The soul of southern food is really the humble fried chicken. And in New Orleans, among beignets, crawfish, jambalaya, and gumbo, you’ll find the best fried chicken with the crispiest skins, perfectly seasoned and sometimes drenched in chili oil or a dusting of spices. With some jazz in the background, good beer and the warm Norleans’ sky blaring, this is the ultimate comfort food. Now, while fried chicken is always succulent pieces of chicken marinated in buttermilk, dredged in a flour-spice mixture and deep fried till golden brown, the secret really is in the magic dusting, the marinating spices and the delicate balance between paprika, garlic powder, and other components. No matter where they are always delicious! Make sure you get some slaw and some beer, always! Click here to find the route map for the best spots for fried chicken in New Orleans. You’ll call this the best expedition of your life, we guarantee!
1. Willie Mae's Scotch House
Willie Mae, the genius behind this delicious recipe, opened doors in 1957 and since then the family-owned fried chicken paradise has been awarded a James Beard, has changed locations and even faced Hurrican Katrina. It has served millions and has been rewarded with several accolades for the best fried chicken. Ms.Mae’s great-granddaughter runs this establishment now and it still brings back memories from 60 years ago. Just take your appetites and be prepared for the lines!
Willie Mae's Scotch House
Address: 2401 St Ann St, New Orleans, LA 70119, USA
Website: Willie Mae’s Scotch House
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 8pm (closed on Sun)
2. Frankie and Johnny’s
Johnny Morreale and his then brother in law Frank Gaudin started a small establishment in 1942 serving hungry dock workers and merchantmen in the area cooking up delicious crawfish, fried chicken and other quick seafood made with the best local produce. People always come back for the genuine hospitality and sincere concern that you’re fed well. In fact, Johnny’s warm personality and his love for food were the reasons why this eatery became a local favorite and it’s hard not to when their goal is “to be the best neighborhood restaurant in New Orlean.”
Frankie and Johnny’s
Address: 321 Arabella St. New Orleans, La 70115
Website: Frankie and Johnny’s
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 10pm
3. Galatoire's Restaurant
The story goes Senator Bennett Johnston was waiting in line to dine at Galatoire’s Restaurant when President Ronald Reagan called. Johnston took the call and promptly came back to wait in line. Jean Galatoire found this eatery in 1905 when he came to the United States with a boxful of recipes and traditions from his village Pardies in France. The century-old fine dining restaurant serves a mix of French and Creole and keeps Galatoire’s traditions alive. The grilled chicken comes with their finest wine, but you’ll be left licking your fingers.
Galatoire's Restaurant
Address: 209 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Website: Galatoire’s Restaurant
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 11:30am - 10pm; Sun: 12pm - 10pm (closed on Mon)
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4. Coquette
Every dish served here is Instagram-worthy and comes from the minds of two James Beard nominees, Chefs Kristen Essig & Michael Stoltzfus. They serve beyond brunch fried chicken, everything from smoked beef short rib and crabmeat, with careful attention to picking the best ingredients they can get their hands on. We suggest you get the chicken on the side.
Coquette
Address: 2800 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115
Website: Coquette
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 5:30pm - 10pm; Sat - Sun: 10:30am - 2pm, 5:30pm-10pm
5. Jacques-Imo’s
Chef Jacques Leonardi’s love for good food is very evident, considering his Italian and French roots, experience at K-Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen and his love for New Orleans. He serves perfect Southern comfort food with jambalaya, fried green tomatoes, duck and andouille gumbo and crabmeat stuffed shrimp on the menu. The fried chicken is perfect and people swear by Leonardi’s shrimp and Alligator Sausage Cheesecake. In the picture above is the famous crawfish etouffee.
Jacques-Imo’s
Address: 8324 Oak St, New Orleans, LA 70118
Website: Jacques-Imo’s
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 5pm - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 5pm - 10:30pm (closed on Sun)
6. McHardy's Chicken & Fixin'
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by McHardy's Chicken & Fixin' on Tuesday, December 8, 2015
People line up for their peppery fried chicken and stay for their old-school soul food classics. The small space and long lines are a part of the chicken eating experience here and you are sure to relish the aromas and heat before you get your plate of five-piece fried chicken. And, this is the perfect example for a delicious, lip-smacking, satisfactory meal on a budget.
McHardy's Chicken & Fixin'
Address: 1458 N Broad St, New Orleans, LA 70119, USA
Website: McHardy’s Chicken & Fixin’
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 10am - 7pm; Sat - Sun: 10am - 8pm (closed on Sun)
7. The High Hat Cafe
The High Hat Cafe which claims to serve the best friend chicken in New Orleans is also a local favorite for their catfish, smoked roasted chicken, slow roasted pork, delta tamales, fresh gulf fish, and BBQ shrimp are must-haves. They take pride in the U.S. farm-raised catfish and the local waters shrimp and gulf fish they serve, one of the main reasons you just have to be here to try it hot!
The High Hat Cafe
Address: 4500 Freret St, New Orleans, LA 70115
Website: The High Hat Cafe
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 10pm
8. Dooky Chase's Restaurant
Chef Leah Chase’s Creole food and fried chicken has been craved by Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, Ray Charles, Quincy Jones, and a million others. At 96, Chef Chase’s love for cooking and flavors is still thriving and that is what makes her a national treasure. You must have seen her videos and pictures going viral on the internet and the pots of food boiling gravy and fried meat should convince you to make a trip.
Dooky Chase's Restaurant
Address: 2301 Orleans Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119
Website: Dooky Chase’s Restaurant
Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 11am - 3pm; Fri: 11am - 3pm, 5pm - 9pm
9. McClure's Barbecue
Let’s just say McClure’s Barbecue is NOLA’s temple for barbecue sauces! They have sauces from six different regions of the US, namely - Alabama, South Carolina, Kansas City, Texas, New Orleans East, and North Carolina. They serve brilliant crispy chicken that comes with two sides. You can get original buttermilk, pepper jelly, Alabama white sauce, and fire fried chicken. Psst: get your chicken with black eyes and collards.
McClure's Barbecue
Address: 3001 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans, LA 70115
Website: McClure’s Barbecue
Opening hours: 11am - 9pm (daily)
Enough words, get some chicken now
New Orleans is a fried chicken dreamland, it’s clear now. I’m drooling, I know you are too. Start planning your trip now! While there is so much more NOLA can offer, make sure fried chicken is on the top of that list.
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