8 Michigan Fried Chicken Spots That Set The State Standard
Michigan might not be the first place you think of for fried chicken, but trust me, we’ve got some serious contenders that could rival any Southern joint.
I’ve spent years hunting down the crispiest, juiciest chicken across the Great Lakes State, from Detroit diners to small-town treasures.
These spots have mastered the art of perfectly fried chicken – each with their own special twist that keeps locals coming back and visitors raving.
1. Zehnder’s Of Frankenmuth: Where Tradition Meets Crispy Perfection
The first time I walked into Zehnder’s, the aroma nearly knocked me off my feet! This Bavarian-styled restaurant has been serving their famous family-style chicken dinners since 1929, and they’ve perfected their recipe over generations.
Golden-brown, crispy on the outside, tender on the inside – their signature chicken comes with all the fixings you could dream of. What makes their chicken special is the overnight marinade and pressure-cooking technique that locks in all those delicious juices.
Fun fact: Zehnder’s serves nearly a million meals annually, with most customers ordering their legendary chicken. The restaurant’s massive dining rooms can seat up to 1,500 people, making it one of the largest independent restaurants in America!
2. The Common Pub: Detroit’s Elevated Comfort Food Champion
Nestled in Detroit’s Midtown, The Common Pub transformed my understanding of what bar food could be. Their chicken isn’t just fried – it’s an experience wrapped in a perfectly crispy, seasoned crust.
Last summer, I dragged my out-of-state friends here, promising them the best chicken in Detroit. The skepticism on their faces vanished with the first bite! Their secret lies in a 24-hour brine and double-dredging technique that creates an audibly crunchy exterior while keeping the meat incredibly juicy.
The Common pairs their stellar chicken with house-made sauces that range from tangy Alabama white to a smoky chipotle mayo. And don’t even get me started on their chicken sandwich – stacked high with pickles and slaw, it’s worth every delicious calorie!
3. Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken: Memphis Tradition Takes Root In Detroit
Gus’s brought their legendary Memphis-style chicken to Detroit, and boy am I grateful! Their spicy, crispy chicken has a distinctive rusty-red appearance from their secret spice blend that’s been guarded for generations.
My first Gus’s experience left me sweating and smiling simultaneously. The heat doesn’t punch you immediately – it builds slowly, allowing you to appreciate the perfect crunch and juiciness before the warmth spreads across your palate. Their sides aren’t afterthoughts either; the mac and cheese is creamy perfection.
Despite being a chain with locations across the country, the Detroit outpost maintains that small-town, family-recipe quality. The checkered tablecloths and no-frills atmosphere let the chicken speak for itself – and trust me, it speaks volumes!
4. Chicken Shack: Metro Detroit’s Decades-Old Chicken Institution
Sometimes the classics endure for good reason. Chicken Shack has been frying up crispy goodness across Metro Detroit since 1956, and their broasted chicken remains unchanged – because perfection doesn’t need updating!
My grandmother introduced me to Chicken Shack when I was just a kid, and those family dinners created memories as delicious as the chicken itself. Their pressure-fried method results in less oil absorption, creating chicken that’s somehow both lighter and more flavorful than traditional deep-fried versions.
What keeps locals coming back isn’t just nostalgia – it’s their consistently excellent execution and those broasted potatoes that could make a potato farmer weep with joy. With multiple locations throughout the metro area, Chicken Shack has become part of Detroit’s culinary DNA.
5. Cousin’s Tasty Chicken: Grand Rapids’ Family Recipe Worth Traveling For
Last fall, I drove two hours just to try Cousin’s after a friend wouldn’t stop raving about it. The moment I bit into their perfectly seasoned chicken, I understood the hype – and promptly ordered a second helping!
This family-owned Grand Rapids spot does chicken the old-fashioned way: hand-breaded, carefully seasoned, and fried to order. Nothing sits under heat lamps here. The wait might test your patience, but the first bite proves it’s time well spent.
What separates Cousin’s from the pack is their attention to the little details – like chicken that’s never frozen and oil that’s changed religiously. Their house-made hot sauce has a sweet-spicy balance that should be bottled and sold nationwide. One taste and you’ll understand why Grand Rapids locals guard this secret so jealously.
6. White’s Restaurant & Catering: Jackson’s Historic Chicken Destination
Stepping into White’s is like traveling back in time – this Jackson institution has been serving their famous pressure-fried chicken since 1944! My grandpa used to tell stories about stopping here after baseball games, and remarkably, the chicken tastes exactly as he described it.
The crust shatters with that distinctive crackling sound that true chicken connoisseurs recognize as the mark of greatness. Their chicken is noticeably less greasy than most, with seasonings that enhance rather than overwhelm the natural flavor of the bird.
White’s hasn’t changed their recipe in nearly 80 years – a testament to getting it right the first time. The restaurant’s vintage atmosphere completes the experience, with longtime servers who remember regular customers’ orders before they even sit down. This isn’t just chicken; it’s Jackson history on a plate.
7. Mo P’s: Ypsilanti’s Soulful Chicken With Southern Roots
Mo P’s chicken recipe traveled north from Mississippi decades ago, bringing authentic Southern soul to Ypsilanti. The first time I visited, the owner Mo herself was working the counter, insisting I try her special hot honey drizzle – a recommendation I now pass along to everyone.
Each piece sports a deeply seasoned, mahogany-colored crust that somehow stays crispy even as the juices threaten to run down your chin. The chicken’s flavor suggests a closely guarded family marinade that penetrates deep into the meat.
Beyond incredible chicken, Mo P’s serves up genuine hospitality that makes every customer feel like family. The tiny, no-frills space often has lines out the door – mostly locals who know that greatness doesn’t always come in fancy packages. Cash only, worth every dollar, and absolutely the real deal.
8. Penny Red’s: Detroit’s Modern Take On A Timeless Classic
Tucked inside Detroit’s historic Checker Bar building, Penny Red’s has quickly become my go-to spot when showing off the city to visitors. Chef-driven but unpretentious, their chicken strikes that perfect balance between innovation and tradition.
The brine incorporates Michigan craft beer, giving the meat a subtle complexity that pairs perfectly with their honey-butter biscuits. I’ve embarrassed myself by literally licking my fingers clean – it’s that good! Their Nashville hot version builds heat gradually, allowing you to appreciate the flavor before the burn kicks in.
What makes Penny Red’s special is how they’ve elevated fried chicken without losing its soul. The chicken comes in a simple paper bag that’s soon translucent with delicious oils. They’ve managed to create something new while honoring what makes fried chicken a timeless comfort food.