14 Texas BBQ Joints That Locals Swear Serve Fried Chicken Worth Every Bite
Hold onto your hats, folks, because I’m about to rock your culinary world. You think you know Texas food? You think it’s all about low-and-slow smoked meats, tender brisket, and fall-off-the-bone ribs?
Well, you’re not wrong… but you’re also missing out on a delicious, crispy, golden-brown secret. I’m talking about fried chicken. And not just any fried chicken, but the kind you find, surprisingly, nestled right alongside the pulled pork and pinto beans at some of the best BBQ joints across the Lone Star State.
Texans know a thing or two about flavor, and it turns out that same dedication to perfection that goes into a 16-hour smoke also translates to a perfectly brined, hand-breaded, and expertly fried piece of poultry.
1. Pecan Lodge – Dallas (Deep Ellum)
Brisket might be the star at Pecan Lodge, but the Southern-style fried chicken has quietly earned a cult following among Dallas locals. Nestled in the heart of Deep Ellum, this spot knows how to balance smoky barbecue with crispy, golden perfection. The chicken arrives with a crunchy crust that shatters with every bite, revealing tender, juicy meat underneath.
Many regulars order both the famous brisket and the fried chicken, creating the ultimate Texas combo plate. The seasoning is simple but effective, letting the quality of the chicken shine through.
Lines can stretch out the door during peak hours, so arriving early is your best bet for snagging both barbecue and fried chicken before they sell out.
2. Cattleack Barbeque – North Dallas / Farmers Branch
Cattleack Barbeque operates on a first-come, first-served basis, and their chicken offerings often vanish before lunchtime ends. Located in a modest building in Farmers Branch, this place doesn’t need fancy decor when the food speaks for itself. The chicken here gets the same careful attention as their award-winning brisket and ribs.
Locals in the know arrive early on days when chicken is available, treating it like a limited-edition treasure. The meat stays incredibly moist while the skin crisps up beautifully, creating that perfect textural contrast.
Smart diners call ahead to confirm chicken availability, because missing out on this would be a genuine disappointment worth avoiding at all costs.
3. Killen’s Barbecue – Pearland / Houston Area
Chef Ronnie Killen brings his culinary expertise to every dish at Killen’s Barbecue, including the fried chicken that appears as a rotating special. When the chicken hits the menu, Houston-area locals scramble to get their orders in before the day’s supply runs out.
The preparation reflects Killen’s fine-dining background, with precise seasoning and flawless execution. My cousin dragged me here on a Sunday specifically for the fried chicken special, and I understood the hype after one bite.
The coating has a satisfying crunch that gives way to meat so tender it practically melts. Checking their social media for special announcements helps you plan your visit around chicken days, making the trip well worth the effort.
4. Snow’s BBQ – Lexington (Hill Country)
Saturday mornings in Lexington mean one thing: lining up at Snow’s BBQ for some of the best barbecue and chicken in Texas. Legendary spot only opens one day a week, making every visit feel like a special occasion.
The chicken offerings, including the famous chicken and biscuit combination, draw fans from across the state. Pitmaster Tootsie Tomanetz has been perfecting her craft for decades, and that experience shows in every dish.
The chicken comes out perfectly cooked, with flavors that remind you of Sunday dinners at grandma’s house. Arriving before 8 a.m. gives you the best selection, though dedicated fans sometimes show up even earlier to guarantee they get everything on their list.
5. Truth BBQ – Houston / Brenham
Truth BBQ makes no secret about their Sunday fried chicken special, boldly listing the Fried Half Chicken right on their posted menu. Transparency has earned them a dedicated following of chicken lovers who plan their weekends around this offering.
The preparation method creates an incredibly crispy exterior that stays crunchy even after sitting for a few minutes. Both the Houston and Brenham locations serve up this Sunday treat, giving more people access to the goodness.
The chicken pairs beautifully with their smoked sides, creating a meal that satisfies all your Texas food cravings at once. Locals recommend ordering a full spread to share, mixing barbecue classics with that irresistible fried chicken for the complete experience.
6. Pinkerton’s Barbecue – Houston / San Antonio
Pinkerton’s Barbecue runs a serious chicken program alongside their renowned smoked meats, offering a Half Chicken that reviewers consistently praise. The pit-house atmosphere adds to the authentic Texas experience, where smoke and spices fill the air.
Chicken options include both fried and roasted preparations, giving diners choices based on their mood. The Houston and San Antonio locations both maintain high standards, ensuring quality no matter which city you visit.
Regulars often order the chicken as part of a larger barbecue feast, creating plates that showcase the full range of what Pinkerton’s does best. The meat stays juicy and flavorful, proving that chicken deserves just as much respect as brisket in the barbecue world.
7. Gatlin’s BBQ (Gatlin’s Fins & Feathers) – Houston (Heights / NW Houston)
Gatlin’s BBQ doesn’t hide their fried chicken under a bushel – they proudly promote it right on the menu at their Heights and Northwest Houston locations. Neighborhood favorite has built a reputation for treating fried chicken with the same care and attention as their barbecue.
The name Gatlin’s Fins & Feathers hints at their expanded menu beyond traditional BBQ fare. Last summer, I watched a table of regulars order nothing but fried chicken, completely skipping the barbecue everyone raves about.
That confidence in the chicken speaks volumes about its quality and flavor. The seasoning blend creates a taste that locals describe as addictive, with many people becoming repeat customers after just one visit to try the chicken.
8. Goldee’s BBQ – Fort Worth
Recent rankings have placed Goldee’s BBQ among the top barbecue spots in North Texas, but their chicken items deserve equal recognition. The Fort Worth location has become a pilgrimage site for barbecue enthusiasts, with many fans praising the chicken alongside the famous brisket and ribs.
The preparation style honors Texas traditions while adding unique touches that make it memorable. Menu offerings change based on availability, so checking ahead ensures you don’t miss the chicken when it’s available.
The quality control here is exceptional, with every item receiving the same meticulous attention to detail. Fans often post about their Goldee’s chicken experiences on social media, creating buzz that keeps bringing new customers through the doors eager to taste what everyone’s talking about.
9. Brotherton’s Black Iron Barbecue – Pflugerville
Customer reports from Brotherton’s Black Iron Barbecue consistently mention excellent chicken plates and innovative fried chicken sandwiches that appear as specials. This Central Texas spot has carved out a niche by offering creative takes on classic dishes.
The fried chicken sandwiches particularly stand out, combining crispy chicken with barbecue-inspired toppings and sauces. Pflugerville residents treat this place like their personal barbecue secret, though word has been spreading beyond the local community.
The chicken plates come loaded with generous portions, ensuring nobody leaves hungry. Following their social media accounts helps you catch special chicken offerings, as these limited items tend to generate excitement and sell out quickly once word gets around town.
10. CorkScrew BBQ – Spring (Greater Houston)
CorkScrew BBQ has earned its reputation primarily through exceptional smoked meats, but their Saturday chicken offerings have locals circling the calendar. Located in Spring, this Greater Houston favorite adds chicken to the menu on specific days, creating anticipation among regular customers.
The chicken plates rank among the top picks for people who have tried everything on the menu. Smart diners arrive early on Saturdays to ensure they snag chicken before the supply runs out for the day.
The preparation method results in chicken that’s both smoky and crispy, bridging the gap between barbecue and fried perfection. Regulars often order extra to take home, knowing they won’t find chicken this good again until the following weekend rolls around.
11. Stiles Switch BBQ & Brew – Austin Area (Multiple Locations)
Stiles Switch BBQ & Brew takes a creative approach with their chicken, offering smoked-then-flash-fried wings that locals absolutely love. The multiple Austin-area locations make it convenient to satisfy cravings no matter which part of town you’re in.
Technique combines the best of both worlds: smoky barbecue flavor with that irresistible fried crunch. The menu includes various chicken items beyond just wings, giving guests plenty of options to explore. Pairing the chicken with one of their craft drinks creates a perfect meal combination.
My neighbor swears by their chicken and refuses to order anything else when we go, which initially seemed extreme until I tried it myself and understood completely.
12. Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que – Lockhart / Various TX Locations
Cooper’s family of barbecue concepts spans multiple Texas locations, with some spots offering fried chicken that they market as crazy good. The Lockhart location maintains the traditional pit-barbecue experience, while Cooper’s Express focuses more heavily on fried chicken offerings.
Variety means you can choose your Cooper’s experience based on what you’re craving that day. The pit-barbecue locations also sell chicken plates that have earned loyal followings in their communities.
The recipes have been passed down through the Cooper family, maintaining consistency and quality across generations. Whether you visit the original or one of the newer concepts, the chicken delivers on flavor and proves why this family has stayed successful in Texas barbecue for so long.
13. The Salt Lick BBQ – Driftwood / Round Rock (Hill Country)
The Salt Lick BBQ has become a Hill Country institution, with their Driftwood and Round Rock locations serving chicken offerings like their Habanero Chicken. The family behind Salt Lick eventually expanded into fried chicken concepts under the Roxie’s brand, inspired by their original recipes.
Locals often order chicken alongside the smoked meats, creating mixed platters that showcase the full menu. The scenic Driftwood location offers outdoor seating where you can enjoy your meal surrounded by Texas Hill Country beauty.
The chicken preparations reflect the family’s commitment to quality and flavor that has kept them successful for decades. Whether you stick with the barbecue classics or branch out to try the fried chicken spinoffs, the Salt Lick family delivers consistent quality worth the drive.
14. Rudy’s (Country Store & Bar-B-Q) – Statewide
Rudy’s has grown into a Texas barbecue institution with locations across the state, and their adjacent fried chicken concepts show how much people want chicken alongside their smoked meats. The Country Store & Bar-B-Q atmosphere feels authentically Texan, with a casual vibe that welcomes everyone.
Local reviews frequently mention people seeking out the fried chicken options at Rudy’s-connected locations. The statewide presence means you’re never too far from a Rudy’s when that barbecue and fried chicken craving hits.
The consistency across locations ensures you know what to expect whether you’re in Houston, Dallas, Austin, or San Antonio. The fried chicken spinoffs have gained their own followings, proving that Rudy’s understands what Texans want: great barbecue and equally great fried chicken under one roof.