These Illinois Buffets That Locals Say Fry Up Chicken Just The Way It Should Be
There’s something undeniably magical about perfectly fried chicken—that first satisfying crunch of golden, crispy breading giving way to juicy, tender meat inside. It’s comfort food in its purest form, the kind that instantly brings a smile with every bite.
When the craving hits, I skip the ordinary and head straight for Illinois’ best buffets, where local chefs have truly mastered this Southern-born classic.
Some rely on family recipes guarded for generations, while others use unique cooking techniques that set them apart. Together, these kitchens have earned their place as the state’s fried chicken champions, serving up flavor worth every plateful.
Dusties Southern Soul Food: Where Crispy Meets Soulful
Walking into Dusties in Matteson feels like coming home to grandma’s Sunday dinner. Their soul food buffet showcases chicken that’s been seasoned with a secret blend of spices that’ll make your taste buds dance!
The chicken skin crackles with each bite while the meat stays moist and flavorful. I’ve driven 40 miles just for their perfectly seasoned drumsticks.
Locals pack this place on weekends, often forming lines that stretch out the door. Beyond chicken, their catfish and smothered options round out a feast that defines comfort food excellence. But trust me – grab the fried chicken first before everyone else does!
Pizza Ranch: The Unexpected Chicken Champion
Surprise! A pizza place serving knockout fried chicken? You better believe it! Pizza Ranch locations across Illinois have quietly built a reputation for chicken that rivals their pizzas.
Golden-brown pieces with a distinctively crunchy coating make this place special. My nephew refuses to eat fried chicken anywhere else after trying their buffet in Springfield.
Their unique pressure-frying method ensures each piece remains juicy inside while maintaining that satisfying crunch outside. Grab a plate and load up on their signature sides too – the mashed potatoes with gravy make the perfect companion to their chicken masterpieces!
Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket: Route 66 Legend
Cruising down historic Route 66? Make a pitstop at this Willowbrook institution where fried chicken dreams come true! Dell Rhea’s has been perfecting their recipe since 1946, and oh boy, does practice make perfect.
Their chicken undergoes an overnight brine bath before being hand-dredged in their signature coating. Last summer, I brought my out-of-state relatives here, and they’re still talking about that first crispy bite!
The family-style servings create a buffet-like experience where platters of golden goodness keep appearing until you surrender. Pro tip: Their chicken is worth the wait – each batch is fried to order for maximum freshness.
Reid’s Harvest House: Small-Town Chicken Fame
Tucked away in Chester, this unassuming smorgasbord has locals keeping their calendars marked for fried chicken day!
The first time I visited, an elderly gentleman told me he’d been coming weekly for 30 years just for their chicken. Reid’s chicken achieves that perfect balance – crispy enough to make a satisfying crunch but not so heavily battered that you lose the chicken flavor.
Their buffet line features these golden treasures alongside homestyle sides that transport you to a country kitchen. Families drive from neighboring states for their Sunday spread, proving some things are worth traveling for. Their consistent quality makes Reid’s a Southern Illinois landmark.
Crandall’s Restaurant: Broasted Perfection
Broasted chicken might technically differ from traditional fried, but Hebron locals will fight anyone who doesn’t include Crandall’s in the conversation about perfect chicken!
Their pressure-fried technique locks in juices while creating a lighter, less oily exterior. My first bite at Crandall’s changed my definition of chicken perfection.
Their all-you-can-eat special creates a buffet experience that has patrons unbuttoning their pants by meal’s end. The seasoning penetrates all the way to the bone, meaning even the white meat stays remarkably moist. Family-owned since 1969, they’ve refined their technique to scientific precision. Worth every minute of the drive!
Yoder’s Kitchen: Amish-Style Chicken Mastery
Nestled in Arthur’s Amish country, Yoder’s Kitchen serves chicken that’s downright heavenly! The moment those buffet trays are refilled, hungry diners flock like it’s a chicken emergency. Their traditional preparation methods yield chicken with shatteringly crisp skin that practically sparkles under the buffet lights.
During my last visit, I watched an Amish grandmother nod approvingly at her chicken – the ultimate endorsement!
The buffet rotates daily specials, but fried chicken remains the constant star. Everything here is made from scratch, including the breading that somehow stays perfectly attached to each piece. Come hungry and prepare for a chicken revelation in this charming countryside gem.
3M Restaurant: Chicago’s Hidden Chicken Treasure
Andersonville locals guard this secret fiercely! 3M Restaurant might not look fancy from outside, but inside awaits chicken nirvana that’s worth braving Chicago traffic. Their buffet features chicken fried in small batches throughout the day, ensuring maximum freshness.
The seasoning blend carries subtle hints of garlic and paprika that elevate their chicken beyond typical fare. My Chicago friends introduced me to 3M last winter, and I’ve made the pilgrimage monthly since then!
The diverse crowd represents a chicken-loving cross-section of Chicago, proving great food brings everyone together. Don’t miss their wings either – they’re smaller than the main chicken pieces but pack an equally impressive flavor punch!