The Best Fried Chicken in Toronto

No.1

Restaurant• The Junction

Chica's Chicken

“For those who dare, the 'Hot AF' spice level delivers an intense kick, but the medium offers a flavourful introduction to their crispy, juicy chicken.”

— Very Toronto Editors

Located in the heart of The Junction, Chica’s Chicken has become a neighbourhood staple since opening in 2018. Founded by husband-and-wife team Carolyn and Matt Pelechaty—and named after their late dog—this spot is a masterclass in focus. Matt, who cut his teeth at Adamson Barbecue, was inspired to bring authentic Nashville hot chicken to Toronto after a transformative trip to Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack. The space itself is intentionally humble, occupying a former diner with much of the original aesthetic intact. It is loud, unpretentious, and often booming with rap music, creating a high-energy, casual atmosphere that feels perfectly at home on this stretch of Dundas West. For a first-timer, the move is undoubtedly the OG Sando, which features their signature two-day dry-brined chicken served on Texas toast with slaw, pickles, and their house sauce. If you prefer bone-in, be prepared to wait; the kitchen fries these to order, which takes about thirty minutes, but the result is worth the patience. Spice levels range from mild to "hot AF," so approach the upper tiers with genuine caution. Prices are reasonable for the quality, making it a reliable spot for a satisfying, indulgent meal. There are no reservations, and while it primarily functions as a takeout joint, there is limited seating if you want to eat your chicken while it is at its absolute peak.

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No.2

Restaurant• Queen West

Chen Chen's Nashville Hot Chicken

“Be sure to try their Szechuan-infused Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich for an unforgettable blend of Southern heat and subtle Asian flavours.”

— Very Toronto Editors

Chen Chen’s Nashville Hot Chicken is a standout in the Queen West food scene, founded by a chef who grew up in Nashville and brings an authentic, Southern-rooted approach to the city. The vibe is decidedly casual and unpretentious, making it the kind of spot you hit up when you want serious comfort food without the fuss. What sets them apart is the thoughtful fusion of Nashville’s signature spice with subtle Asian-inspired influences, all while using high-quality, hand-certified halal chicken. The texture is consistently impressive—the exterior remains exceptionally crispy even after being drenched in their house-made sauces, while the meat inside stays reliably juicy. It’s a straightforward, chef-driven operation that focuses on doing a few things perfectly rather than overcomplicating the menu. For a first-timer, the classic Nashville Hot Chicken Sando is the benchmark, but if you’re feeling adventurous, the Szechuan-infused version offers a fantastic, savory-spicy balance that is well worth the order. If you aren't ready to commit to a full sandwich, their snack-sized options are a great way to sample the heat levels. Don't skip the sides; the mac n' cheese topped with chicken bites is a decadent must-order, and their waffle fries are the perfect vessel for more of that signature spice. Prices are moderate, making it an accessible go-to for a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner. They are closed on Mondays, so plan your visit for Tuesday through Sunday. It’s a popular spot, so expect a lively atmosphere, especially on weekends.

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No.3

Restaurant• Little Italy

PG Clucks

“The Classic Sandwich, featuring fried white meat chicken with creamy coleslaw, sweet pickles, and buttermilk ranch, is a perfectly balanced and essential order.”

— Very Toronto Editors

Tucked into a tiny, 200-square-foot storefront on College Street, PG Clucks is a masterclass in doing one thing exceptionally well. Founded by Pawel Grezlikowski, this Little Italy staple has earned its reputation by eschewing the batch-frying common in fast food. Instead, every piece of their halal chicken is de-boned, brined for 24 hours, soaked in buttermilk, and fried to order, resulting in a consistently superior crunch and juicy interior. The atmosphere is strictly grab-and-go—there is no seating inside—but the shop’s proximity to local nightlife makes it a vital part of the neighbourhood’s late-night ecosystem. It is the kind of place that feels like a well-kept secret, even though the lineups often tell a different story. For a first-timer, the Jalapeño & Honey sandwich is the undisputed champion, balancing heat, sweetness, and tang perfectly on a soft potato bun. If you prefer something more traditional, the Classic sandwich with coleslaw and pickles is equally reliable. Don't skip the sides; the crispy seasoned fries are essential, and the mac bites are a decadent, gooey addition. Prices are reasonable for the quality, generally falling in the $15–$20 range for a satisfying meal. Since the shop is tiny, plan for takeout or delivery. It is a prime spot for late-night cravings, especially on weekends when they stay open until 4:00 AM, but be aware that they stop taking orders ten minutes before closing.

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No.4

Restaurant• The Danforth

Sarang Kitchen

“Beyond the delicious chicken, you're supporting a neurodiverse staff, making their cheesy kimchi fried rice and crispy Korean fried chicken even more satisfying.”

— Very Toronto Editors

Sarang Kitchen is a heartfelt social enterprise founded by an autism specialist and a chef who met in New Zealand, with a mission to provide meaningful employment for the neurodivergent community. Located on the Danforth, this space is intentionally designed to be sensory-friendly, offering features like noise-cancelling headphones, fidget tools, and a dedicated quiet room for anyone feeling overstimulated. The atmosphere is warm, inclusive, and genuinely welcoming, making it a comfortable spot for everyone—including your dog, who is welcome to join you inside. The restaurant operates on a 'Hospitality Included' model, meaning tipping is discouraged as fair, above-minimum wages are already built into the menu pricing, ensuring equity for both front- and back-of-house staff. When you visit, the Korean fried chicken is the undisputed star; it is exceptionally crunchy and comes in a variety of unique, bold flavours. First-timers should definitely try the 'Choice Bro' (soy garlic) or the 'Sweet As' (sweet and spicy) for a classic experience, though the salted egg yolk flavour is a standout for those looking for something richer. If you are dining in a group, the Sarang Platter is excellent value, allowing you to sample multiple chicken flavours alongside sides like tornado-cut chips and crispy squid. Expect to spend around $25–$35 per person. It is a popular spot, so booking a table via their website is recommended to ensure you get a seat, especially if you are bringing a pet.

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No.5

Restaurant• Leslieville

Birdies Fried Chicken

“Their Nashville hot tenders, paired with the tangy truck sauce, deliver a flavourful kick that builds delightfully with each bite.”

— Very Toronto Editors

Birdies Fried Chicken on Coxwell Avenue is a quintessential east-end staple that successfully transitioned from a popular food truck to a permanent Leslieville fixture. The space is decidedly no-frills and functional, designed primarily for quick service rather than lingering, with an open kitchen that keeps the focus entirely on the craft of the fry. It is the kind of neighbourhood spot that feels unpretentious and honest, where the smell of buttermilk and spices greets you the moment you walk in. The atmosphere is casual and efficient, reflecting its roots as a street-food operation, and it has earned a loyal local following by consistently delivering high-quality, made-to-order comfort food without any unnecessary fanfare. For a first-timer, the OG Fried Chicken Sandwich is the essential order; it features a perfectly buttermilk-brined, hand-breaded leg nestled in a butter-griddled bun with crisp lettuce, pickles, and their signature Truck Sauce. If you prefer a kick, the Nashville Hot version brings a serious, well-balanced heat that doesn't sacrifice the crunch. The chicken tenders are equally impressive and surprisingly substantial, making them a great alternative if you want to skip the bun. Prices are fair for the generous portions provided. Keep in mind that seating is extremely limited, so this is best approached as a takeout destination. It is a fantastic option for a reliable, high-quality lunch or dinner when you want something satisfying and expertly prepared.

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No.6

Restaurant• Financial District

Union Chicken

“Indulge in their award-winning fried chicken, or opt for the Nashville Chicken Plate for a spicy and satisfying meal in the heart of the city.”

— Very Toronto Editors

Born from the team behind The Carbon Bar, Union Chicken brings a polished, Southern-inspired approach to the heart of the city’s transit hub. Tucked away in the York Street Promenade of Union Station, it manages to feel like a proper sit-down restaurant despite the constant flow of commuters rushing past just outside its doors. The space is warm and inviting, featuring plenty of wood accents and an open-concept kitchen where you can watch the spitmasters tend to the rotisserie birds. It is a lively, upbeat spot that works just as well for a quick, high-quality lunch as it does for a pre-game drink and meal before heading over to the Scotiabank Arena or the Rogers Centre. For a first-timer, the O.G. Fried Chicken is the standard-bearer, featuring buttermilk-breaded boneless thighs that are consistently crispy and juicy, served with a satisfying black pepper gravy. If you prefer a kick, the Nashville Lightning Hot Chicken is a solid choice, though it does pack some heat. Don't skip the sides—the triple-cooked fries are essential, and the Brussels sprouts are surprisingly addictive. Prices are reasonable for the Financial District, making it a reliable go-to for a solid meal. You can usually walk in without a reservation, but it gets packed during peak lunch hours and before major events, so plan accordingly. It is a full-service spot with a decent selection of local craft beers and cocktails that pair perfectly with the comfort-heavy menu.

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No.7

Restaurant• Leslieville

Chick-N-Joy

“Bring cash and ask for their legendary yellow gravy to complete the authentic experience at this beloved neighbourhood gem.”

— Very Toronto Editors

Stepping into Chick-N-Joy on Queen East feels like walking into a time capsule of Leslieville’s past. Established in 1977 by John Doufekas, this independent, family-run institution has resisted the urge to modernize, keeping its focus squarely on the craft of pressure-fried chicken. Now operated by John’s children, Dimitra and Bill, the shop maintains a warm, old-school atmosphere that feels more like a neighbourhood clubhouse than a fast-food joint. It is a place where regulars are greeted by name and the conversation often drifts toward the latest Blue Jays game, a tradition that has persisted since the restaurant opened in the same year the team played their inaugural season. The vibe is unpretentious, nostalgic, and entirely authentic to the community it has served for nearly five decades. For a first-timer, the move is simple: order the chicken dinner, which comes with their signature hand-cut fries and a side of coleslaw. The chicken itself is perfectly seasoned and pressure-cooked to achieve a succulent interior beneath a thin, crispy crust. The real conversation starter, however, is the distinctive yellow gravy—a corn-flour-based concoction that you either love or you don't, but it is essential for dipping those fresh-cut fries. Prices are reasonable for the generous portions provided. Be aware that this is a cash-only establishment, and it is best to visit during lunch hours, as they have been known to sell out of their daily supply. It is a no-frills, high-reward experience that remains one of the city's most consistent fried chicken spots.

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No.8

Restaurant• Keelesdale-Eglinton West

JJ Fried Chicken

“Their Hot Soy Garlic Chicken is a standout, providing a perfect blend of spicy and savoury that keeps Korean fried chicken enthusiasts coming back for more.”

— Very Toronto Editors

JJ Fried Chicken has carved out a niche in Keelesdale-Eglinton West by delivering high-quality Korean fried chicken that holds its own against the city's more famous downtown spots. The space itself is surprisingly fun, featuring a unique space-themed interior and a projector screen that keeps K-pop music videos playing, creating a lively, casual atmosphere that feels more like a hangout than a standard takeout joint. It is a refreshing addition to the neighbourhood, offering a welcoming, cozy environment where you can actually sit down and enjoy your meal rather than just grabbing a box and running. The staff are consistently praised for being incredibly friendly and accommodating, often going the extra mile to ensure diners have a great experience. For a first-timer, the half-and-half combo is the way to go, allowing you to sample two different sauces without committing to a full order of one. The soy garlic is a reliable, crowd-pleasing classic, but the sweet and spicy version is the real standout for those who want a bit of a kick. Don't skip the sides; the cheese snow fries and the corn with cheese are indulgent, addictive additions that round out the meal perfectly. Prices are reasonable for the generous portions provided, and the chicken consistently passes the crunch test, staying juicy inside despite the double-fry technique. It is a great spot for a casual dinner with friends, and while they do a brisk takeout business, the dine-in experience is well worth it for the atmosphere alone.

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