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Local picks

Fried chicken spots in San Jose

You have a high standard for fried chicken and you are not willing to compromise on the crunch.

Based on 764 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Roots Bistro image 1
Roots Bistro image 2
Vietnamese restaurant

Small space with modern interior design and cozy atmosphere offers both indoor and outdoor seating. The vibe stays quiet and chill, attracting a modest crowd during weekdays. Decorations and layout create an inviting, clean environment distinct from typical chain restaurants.

Food features authentic yet modern Vietnamese dishes with high quality traditional flavors that taste like home recipes. The quality and taste consistently impress.

Fried chicken features a light crispy skin and a juicy inside. The appetizer and fried chicken with rice both deliver delicious flavor.

People are saying

"The spring rolls here are super fresh and tasty."

"The wagyu beef food here is so tender and succulent."

"The fried chicken here has a light crispy skin and juicy inside."

Good to know

1

Dinner is very affordable at about $25 per person.

2

The menu is unique and visually fun to look at.

3

There is no MSG in the pho.

02
Hankki House image 1
Korean restaurant

Strip mall Korean restaurant with handcrafted sturdy tables and loud throwback music creates a lively, homey atmosphere. The menu features authentic dishes like bibimbap and spicy fried chicken, often with homemade banchan. It stays quiet enough for quick meals without wait times.

Food here is authentic Korean cuisine with a focus on fresh ingredients. Every dish tastes delicious and genuine.

Spicy fried chicken stands out with its freshness and tenderness. The flavor is consistently amazing and well-seasoned.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and flavorful."

"I found the Korean food here to be so authentic, like a mom cooked it."

"I found the spicy fried chicken really fresh and fantastic."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, and there is usually no wait time.

2

The restaurant closes between lunch and dinner from 2:30 pm to 5 pm.

3

Prices for lunch plates have increased to $27 each.

03
Yummy Kitchen 闻香居 image 1
Chinese restaurant

Open kitchen reveals chefs preparing food with clear pride, creating a cozy home-cooked vibe. Atmosphere feels like a lunch hall without rush, inviting diners to enjoy authentic Chinese dishes. Space suits big groups and offers reasonably priced portions with a focus on genuine flavors.

Food here is lighter and more authentic than most Chinese restaurants nearby. The kitchen is spotless and shows clear pride in preparation, resulting in consistently delicious dishes.

Fried chicken wings come with a spicy kick and pair well with other dishes like pig feet. The chicken is consistently very delicious and flavorful.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and authentic Szechuan."

"I thought the seafood here was delicious."

"The fried chicken here is really yummy."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not needed; walk-ins are welcome at any time.

2

Expect a wait of about 30 minutes during peak lunch hours.

3

Prices are reasonable, averaging less than $20 per dish.

04
Tuk Tuk Chicken & Rice image 1
Chicken restaurant

Walls display Hot Wheels collections and JDM car ads, creating a unique, eclectic decor. The atmosphere feels cozy and inviting with a family-run vibe. Seating is limited but comfortable, blending indoor and outdoor options.

Food features authentic Thai flavors with fresh ingredients and large portions. Meals come at an affordable price without sacrificing quality or taste.

Fried chicken skin stands out with a crispy texture. The spicy fried chicken lard appetizer adds a bold kick. Kao Gai Sap offers a flavorful fried chicken option.

People are saying

"The Thai basil chicken here is a savory must-try dish."

"The basil chicken and Penang curry are the highlights."

"I loved the fried chicken skin."

Good to know

1

Portions are generous and prices are reasonable.

2

The chicken rice option has an additional charge of $1.

3

You can get a Thai tea for $4 with a rice entrée.

05
Mad Yolks image 1
Restaurant

Small, bright space with cozy booths and sunlit windows creates a warm, laid-back atmosphere. Crowded yet welcoming vibe fills the room with active energy. Focus on fresh, quality ingredients complements the positive, neighborhood feel.

Food stands out for its consistently delicious taste and quick, polite service. Cleanliness adds to the overall positive experience.

A big, crispy fried chicken thigh forms the heart of the Mad Chick sandwich. It stays juicy inside and packs a lot of flavor, making it a satisfying choice for fried chicken.

People are saying

"The BAE sandwich breakfast is amazing, especially the creamy eggs."

"The food here is amazing, perfectly seasoned and packed with flavor."

"The fried chicken sandwich was juicy, crispy, and full of flavor."

Good to know

1

The parking lot can fill up quickly, so arrive early.

2

Expect longer wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

They offer vegan options that are well-executed.

06
Mommy's Banh Mi image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Vietnamese restaurant with a cozy interior and a small outdoor patio offers a warm, mom and pop vibe despite a slightly commercial look. The space feels a bit cramped but maintains a good, lively atmosphere without loud music. It gets very busy during lunch, attracting a steady flow of guests.

Food arrives fresh and delicious with consistent quality. Staff provide quick service and maintain a friendly atmosphere.

Fried chicken comes in a variety of dishes like rice bowls and banh mi. It often has a super flavorful taste but can sometimes be burnt and inedible.

People are saying

"The banh mi here is delicious with a perfectly crusty bread."

"The food here is amazing and tastes as good as it smells."

"The fried chicken here is super flavorful and amazing."

Good to know

1

You can order ahead on their website to save time.

2

Expect long lines during lunch hours, but they move quickly.

3

Parking is available out front but can be limited.

07
Paik's Noodle - San Jose (홍콩반점 산호세) image 1

Spacious interior with ample parking creates a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. The vibe stays lively, especially during weekends and dinner, while lunch offers a quieter experience. Known for authentic Korean-Chinese flavors, the place features fresh ingredients and classic noodle textures that stand out.

Food here is consistently fresh and delicious, focusing on authentic Korean-Chinese dishes. Every bite delivers comfort food quality with great overall taste.

Fried chicken comes out wonderfully crispy on the outside and incredibly juicy inside. Korean style shines with a distinctive crunch and flavor.

People are saying

"I loved the stir-fried noodles with that sweet seafood taste."

"The sweet and sour pork here is heavenly."

"The food here is delicious, especially the rich black bean sauce."

Good to know

1

There is plenty of parking available at the San Jose location.

2

The restaurant is very clean and well-maintained.

3

Some menu items may be unavailable during your visit.

08
Dave's Hot Chicken image 1
Chicken restaurant

Cozy space with home-like atmosphere and good music creates a pleasant vibe. Certified halal chicken draws a crowd looking for tender, juicy, and consistent fast food fried chicken. Separate area for drinks and napkins adds convenience to the experience.

Food comes out quickly and tastes consistently amazing with a satisfying flavor profile.

Fried chicken here stays tender and juicy with every bite. It delivers consistent quality that stands out in fast food.

People are saying

"I found the chicken sandwich here to be outstanding and deliciously flavored."

"The food here is hot and really good."

"I found the fried chicken here to be tender, juicy, and delicious."

Good to know

1

Ordering ahead of time requires going online.

2

Parking in the small lot can be difficult.

3

They make customers sign a waiver before eating the spicy dishes.

09
Scratch Cookery image 1
Chicken shop

Small chicken shop with limited indoor seating on hard stools and a few outdoor tables. Atmosphere varies from quiet and cozy to loud and hot inside, with outdoor seating preferred when weather allows. Known for high-quality chicken sandwiches and a clean open kitchen visible from the dining area.

Food features freshly made dishes with powerful flavors and careful creativity. Options include spicy items and a vegetarian sandwich, all cooked perfectly and made fresh to order.

Nashville style fried chicken stands out with very good breading and a well-put-together sandwich. The menu focuses on fried chicken, delivering consistently high taste and quality without dryness.

People are saying

"This Nashville hot chicken sandwich is seriously flavorful and crunchy."

"I had the best chicken food I ever had."

"I found the fried chicken sandwich to be unbelievably good."

Good to know

1

Scratch Cookery has only 12 seats inside, so expect limited seating.

2

Parking costs $10 at the public lot in front of the restaurant.

3

There is free parking available on the opposite street on third.

10
Shihlin Taiwan Street Snacks image 1

Small space with open kitchen where food is prepared in front of diners creates an interactive vibe. Atmosphere is casual and can get busy, mostly attracting people who speak Chinese. Known for generous portions of Taiwanese street food including crispy chicken and halal options, it suits quick snacks more than full dinners.

Food comes out hot and fresh, prepared right in front of you. Portions are large and tasty, with a noticeable heat that stands out in Taiwanese street food.

XXL fried chicken breast and thigh stand out for their size and freshness. Fried mushroom and XXL fried chicken bento offer a fresh and delicious combo.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, flavorful, and well-portioned."

"The XXL fried chicken breast and thigh were a must-try."

"The tea here is pretty good and piping hot."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait of about 15 minutes for your food during peak hours.

2

Seating is limited, best for two people; larger groups may struggle to sit together.

3

This location offers halal meat, catering to diverse dietary preferences.

11
Blue Monkey Cafe & Restaurant image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Large, bright Vietnamese restaurant with spacious indoor and outdoor seating and multiple big TVs showing scenes from Vietnam. Atmosphere feels authentic and relaxed, blending American pop and Vpop music at a moderate volume. Menu offers unique regional dishes and fresh seafood not commonly found in other local Vietnamese spots.

Food here is authentic Vietnamese with large portions that can feed a group. Dishes come out quickly and taste consistently delicious.

Fried chicken comes with sticky purple rice and has a very crunchy texture without much batter. It pairs well with other dishes like bun cha Ha noi and blood clams.

People are saying

"The seafood here is so fresh and perfectly cooked."

"The Bun Cha here is served on a massive plate, it's huge!"

"The food here is delicious, especially the mi ga quay."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a promotion on duck noodle soup for $10 for a limited time.

2

The portions are large enough to share among three people.

3

The menu features dishes not commonly found at other Vietnamese restaurants.

12
Revopot image 1
Restaurant

Spacious modern restaurant features a conveyor belt system delivering vegetables, noodles, and seafood for individual hot pots. Quiet atmosphere with bar-style seating and booths offers a clean, fresh environment. Extensive sauce bar and high-quality meats like wagyu and brisket stand out in the setup.

Fresh food arrives on a revolving conveyor belt with an insane variety of broths and options. Limiting toppings helps reduce food waste while keeping the buffet's quality worth the price.

Impressive fried chicken comes with filling sides like fried wonton and calamari.

People are saying

"The food selection on the conveyor belt is plentiful."

"This Lunch Spot has a conveyor belt with veggies, fishballs, and shrimp."

"I thought the fried chicken was impressive."

Good to know

1

The price is $35 per person for all-you-can-eat hot pot.

2

Expect a wait time of about 1 hour during peak hours.

3

Automatic gratuity is added for groups larger than five people.

13
China Chen image 1
Chinese restaurant

Chinese restaurant offers quiet atmosphere with affordable prices and excellent noodle soups featuring large shrimp wontons and flavorful broths. Limited parking and a smaller menu distinguish the experience. Food quality remains consistent over time, making it a reliable spot for comfort food.

Food offers Chinese Vietnamese flavors with egg noodles and rice noodles standing out. Portions are good, prices are cheaper than hotel food, and the dishes are consistently flavorful and tasty.

Half fried chicken comes perfectly fried with a Dingguagua flavor. It pairs well with noodle soup, making the combination just right for the stomach.

People are saying

"I loved their flavorful noodle soup with chewy fried fish balls."

"The wonton noodle soup here is a must-try food."

"The fried chicken here has a perfect Dingguagua flavor."

Good to know

1

Parking at China Chen can be a challenge, especially on weekdays.

2

Prices are reasonable, with a large bowl of noodle soup costing around $18.

3

Kids receive free Hi Chew candies after their meal.

14
Fiery Chickz (Nashville chicken ) image 1

Colorful chicken shop with cozy ambiance and cool wall art creates a casual gathering spot. It serves halal fried chicken known for rich seasoning and large portions at fair prices. The place operates quietly with enough seating and stands out as a late-night halal option.

Food arrives quickly and offers halal options late at night. The hot chicken stands out as flavorful and generous in portion compared to similar spots.

Spicy and tender fried chicken comes with rich seasoning and perfect cooking. The flavor stands out as very tasty and delicious.

People are saying

"This American food is seriously spicy and so flavorful."

"The food here is delicious and packed with flavor."

"I loved the delicious fried chicken here; it's the best I've had."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is halal, catering specifically to Muslim diners.

2

They offer a student discount for two burgers with fries for $13.

3

The restaurant operates as a ghost kitchen with limited staff.

15
King Eggroll image 1
Chinese restaurant

Takeout-only Chinese spot with long lines and plentiful portions draws many locals for its famous egg rolls and crispy fried chicken. Interior is hot and cramped with minimal seating, emphasizing quick pickup over dine-in. Prices have risen significantly, reflecting recent inflation trends.

Food delivers consistent quality with excellent flavor and aroma. Fried chicken stands out as hot and crispy for takeout, making it a popular choice.

Fried chicken comes hot and crispy, sold by the piece for takeout. It pairs well with egg rolls and shrimp balls, making these items popular choices.

People are saying

"I thought the egg rolls were the best I ever had."

"The egg rolls and shrimp balls are perfectly seasoned and fried."

"I found the fried chicken here to be the best I had in a while."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is takeout only with no sit-in area for eating.

2

Expect long lines during peak hours due to its popularity.

3

There is a $10 minimum charge for credit card purchases.

16
Egghead/ Sando Cafe image 1

Spacious coffee shop with modern, bright decor and clean, welcoming atmosphere. Music plays loudly, often 2000s dance hits, creating a lively but sometimes too loud vibe that can hinder conversation. Temperature tends to be on the cool side indoors, contrasting with the relaxed weekend energy.

Food features solid preparation and quality ingredients like over-medium eggs and thick bacon. Breakfast sandwiches come on brioche buns baked in-house with melted cheese and fried eggs.

Fried chicken features a crispy, flavorful breading with a spicy kick. The meat stays moist but can be plain or fall apart easily, and some pieces are large and tricky to eat.

People are saying

"The breakfast burger with a fried egg is a must-try."

"The food here is awesome, especially the juicy burger with a runny egg."

"You have to try the fried chicken sandwich; it's the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

The prices for sandwiches start at almost $14, with waffle fries at $4.50.

2

Expect longer wait times due to a single self-service kiosk for ordering.

3

Bring a jacket as the cafe can be quite cold inside.

17
bb.q Chicken North Park Plaza image 1

Restaurant offers authentic Korean fried chicken with crispy, flavorful wings and well-balanced Tteokbokki. Interior feels clean and cozy, suitable for dine-in or takeout, though space is limited. Atmosphere can be lively with loud music and occasional disruptions.

Food comes out delicious and consistently great here. The restaurant stays busy, reflecting solid food quality and efficient service.

Classic Korean-style fried chicken features an extra crispy batter and juicy texture. The fried chicken stays consistently very crispy and tasty at a reasonable price.

People are saying

"I thought the Korean fried chicken here was the best I had."

"I had to get the Kimchi Fried Rice again, it was so good."

"I found the Korean fried chicken here to be great and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour lasts until 7pm on weekdays.

2

Expect a 20-30 minute wait for freshly cooked food.

3

Ordering ahead is recommended to avoid long wait times.

18
Hey Chicken San Jose image 1

Small, cozy restaurant offers authentic Asian-style fried chicken with crispy, juicy texture and customizable seasoning powders. Casual, clean atmosphere suits quick, satisfying meals. Portions like the Crispy Box provide generous, well-seasoned servings ideal for sharing.

Food here offers great flavor and quality with a taste that appeals to all ages, including kids. The menu serves up delicious fast food that fits well in the neighborhood.

Crispy and juicy describe the Asian-style fried chicken here. Popcorn Chicken stands out more than the Fried Chicken Burger.

People are saying

"I found the Crispy Chicken Sandwich to be juicy, tender, and perfectly seasoned."

"The food here is crispy, juicy, and perfectly seasoned."

"The fried chicken here is so crispy and juicy."

Good to know

1

The tea time special includes 3 pieces of chicken, decent-sized popcorn chicken, and a drink for $9 plus tax.

2

Combo options include sides and drinks, offering great value.

3

A $2 tip is automatically included in the bill.

19
Tsujita Artisan Noodle San Jose image 1

Small Japanese noodle shop with cozy, clean interior and limited seating including bar and tables. Atmosphere feels authentic to Japan with simple decor and no background music. Space is cramped and narrow, suited for small groups and quick dining rather than lingering.

Rich smoky flavor defines the classic tsukemen here. The food offers delicious and flavorful Japanese dishes that stand out in the South Bay food scene.

Crispy fried chicken comes with a hint of garlic that adds a subtle kick. It pairs well with dipping noodles for a satisfying combo.

People are saying

"I thought the tsukemen here was good."

"The chicken karaage food here is addictively crispy and flavorful."

"The fried chicken here is rich, flavorful, and has just the right amount of heat."

Good to know

1

The restaurant only seats 30, so the wait might be long depending on the time of day.

2

They do not take reservations, so it is first come first serve.

3

Parking can be very difficult; allow at least 5 minutes to find a spot.

20
Master Shin image 1
Korean restaurant

Outdoor seating offers sunshine and fresh air while indoor space provides ample seating. The atmosphere suits casual gatherings with a digital ordering system that notifies when food is ready. Food features Korean snack-style dishes with quality ingredients and a mix of sweet and spicy flavors.

Korean snack-style dishes offer authentic flavors that satisfy Korean American tastes. Food arrives with a text alert, and service is consistently good.

Pikachick fried chicken comes with a crispy outside and tender, juicy inside. It has a sweet sauce drizzle, though sometimes the sauce and garnish are minimal compared to the menu picture.

People are saying

"The Bibimbap's beef was tender and juicy."

"The fried chicken is nice and crispy, tender and juicy."

"I loved the food, especially the bibimbop and spicy pork tacos."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait during peak hours, especially on weekends.

2

Ordering is done via a digital display, and you receive a text when ready.

3

Prices are on the higher side for a food court, reflecting quality ingredients.

21
Vons Chicken image 1
Chicken restaurant

Chicken comes out crispy fried with a sweet-savory twist and authentic Korean flavor. Atmosphere stays quiet with simple, clean surroundings. Portions are insanely large and prices stay reasonable, especially during lunch.

Food arrives hot and fresh with a super delicious taste. Portions have been reduced, but the chicken still tastes good.

Offers authentic Korean fried chicken with a solid flavor profile. The fried chicken consistently delivers on taste and quality.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be hot and delicious."

"The chicken at this Lunch Spot is really crunchy if you get it right away."

"I found the Korean fried chicken here to have an authentic taste."

Good to know

1

Prices are reasonable, especially for the lunch menu.

2

Portions are large, making it easy to have leftovers.

3

The restaurant maintains a clean environment.

22
Danbi Korean Restaurant image 1
Korean restaurant

Modern Korean restaurant offers a clean interior with beautiful wall art and cozy seating. Atmosphere stays friendly with popular songs playing and nice lighting. Known for authentic Korean pancakes and flavorful dishes with a smoky bulgogi standout.

Food arrives quickly and offers authentic Korean flavors with hearty, flavorful comfort dishes. Quality and taste stay consistent, providing good value for the price.

Soy glazed and sweet sauce fried chicken come with small portions and lack crispiness. The chicken leans toward a less authentic Korean style with four small wings costing around $20.

People are saying

"The Korean food here is so authentic and delicious."

"The banchan and kimchi here are so tasty and fresh."

"The fried chicken here is delicious and seasoned well."

Good to know

1

Parking is available on the side and back of the building.

2

Expect a slight wait for a table during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

The restaurant is kid-friendly and can accommodate large groups of 8-10 people.

23
Bonchon Silver Creek image 1
Korean restaurant

Modern design creates a calming atmosphere with a spacious layout including a bar serving Sapporo on tap. The vibe stays quiet and cool inside, even when the doors are open. Korean fried chicken offers crispy, flavorful wings with soy garlic and spicy sauces that balance sweetness and heat.

Food comes out quickly and tastes consistently good, especially the chicken. Portions suit two people and prices stay reasonable, with takeout or delivery options to avoid lingering smells.

Crispy outside and juicy inside, the fried chicken uses a battered-by-hand, twice-fried technique for a solid crunch. Soy garlic and spicy wings stand out with bold flavors and consistent crispiness.

People are saying

"The Korean fried chicken here is so crispy and flavorful."

"The Korean food here is so crispy and juicy."

"The Korean fried chicken is crispy outside and juicy inside."

Good to know

1

The restaurant can get busy, leading to longer wait times.

2

Ordering takeout or delivery is a good alternative to avoid lingering smells.

3

Dining in may leave clothes smelling like fried food.

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San Jose, California

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