12 Pennsylvania Chicken Restaurants Everyone Says Are Worth Trying
Pennsylvania chicken spots are more than just a meal; they’re a local tradition.
From crispy fried perfection to juicy rotisserie masterpieces, these restaurants have carved out a reputation for flavor that keeps fans coming back.
Picture a golden, seasoned crust giving way to tender, flavorful meat, or a marinade that elevates every bite into something unforgettable.
Locals love these hidden gems where the care in the kitchen shines through, making each visit special.
Whether it’s a family-run joint or a small-town favorite, Pennsylvania’s chicken scene proves that comfort, quality, and crave-worthy flavor don’t have to be complicated.
1. Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken — Philadelphia, PA
Crunch into a piece here and you will understand why people line up out the door. This Memphis-born chain brought its legendary recipe to Philadelphia, and the city has never been the same.
Located at 1500 South Street in the Graduate Hospital neighborhood, the space features exposed brick walls and a laid-back vibe that feels more neighborhood joint than national chain.
The fried chicken arrives golden and crackling, with a peppery kick that sneaks up on you after the first bite.
Their spicy version packs serious heat without overwhelming the juicy meat underneath. Sides like coleslaw and baked beans round out the Southern comfort experience.
Fun fact: Gus’s has been frying chicken using the same secret recipe since 1953, and they still hand-bread every piece to order.
The wait is real, but nobody seems to mind when that plate hits the table.
2. Love & Honey Fried Chicken — Philadelphia, PA
Stepping inside feels like walking into your coolest friend’s living room, complete with vintage vibes and hip-hop playing overhead.
Love & Honey opened in West Philadelphia and quickly became the spot for chicken sandwiches that actually live up to the hype.
Find them at 4223 Chestnut Street, where the compact storefront features colorful murals and a counter-service setup.
Their signature Love & Honey sandwich layers crispy chicken with hot honey, pickles, and a buttery bun that somehow holds everything together.
The chicken tenders are equally impressive, available in flavors ranging from lemon pepper to buffalo. Each order gets fried fresh, so expect a short wait that pays off in texture and taste.
The restaurant started as a pop-up concept before earning its permanent home, proving that good chicken will always find its audience in Philly.
3. Asad’s Hot Chicken — Philadelphia, PA
Nashville hot chicken arrived in Philadelphia with a vengeance, and Asad’s delivers the fire. Situated at 16 S 40th Street, this spot does not mess around when it comes to spice levels.
The minimalist interior keeps the focus squarely on the food, with simple seating and a straightforward menu board.
Order the hot chicken sandwich at medium heat and prepare for a sweaty, satisfying experience that chicken enthusiasts travel across town to enjoy.
Their hottest level, aptly named Reaper, is not recommended for the faint of heart. Even the mild version carries a pleasant warmth that enhances rather than masks the chicken’s flavor.
Sides like mac and cheese and collard greens provide cooling relief between bites. The team put real work into dialing in the technique, and that dedication shows in every crispy, fiery piece.
4. CM Chicken — Philadelphia, PA
Korean fried chicken fans rejoice at this University City gem located at 3180 Chestnut Street.
CM Chicken specializes in the double-frying technique that makes Korean chicken impossibly crispy on the outside while staying juicy inside.
The restaurant’s bright, modern interior features sleek tables and K-pop videos playing on mounted screens.
Their soy garlic flavor is the bestseller, coating each wing in a sweet-savory glaze that is dangerously addictive.
Spicy options include gochujang-based sauces that bring authentic Korean heat. The chicken arrives on metal trays with pickled radish cubes, the traditional Korean accompaniment that cuts through the richness.
Boneless options are available for those who prefer less mess.
Here is a fun tidbit: the restaurant stays open late, making it a favorite post-study spot for Penn students craving a midnight chicken fix that beats any delivery option.
5. Bonchon — Philadelphia, PA
This international chain brought its cult-following Korean chicken to Philadelphia, and locals quickly understood the obsession.
Located at 1020 Cherry Street, Bonchon offers that signature double-fried crunch in a busy part of the city.
The signature double-fried wings come in soy garlic or spicy flavors, each piece achieving a shatteringly crisp exterior.
Unlike American buffalo wings, these arrive less saucy, with the flavor baked into the crust itself.
Drumsticks and strips offer meatier options for bigger appetites. The restaurant also serves Korean dishes like bibimbap and japchae, but honestly, most people come for the chicken.
Bonchon literally means my hometown in Korean, and the chain has expanded from South Korea to locations worldwide.
The Philadelphia outpost maintains the same exacting standards, refusing to rush the double-fry process even during peak dinner rushes when tables fill completely.
6. bb.q Chicken (Chinatown) — Philadelphia, PA
Premium Korean fried chicken gets elevated to an art form at this Chinatown location on 938 Race Street.
bb.q Chicken is actually one of the largest Korean fried chicken chains globally, and their Philadelphia spot does not disappoint.
The sleek, upscale interior features mood lighting and comfortable booth seating that feels more date-night than fast-casual.
Their signature Golden Olive chicken uses olive oil in the frying process, creating a lighter, less greasy finish.
Flavors range from classic to creative, including options like cheesling and gangjeong. Each order takes time because they fry everything fresh, never from frozen.
The restaurant offers combination platters perfect for sharing, with multiple flavors on one plate.
What makes bb.q stand out is the quality of the chicken itself, prepared for optimal tenderness before it ever hits the fryer for that perfect Korean-style crunch.
7. CHiKN — Pittsburgh, PA
Pittsburgh’s chicken sandwich game reached new heights when CHiKN opened at 3712 Forbes Avenue.
The industrial-chic space features exposed ductwork, communal tables, and a vibrant energy that matches the bold flavors.
Their build-your-own sandwich concept lets you choose your chicken style, from classic fried to grilled, then pile on toppings and sauces.
The Nashville hot option brings Tennessee heat to western Pennsylvania with cayenne-spiked oil that seeps into every crevice.
Waffle fries and tater tots make excellent vessels for their selection of dipping sauces. Vegetarians are not left out, with a surprisingly good fried cauliflower option that gets the same crispy treatment.
The restaurant started as a food truck concept before graduating to brick-and-mortar status.
Local college students and young professionals keep the place buzzing, especially on weekend nights when the chicken cravings hit hardest.
8. Bird On The Run — Pittsburgh, PA
Rotisserie chicken done right is the specialty at this Pittsburgh spot located at 128 S Highland Avenue.
Bird On The Run takes a different approach than the fried chicken crowd, slow-roasting whole birds until the skin crisps and the meat falls off the bone.
The casual counter-service setup features rustic wood accents and a display case showing the chickens rotating on spits.
Order a half or whole bird with your choice of sides, from roasted vegetables to creamy mashed potatoes.
Their chicken sandwiches use the same rotisserie meat, piled high with toppings on fresh rolls. The jus from the roasting process gets drizzled over everything, adding moisture and flavor.
Takeout orders are huge here because the chicken travels well and feeds a crowd.
The restaurant sources local birds when possible, and you can taste the difference in the quality and flavor of every juicy, perfectly seasoned bite.
9. The Eagle Food & Beer Hall — Pittsburgh, PA
Southern hospitality meets Pittsburgh grit at this Lawrenceville establishment located at 4516 Butler Street.
The Eagle channels classic communal-dining energy with long tables, a lively room, and a menu built around fried chicken and hearty sides.
Their signature fried chicken gets brined for 24 hours before hitting the fryer, resulting in incredibly juicy meat with a perfectly seasoned crust.
The space itself occupies a renovated historic building with high ceilings and big windows that flood the room with light.
Sides like pimento mac and cheese and jalapeño cheddar grits elevate the comfort food experience. The chicken and waffles brunch special draws weekend crowds willing to wait for a table.
The Eagle originated in Cincinnati before expanding to other cities, and each location maintains the same commitment to hospitality and quality.
Their spicy version adds cayenne to the breading for those who want extra kick with their comfort food.
10. Chicken Lounge — Allentown, PA
Allentown’s best-kept secret sits at 3247 Hamilton Boulevard, serving up chicken that locals have been raving about for years.
Chicken Lounge keeps things simple with a no-frills storefront and a focus on getting the basics absolutely perfect.
Their fried chicken platters come with generous portions and classic sides like coleslaw and fries. The breading achieves that ideal crunch without being overly thick or greasy.
Wings are available in multiple flavors, from traditional buffalo to honey barbecue. The casual atmosphere makes it perfect for a quick lunch or easy dinner when you want quality without the fuss.
Prices remain remarkably reasonable, especially considering the portion sizes.
The restaurant has built a loyal following through word-of-mouth rather than flashy marketing, proving that consistently good chicken will always find its audience in a community that values honest, delicious food served without pretension or unnecessary complications.
11. Laki Fried Chicken — Harrisburg, PA
Harrisburg’s chicken scene got a major upgrade when Laki opened at 4404 Oakhurst Boulevard. This spot brings a crisp, double-fried style to the area with impressive results.
The bright, clean interior features simple seating and a menu focused entirely on perfecting chicken.
Their original flavor showcases the technique itself, with incredibly crispy skin that stays crunchy even as the chicken cools.
Sauce options include soy garlic, spicy, and honey butter, each coating the chicken in sticky-sweet goodness.
Boneless chunks are perfect for sharing, while bone-in pieces satisfy those who prefer traditional wings and drumsticks.
The restaurant offers combo meals that pair chicken with pickled sides and slaw. Laki uses halal-certified chicken, making it an inclusive option for diners with dietary restrictions.
The name Laki means lucky in Indonesian, and Harrisburg residents feel pretty fortunate to have this spot in their city.
12. Dienner’s Bar-B-Q Chicken (Reading Terminal Market) — Philadelphia, PA
Reading Terminal Market houses countless food vendors, but Dienner’s has been a cornerstone since 1980.
Located inside this historic market at 51 North 12th Street, the stand serves rotisserie chicken that fills the entire market with mouthwatering aromas.
Whole chickens rotate slowly on spits behind the counter, basted continuously until the skin turns golden brown.
The market setting means you can grab your chicken and explore other vendors for sides, or stick with Dienner’s own offerings.
Their barbecue sauce is tangy and slightly sweet, complementing rather than overwhelming the smoky chicken flavor.
Half chickens are the most popular order, perfect for one person with leftovers or two people sharing. The market’s Victorian-era architecture provides a stunning backdrop for your meal.
Dienner’s has become a Philadelphia institution, with multiple generations of families making it their go-to spot for reliable, delicious rotisserie chicken in the heart of the city.