15 Washington Fried Chicken Joints Locals Swear Are Fried To Perfection
In Washington, fried chicken isn’t just a meal; it’s a passion.
I visited spots where the aroma of sizzling chicken fills the air, golden crusts crackle with every bite, and juicy meat delivers pure satisfaction.
Locals swear by these hidden gems, returning again and again for the perfect blend of crispiness and flavor.
From neighborhood favorites to small-town treasures, each joint proves that when it comes to fried chicken, Washington knows how to do it right.
1. Ezell’s Famous Chicken
Oprah once declared this place her favorite fried chicken, and honestly, who are we to argue with the Queen of Everything?
Ezell’s has been serving up Seattle’s crispiest, most flavorful bird since 1984, using a secret recipe that’s guarded like nuclear codes.
The chicken comes out with a shatteringly crunchy crust that gives way to meat so juicy you’ll wonder if they’ve discovered some kind of poultry magic.
Lines wrap around the block during dinner rush, but trust me, it’s worth every minute of waiting.
2. Ma’ono
West Seattle’s Ma’ono brings island vibes to fried chicken in ways that’ll make your taste buds do the hula.
Chef Mark Fuller combines Hawaiian traditions with Southern technique, creating chicken that’s brined in tropical flavors before hitting the fryer.
Their famous fried chicken katsu blends Japanese crunch with Hawaiian soul food sensibilities.
The result? Impossibly tender meat wrapped in a coating that stays crispy even after you’ve devoured half the plate and paused to catch your breath.
3. Sisters and Brothers
Hidden in Seattle’s Central District, this family-run spot serves chicken that tastes like Sunday dinner at grandma’s house.
Sisters and Brothers keeps it real with recipes passed down through generations, no shortcuts or frozen nonsense allowed.
Every piece gets hand-breaded and fried to order, which means you’ll wait a bit longer than fast food joints.
But when that golden-brown perfection hits your table, steaming and fragrant, you’ll understand why patience really is a virtue worth practicing regularly.
4. Fat’s Chicken & Waffles
Chicken and waffles might sound like a weird combo to some folks, but Fat’s has perfected this sweet-and-savory marriage like nobody’s business.
Their chicken arrives extra crispy with a peppery kick that plays beautifully against fluffy Belgian waffles. Located in multiple Seattle neighborhoods, Fat’s doesn’t mess around with portion sizes either.
You’re getting massive pieces of bird that hang off the plate edges, practically begging you to forget your diet and just enjoy life for once today.
5. The Chicken Supply
What started as a food truck has become Seattle’s go-to spot for Nashville hot chicken that’ll make you sweat in the best possible way.
The Chicken Supply doesn’t play games with their heat levels, ranging from Southern (no heat) all the way to Damn Hot (self-explanatory).
Each piece gets dunked in cayenne-laced oil right after frying, creating a spicy crust that’s addictive as heck.
Pro tip: order extra pickles and white bread because you’ll need something to cool down between bites of this fiery goodness.
6. Southern Kitchen (Tacoma)
Tacoma locals will fight you if you claim there’s better Southern cooking anywhere in the state.
Southern Kitchen brings authentic Georgia-style recipes north, serving chicken that’s been marinated overnight in buttermilk and secret spices before frying.
The crust achieves that perfect balance between crunchy and tender, never too thick or greasy.
Pair it with their mac and cheese or collard greens, and you’ve got a meal that’ll transport you straight to the Deep South without leaving Pierce County at all.
7. Chicken-N-More (Spokane)
Spokane’s best-kept secret has been frying up perfection since 1979, long before food trucks and Instagram made chicken trendy.
Chicken-N-More specializes in broasted chicken, a pressure-frying technique that locks in moisture while creating an impossibly crispy exterior.
Their jo jos (seasoned potato wedges) are legendary in their own right, but the chicken remains the star attraction.
Locals order by the bucket for family dinners, game days, and basically any occasion that requires seriously good eating without the fuss.
8. Fresh Soul (Spokane)
Spokane’s soul food scene got a massive upgrade when Fresh Soul opened its doors, bringing recipes straight from the owner’s Southern family kitchen.
Their fried chicken gets a double coating of seasoned flour, creating extra-thick crunch that stands up to even the sauciest sides.
The meat stays ridiculously moist thanks to a lengthy brine process that most fast-casual spots skip entirely.
Grab a seat, order the three-piece combo, and prepare to understand why people drive across town specifically for this chicken experience.
9. Wing Dome
Sure, wings are technically different from whole fried chicken, but Wing Dome fries theirs so perfectly they deserve a spot on this list anyway.
With seven locations across the Puget Sound area, they’ve mastered the art of crispy wings tossed in sauces ranging from mild to absolutely punishing.
Their signature Seven Pepper sauce has sent grown adults crying to their mothers, while milder options let you actually taste the quality of the chicken underneath.
Either way, you’re getting wings fried to golden perfection every single time.
10. Dave’s Hot Chicken (Seattle)
This California chain made its way to Seattle and immediately caused a stir with chicken so spicy it requires a liability waiver.
Okay, maybe not actually, but Dave’s Reaper level heat is no joke for the faint of heart or weak of stomach.
Beyond the heat, though, the chicken itself is legitimately excellent with a crunchy coating that holds up under all that cayenne oil.
The tenders are thick and juicy, perfect for sliding into a soft bun with pickles and Dave’s sauce for maximum flavor impact.
11. Jollibee (Tukwila)
Filipino fast food giant Jollibee brought their famous Chickenjoy to Washington, and locals immediately understood what all the international hype was about.
The chicken gets marinated in a proprietary blend before frying, creating a flavor profile that’s both familiar and excitingly different from American styles.
Crispier than most fast food chains and way more flavorful, Chickenjoy lives up to its cheerful name.
Lines at the Tukwila location regularly stretch out the door, packed with Filipino families and curious foodies alike seeking that perfect crunch.
12. Chi Mac
Korean fried chicken has taken Seattle by storm, and Chi Mac stands at the front of that delicious invasion.
They double-fry every piece, creating an ultra-thin, shattering crust that’s somehow lighter and crispier than traditional American styles.
Choose from soy garlic, spicy, or half-and-half seasoning options that coat the chicken in sticky, flavorful glazes.
The meat stays incredibly juicy inside that crispy shell, proving that sometimes frying something twice really is better than doing it once the regular way.
13. Mt. Joy
Capitol Hill’s Mt. Joy takes fried chicken into elevated territory without losing sight of what makes it comfort food.
Chef Ethan Stowell’s team serves chicken that’s been dry-aged before frying, intensifying the flavor in ways most restaurants never bother attempting.
The presentation is Instagram-worthy, but more importantly, the taste backs up the looks completely.
Crispy skin gives way to meat that’s somehow both refined and satisfying, perfect for when you want fried chicken that feels a little bit fancy without being pretentious about it.
14. bb.q Chicken (Lynnwood)
Another Korean fried chicken heavyweight, bb.q Chicken brings international chain quality to Lynnwood’s dining scene.
Their signature olive oil frying technique makes the chicken noticeably lighter and less greasy than traditional methods while maintaining that essential crunch factor.
With over a dozen sauce options, you could visit weekly and never order the same thing twice.
The Golden Original remains the bestseller for good reason, showcasing perfectly seasoned chicken without sauce overwhelming the bird’s natural flavors and crispy coating texture.
15. Heaven Sent Fried Chicken
Sometimes the best chicken comes from the most unexpected places, and Heaven Sent proves that divine intervention might actually exist in food form.
This spot keeps things simple and traditional, focusing on perfectly seasoned, expertly fried chicken without gimmicks or fusion experiments.
The coating is classic Southern-style with just enough spice to keep things interesting without overwhelming your palate.
Each piece comes out hot, crispy, and golden brown, exactly like fried chicken should be when it’s made by people who truly care about the craft and tradition.