14 Hidden Fried Chicken Joints In Pennsylvania That Locals Say Taste Just Like Sunday Supper
Pennsylvania might be famous for cheesesteaks and pretzels, but ask any local where to find the best fried chicken, and they’ll point you to spots you’ve probably never heard of.
These hidden gems serve up crispy, golden perfection that reminds folks of grandma’s Sunday suppers—the kind of meal that brings families together around the table.
From family-run diners to hole-in-the-wall joints, these 14 places prove that the Keystone State knows how to fry chicken right.
1. Blazin’ J’s
Walk into Blazin’ J’s and you’ll immediately smell what locals have been raving about since the shop opened in 2019. This unassuming spot serves chicken so crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside that folks swear it’s better than their own mama’s recipe. Every piece is fried to order using a signature spice blend that the team protects like a family heirloom.
You may wait a little longer here, but the piping-hot crunch that arrives at your table makes every minute worth it. Regulars know to order extra because leftovers rarely stand a chance.
Pair your meal with sides that deliver full-on comfort-food nostalgia.
2. Laki Fried Chicken
If you want fried chicken that tastes like it came straight out of a family kitchen, Laki Fried Chicken in Harrisburg is the real deal. This low-key spot doesn’t rely on trendy tricks or flashy presentations—it’s all about honest, perfectly seasoned chicken fried to golden perfection. Every piece comes out hot, juicy, and surrounded by a satisfyingly crisp crust that locals swear is some of the best in central Pennsylvania.
Regulars know to grab a full platter because once you try it, you’ll wish you had leftovers. But be warned: it’s so flavorful and comforting that “leftovers” usually don’t survive past the drive home. Pair it with their homestyle sides and you’ve got a Sunday-supper feast any day of the week.
3. Doro Bet
Ethiopian-style fried chicken is a revelation, and Doro Bet proves it. This West Philadelphia gem draws from traditional alicha and awaze marinades, blending Ethiopian spice profiles with crisp frying techniques.
The chicken takes on a gorgeous reddish tint and a bold, warming flavor that never overwhelms. First-time visitors often become instant regulars, welcomed by owners who treat every guest like family.
Order it with injera for the full experience.
4. Love & Honey Fried Chicken
The name says it all—Love & Honey serves small-batch, hand-dredged fried chicken made with care. While not every item is honey-glazed, their honey-butter touches and scratch-made sauces create a perfect balance of savory richness and subtle sweetness.
Each piece is fried until the skin reaches a shatteringly crisp finish that fans can’t stop talking about. Locals treat this place like a treasured secret, though the lines hint that word is out.
Grab extra napkins—this is finger-licking territory.
5. Nan Ban
Nan Ban shows that fried chicken doesn’t need to be traditional to taste like home. Their Asian-inspired approach—think double-fried Korean-style chicken tossed in bold sauces like gochujang, sambal, or garlic-soy—creates a lighter, ultra-crispy coating that keeps people coming back.
Ginger, garlic, and soy mingle perfectly in the marinades, giving the chicken a comforting yet exciting twist.
The creative sides seal the deal.
6. Pappy’s
Pappy’s has been serving Fayette County for decades and remains a beloved stop for broasted and fried chicken meals. Even without the classic décor some imagine, the spirit of old-fashioned Americana shines through in the no-frills approach and generous platters.
Their chicken comes out golden, moist, and consistently satisfying. Regulars bring new generations to continue the tradition.
7. Pineapple Eddie Southern Bistro
Pineapple Eddie Southern Bistro blends upscale dining with soulful Southern flavors, including standout fried chicken dishes like their brown sugar bourbon chicken. The restaurant’s polished atmosphere never overshadows the warmth or homestyle comfort on the plate.
Every bite reflects careful brining and precise seasoning, honoring authentic Southern techniques while putting a Pennsylvania spin on things.
8. Shugar Shack Soul Food
Shugar Shack Soul Food in Glenolden delivers hearty, homestyle dishes built on family tradition. Their fried chicken sandwiches, wings, and platters—rooted in the owner’s great-grandmother’s recipes—bring crowd-winning crunch and flavor to every order.
A buttermilk soak gives the chicken its famously tender bite, and the seasoned flour crust delivers top-tier crunch. Sides like candied yams round out the soul-food experience.
Arrive early—this place sells out fast.
9. Walter’s Southern Kitchen
Walter’s Southern Kitchen brings Southern-inspired comfort to Pittsburgh with fried chicken plates, sandwiches, and sides served alongside their barbecue offerings.
While not directly sourced from a Georgia chef, the flavors and hospitality deliver unmistakable Southern charm. The chicken here uses a double-dredge technique that guarantees extra crispness without heaviness.
10. BlackHen
BlackHen in Philadelphia takes fried chicken to a whole new level, blending Southern comfort with big-city creativity. Tucked away in Old City, this stylish little spot dishes out hand-fried chicken that’s crispy, juicy, and layered with flavor. Whether you go for their classic chicken plate or one of their inventive sandwiches, every bite feels like the perfect mix of homestyle warmth and modern flair.
The cozy atmosphere makes it a great hidden gem—locals love sneaking in for brunch or a late-day comfort fix. With elevated sides and generous portions, BlackHen turns fried chicken into the kind of meal that makes you slow down, savor every bite, and maybe… just maybe… keep the place a secret.
11. Federal Donuts & Chicken
Federal Donuts has perfected a very Philadelphia style of fried chicken: buttermilk-brined, twice-fried, and finished with your choice of dry rub or glaze. It’s not Korean fried chicken, but rather a unique local hybrid that’s earned cult status.
Choose from flavors like coconut curry, ranch, or hot honey, and grab a box of their famous donuts for the full sweet-and-savory combo.
12. Katie’s Kitchen
Katie’s Kitchen, an Amish-owned restaurant in Lancaster County, focuses on Pennsylvania Dutch classics—including their popular fried chicken tenders. While not a traditional bone-in fried chicken stop, the home-style preparation and comforting flavors still evoke Sunday-supper nostalgia.
Their mashed potatoes and gravy in particular have earned a loyal fan base.
13. Shady Maple Smorgasbord
Shady Maple’s all-you-can-eat smorgasbord includes pressure-fried chicken made in the classic Pennsylvania Dutch style: simple, seasoned just right, and endlessly comforting. Massive trays are replenished constantly, drawing crowds from all over the state.
The abundance and homestyle quality make it feel like a never-ending family supper. The surrounding Amish countryside adds to the authentic, back-to-basics dining experience that feels worlds away from modern fast food.
14. Breezy Heights Tavern & Restaurant
Breezy Heights in Avella is famous for its broasted chicken—a pressure-fried method that produces incredibly crispy skin and juicy meat. It’s the unlikely star of this cozy tavern’s menu and has earned devoted local fans.
Locals love settling into a booth for Sunday dinner, enjoying chicken that rivals any home-cooked meal. The relaxed atmosphere means you can take your time, enjoy good conversation, and savor every crispy bite.