12 Washington Chicken Chains That Locals Say Are Always Worth The Drive
Washington State knows how to do fried chicken right, and locals have their favorites that they’ll gladly drive miles to reach.
From crispy tenders to spicy Nashville-style heat, these chicken chains have earned their spots in the hearts and stomachs of Washingtonians.
Whether you’re craving classic comfort food or adventurous flavors, these restaurants deliver quality that makes every trip worthwhile.
1. Ezell’s Famous Chicken
Born in Seattle’s Central District back in 1984, this legendary spot has been slinging some of the crunchiest, juiciest fried chicken in the Pacific Northwest for decades. Oprah herself declared it her favorite fried chicken, which pretty much says everything you need to know about the quality here.
The secret recipe creates an incredibly crispy coating that shatters with each bite, revealing tender meat underneath. Locals swear by the dark meat, especially the thighs, which stay moist even after the drive home.
Multiple locations across Washington mean you’re never too far from that signature crunch that keeps people coming back generation after generation.
2. Bok a Bok
Korean fried chicken fanatics rejoice because this Seattle-born chain now operates a single Capitol Hill location. Double-fried wings achieve an impossibly light crispiness that American-style fried chicken just can’t match.
Sauce options range from sweet soy garlic to fiery spicy, each coating the wings in sticky, finger-licking goodness. The Korean technique means less grease and more crunch, making it easier to demolish an entire order without feeling weighed down.
Kimchi coleslaw and pickled radishes provide the perfect tangy contrast to rich, savory wings. Weekend waits can stretch long, but regulars know the crispy, saucy perfection is absolutely worth every minute spent in line.
3. Dave’s Hot Chicken
California transplant Dave’s brought Nashville heat to Washington, and locals have been sweating happily ever since. Starting as a parking lot pop-up in Los Angeles, this chain now challenges spice lovers across the state with heat levels ranging from mild to downright dangerous.
The Reaper level isn’t a joke, but you do not need to sign a waiver; it’s simply the hottest spice option. Most folks stick with Medium or Hot, which deliver plenty of kick without requiring emergency milk chugging.
Crispy chicken tenders arrive on simple white bread with pickles, letting the spice-rubbed, cayenne-coated chicken be the star of every bite that tests your taste buds.
4. Raising Cane’s
Sometimes simple is best, and Raising Cane’s proves it by doing one thing exceptionally well: chicken fingers. The menu stays laser-focused on crispy tenders, crinkle-cut fries, Texas toast, coleslaw, and that magical Cane’s sauce that people literally dream about.
Fresh, never-frozen chicken gets hand-battered and cooked to order, ensuring every tender comes out hot and crunchy. The secret sauce—a tangy, peppery blend—turns good chicken into an addictive meal worth driving across town for.
Lines wrap around buildings during lunch and dinner, but the fast-moving service means you’ll be munching those golden tenders faster than you’d expect from such crowds.
5. Super Chix
Texas brought its chicken game to Washington through Super Chix, a chain that balances health-conscious options with indulgent comfort food. Grilled chicken salads sit right alongside crispy tenders and towering chicken sandwiches, giving everyone something to love.
Frozen custard steals the show as the perfect meal finisher, offering creamy, rich flavors that make you forget you just ate fried chicken. The customizable sauce bar lets you mix and match flavors, creating your perfect dipping combination.
Clean, modern restaurants with friendly service make this spot popular with families who want quality chicken without the fast-food atmosphere that dominates most chains in the category.
6. The Chicken Shack
Nothing fancy here, just honest-to-goodness fried chicken that tastes like someone’s grandmother made it with love in her kitchen. This local Washington chain keeps things traditional with recipes that haven’t changed because they don’t need fixing.
Fluffy biscuits arrive hot enough to melt butter instantly, while classic sides like mashed potatoes and gravy complete the comfort food experience. The casual, no-frills atmosphere lets the food do all the talking.
Prices stay reasonable even as other chains keep climbing, making this a budget-friendly option for families craving real chicken without breaking the bank or sacrificing quality for convenience.
7. Houston TX Hot Chicken
Despite the name suggesting Texas origins, this spot delivers authentic Nashville hot chicken with enough spice to make your eyes water in the best way possible. Heat levels climb from Southern (mild) all the way to Crazy, which lives up to its name spectacularly.
Chicken arrives on white bread with pickles, the traditional Nashville presentation that helps cool your burning tongue between bites. The cayenne-based spice paste penetrates deep into the crispy coating, delivering heat that builds with each piece.
Located in various Washington cities, this chain has developed a cult following among spice enthusiasts who appreciate authentic hot chicken done right without watering down the fire.
8. Wingstop
Wing lovers unite at this chain that treats chicken wings like an art form, offering eleven different flavors from Lemon Pepper to Atomic. Fresh, never-frozen wings get tossed in your chosen sauce, creating sticky, flavorful bites that disappear faster than you’d think possible.
Boneless wings provide an alternative for those who prefer all meat and no mess, while the seasoned fries make excellent sauce-sopping companions. Late-night hours at many locations make this a favorite post-movie or after-game destination.
The online ordering system works smoothly, letting you skip lines and pick up your wings hot and ready without awkward waiting around in crowded lobbies during rush times.
9. Buffalo Wild Wings
Sports fans flock here for wings and wall-to-wall TVs showing every game imaginable, creating an atmosphere where chicken and competition go hand-in-hand. Twenty-six sauce and seasoning options mean you could visit dozens of times without repeating the same flavor combination.
Blazin’ sauce challenges brave souls with intense heat that separates casual snackers from true spice warriors. Traditional and boneless wings both have their devoted followers, though purists argue only bone-in wings count as real wings.
Happy hour specials make this budget-friendly for groups, while the lively atmosphere turns ordinary meals into social events worth planning your evening around with friends and family.
10. Chick-fil-A
Say what you will, but this Atlanta-based chain has perfected the chicken sandwich to near-religious status among its devoted fans. The original sandwich—crispy chicken, pickles, buttered bun—achieves simplicity that other chains try desperately to copy but never quite match.
Waffle fries and that addictive Chick-fil-A sauce create a combination people crave enough to endure notoriously long drive-thru lines. Impeccable service with employees who actually say please and thank you sets this chain apart from typical fast-food experiences.
Closed Sundays frustrates some customers but the Monday through Saturday quality and speed make up for the weekly day of rest that keeps workers happy and service excellent.
11. Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen
Louisiana flavors march into Washington through this chain that brings Cajun spices and buttermilk biscuits to neighborhoods craving Southern comfort. The chicken sandwich sparked actual Twitter wars and sold out nationwide, proving Popeyes knows how to create crave-worthy chicken that drives serious demand.
Crispy, juicy chicken with a peppery kick beats out blander competitors who play it safe with seasoning. Red beans and rice, Cajun fries, and those fluffy-yet-dense biscuits round out meals with authentic Southern sides.
Service can be hit-or-miss depending on location, but when the chicken comes out fresh and hot, all is forgiven because the flavor delivers every single time.
12. KFC
The Colonel’s original recipe remains one of the most recognizable flavors in fried chicken history, with eleven herbs and spices creating that signature taste millions grew up loving. While newer chains chase trends, KFC keeps serving the classic comfort food that defined American fried chicken for generations.
Crispy and extra crispy options let you choose your crunch level, while the Famous Bowl piles chicken, corn, potatoes, gravy, and cheese into one glorious mess. Biscuits, coleslaw, and mashed potatoes complete the nostalgic experience.
Sure, it’s not fancy or trendy, but sometimes you just want reliable fried chicken that tastes exactly like you remember from childhood road trips and family dinners.