2025 Guide to Best Fried Chicken in Elmhurst

From crispy skin to flavorful seasoning, there's something truly special about a well-prepared fried chicken.

Having reviewed a total of 12 unique spots around Elmhurst, I've tasted everything from classic Southern recipes to innovative twists.

In each bite, I sought the perfect balance of juiciness and crunch—qualities that define a standout fried chicken experience.

Join me as I share my top picks, highlighting what makes each restaurant special and worth a visit for all fried chicken enthusiasts in our lovely town.

Fry the Coop

Highlights
Awesome Nashville style chicken
Spicy Butter Fried Chicken Sandwich
Perfect spice level options
Great service and dining experience
Seasoned fries complement well

Visiting Fry the Coop in Elmhurst felt like stepping into a fried chicken paradise. This joint boasts an awesome Nashville-style chicken that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. I decided to go for their Spicy Butter Fried Chicken Sandwich, and let me tell you, it was a game changer! The chicken was perfectly crispy, with layers of flavor that didn't overpower the palate.

What impressed me most was the variety of spice level options. Whether you like it mild or crave a fiery kick, there's a perfect fit for every taste bud. The service matched the quality of the food; the staff was warm and attentive, turning a simple meal into a delightful dining experience.

Additionally, the seasoned fries served alongside my sandwich were the perfect crunchy complement, expertly seasoned to enhance the chicken's bold flavors without stealing the show. From the first bite to the last, Fry the Coop is a triumph in the fried chicken scene of Elmhurst. If you’re hunting for finger-licking goodness and a unique twist on classic fried chicken, this is a place you absolutely cannot miss!

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Yorky's

Highlights
Excellent chicken seasoning
Wonderful, patient staff
Generous portion sizes
Delicious chicken pita
Amazing ribeye steak sandwich

Yorky's in Elmhurst is an absolute gem for fried chicken enthusiasts! Upon entering, I was greeted by the wonderful, patient staff who made me feel right at home. Their hospitality perfectly complements the crispy delights they serve. I decided to try their fried chicken, and let me tell you, the excellent seasoning was a game-changer! Each bite was perfectly balanced, showcasing the blend of spices that kept my taste buds dancing.

But it wasn't just the chicken that caught my attention. I was pleasantly surprised by the generous portion sizes; you definitely get your money's worth here! I also indulged in their delicious chicken pita, which was bursting with flavor and made a fantastic sidekick to the fried classic. And if you're looking for something a bit different, their amazing ribeye steak sandwich is worth a try!

All in all, Yorky's serves up one of the most satisfying fried chicken experiences in Elmhurst. Whether you're craving comfort food or a casual bite, this spot will not disappoint. If you find yourself in Elmhurst, make sure to stop by Yorky's — your taste buds will thank you!

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Hamburger Heaven Elmhurst

Highlights
Exceptional food and service
No Bull Burger with juicy patty's
Delicious chocolate malt

First off, let me just say that the food and service at Hamburger Heaven is absolutely exceptional. I couldn't have asked for better treatment from the staff. Now, on to the most important point: the fried chicken. Unfortunately, Hamburger Heaven is not known for their fried chicken, but rather their burgers. However, I decided to give their chicken a try anyways.

To my surprise, their crispy coating was seasoned to perfection and had a nice crunch with each bite. The meat was also incredibly tender and juicy - not dry like some places can be. While it wasn't the best fried chicken in Elmhurst that I've had during my search, it definitely exceeded my expectations for a burger joint.

Speaking of burgers, if you're in the mood for one, you should definitely try their No Bull Burger. The patty's are so juicy that you'll be drooling before you even take your first bite! And don't forget to order one of their delicious chocolate malts to wash everything down.

Overall, while Hamburger Heaven may not be your go-to spot for fried chicken in Elmhurst, it's still worth checking out if you're in the area and looking for a great burger joint with exceptional service.

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Rainbow Cafe

Highlights
Friendly waitstaff
Clean and tastefully decorated dining room
Great scrambled eggs
Beautiful outside dining area
Convenient parking

First off, let me tell you about the wonderful dining experience I had at Rainbow Cafe. Upon entering the restaurant, I was immediately impressed by the tasteful decor and cleanliness of the dining room. The friendly waitstaff made me feel right at home.

Now let's get to the chicken. While my focus was on fried chicken, I couldn't resist ordering some scrambled eggs as well. And boy, am I glad I did! They were absolutely delicious and perfectly cooked.

But back to the main event - the fried chicken. It was crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, just as it should be. The seasoning was spot-on and left me wanting more.

One thing that really stood out about Rainbow Cafe was their beautiful outside dining area. It's perfect for a sunny day or a romantic evening under the stars (if you're into that kind of thing).

And finally, let's not forget about convenience. Rainbow Cafe has plenty of parking available which is always appreciated in busy Elmhurst.

In conclusion, if you're looking for great fried chicken in Elmhurst along with a pleasant dining experience, look no further than Rainbow Cafe!

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KFC

Highlights
Friendly staff
Excellent service
Coupon perks
Accommodating
Attention to order

As soon as I walked in, the friendly staff greeted me with a warm welcome. They were more than happy to help me with my order and even suggested some of their popular items. The excellent service was noticeable throughout my visit - from the way they prepared my food to their attention to detail when packing it up.

What caught my attention was their coupon perks that offered great deals on combos and family meals. Who doesn't love saving some extra cash while enjoying delicious fried chicken? Another thing I appreciated was how accommodating they were in customizing my order according to my preferences.

The restaurant had a cozy atmosphere, which made it perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed dining experience. KFC's attention to order was apparent as each item was cooked to perfection, crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. I couldn't help but notice how fresh and flavorful everything tasted.

All in all, KFC is definitely worth visiting if you're craving some mouth-watering fried chicken. Their emphasis on quality, service, and affordability make them stand out among other restaurants in Elmhurst. I highly recommend giving them a try!

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Fred's Place Inc.

Highlights
Great food
Friendly staff
Pumpkin pancakes available
Clean interior
Reasonable prices

First and foremost, their fried chicken is nothing short of spectacular. The crispy exterior gives way to a juicy and flavorful interior, making it one of the best I've ever had in Elmhurst. But that's not all they have to offer - their menu is extensive, including some unique options like pumpkin pancakes, which were surprisingly delicious.

The staff was incredibly friendly and accommodating. They made sure that my experience was enjoyable from start to finish. The interior of the restaurant was also clean, providing a comfortable atmosphere to enjoy my meal.

And let's talk about the prices - they're reasonable! You can enjoy high-quality food without breaking your budget.

Overall, I highly recommend Fred's Place Inc. if you're looking for the best-fried chicken in Elmhurst along with great service and clean environment. Their pumpkin pancakes are an added bonus!

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

Chick-fil-A

Highlights
Fast service
Great Mac n cheese and Frosted Lemonade
Free stuff with app usage

First and foremost, I was impressed with the fast service of this establishment. As a busy professional, I don't have time to wait around for my food to be prepared, so this was a huge plus. Now let's talk about the food. The fried chicken at Chick-fil-A was crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside- exactly what you want in a good piece of fried chicken. But what really stood out to me was their Mac n cheese- it had just the right amount of creaminess and cheesiness that made me forget all my worries. And if that wasn't enough, they also serve a refreshing Frosted Lemonade which is perfect for those hot summer days. But here's the kicker- if you download their app and use it to order your food, you can get some pretty sweet deals and even free stuff! Who doesn't love free stuff? Overall, Chick-fil-A in Elmhurst is definitely worth checking out for their delicious fried chicken, mouthwatering Mac n cheese, and great service.

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Portillo's Elmhurst

Highlights
Iconic dining experience
Fast service during busy hours
Delicious desserts
Chicago-style hot dogs are perfect
Fun and nostalgic atmosphere

First off, let me just say that this place is an iconic dining experience. The moment I stepped inside, I was immersed in a fun and nostalgic atmosphere that made me feel right at home. But of course, I wasn't there for the atmosphere alone - I was there to try their famous fried chicken. And boy, did they deliver!

The service at Portillo's Elmhurst is lightning fast even during busy hours - perfect for those who are on-the-go but still want some good eats. The fried chicken itself was crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, making it clear why they're one of the top contenders for best fried chicken in Elmhurst.

But wait, there's more! I couldn't resist trying their delicious desserts, which were the perfect way to end my meal. And while we're on the topic of food, let me tell you about their Chicago-style hot dogs - they were absolutely perfect.

Overall, my experience at Portillo's Elmhurst was one that I won't forget anytime soon. If you're looking for a restaurant with great fried chicken and a fun atmosphere, look no further than Portillo's Elmhurst.

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Buffalo Wild Wings

Highlights
Excellent service
Prompt and accurate service
High quality food

First and foremost, I was blown away by the excellent service provided by the staff. They were polite, friendly, and knowledgeable about their menu. I felt welcomed from the moment I stepped in until the very end of my meal.

Now onto the main course: the fried chicken. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The breading was crispy and flavorful while the chicken inside was juicy and cooked to perfection. It was clear that they used high-quality ingredients to make this dish.

In addition to the delicious food, I was impressed with how prompt and accurate the service was. My order came out quickly and accurately, which is a rarity in many restaurants these days.

Overall, I highly recommend Buffalo Wild Wings for anyone looking for some of the best fried chicken in Elmhurst. From the excellent service to the high-quality food, this restaurant truly exceeded my expectations. Plus, who doesn't love a good sports bar atmosphere?

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Kan Ya

Highlights
Delicious ramen options
Great service
Cute interior
Spicy miso ramen was amazing

First of all, let me tell you that Kan Ya is not just about fried chicken. They have a wide selection of delicious ramen options to choose from. But of course, I couldn't miss the opportunity to try their fried chicken and boy, was it worth it!

The service at Kan Ya was exceptional. The staff was attentive, knowledgeable and very friendly. They made me feel welcome and comfortable right away.

The interior decor at Kan Ya is cute and cozy with lots of natural light coming in. It's perfect for a casual lunch or dinner with friends or family.

Now, let's talk about the highlight of my visit - the spicy miso ramen! The broth was rich, flavorful and had just the right amount of spice to make my taste buds dance with joy. And the fried chicken? Well, let's just say that I had to order seconds because one serving wasn't enough!

In conclusion, if you're looking for a place that serves amazing ramen AND delicious fried chicken, then Kan Ya is definitely worth checking out. Their great service and cute interior are just the cherry on top!

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HB Jones

Highlights
Seamless takeout
Unique drink menu
Great patio and beer selection

First of all, I have to say that the seamless takeout service was impressive. I ordered my fried chicken to-go and it was ready in no time. As I opened the box, the aroma of perfectly seasoned fried chicken filled my nostrils and made my mouth water.

But it wasn't just the fried chicken that caught my attention. HB Jones has a unique drink menu that includes a variety of cocktails, beers and wines that pair perfectly with their delicious food. I tried one of their signature drinks called "Jones Mule" which had a kick of ginger and lime that gave a refreshing twist to my meal.

Another highlight is their great patio and beer selection. The outdoor seating area is perfect for enjoying the sunny weather while savoring crispy fried chicken and cold beer. They have a wide range of craft beers on tap, so there's something for everyone.

Overall, HB Jones is definitely a spot to visit if you're looking for some mouth-watering fried chicken with excellent drinks in Elmhurst. Don't forget to try out their patio if you're in the mood for some fresh air!

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151 Kitchen | Bar

Highlights
Modern design
Farm to table
High quality
Amazing service
Fair prices

Firstly, the modern and chic design of the restaurant is very inviting. It was a pleasant surprise to see that they focus on farm-to-table ingredients, ensuring high-quality dishes. And let me tell you, their fried chicken is something else! The crunch of the batter combined with the juicy meat was an explosion of flavors in my mouth.

But what really set 151 Kitchen | Bar apart was their amazing service. The staff went above and beyond to make sure I had everything I needed and were always attentive without being intrusive. They also have fair prices for such great quality food.

Overall, if you're looking for some of the best fried chicken in Elmhurst, look no further than 151 Kitchen | Bar. Their farm-to-table approach ensures that every bite is fresh and full of flavor, while their modern décor makes for an enjoyable dining experience. Pro tip: try pairing your chicken with one of their signature cocktails - it's a match made in heaven!

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