12 Texas Buffets Serving Fried Chicken That Locals Swear You’ll Remember

Texas has a way of turning fried chicken into a legendary experience, and these buffets are proof.

With golden, crispy crusts and juicy, perfectly seasoned meat, each plate delivers flavors that stay with you long after the meal is over.

Locals keep coming back for the comforting taste and generous portions, making these spots true favorites.

Dining here is more than filling up… it’s savoring a Texas tradition that never disappoints.

1. Hartz Chicken Buffet

Family-owned since 1974, Hartz has mastered the art of crispy-outside, juicy-inside chicken that practically falls off the bone. Their secret marinade recipe remains locked in a family vault.

Regulars line up early on Sundays when the buffet spreads include extra sides like jalapeño cornbread and banana pudding.

Multiple locations dot the Texas landscape, but locals insist the original Humble location serves the most authentic version.

2. Sirloin Stockade

Forget the name… chicken rules the roost at this surprising buffet chain. Their double-dredged, pressure-fried chicken sports a crust so crunchy you’ll hear people munching from across the dining room.

Longtime patrons recommend pairing the chicken with their homemade honey butter and warm rolls.

While technically a steakhouse buffet, Sirloin Stockade has earned its chicken reputation through consistency and flavor that has remained unchanged since the 1970s.

3. Highlander House of Buffet & Steakhouse

Located in an unassuming building in Bulverde, Highlander House serves chicken that would make Colonel Sanders jealous.

Their recipe features 12 herbs and spices (yes, one more than that famous chain). Saturday nights bring out the special batch, buttermilk-soaked for 24 hours before frying.

The family atmosphere adds to the charm, with third-generation cooks still using cast iron skillets for some batches. Local ranchers swear it’s worth driving 50 miles for.

4. Parks Family Buffet

Grandma Parks started frying chicken in 1962 using nothing but a cast iron skillet and determination. Today, her grandchildren maintain that same dedication at their Waco-area buffet.

Their chicken gets a distinctive kick from cayenne-spiked flour and a post-fry drizzle of hot honey.

Regulars know to save room for the chicken and waffles that appear on the Sunday brunch buffet. The chicken here isn’t just food. It’s a time machine to simpler days.

5. Mama Jack’s Road House

Truckers spread the word about Mama Jack’s chicken faster than wildfire in drought season. This roadside spot between Dallas and Austin serves chicken that’s mysteriously both light and substantial.

Owner Jacqueline “Mama Jack” Thompson refuses to automate any part of the process.

Each piece is hand-breaded and fried in small batches throughout the day. The buffet’s constantly refreshed, meaning you’ll never encounter a heat-lamp-dried piece.

6. Tony G’s Soul Food

Soul food royalty Tony Gaines brings Nashville-style heat to East Texas with his buffet that’s become legendary among spice lovers.

His chicken comes in four heat levels, from “Texas Mild” to “Pray For Mercy.” The buffet features a rotating selection of 20+ sides that complement the star attraction.

First-timers should try the chicken with Tony’s great-grandmother’s mac and cheese recipe. Come hungry, portions here are as big as Texas itself.

7. The Pigpen

Never judge a book by its cover or a chicken joint by its pork-themed name! The Pigpen might sound like a BBQ spot, but locals know it houses San Antonio’s crispiest fried chicken.

Their unique brining process involves sweet tea and citrus, creating chicken with hints of sweetness beneath the savory crust.

Weekend buffets include special chicken-fried chicken smothered in peppered cream gravy. The vintage decor features photos of local high school football teams dating back to the 1950s.

8. Feast Buffet

Hidden in a Lubbock strip mall, Feast Buffet looks ordinary until you taste their extraordinary chicken. The Korean-Texan family owners infuse traditional Southern fried chicken with subtle Asian influences.

Their signature gochujang honey-drizzled chicken appears every Thursday, causing lines out the door. Regular buffet offerings include classic crispy chicken with a distinctively light, shatteringly crisp exterior. College students spread the word about this hidden gem that won’t break the bank.

9. King Buffet College Station

Aggies have kept this place in business for decades, and one bite of their honey-pepper chicken explains why.

The Chinese buffet surprised everyone by perfecting Southern-style chicken that locals claim beats any specialist chicken joint.

Students traditionally celebrate end-of-semester exams here, creating a weekend rush.

The owner, Mr. Chen, learned his technique from an elderly woman in East Texas before opening his buffet in 1986. His chicken remains hand-breaded despite serving thousands of pieces weekly.

10. Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet

Surprise contender alert! This pan-Asian buffet in Corpus Christi serves chicken so good that weekend church crowds fill the place after services.

Their chicken undergoes a two-day preparation process before hitting the fryer.

The result is impossibly juicy meat with skin that maintains its crunch even after sitting on your plate. Local fishermen make this their first stop after returning to harbor.

The buffet also features a make-your-own spice station where you can customize your chicken’s flavor profile.

11. King Buffet (Webster)

NASA employees keep this Webster buffet’s reputation soaring with their loyalty to the crunchiest chicken in the Houston metro area.

Unlike its College Station namesake, this unrelated King Buffet specializes in extra-crispy, peppery chicken.

Their chicken stays remarkably oil-free despite its deep-fried perfection. Friday nights feature their “Galaxy Special” chicken with a black pepper crust that locals rave about.

The owner claims the secret is in the temperature control during frying—never above or below the perfect 325°F.

12. Lin’s Grand Buffet

Amarillo’s best-kept secret sits unassumingly between a hardware store and laundromat. Lin’s serves chicken with a distinctly different approach, lightly battered and flash-fried to preserve maximum juiciness.

Ranchers drive in from miles around on Wednesdays when Lin’s adds their special buttermilk ranch chicken to the rotation.

The owners learned their technique from a retired chef who worked at a famous Nashville restaurant. Their chicken stays crispy longer than any competitor’s, making it perfect for the buffet format.