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Local picks in Illinois

Fried chicken sandwiches

A meal where the fried chicken sandwich is as well-executed as the mac and cheese, instead of one being a clear weak point.

Based on 690 Opinions
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Updated June 2026
01
Hangry Cluck image 1
Hangry Cluck image 2
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Chicken restaurant

Chicken restaurant offers freshly made fried chicken sandwiches with bold, flavorful spice levels. Cozy space features quirky dรฉcor and funny signs that create a welcoming, friendly vibe. Portions are generous and good value, attracting a crowd that appreciates quality and atmosphere.

Super cheesy and full of flavor, the mac and cheese stands out as a satisfying side. It often comes as a generous portion and is popular with kids.

Offers a medium spicy Nashville style fried chicken sandwich with crinkle-cut fries. The fried chicken sandwiches are delicious and seriously impressive.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and fresh."

"Their Mac and Cheese is super cheesy and full of flavor."

"I found the fried chicken sandwich seriously impressive and delicious."

Good to know

1

The portions at Hangry Cluck are large, perfect for sharing or a big appetite.

2

Everything is made fresh on-site, not from frozen ingredients.

3

The restaurant maintains a clean and organized environment.

02
Fry the Coop (Portage Park) image 1
Chicken restaurant

Small space designed mainly for takeout offers standing room inside and shaded picnic tables outside for seating. Atmosphere feels cozy and simple, with a casual vibe that includes some noise and activity from families. Known for juicy, flavorful fried chicken sandwiches that stand out in the area.

Rich and creamy with a delicious hint of spice, the mac and cheese stands out as a favorite. It comes out quickly and pairs well with other sides like cole slaw and tenders.

Fried chicken sandwiches come juicy and big with a glazed donut bun adding a sweet twist. The sauce on these sandwiches stands out and complements the flavor well.

People are saying

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

"I thought the chicken sandwich was outstanding."

"I thought the fried chicken sandwiches here were great and juicy."

Good to know

1

A burger and fries cost around $17-18.

2

The restaurant does not have a drive-thru; street parking is required.

3

Online ordering is straightforward and food is ready quickly.

03
CHI TEA - Hot Chicken, Burgers, & Wings image 1

Fast food restaurant with vibrant and cozy atmosphere and beautiful interior design. Space suits both social hangouts and quiet study sessions. Known for generous portions and flavorful chicken sandwiches.

Mac and cheese stands out for its cheesy, gooey texture and creamy flavor. It pairs well with chicken sliders and fries, making a popular combo at events.

Crispy fried chicken sandwich called The Big Bird features flavorful seasoning and a special sauce with fresh pickles. Nashville hot-style option adds a spicy twist.

People are saying

"This American food is so cheesy and creamy, pure comfort."

"The mac and cheese here is so cheesy and creamy."

"I thought the fried chicken sandwich was the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult to find in the area.

2

The restaurant offers a variety of food options, including halal choices.

3

Portion sizes are generous and reasonably priced.

04
Fry the Coop (Darien) image 1
Chicken restaurant

Large space with diner-style decor and comfortable booth seating creates a welcoming environment. Lighting tends to be dim, contributing to a quiet, library-like vibe. Offers local craft beers on tap, complementing a menu known for some of the best chicken sandwiches around.

Creamy texture and precise spiciness stand out in the Mac and cheese here. The recipe updates bring a perfect balance of flavor that makes it exceptional.

Offers Nashville fried chicken sandwiches with varying heat levels like mild and medium. Sandwiches come with house and seasoned fries on the side.

People are saying

"I thought the Nashville chicken sandwich was incredible."

"The mac and cheese is creamy and cheesy."

"I thought the fried chicken sandwich was the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

Fry the Coop now only offers online ordering and no longer has a drive-thru.

2

The small chicken sandwich and Coke cost nearly $19.

3

You can choose your level of heat from none to extreme.

05
Fry the Coop (Elmhurst) image 1
Chicken restaurant

Small dining area with Tennessee chicken hut decor and seat-yourself booths creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. Music and a chalk wall add to the family-friendly vibe. The place is known for best Nashville fried chicken sandwiches and unique beef tallow frying.

Creamy texture stands out in the mac and cheese here. The Nashville chicken version adds a spicy twist, and the Killer Mac & cheese lives up to its name with rich flavor.

Nashville hot fried chicken sandwich stands out with its spicy, delicious flavor. The sandwich ranks among the best fried chicken sandwiches around, surpassing many well-known chains.

People are saying

"I thought their chicken sandwich was the best I ever had."

"This American food spot's fried chicken has an amazing, crisp, golden crust."

"I thought Fry the Coop had the best fried chicken sandwiches I ever had."

Good to know

1

The base chicken sandwich costs $11, and fries are $5.

2

Expect a line to order food, especially during peak hours.

3

They charge an additional $0.60 for extra dipping sauce.

06
Fry the Coop (Lincoln Park) image 1
Chicken restaurant

Small space with limited seating creates a cozy but sometimes cramped atmosphere. Music adds a lively vibe while dim lighting keeps the mood subdued. Food stands out with fried in beef tallow, moist chicken sandwiches, and unique double-fried fries.

Creamy texture and tender pasta define the mac and cheese here. Cheese flavor stays mild with a touch of salt, making it a solid side option.

Fried chicken sandwiches here stay incredibly moist and juicy with a flavorful honey glaze on some options. The Nashville style comes with a medium spicy sauce that adds a nice kick.

People are saying

"I thought Fry the Coop's chicken sandwich was the best I'd ever had."

"This American food is so juicy and flavorful."

"This fried chicken sandwich is the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Seating inside is limited, so ordering to go is often recommended.

2

All fried items are cooked in beef tallow, enhancing flavor.

3

Portions are sizable, providing good value for the price.

07
Fry the Coop (Prospect Heights) image 1

Small space with cozy decor and incredible chicken wall art creates a friendly, casual vibe. Atmosphere stays quiet with warm lighting and plenty of windows for natural light. Offers local craft beers that complement the food experience.

Very creamy and delicious mac and cheese pairs well with the spices in other dishes. It stands out as a comfort-food staple alongside fries and chicken tenders.

Nashville Fried Chicken Sandwiches stand out with their spicy kick and fresh-cut fries. Unique options like the Spicy Honey Butter and Donut Nashville sandwiches offer bold, unforgettable flavors.

People are saying

"I thought the chicken sandwich was amazing and delicious."

"I thought their Nashville Fried Chicken Sandwich was outstanding."

"Their Mac and Cheese was creamy and delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect to pay around $21 for a meal after tax.

2

Prices can be high, with meals for four costing about $75.

3

The spice level at 'hot' includes ghost peppers, making it very spicy.

08
Lucy's Fried Chicken & Smashburgers image 1

Rustic, low-lit space with 60s-themed decor and boozy shakes creates a cozy, casual vibe. Outdoor patio and communal picnic tables invite relaxed dining. Known for spicy fried chicken sandwiches and smashburgers with a neighborhood feel.

Mac and cheese comes gooey and creamy with a well-blended cheese flavor. It pairs well layered on chicken or on top of porky loaded fries for a burst of flavor.

The fried chicken sandwich stands out for its Bacon Jam and spicy flavor. It pairs well with golden fries and a hand-spun milkshake, making for a satisfying meal.

People are saying

"The chicken sandwich here is outstanding and amazing."

"I thought the fried chicken sandwich was amazing."

"I really enjoyed their Mac and Cheese; it was cooked to perfection."

Good to know

1

Delivery took nearly 2 hours, so plan accordingly.

2

The wait for to-go meals is typically 30-45 minutes.

3

Dipping sauces cost extra, so factor that into your order.

09
Chubbyโ€™s Hot Chicken image 1
American restaurant

Small space with nostalgic brick wall portraits and nods to Chicago music history creates a relaxed, lively vibe filled with the scent of spices and crispy chicken. Music and old kung fu movies play loudly, adding to the friendly, community feel. Busy evenings bring a buzz of energy without overwhelming the atmosphere.

Mac and cheese pairs well with chicken dishes and wings. It comes as a side option and consistently tastes delicious and satisfying.

Fried chicken sandwiches have a mild crunch but lack a satisfying crispiness. They come close to the quality of the hamburger, which stands out more in comparison.

People are saying

"This chicken sandwich is spicy, flavorful, and amazing."

"The Mac and Cheese is so cheesy and creamy."

"I found the fried chicken sandwiches here to be fantastic."

Good to know

1

Chubby's Hot Chicken is not open on Sundays and Mondays.

2

The restaurant closes at 8 PM, limiting evening visits.

3

You can choose the level of heat: mild, medium, hot, or none.

10
Fry the Coop (Bolingbrook) image 1
Chicken restaurant

Space features vintage Americana decor with picnic-style tables and string lights creating a laid-back, family-like atmosphere. Music volume varies but generally supports a relaxed, fast-casual vibe. Seating favors large groups, making it social but sometimes less private for solo diners.

Creamy texture and good seasoning stand out in the mac and cheese. It pairs well as a side, especially with the hot chicken sandwich.

The fried chicken sandwich features a Nashville style with a medium heat level option. It comes with seasoned fries on the side.

People are saying

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

"I thought their fried chicken sandwich was a must-try."

"The Mac and Cheese is seasoned and very creamy."

Good to know

1

Expect to pay around $40 for two sandwiches and two sides.

2

The combo of a sandwich, fries, and a small drink costs $19.

3

Fry the Coop uses beef tallow for frying, which is considered healthier.

11
Fry the Coop (Oak Lawn) image 1
Chicken restaurant

Bright, lively space with chalk wall for writing and an option to open a glass wall for fresh air. Atmosphere feels fun and laid-back with friendly staff creating good vibes. Known for best Nashville hot chicken sandwiches in the area, attracting those who appreciate quality fried chicken.

Mac and cheese comes as a side with options like tenders and messy fries. It tends to be served lukewarm and can taste a bit bland. Sometimes it gets left out of orders and needs to be requested.

Nashville Fried Chicken Sandwich stands out with a switch from brioche to a potato bun. Expect long waits, sometimes up to two hours, for these sandwiches on delivery platforms.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and perfectly spiced."

"I thought the Mac and cheese was good."

"This fried chicken sandwich is seasoned just right and perfectly crispy."

Good to know

1

Expect long lines on special event days like swaffle day.

2

Online ordering is available for a smooth pick-up process.

3

Parking is generally easy to find near the restaurant.

12
Byrd's Hot Chicken image 1
Chicken restaurant

Chicken restaurant offers a clean and welcoming atmosphere with a cozy, low-key vibe. Seating is somewhat limited and tight, creating an intimate setting. Music and video entertainment add to the vibrant environment.

Freshly made mac and cheese arrives at the table, served in a container by the owner. It pairs well with potato salad and surprises with its taste.

Spicy fried chicken sandwiches stand out here with bold heat and loaded fries often ordered alongside. Quality varies, with some sandwiches falling short compared to typical fast food options.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and flavorful."

"The Mac and Cheese has a cheesy flavor with a black pepper kick."

"I thought the fried chicken sandwich was one of the best I had."

Good to know

1

Byrd's Hot Chicken offers Zabiha Halal options for those seeking halal food.

2

The price of a small chicken sandwich and fries is around $15.

3

Expect a wait if you visit during peak hours, as staffing may be limited.

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