People often ask me why I reach out for the New York fried chicken when there are so many fancy options on the menu. Well, maybe you are seeing a simple dish as compared to beef wellington or pan-seared duck breasts. But when I take that first bite of the crispy skin of the fried chicken, nothing else can comfort me as that juicy and flavorful meat does.
So yes, New York fried chicken has a special place in my heart, as it reminds me of waiting in the car after school when my mom brought greasy paper bags from Charles Pan-Fried or sometimes Blue Ribbon on Sullivan Street. And after all these years, the aroma of chicken wafting from the bag still excites me as much as it did in my childhood.
I love NYC for its food but especially for the fried chicken places. Let me show you my favorite spots where you can find the best fried chicken in NYC.
Charles Pan-Fried Chicken
Address: 146 West 72nd Street, New York, NY 10023, United States
Phone: +1 646-569-9936
New Yorkers love to flock to this series of chicken restaurants by Chef Charles Gabriel. The chef, bringing flavors straight from his mother’s kitchen, has set such a high standard for New York fried chicken lovers. In fact, I believe that Charles’ is the best fried chicken in NYC. This branch in Lincoln Square might only be a few years old, but the Harlem standard that has captivated soul food lovers for more than 25 years is still there. I love to grab their 3 pan-fried chicken meal plates with cornbread and two sides whenever I swing by their store on 72nd Street.
Bobwhite Counter
Address: 94 Loisaida Avenue, New York, NY 10009, United States
Phone: +1 646-760-7786
The crispy goodness of Bobwhite Counter New York fried chicken is unmatched. The love for frying chicken that once started 10 years ago still has many obsessed fans from NYC and Jersey City. The fried chicken, pickle, and ranch biscuit are so good I can order one for myself right about now. Other tempting menu items include the irresistible Buffalo Chicken Sandwich and BBQ biscuit with two fried, BBQ-coated chicken tenders. If you crave the best fried chicken in NYC, follow the smell of crispy chicken wafting off this laid-back, cozy space on Avenue C.
Sweet Chick
Address: 178 Ludlow Street, New York, NY 10002, United States
Phone: +1 646-657-0217
If you want to try out true American comfort food, check out Sweet Chic on the Lower East Side. I still remember their first outlet opening in Williamsburg in 2013, which I obviously visited due to my love for New York fried chicken. Since this day, I think that no other spot can satisfy your fried chicken cravings like Sweet Chick with their crispy chicken sandwiches, buttermilk biscuits, fresh salads, and maple lemonades. Enjoying a hearty meal or brunch from Sweet Chick is a real treat for me after a long weekend or when I want comfort food that reminds me of my childhood.
Dave’s Hot Chicken
Address: 944 8th Avenue, New York, NY 10019, United States
Phone: +1 332-999-1825
Dave’s New York fried chicken takes me back to the comforting flavors of this city. The guys started their parking lot stall in 2017 and quickly gained popularity when New Yorkers discovered how tasty their fried chicken is. And now, the crunch of their chicken is heard across 32 states in the USA, along with some international locations. Dave’s Hot Chicken draws people from every corner of New York due to their famous Nashville-style spicy fried chicken, which ranges from no spice and light mild to extra hot and reaper spice levels. I always get their slider with fries and a loaded shake to down the burning hot chicken.
Sticky’s
Address: 598 9th Avenue, New York, NY 10036, United States
Phone: +1 646-922-8067
Every bite of Sticky’s New York fried chicken and fingers makes me instantly forget my worries. The golden crackling skin of juicy chicken dipped in their simple but tasty homemade sauces can make anyone smile. And the secret behind it is the farm-raised chickens that the restaurant sources locally. Their signature creations are the hallmark of Sticky’s best fried chicken in NYC, such as Thai Fiesta, Buffalo Ranch, and Chicken and Waffles, in which they top their chicken with different toppings and garnishing that customers, including me, have come to love.
Blue Ribbon Fried Chicken
Address: 28 E 1st Street, New York, NY 10003, United States
Phone: +1 212-228-0404
Even on a budget, you can never go wrong with a delicious New York fried chicken. Whether you are downtown, uptown, or anywhere else in NYC, don’t make excuses and make a visit to Blue Ribbon Fried Chicken. You won’t regret it. The spice blend at Blue Ribbon might be a secret, but the place is not. It is always bustling with fried chicken lovers who either take away or dine in for their classic mac and cheese bowl with fried chicken bites or the Tender Supreme combo with white meat tenders, fries, and Coleslaw. Simple and delicious.
375° Chicken ‘n Fries
Address: 124 Ludlow Street, New York, NY 10002, United States
Phone: +1 646-682-7578
The cozy brick wood 375° Chicken ‘n Fries outlet in the Lower East Side has the best fried chicken in NYC to satisfy hunger on the go. And by hunger, I mean a strong craving for bold and spicy flavors that can only be satisfied by fried chicken. Their menu is a treat for everyone, from casual to foodie-level snackers, including fried chicken sandwiches, chick and tenders, chick and waffle, crinkle fries, and combo meals. So, excuse me while I go and grab some New York fried chicken for dinner.
Amy Ruth’s
Address: 113 W 116th Street, New York, NY 10026, United States
Phone: +1 212-280-8779
As a tourist, you know you are in for a treat when you spot Amy Ruth’s during your excursions. Once you have tasted soul food at this down-home restaurant, you won’t see fried chicken the same way again. That’s New York fried chicken for you, folks. The dine-in menu is filled with mouthwatering items like Amy Ruth’s original waffles, fried, barbequed, or baked chicken, hot chicken sandwiches and grilled chicken salads. The servers are friendly, and the ambiance is very laid-back. I always swing by for a quick bite or take away the comfort food to home to watch with my favorite show.
Jollibee
Address: 609 8th Avenue, New York, NY 10018, United States
Phone: +1 212-994-2711
This New York fried chicken came all the way from the Philippines. Trust me when I say that Jollibee always hits the spot, no matter how many times you have had their chicken. Whenever I am in the neighborhood, I always stop by for a taste of this unique NYCFC, fried and seasoned to perfection. The restaurant is on a mission to make every New Yorker happy with their chicken tenders, sandwiches, burgers, and delicious peach mango pies. Something about this crunch and flavor makes me believe that you haven’t tried out the best fried chicken in NYC until you have tasted Jollibee’s.
Peaches Hothouse
Address: 415 Tompkins Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11216, United States
Phone: +1 718-483-9111
I love all the New York fried chicken equally, but Peaches Hothouse is one of those spots that can brighten up your mood any time of the day. The restaurant offers a nostalgic taste of South comfort foods with a timeless brownstone ambiance that I cannot resist whenever I am near Brooklyn. The all-day menu is ready to make your days crispy and juicy with the Hothouse specialties like regular, hot, or extra hot fried chicken or their Best Chicken Sandwich Anywhere. It’s definitely on my list of guilty pleasures!
Double Chicken Please
Address: 115 Allen St, New York, NY 10002, United States
Get a New York fried chicken with a craft cocktail and settle down in this snug industrial bar on the Lower East Side. Double Chicken Please may look like a casual, slightly expensive place where you can only get creative drinks with fancy bites. But take a look at their food menu, and you will be surprised to find your comfort food – the best fried chicken in NYC – in their hot honey sandwiches and popcorn chicken. I am hooked on their delicious salted egg yolk, hot honey, and Thai basil aioli sauces, and so will you. Go try them out.
