The Absolute Best Fried Chicken in Elgin [Updated 2024]

Over the past few months, I’ve tasted and reviewed twelve different establishments, each offering their unique spin on this classic dish.

From crispy skin to juicy meat, I’ve delved into the specifics that make each fried chicken experience memorable.

Join me as I share my findings and highlight the top spots that every fried chicken lover in Elgin needs to know about.

Whether you’re a local or just passing through, this guide will help you navigate the flavorful landscape of Elgin’s fried chicken scene.

Mr. C's Hot Dogs and More

Highlights
Friendly owners
Cooked to order
Fantastic fries
Reasonable prices
Delicious teriyaki wings

When I first stepped into Mr. C's Hot Dogs and More, the warmth of their hospitality wrapped around me like a cozy blanket. The friendly owners welcomed me with genuine smiles, hinting at the delightful experience that awaited. I had heard whispers about their fried chicken, and I couldn’t wait to dive in!

What sets Mr. C's apart is their dedication—everything is cooked to order, ensuring that each bite is as fresh as can be. The chicken was crispy on the outside, giving way to moist, tender meat within. It’s the kind of crunch that makes you do a little happy dance with every bite. Paired with their fantastic fries, which are perfectly seasoned and just the right amount of crispy, it was a match made in fried food heaven.

And let’s not forget the prices—incredibly reasonable for the quality you receive, allowing you to indulge without guilt. If you’re yawning over the same old chicken tenders, their delicious teriyaki wings are a must-try, bringing a burst of unexpected flavor to the table.

In summation, Mr. C's Hot Dogs and More is a hidden gem that offers a memorable fried chicken experience—one that I’ll happily revisit!

You might also want to check out the best fried chicken in Joliet.

Old Republic Kitchen + Bar

Highlights
Trivia night fun
Kid-friendly menu options
Fast and friendly service
Delicious stuffed turkey leg
Great burger specials

When it comes to finding the best fried chicken in Elgin, Old Republic Kitchen + Bar has graced my palate with a delightful experience that did not disappoint. Nestled in the heart of the city, this spot boasts more than just mouthwatering fried chicken; it crafts an atmosphere that's perfect for trivia enthusiasts and families alike.

I savored the fried chicken with a side of crispy fries, and let me tell you, the chicken was beautifully seasoned—crispy on the outside while remaining juicy and tender within. It's a true testament to their kitchen prowess. The service was incredibly fast and friendly, making me feel right at home as I indulged in each crispy bite.

One of the best parts of my visit was how kid-friendly the menu is, creating a fantastic dining experience for all ages. Plus, if you want to up the ante, their burger specials are no slouch either!

Whether you're looking for a casual night out with friends or a fun evening with the family, Old Republic is a place you won't want to miss. Do yourself a favor and stop by for some of the finest fried chicken Elgin has to offer!

You might also want to check out the best fried chicken in Naperville.

Fortune House

Highlights
Hot, early, and accurate delivery
Fresh and flavorful ingredients
Large chunks of chicken in egg foo young
Perfectly rolled egg rolls
Delicious Chinese cuisine

First of all, let me tell you about their delivery service. It was hot and early! I was impressed by how accurate they were with the estimated delivery time. Now, let's talk about the food. The ingredients used were fresh and full of flavor. The chicken in their egg foo young was cut into large chunks, making it a hearty dish that would satisfy even the biggest appetite.

But what really stood out for me were their egg rolls. Oh my goodness, they were perfectly rolled and crispy on the outside while still being moist and flavorful on the inside. It was like biting into a little piece of heaven.

And while this review is focused on fried chicken, I can't help but mention how delicious their Chinese cuisine was overall. From the savory sauces to the perfectly cooked rice, every bite was a delight.

Overall, Fortune House is definitely worth a visit if you're looking for some seriously good Chinese food in Elgin. Just make sure to order those egg rolls!

You might also want to check out the best fried chicken in Evanston.

KFC

Highlights
Friendly Service
Good chicken portions
Great online deals
Cooks interact with customers

First things first, I was impressed by the friendly service at KFC in Elgin. The staff were welcoming and willing to answer any questions I had about their menu. They also made sure I understood their current deals, which brings me to my next highlight- great online deals! If you're looking for a good bargain, be sure to check out KFC's website before going in.

Now let's talk about the most important aspect of any fried chicken joint- the chicken itself. At KFC in Elgin, the chicken portions were generous and cooked to perfection. The batter was crispy and flavorful, without being too oily or greasy.

What really stood out to me at KFC in Elgin was that the cooks interacted with customers. It was refreshing to see them taking pride in their work and engaging with those who were enjoying their food.

Overall, if you're looking for delicious fried chicken with great service and good deals, then KFC in Elgin is definitely worth a visit.

You might also want to check out the best fried chicken in Elmhurst.

Birdettes Chicken

Highlights
Gluten-free
Unique taste
Delicious

First of all, I was impressed by the fact that they offer a gluten-free option. It's important to cater to customers with dietary restrictions and Birdettes Chicken definitely delivers on that front.

Now, let's talk about the taste. Oh boy, where do I even begin? The flavor profile at Birdettes Chicken is truly unique and one-of-a-kind. The seasoning is just spot on and it really elevates the entire dish to a whole new level. Trust me when I say that you won't find anything else like it in Elgin.

As for the chicken itself, it was cooked to perfection - crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. And let's not forget about the sides! The mac and cheese was creamy and decadent while the collard greens had just the right amount of tanginess.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at Birdettes Chicken. It's no wonder they've become a staple in Elgin for delicious fried chicken. If you're looking for something different yet still crave-worthy, then look no further than Birdettes Chicken.

You might also want to check out the best fried chicken in Aurora.

Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen

Highlights
Delicious food
Friendly service
Mardi Gras sauce is 👌
Great location

First of all, let me just say that the fried chicken at Popeyes is out of this world! The breading was perfectly crispy and seasoned to perfection. Every bite was juicy and flavorful, leaving me wanting more. I definitely recommend getting a side of their Mardi Gras sauce – it's the perfect complement to the chicken, and adds a little extra kick.

But it's not just about the food – the service at Popeyes in Elgin was also top-notch. The staff were extremely friendly and accommodating, making my dining experience even more enjoyable.

Another thing I appreciated about this location is its convenient location. It's easily accessible and located in a great spot for those who are on-the-go or looking for a quick meal.

Overall, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen in Elgin definitely deserves a spot on the list of best fried chicken spots in town. With delicious food, friendly service, and a great location, what more could you ask for?

You might also want to check out the best chicken wings in Barrington.

Paul's Family Restaurant

Highlights
Great food
Excellent service
Homemade soup
Delicious fried chicken
Variety of cake options

First of all, I was impressed by the excellent service provided. The staff was friendly and accommodating. They made me feel welcomed and comfortable throughout my visit.

Now let's talk about the star of the show, the fried chicken. It was crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and perfectly seasoned with a blend of spices that left my taste buds dancing with joy. I enjoyed every bite and even got a second serving!

Aside from their delicious fried chicken, Paul's Family Restaurant also serves a variety of dishes that are sure to satisfy your cravings. Their homemade soup is absolutely delightful, it tasted like it was made with love in every spoonful.

To complete my meal, I indulged in one of their cake options . They offer a variety of flavors that will definitely make your sweet tooth happy.

Overall, I had an amazing experience at Paul's Family Restaurant. If you're looking for great food and excellent service, this is definitely a place you should consider checking out!

You might also want to check out the best chicken wings in Evanston.

Jester's Fast Food

Highlights
Meaty gyros
Fresh ingredients
Crispy French fries
Quick service
Variety in menu

The first thing that caught my attention was the variety in their menu, from meaty gyros to crispy French fries, and of course, fried chicken. The aroma of fresh ingredients filled the air as I walked in, immediately making me feel hungry.

I ordered their fried chicken and I have to say, it did not disappoint. The crispy skin was perfectly seasoned and the meat was juicy and tender. It was clear that they paid attention to every detail in preparing their chicken.

In addition to the delicious food, the service was quick and efficient. My order came out in no time at all. And although I didn't try their gyros or fries this time around, they looked equally delicious.

Overall, Jester's Fast Food is a hidden gem in Elgin that's definitely worth checking out for their famous fried chicken as well as other options on their menu. With fresh ingredients and quick service, it's clear why they're a favorite among locals. So if you're looking for some good eats in Elgin, give them a try!

You might also want to check out the best chicken wings in Naperville.

Wingstop

Highlights
Delicious Wings
Great Chicken Sandwich
Parmesan Garlic Fries
Large Wing Deals
Consistent Quality

First of all, let me just say that the wings at Wingstop are simply delicious. The batter is crispy and perfectly seasoned with a variety of flavors to choose from. I personally enjoyed the Louisiana Rub and Garlic Parmesan, but there are plenty of other options for anyone who wants a little spice or some tangy sweetness.

But don't stop at just the wings! The chicken sandwich was certainly one of the best in Elgin. The bun was soft and fresh, while the chicken patty was juicy and flavorful. And let's not forget about the Parmesan Garlic Fries - they were definitely a highlight of my visit.

If you're looking for great deals on wings, Wingstop has got you covered with their large wing deals that will satisfy even the biggest appetites. And what really impressed me was how consistent the quality was across all my visits to different locations in Elgin.

Overall, I highly recommend Wingstop for anyone looking for some top-notch fried chicken. With their delicious wings, amazing sandwiches, excellent fries, large wing deals and consistent quality, it's no wonder why they made it to my list of best fried chickens in Elgin!

You might also want to check out the best chicken wings in Aurora.

Portillo's Elgin

Highlights
Friendly staff
Chicago style hot dog
Italian Beef sandwich
Nostalgic atmosphere
Best chocolate cake

First off, the staff at Portillo's Elgin are as friendly as can be. They welcomed me with open arms and made my dining experience even better. But let's get to the real reason why I'm here - their fried chicken.

Unfortunately, they don't have fried chicken on their menu, but they do offer a Chicago-style hot dog that is worth the visit alone. And if you're feeling extra hungry, try their Italian Beef sandwich - you won't regret it.

Portillo's Elgin has a nostalgic atmosphere that takes you back to the 1950s. The decor is charming and adds to the overall experience. However, what really stole the show for me was their chocolate cake. It was moist, rich and simply delicious!

Overall, while Portillo's Elgin may not have fried chicken on their menu, they make up for it with other tasty dishes and a welcoming atmosphere. Make sure to stop by for their famous Chicago-style hot dog and leave room for some of the best chocolate cake in town!

You might also want to check out the best african food in Chicago.

Wee-Dee's Restaurant

Highlights
Great taste, portion sizes & price
Friendly and speedy service
Variety of options including salads
Excellent food, good prices
Cool and welcoming staff

The first thing that caught my attention was the friendly and speedy service. The staff welcomed me with a smile and seated me promptly. I decided to go for the fried chicken, of course, and was pleasantly surprised by the great taste. The crispy outer layer was seasoned to perfection, while the meat inside remained juicy and tender.

The portion sizes were also noteworthy as they were generous without being overwhelming. And let's not forget about the prices - they were definitely reasonable for what you get. I even noticed that Wee-Dee's offers salad options for those who want a healthier meal, which is a nice touch.

The atmosphere of Wee-Dee's is also worth mentioning - it felt cool and welcoming. It's clear that this restaurant values its customers and wants them to have an enjoyable experience.

Overall, I would say that Wee-Dee's Restaurant is an excellent option for anyone looking for some tasty fried chicken in Elgin. The combination of great taste, portion sizes, price, and friendly service make it a standout choice among other restaurants in town. So next time you're in Elgin craving some delicious fried chicken, be sure to give Wee-Dee's a try!

You might also want to check out the best chicken fried rice in Chicago.

Coleman's BBQ Elgin

Highlights
Authentic BBQ
Flavorful food
Kind staff
Great wings
Delicious sauce

First of all, I must say that the aroma of authentic BBQ welcomed me as soon as I entered the restaurant. As I sat down, I was greeted by a very kind staff who were ready to take my order.

I ordered their famous fried chicken wings and man, were they good! The wings were cooked to perfection with a crispy exterior and juicy interior, making it one of the best wings I have ever tasted.

The flavor of the chicken wings was further enhanced by their delicious sauce, which had just the right amount of tanginess and sweetness. It added an extra layer of flavor that made me want to lick my fingers clean.

Overall, my experience at Coleman's BBQ Elgin was fantastic. The food was not only flavorful but also cooked to perfection. The staff was kind and attentive, making me feel welcomed throughout my visit.

If you're looking for some great fried chicken in Elgin, then Coleman's BBQ Elgin is definitely worth visiting. Don't miss out on their amazing wings!

You might also want to check out the best chicken fried steak in Chicago.