Editor’s note:The spread of COVID-19 has changed the way Louisville eats. While somerestaurantsdo allow social distant dining, many places haveadded or expanded their delivery and carry-out options. If you do venture out, here are theCDC’s social distancing guidelines. Stay safe!
Everyone has an opinion about what makes the best fried chicken. Some people swearthe crunch of the batter that breads the chicken is what makes it delicious whileothers swearthetenderness or juiciness of the meat is the most important factor.
Whatever your preference, it's time to set aside your differences and celebrate bytearing into a crispy, juicy, deep-fried piece of chicken goodness. Tuesday is National Fried Chicken Day — theholiday you didn't know you needed but are sure to love. And what better place to have a debate about the merits of fried chicken than in Kentucky, the home state of that"Finger Lickin' Good" stuff?
From the archives:Is this KFC's secret original recipe for its famed fried chicken?
So we polled our (very hungry) staff to come up with the best fried chicken spots around the Louisville area. And believe me— there was some heated debate about these choices. Think we got it wrong? Sound off in the comments.
Big Momma’s Soul Food Kitchen
4532 W.Broadway;502-772-9580
In a town known for its fried chicken, Big Momma’s take is worthy of a seat at the best-of table. The square, white concrete restaurant is small and unassuming, save for the aroma of fried chicken emanating from the front door as patrons file in and out, styrofoam containers securely in hand. It was a steamy summer afternoon when my family and I procured our own styrofoam boxes heavy with an assortment of Big Momma’s specialties, settling in for a pleasant, albeit messy picnic at Shawnee Park.
Entrees range in price from $9to $10and include two side dishes and a piece of cornbread.
The immediate standout was the fried chicken. Thelarge breast and wing portion we ordered was plenty juicy and perfectly crisped. The breading had just the right amount of seasoning and boasted crunchy edges. I wouldn’t want my fried chicken any other way.
Big Momma’s fried chicken deserves to be a part of the conversation when it comes to the city’s best. It is most certainly what will be filling my styrofoam box upon return.
— Courier Journal Restaurant Critic Lindsey McClave
Restaurant Review:Fried chicken at Big Momma’s Soul Food Kitchen among best
Chicken King
639 E Broadway; 502-589-5464; chickenkinglouisville.com
You don’t choose fried chicken, it chooses you. Brought in by the hypnotic glow of the Chicken King sign on E. Broadway, hungry travelers will find themselves comforted by three pieces of all-white meat chicken, basted in a liberal amount of grease and cushioned in a breading that provides the perfect amount of salty crunch. Sure, get a side of potato wedges and potato salad. But when you have a good thing, no additions are necessary.
— Breaking news reporter Thomas Novelly
Chick’n & Mi
2319 Brownsboro Road; 502-890-5731; chiknandmi.com
Perfectly crispy, full of flavor and juicy, but not too greasy — the fried chicken at Chick’n & Mi delivers on the comfort food with an Asian twist. I find myself craving the Laotian spiced version tossed in sauce — my favorite is sweet soy or jeaw bong (sweet and spicy), but if you’re more adventurous, try extra hot. I always go back to the nuggets, but the menu also features a mix of wings and drumsticks or a fried chicken sandwich on a brioche bun. Just don’t expect the usual toppings; they trade the traditional mayo and pickles for kimchi slaw, black garlic aioli and pickled cucumbers.
— Designer Andrea Brunty
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Joella's Hot Chicken
3400 Frankfort Ave.,502-895-2235,joellas.com
I grew up eating homemade fried chicken. I will eat it anywhere, anytime. And I'm not going to definitively say Joella's is thebest. But boy, is it good. Don't be put off by the name — there's more to Joella's than the traditional hot chicken. The less-spicy options are delicious, too. And the myriad of sauces give you so many chances for a great meal. (It helps that the sides and the drinks are delicious, too.)
— Sports reporter Jeff Greer
Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken
multiple locations;leesfamousrecipe.com
Fried chicken is one of those weird things. It’s hard to mess it up too much. Even the bad editions are still pretty good. So while I love it and all, I’d rarely order it at a restaurant or make a special trip out of my way to find it. I’ve made a special trip to get Lee’s chicken and was delighted when I first moved to Louisville to see they existed here.
— College sports editor Gentry Estes
Louvino
1606 Bardstown Road;11400 Main St., Middletown;louvino.com
Louvino’s fried chicken tacos may not be the first dish that comes to mind when a fried chicken craving pops up, but they’re the perfect amount of indulgent to satisfy your hankering without diving head-first into half a deep-fried bird. The mashed potatoes, peppered gravy, cheese and crispy chicken tenders are nicely wrapped up into one bite that has it all. And with two tacos per order, the menu item has enough delectable bad-for-you-sinfulness to satisfy, but not enough to leave you waddling out the door with grease on your face.
— Investigative reporter Allison Ross
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Royals Hot Chicken
736 E. Market St.,502-919-7068;royalshotchicken.com
Louisville has several solid friedchicken options available but for my money, Royals Hot Chicken is the best. I usually roll with the three-piece tender combo, with an extra tender tossed in there of course, along with a cup of the in-house ranch on the side and either the spicy potato wedges or the broccoli and bacon salad (I’ve also heard good things about the kale). You really can’t go wrong with any of it, though, as the sandwiches are solid and the chicken tender tacos are a unique spin on a couple of classics. I like their hot sauce on my chicken, personally — it’s a good balance of sweet and heat. I don’t have the guts to try out the extra-hot Gonzo sauce, but you’re probably tougher than I am.
- ProducerLucas Aulbach
Shirley Mae's Cafe
802 S. Clay St.;502-589-5295;shirleymaescafe.com
All of the Southern and soul food staples are on offer. The fried chicken ($5 a la carte/$11 with two sides) is a signature dish that has garnered Shirley Mae much attention over the years.
The only menu item perhaps more renowned than Shirley Mae’s fried chicken is her hot water cornbread ($1 for two pieces), a staple with any dinner order. These fried spheres of cornmeal mixed with hot water couldn’t be simpler or more addictive in both flavor and texture.
The interior of Shirley Mae’s may be well worn and the tables, chairs and booths could stand a bit of repair. But I wouldn’t want Shirley Mae’s to be shiny and new. The timeless, hospitable atmosphere of this restaurant comes naturally and is as genuine and authentic in essence as the food coming out of Shirley Mae’s kitchen —food that has been crafted with plenty of love and a lot of soul.
— Courier Journal Restaurant Critic Lindsey McClave
