The best fried chicken in Los Angeles

What is it? A North Hollywood neighborhood mainstay and the only Nashville-style hot chicken joint in L.A. to upstage Howlin’ Rays.

Why we love it: Since first opening in 2015, Howlin' Ray's has spawned dozens of Nashville hot chicken imitators—many of which I’ve tried, and most of which I’ve found lacking. The sole exception that manages to usurp the original is North Hollywood's Humble Bird, opened by former Howlin' employees Louis Silva and Brandon Walthrop in 2021. Even at higher spice levels, the bone-in chicken here offers a depth of flavor that manages to cut through the burn (which I haven't found to be the case at Howlin' Ray's). Somehow, Humble Bird reaches heights of fried chicken sandwich excellence we hadn't thought possible with a juicy, perfectly cooked chicken breast and the perfect ratio of slaw, pickles and "comeback" (chili-inflected ketchup and mayo) sauce. If you consider yourself a Nashville hot chicken superfan, give Humble Bird a try. You'll be glad you did.

Time Out tip: Humble Bird also offers Nashville-style hot chicken nuggets for those who prefer boneless fried chicken.

Address: 10719 Burbank Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601

Hours of operation: Tue–Sat 11am–8pm, Sun 11am–7pm

What is it? The Nashville-style joint in Chinatown’s Far East Plaza that first kicked off L.A.’s hot chicken craze back in 2015.

Why we love it: Holy hot chicken! Howlin’ Ray’s Johnny Zone spent his early career working with the likes of Thomas Keller and Gordon Ramsay, but he’s way more famous for being the chef-operator who started L.A.’s Nashville hot chicken craze over a decade ago. Fried up and served by a dedicated, high-energy crew that keeps morale high when lines get long (and they still get long, at least on weekends), Howlin’s fried chicken is just as great today as when I first waited hours to get our hands on it several years ago. A newer Pasadena location offers more ample seating, plus beer and wine for on-site diners, but the Far East Plaza original still accepts walk-in orders and even third-party delivery. Choose between white or dark meat, or maybe a sandwich in whatever level of heat you can handle, from Country to Howlin’. Beyond chicken, both locations also offer a handful of not-so-secret menu items named after longtime employees—I like the Jojo-style sando, which consists of a chicken tender and melted cheddar sandwiched between two crispy housemade waffles. 

Time Out tip: Howlin’ Rays recently expanded to Las Vegas, just in case you’re craving a fiery chicken sando the next time you find yourself in Sin City.

Address: Chinatown: 727 N Broadway, Ste 128, Los Angeles, CA 90012; Pasadena: 800 S Arroyo Pkwy, Pasadena, CA 91105

Hours of operation: Chinatown: Wed–Sun 11am–4pm; Pasadena: Wed–Sun 11am–7pm

What is it? A multi-generational, ultra-popular Thai restaurant in the Valley with some of the best Thai-style fried chicken in Los Angeles. 

Why we love it: No matter how many other Thai restaurants I try hat yai chicken at, I always end up craving the version offered at Anajak, which recently underwent renovations and now offers a private events room. In the years since second-generation owner Justin Pichtrungsi received a James Beard Award (2023) and L.A. Times Restaurant of the Year (2022), the restaurant has thankfully found its groove as an upscale dining destination with a Michelin-recognized wine program that happens to serve one of the best fried chicken dishes in Los Angeles. The service gaffes I experienced on earlier visits to Anajak have long been smoothed out, and the hat yai fried chicken is as good as ever, with crispy, perfectly seasoned skin and a side of mouthwatering housemade sweet chili. Available during regular dinner service as well as outdoor-only Thai Taco Tuesdays (where, on a good day, you can expect an hour to order and get seated unless you’re a celebrity or VIP), the Thai-style fried chicken at Anajak is so popular that some parties of two will order two portions—one for each diner. Would I show up at 4pm for it, or resort to booking a table through Dorsia, which requires $95 per head minimum spend? Probably not, but if you can snag a reservation or are willing to get in line on a Tuesday afternoon, order the fried chicken.

Time Out tip: Other must-order dishes at Anajak include the kampachi crudo, grilled cabbage and when available, the mango sticky rice, each portion of which is still lovingly made by Justin’s mother, Rattikorn.

Address: 14704 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403

Hours of operation: Tue–Sun 4–9pm

What is it? A sprawling Los Angeles-based franchise known for its proprietary spice blend and popularity across South L.A.

Why we love it: Louisiana Fried Chicken may not have the same nationwide recognition as Popeyes or KFC, but what it does have is astonishingly delicious fast food fried chicken. I’ve found that quality can vary across locations, but the subtly fiery flavor of the famous red pepper spice blend and the overall affordability common to all locations make Louisiana Fried Chicken stand out even in a city awash in cheffy fried chicken options. Plus, due to Louisiana’s fairly flexible franchise model and the majority-Cambodian ownership, you can often pick up a side of chow mein and other Chinese takeout classics at the same time.

Time Out tip: For the very best LFC experience, I recommend heading to the Obama Boulevard or Manchester Avenue locations, where piping hot, freshly fried chicken is the norm.

Address: Multiple, incl. Baldwin Hills, South L.A. and View Park-Windsor Hills

Hours of operation: Varies by location

What is it? A national, award-winning Tennessee-style fried chicken chain with outposts in Mid-City and Burbank.

Why we love it: Originally from Mason, Tennessee, Gus’s served its signature hot, spicy fried chicken for over 70 years—and now you can find it right here in Los Angeles. Note that Gus’s breading runs on the thinner side, and the spice level is nowhere close to Nashville-style hot chicken, so if you’re looking for an over-the-top, craggy fried chicken experience, this ain’t it. The fried chicken’s homey quality and top-secret spice blend, however, still has me hooked, especially once you throw in a slice or two of the homemade pies—sweet potato, chocolate chess and good old-fashioned pecan. Other notable menu items include the corn nuggets, which contain a creamy sweet corn filling, fried green tomatoes (a regional classic that’s hard to find in L.A.) and the tangy, deep-fried pickle wedges. Don’t forget to order the sweet tea for a truly stick-to-your-ribs Southern-style meal.

Time Out tip: Gus’s also offers tenders, but I still recommend sticking to the regular fried chicken here.

Address: Mid-City 1262 Crenshaw Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90019; Burbank: 509 S Glenoaks Blvd, Burbank, CA 91502

Hours of operation: Daily 11:30am–8:30pm

What is it? A gourmet hot fried chicken restaurant in Virgil Village known for its Sichuan-style spice blend. 

Why we love it: After closing her critically acclaimed restaurant, Nightshade, during the pandemic, Top Chef 2014 winner Mei Lin opened up this fast-casual hot fried chicken takeout operation—and boy, am I glad she did. Perched in a Silver Lake-adjacent strip mall, Daybird distinguishes itself from the sea of Nashville-style operations with a unique Sichuan-style flavor profile that delivers a dose of heat from a different part of the globe. Coated in rice flour and fried in rice bran oil, the lightweight, crispy pieces of jidori chicken seem to shatter on first bite, whether you’re opting for the tenders or the equally delicious sandwich piled high with jalapeño cabbage slaw. In short, it’s sheer culinary genius—and if you aren’t a fan of not being able to feel the bottom half of your face after a meal, Daybird now offers a much milder Taiwanese popcorn chicken spice blend. 

Time Out tip: Pescetarians can enjoy Daybird’s newer hot cod sandwich, which comes topped with cheese and yuzu tartar sauce. 

Address: 240 N Virgil Ave, Ste 5, Los Angeles, CA 90004

Hours of operation: Wed, Thu noon–7:30pm; Fri, Sat noon–8pm; Sun noon–7:30pm

What is it? A gourmet fried chicken stall inside Culver City’s Citizen Public Market that draws inspiration from L.A.’s once-ubiquitous Pioneer Chicken.

Why we love it: This stall inside Culver City’s Citizen Public Market serves mouthwatering gourmet fried chicken that delivers just a touch of heat—or none at all, if that’s more your style. Inspired by chef Brandon Kida’s childhood in Los Angeles, the deep-brown crust mimics that of classic, all-but-disappeared Pioneer Chicken, but the Japanese-leaning marinade nods to Little Tokyo with white soy, kombu, shiitake and bonito flakes. Finally, Go Go Bird invokes Chinatown by finishing off the chicken with Sichuan chili oil and a light dusting of chili pepper. The end result? An extremely craveworthy, only-in-L.A. fried chicken that’s worth trekking for—and navigating the traffic congestion and confusing bus lane configurations surrounding downtown Culver City. 

Time Out tip:  During rush hour, stick to Venice Boulevard and park in the nearby Cardiff Avenue parking structure, which offers an hour of free parking.

Address: 9355 Culver Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232

Hours of operation: Tue–Sat noon–9pm; Sun noon–8pm

What is it? A South L.A. fried chicken stand inside a former Jim Dandy that’s been made famous by TikTok. 

Why we love it: Charlie’s combines Korean and Southern influences for an affordable fried chicken option with sides that burst with flavor from every direction. Superfans go wild for the addicting garlic noodles, unique hot water cornbread and the fried chicken skin sandwich—and while the chicken itself has about the same quality as Louisiana Fried Chicken on a good day, the soy garlic, honey butter and sweet Cajun flavors set Charlie’s Famous apart from the steep neighborhood competition. While the setting is definitely fast food (there’s no dine-in seating aside from a handful of chairs), most items are cooked to order—so budget about 20 minutes or so if you’re walking in and ordering, or call ahead at 323-305-2777 for faster pickup.

Time Out tip: It might not be in the name, but Charlie’s Cajun seafood boils are worth ordering as well.

Address: 1824 W Manchester Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90047

Hours of operation: Mon–Thu 10:30am–8pm, Fri 10:30am–9pm, Sat 10:30am–8pm, Sun 10:30am–6pm

What is it? The best straightforward Korean-style fried chicken in Koreatown.

Why we love it: Take a drive through Koreatown and you won’t pass more than two blocks without finding another shop serving Korean-style fried chicken, but you won’t find any better than the wings and boneless strips served at this 8th Street strip mall joint. Trust me: I’ve tried Jesse Boy, Witch’s, Louders and other independent shops, and this is the very best place in L.A. for straightforward Korean fried chicken. Rice Chicken also happens to be gluten-free, but even those who don’t have celiac disease will appreciate the light, crispy batter and wide variety of sauces and dips. I enjoyed the Ruby Jade (soy garlic), Sweet Goblin (honey garlic) and Green Forest (topped with green onion), and even with the higher-than-average prices—since rice flour is more expensive—Rice Chicken is an obvious shoo-in for the best Korean fried chicken in Los Angeles.

Time Out tip: Other noteworthy unique Korean fried chicken options not included in this list include the shishito pepper and anchovy wings at Koreatown’s Louders and the snow onion chicken at CM Chicken in Gardena.

Address: 3065 W 8th St, Los Angeles, CA 90005

Hours of operation: Daily 11am–10pm

What is it? A famous fried chicken chain from Chicago’s South Side that first expanded to L.A. in 2018. 

Why we love it: The Hollywood Boulevard location mostly caters to tourists (and customers ordering via third-party delivery), but a newer Westfield Culver City location opened in 2023, expanding the reach of Harold’s ultra juicy, slightly spicy Midwestern fried chicken from the most touristy stretch of L.A. to the furthest edges of the Westside. The lightly battered wings, legs, thighs and breasts come with your choice of fries and a tiny portion of coleslaw or potato salad, or on a waffle. To enjoy the chicken like a true Chicagoan, order your chicken drenched in mild or hot sauce—though you can also get it on the side as well.

Time Out tip: I also enjoy the catfish nuggets, fried okra and green bean fries.

Address: Culver City: 6000 Sepulveda Blvd, Culver City, CA 90230; Hollywood: 6523 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Hours of operation: Culver City: Mon–Sat 10am–9pm, Sun 10am–7pm; Hollywood: Mon–Wed 11am–10pm, Thu–Sat 11am–midnight, Sun 11am–10pm

What is it? A standout locally run fried chicken restaurant in Glendale with a distantly related cousin in Culver City.

Why we love it: There are actually two Dinah’s in Los Angeles County: One in Glendale and another in Culver City. While both serve fried chicken, it’s only worth seeking out the former for excellent, Southern-style fried drumsticks and wings. The latter, which has relocated from its longtime Westchester home to a modern Culver City shopping complex, also serves fried chicken, but it’s of markedly lower quality—though Dinah’s Comfort Kitchen  does serve an amazing German apple pancake. The Dinah’s in Glendale serves a fried chicken with a tasty batter that pairs perfectly with homestyle sides like waffles, mashed potatoes and gravy, macaroni and cheese and a unique pineapple coleslaw. For those who enjoy offal, Dinah’s Chicken also fries chicken gizzards, which become surprisingly tender after a deep fry.

Time Out tip: For best results, wash everything down with the refreshing pineapple iced tea.

Address: 4106 San Fernando Rd, Ste A, Glendale, CA 91204

Hours of operation: Daily 8:30am–8:30pm

What is it? A longtime Southern-style fried chicken joint in Culver City that uses organic poultry and the finest ingredients to craft biscuits, lemonade and other classic drinks, sides and desserts. 

Why we love it: For the last four decades, chef-owner Vincent Williams has perfected the art of fried chicken at Honey’s Kettle to the point he’s designed customized fryers and cooking utensils to replicate colonial era kettle-style cooking techniques. As a Culver City native, I grew up eating here. Since first visiting Honey’s Kettle for Time Out back in 2023, overall food quality has sadly dropped off (and prices have risen), but you can still find a pretty tasty, conveniently located Southern-style fried chicken here, made with organic chicken and other top-shelf ingredients. Crispy, crackly and fried in peanut oil, the shaggy golden crust locks in all the flavor from Honey’s Kettle top-secret spice blend, which each batch of chicken marinates in for 24 hours. Paired with warm, melt-in-your-mouth biscuits and packets of amber-hued honey, the fried chicken here has kept Culver City happy since Honey’s Kettle first relocated from Compton to its current address in 2005.

Time Out tip: The blueberry hotcakes are delicious and worth ordering as well. 

Address: 9537 Culver Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232

Hours of operation: Mon–Thu 11am–10pm; Fri, Sat 11am–10pm; Sun 11am–10pm 

What is it? A beloved soul food restaurant in the San Fernando Valley that’s been serving standout fried chicken and other Cajun and Creole classics for nearly four decades.

Why we love it: Winnetka might feel like the other side of the moon for those who don’t live in the Valley, but this homey Southern restaurant is a worthy dining destination for those craving a taste of New Orleans and flawless Louisiana-style fried chicken. Practically greaseless, the fried chicken at Les Sisters comes in hot and mild varieties, with a well-seasoned crust that lends itself well to classic sides like mac and cheese, collard greens, coleslaw and rice with black eyed peas. The pieces are made to order, which might require a short wait if you don’t call or order online beforehand, but your patience will be rewarded with some of the best fried chicken in Los Angeles. The vinegary hot sauce available on every table is a bonus as well—as any Southern fried chicken lover knows, your meal isn’t complete without a dash of hot sauce. 

Time Out tip: On Tuesdays, Les Sisters offers a two-piece meal deal for just $6 that comes with a side of fries.

Address: 20450 Nordhoff St, Winnetka, CA 91311

Hours of operation: Tue–Sat 11am–8pm, Sun 11am–6pm

What is it? A standout Korean-style fried chicken joint in Koreatown run by a sole proprietor known for its heaping platters of juicy, fruit-topped wings, thighs, breasts and drumsticks.

Why we love it: Who knew fruit could pair so well with fried chicken? At Gol Tong Chicken, chef-owner Kil Chae Jeong offers the quirkiest fried chicken in Koreatown. An erstwhile South Korean film director and Seoul-based fried chicken shop operator, Jeong is the shop’s only employee. His signature bushy eyebrows and mustachioed visage can be seen all over the screen-filled strip mall restaurant, which blasts a combination of K-pop and Korean TV shows. Dine-in customers can slip on disposable gloves to chow down on Jeong’s saucy fried chicken, which comes in original, soy garlic and sweet chili. Each made-to-order plate comes topped with sesame seeds and a rainbow of fruits like pineapple, avocado, blueberries and strawberries. 

Time Out tip: Note that takeout orders are only taken over the phone or in person.

Address: 4255 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90020

Hours of operation: Tue–Sat noon–10pm, Sun noon–9pm

What is it? A Gardena strip mall joint that offers excellent fried chicken in the three ways most people enjoy: inside a sandwich, as tenders and or just the wings. 

Why we love it: You can get your chicken in 12 unique “flavas,” including lemon pepper, traditional, garlic parmesan and “Cali Heat,” Fyrebird’s take on a Nashville-style dry rub. While I’ve yet to try every single flavor and combination, I’ve found the quality to be remarkably consistent across all three menu items, particularly the tenders and wings. Not every L.A. fried chicken restaurant can boast of that level of consistency across different preparation styles, which makes Fyrebird particularly special. For any kind of hot wing, I’d recommend this South Bay storefront above most other places in town, and the fried chicken sandwich is easily one of the best in the region. The fried chicken sandwich is noteworthy as well, with a plush bun and a surprisingly juicy chicken breast as a base. 

Time Out tip: There’s actually a slightly hidden patio out back for dining in—so you can enjoy your chicken minutes after it’s been plucked from the fryer basket.

Address: 15717 Crenshaw Blvd, Gardena, CA 90249

Hours of operation: Tue–Sun 11:30am–7pm

What is it? A Texas-style fast food chicken chain with four locations across South L.A. that simply can’t be topped in terms of taste and affordability. 

Why we love it: While I’m now a huge fan of Louisiana Fried Chicken, I’ll always have a soft spot for Church’s glistening honey butter biscuits, which pair wonderfully with this fast food chain’s family-style boxes of succulent, Texas-style chicken. Most locations are in what’s broadly considered South L.A. (with outliers in Long Beach, El Monte, Monrovia and Baldwin Park), but it’s worth driving if you’re from out of the way for Church’s shaggy, cornflake-like crust, as well as those addicting honey-covered biscuits, creamy fried okra pieces and frosted apple pies for dessert. Plus, there’s a convenient drive-thru option, unlike almost every other fried chicken place on this list.

Time Out tip: Check online for specials and coupons before heading to your closest Church’s location.

Address: Multiple, incl. Hyde Park (Crenshaw), South L.A. (Figueroa) and West Adams (Jefferson)

Hours of operation: Daily 10am–10pm

What is it? My all-around favorite South Korean fried chicken chain in Los Angeles. 

Why we love it: Some might prefer Kyochon, Holdaak, Bonchon, Pelicana or even BHC (now at the Original Farmers Market), but of all the Korean-style fried chicken imports, I consider the fairly ubiquitous Bb.q Chicken the absolute best of the best. From locations in West L.A., West Hollywood, Koreatown, Little Tokyo and plenty of outposts out in the suburbs, these crispy-skinned wings, drumsticks and boneless tenders are finger-licking good. I love the light honey garlic flavor, as well as the smoky, sweet galbi sauce, which comes garnished with sesame seeds and green onions. While the non-spicy original admittedly runs on the blander side, I can’t deny that Bb.q’s crackly skin is the perfect canvas for the 13 different flavors you can choose from.

Time Out tip: If you’re anywhere in the general vicinity of Gardena, I also recommend another South Korean import, CM Chicken. 

Address: Multiple, incl. Koreatown, Little Tokyo and West L.A.

Hours of operation: Varies by location

What is it? The best grocery store fried chicken in Los Angeles, even if it gets to be a little salty sometimes.

Why we love it: For those on a budget, it doesn’t get better than Ralphs. I grew up eating the hot deli fried chicken from L.A.’s Kroger supermarket giant, and even after sampling chef-driven options from Go Go Bird, Daybird and Anajak Thai, I still can’t quit the slightly oversalted, impossibly addicting fried chicken from Ralphs. According to Eater, all store locations use the same recipe and cooking process for its ultra-affordable, surprisingly delicious fried chicken. One of the deli section’s bestselling items, the slightly salty fried chicken offers flavorful, crispy skin and juicy meat for a fraction of the price of most fried chicken options on this list. Over my lifetime, I’ve tried other budget-friendly grocery store fried chicken options, including Albertsons and Gelsons, but Ralphs remains the option to beat in the taste department. 

Time Out tip: Come right before lunchtime to snag the freshest fried chicken. 

Address: Multiple, incl. Beverly Grove, Koreatown and Culver City

Hours of operation: Varies by location