the bonito flavor adds a briny, umami flavor that’s hard to describe. The spicy teriyaki wet flavor was similar to Nashville seasoning but milder.
As for sides, I can’t stress enough how good the furikake fries were. The balance of fatty, savory flavor was so good I practically had to be escorted out of the building because I couldn’t stop eating them.
Old Ballard Catering Company
website | get directions | neighborhood: Roosevelt
Old Ballard Catering Company might seem like an odd spot to make it on the list since they’re a large-scale catering company, but on Fridays, they cross over to an order-till-it’s-gone fried chicken joint.
Their pre-order chicken comes with four assorted pieces of buttermilk fried chicken served with two sides, but honestly, it’s a lot of food for four pieces. The crispy exterior keeps the inside beautifully tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned. The legs and wings seem to be cooked slightly differently than the breast and thigh pieces, with less crackling breading and a more spiced flavor.
The Chicken Supply
website | get directions | neighborhood: Phinney Ridge
Former Opus Co. owner Mark Schroder opened The Chicken Supply in 2020 and currently serves up mouthwatering Filipino fried chicken that’s 100% gluten free. By the first bite, I was already obsessed with the chicken’s crispy crust and zeppole-like sheen. I noticed some spice flavor I couldn’t pin down but later sorted out was cinnamon.
If you’re like me and hesitant when it comes to getting fried chicken as takeout, this spot won’t disappoint. They’re operating to-go only and can be counted among the best takeout in Seattle. Even after being a few minutes late to pick up my order, then driving home, the chicken was still perfectly crisp and not the least bit soggy.
There’s not a bad choice on the menu, but I definitely recommend getting the crispy potatoes with garlic and a side of banana ketchup. Don’t knock it till you try it!
Milk Drunk
website | get directions | neighborhood: Beacon Hill
Milk Drunk is one of the best ice cream shops in Seattle, specializing in the unlikely combination of soft serve ice cream and expertly fried chicken. It’s owned by the same husband and wife duo that started Homer, one of the best Mediterranean restaurants in Seattle. So, it’s not surprising they also know how to make great fried chicken.
Their fried chicken sandwiches are so messy but so worth it. The original sandwich comes loaded with brined and double fried chicken topped with a mustard seed slaw, pickles, avocado, and green aioli. From the detectable cayenne in the brine down to the pure shattering crust and big pearls of mustard seeds, it’s easy to tell everything is scratch made.
Hangry Panda
website | get directions | neighborhood: Greenwood
Hangry Panda is an unpretentious takeout spot serving Taiwanese popcorn chicken and an irresistible spicy fried chicken sandwich. They also have an entire gluten free menu and are incredibly transparent about any possible cross-contamination.
The way they do their fried chicken is lighter and more delicate than southern-style fried chicken, so you really get a nice balance of crunch and juicy flavor. Whatever you order, be sure to add on the house slaw and pickled cucumbers. You won’t regret it!
Chi Mac
website | get directions | neighborhood: U-District
Chi Mac is a casual late-night spot that loves two things, Korean fried chicken and craft beer. It’s down the street from Bok a Bok, but I personally prefer Chi Mac for their thick battered and crazy flavorful chicken.
I love getting their wings tossed in the parmesan onion powder. The first time I tried them, I felt they were plainer than I was expecting, with less garlic kick to them, but that lack of intensity helps give them a sweeter crust that lets you appreciate the craft. Don’t sleep on their buttermilk ranch sauce either. It’s top-notch.
The Boat
website | get directions | neighborhood: Chinatown-International District
The Boat is the sister restaurant to Pho Bac, one of my favorite soup spots in Seattle for their pho ga (chicken pho). The Boat is next door, but rather than pho the star of the menu is Vietnamese fried chicken.
The chicken is fried with a sweet fish sauce lacquer, which adds an addictive umami-like savoriness I find irresistible. They serve the chicken khao mung gai style with a flavorful rice and broth, making for a very unique fried chicken experience.
Fat’s Chicken and Waffles
website | get directions | neighborhood: Central District
Fat’s Chicken and Waffles is one of the most popular Black-owned restaurants in the Central District. They’re known for their fried chicken, which I especially love in the honey biscuit sandwich. Besides the fried chicken, I’m also mildly obsessed with their poutine and mac ‘n cheese, so make sure to get those too!
S/T Hooligans
website | get directions | neighborhood: Fremont
S/T Hooligans has one of the best burgers in Seattle, though the main attraction arguably is their Creole-style fried chicken. It comes either in a sandwich or on a platter, and you can get mild or spicy.
The Spiseattle spicy chicken sandwich comes stuffed to the brim with perfectly seasoned, juicy fried chicken along with tender pork belly and a sweet-spicy-smoky Hooli glaze. It’ll make you question everything you thought you knew about fried chicken.
Ooink
website | neighborhoods: Capitol Hill (get directions) & Fremont (get directions)
Ooink is a low key Asian-fusion restaurant that specializes in some of the best ramen in Seattle, but they have one notable exception on the menu. Their ayam goreng, or Malaysian fried chicken. It comes in a sandwich with fresh cucumber, shredded cabbage, and a house-made special sauce.
From the crackling crisp and perfectly balanced spicy flavor, it’s a sleeper hit on the menu. So get this the next time you order ramen from them!
The Comfort Zone
website | get directions | neighborhood: Columbia City
The Comfort Zone is another one of my go-to comfort food restaurants for their fried chicken sandwich and soul food. Unlike Sisters, The Comfort Zone’s fried chicken isn’t as crispy, but it is really flavorful. It kind of reminds me of the chicken sandwiches you’d get at the school cafeteria but obviously way better.
They also have fried catfish, shrimp, and pork chops if you’re not in the chicken mood. Whatever you order, definitely grab a side of their meatloaf. It’s seriously to die for delicious.
Cookie’s Country Chicken
website | get directions | neighborhood: Ballard
Cookie’s Country Kitchen used to be located in Pioneer Square, but it’s since moved to Ballard, which is dangerous for me because now it’s much closer to my house. Still, I can’t get over their perfectly fried chicken, which you can get a la carte, in a sandwich, or in a bowl.
Every time I visit, they just knock it out of the park. The chicken is well-seasoned and naturally juicy, tender, and flavorful. I suggest getting the spicy slawsome sandwich with extra pickles since the acid balances nicely with the spice.
Pro tip: They also have a food truck in Seabrook, one of my favorite cozy Washington towns to escape for the weekend.
Skillet
website | neighborhoods: Capitol Hill (get directions), South Lake Union (get directions), Downtown (get directions), & Queen Anne/Uptown (get directions)
Skillet is a solid OG Seattle spot that consistently makes good fried chicken alongside classic American brunch dishes like eggs benny, breakfast burritos, and griddle cakes. You can get their fried chicken rolled up in a burrito or served atop a bed of fluffy waffles.
Whatever you decide, just remember to ask for a side of their bacon jam. It’s one of the many things you can only find in Seattle.
Chicken Prince
website | get directions | neighborhood: Edmonds
Previously known as Stars in the Sky, this Korean fried chicken spot is one of the best restaurants in Edmonds. It’s tucked in a little strip mall next to a few other Korean restaurants. It doesn’t look like much from the outside, but the inside is surprisingly decked out.
They serve Korean-style fried chicken, which is a style that isn’t battered. This makes for a lighter style of fried chicken with more of a satisfying homemade flavor that’s not overly heavy. You can choose between a whole or half chicken tossed in a variety of seasonings.
I usually go for a half chicken in the Asian garlic sauce since it’s a little sweet and tangy, but you still get a touch of heat from the copious amounts of garlic. Their honey butter garlic is also hard to beat since it has a nice balance of savory from the soy sauce and sweetness from the honey.
Bonchon
website | get directions | neighborhood: First Hill
Bonchon is a Korean fried chicken chain. Typically I avoid chains, but there’s no denying their version is quite good.
I find the spicy wings way too hot, but I really like the garlic soy. Each piece is juicy, but there’s a lovely crunch from the crispy skin. They somehow manage to get it really craggy so it catches sauce in every crack.
More to try in Seattle
After you try the best fried chicken in Seattle, check out more of the city’s great eats with these guides.
