9 Arizona Fried Chicken Restaurants Locals Say Are Worth The Drive
Arizona might be famous for deserts and triple-digit heat, but what if the state’s real obsession isn’t cacti or canyons at all?
What if it’s fried chicken?
From Nashville-style heat that makes you sweat to classic soul food that feels like a warm hug, Arizona locals know exactly where to go when the craving hits.
These spots serve up golden, crunchy perfection that’s worth every mile of the drive.
Whether you’re cruising through Phoenix or wandering into smaller towns, these nine fried chicken joints have earned serious loyalty.
So how far would you drive for the perfect bite?
Grab your appetite and find out why Arizonans happily hit the road for these finger-licking favorites.
1. Lo Lo’s Chicken & Waffles
Soul food meets breakfast heaven at this Phoenix institution that’s been making locals swoon since day one.
The moment you step inside, the aroma of perfectly seasoned chicken sizzling in hot oil wraps around you like a warm hug from your favorite auntie.
Their signature dish combines crispy, juicy fried chicken with fluffy Belgian waffles, creating a sweet-and-savory masterpiece that defies logic but tastes absolutely divine.
Each piece of chicken arrives with a golden-brown crust that shatters with every bite, revealing tender meat that’s been marinated to perfection.
Location: 1220 S Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85003
2. Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken
Memphis tradition landed in the heart of Phoenix, bringing with it a recipe that’s been guarded like a national treasure since 1953.
Gus’s doesn’t play around when it comes to their chicken—every piece is hand-battered and fried to order, ensuring maximum crunchiness and flavor.
What sets this place apart is the perfectly balanced spice blend that tingles your tongue without overwhelming your taste buds.
The chicken arrives piping hot with a reddish-golden hue that hints at the deliciousness within, and the meat stays incredibly moist despite that impossibly crispy exterior.
Location: 341 W Van Buren St, Phoenix, AZ 85003
3. Monroe’s Hot Chicken
Nashville’s fiery tradition blazes bright at this downtown Phoenix hotspot where heat levels range from mild to “why did I do this to myself?” Monroe’s takes the Tennessee classic seriously, coating each piece in a cayenne-laced oil that creates layers of complex flavor beyond just spice.
The chicken gets double-fried for extra crispiness, then painted with their signature hot oil blend that’ll have you reaching for napkins and smiling through the burn.
Pickles and white bread come standard, providing cool relief between bites of that addictive, peppery crunch.
Location: 45 W Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85003
4. Flew The Coop Nashville Hot Chicken
Sedona’s red rocks provide a stunning backdrop for some of the most authentic Nashville hot chicken you’ll find outside of Tennessee.
This family-owned gem brings Southern hospitality to Arizona’s most scenic town, serving up chicken that’s worth every minute of the winding drive through Oak Creek Canyon.
Their heat levels are clearly marked, letting you choose your adventure from Southern (no heat) all the way to Cluckin’ Hot (bring reinforcements).
The breading stays remarkably crispy even under all that spicy oil, and the meat inside remains juicy and flavorful.
Location: 6507 State Route 179, Sedona, AZ 86351
5. Mrs. White’s Golden Rule Cafe
Step back in time at this Phoenix treasure that’s been serving authentic soul food since 1964, making it one of the oldest continuously operating restaurants in the city.
Mrs. White’s recipe hasn’t changed in decades because when you’ve achieved fried chicken perfection, there’s no reason to mess with success.
Each piece gets a simple but masterful seasoning treatment before taking a hot oil bath that produces a light, crispy coating.
The chicken tastes like Sunday dinner at grandma’s house, with that home-cooked quality that chain restaurants can never quite replicate.
Location: 808 E Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85034
6. Hot Chicken Alley
Tucked into a north Phoenix shopping center, this Nashville-style specialist has perfected the art of customizable heat that keeps customers coming back to test their spice tolerance.
Hot Chicken Alley understands that everyone’s heat preference is different, offering six distinct spice levels that range from beginner-friendly to legitimately challenging.
The chicken arrives with a gorgeous mahogany color from the spice-infused oil, and the breading provides an incredibly satisfying crunch.
Their tenders are particularly popular, offering all that Nashville flavor in an easy-to-eat format that’s perfect for sharing.
Location: 13636 N Tatum Blvd Suite 10, Phoenix, AZ 85032
7. BB.Q Chicken Scottsdale
Korean-style fried chicken brings a whole new dimension to the Arizona poultry scene with its ultra-crispy double-frying technique and creative sauce options.
BB.Q Chicken’s method produces an incredibly light and crunchy coating that stays crisp even when coated in their signature sauces, which is basically witchcraft in culinary form.
From sweet and spicy to garlic soy, their sauce selection offers flavors you won’t find at traditional American fried chicken joints.
The chicken itself is remarkably tender and never greasy, making it dangerously easy to devour an entire order.
Location: 15689 N Hayden Rd Suite 127, Scottsdale, AZ 85260
8. Nad’s Chicken & Seafood
Tempe locals have been flocking to this unassuming spot for years, drawn by the promise of perfectly executed fried chicken that rivals anything you’d find in the Deep South.
Nad’s keeps things straightforward, focusing on quality ingredients and time-tested cooking techniques rather than trendy gimmicks or complicated flavor profiles.
The chicken emerges from the fryer with a beautiful golden-brown hue and a coating that provides just the right amount of crunch without being too thick.
Each bite delivers juicy, well-seasoned meat that proves sometimes the classics are classic for a reason.
Location: 315 W Elliot Rd Suite 108, Tempe, AZ 85284
9. BirdHouse
Way up near Lake Powell, this Page restaurant proves that exceptional fried chicken can be found even in Arizona’s most remote corners.
BirdHouse has become a beloved stop for tourists visiting the lake and locals who appreciate having quality comfort food in their backyard.
Their chicken features a perfectly seasoned breading that hints at Southwestern influences while staying true to classic fried chicken fundamentals.
The portions are generous, the service is friendly, and the location makes it an ideal pit stop before or after a day exploring the stunning landscapes of northern Arizona.
Location: 707 N Navajo Dr, Page, AZ 86040