Categories > Guides and Tips
The 8 Best Fried Chicken Spots in Portland That Are Worth the Hype
Fried chicken is that one food that holds a special place in our hearts. Whether it’s that crispy golden coating or the juicy tenderness inside, the perfect bite can transport you back to warm family gatherings or late-night cravings.
Sure, you can grab some from fast-food joints, but there’s just something special about restaurants that have perfected their own fried chicken recipes. When you crave fried chicken, you want it to be a real treat, not just a quick meal.
That’s where Portland’s local fried chicken spots come in. Whether you’re craving spicy, sweet, or saucy, there’s something for everyone.
And, of course, I’ve already visited the most recommended ones to bring you a curated list of the best fried chicken spots in Portland! Check out my top picks here!
1. Basilisk
Media credits: basiliskpdx
Website: https://basiliskpdx.com/
Address: 820 NE 27th Ave, Portland, OR 97232, United States
Contact details: +1 503-234-7151
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 3 PM – 10 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 12 PM – 10 PM
Price: $
Known for its fried chicken’s crispy exterior and juicy interior, Basilisk has been a go-to spot for those who want to taste amazing fried chicken without breaking the bank.
You’ve got to try their signature fried chicken sandwich. It features a honey-brioche bun filled with tender fried chicken thigh, cabbage slaw, a creamy mayo-buttermilk sauce, and house-pickled cucumbers.
If you’re looking for something heartier, the Hot Chicken Plate is a good choice. And for a lighter option, the Fried Chicken Salad is a solid choice. It’s loaded with fried chicken, fresh greens, boiled egg, and ramen noodles.
Pro tip:
If you’re going to order their fried chicken sandwich, ask for their special aioli sauce on the side. It will enhance the flavors!
2. Big’s Chicken
Media credits: bigschicken
Website: https://www.bigschicken.com/
Address: 4606 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97213, United States
Contact details: +1 971-255-0358
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 11:30 AM – 9 PM
Price: $$
Big’s Chicken is all about that amazing Alabama-style fried chicken, and trust me, it’s a game changer. Led by Chef Ben Bettinger, a Food Network Chopped winner, his team really knows how to make chicken shine.
The fried chicken is marinated in a zesty Fresno pepper sauce and smoked over fruitwood. Then, it’s grilled or fried to order, ensuring it’s super fresh and packed with flavor.
The best part? It comes with their signature “White Gold” barbecue sauce, which adds a unique kick that you won’t find anywhere else.
Pro tip:
We highly suggest you try their deep-fried mac n’ cheese for the sides. The combination of flavors will enhance your experience.
3. Screen Door
Media credits: screendoorrestaurant
Website: https://screendoorrestaurant.com/
Address: 2337 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214, United States
Contact details: +1 503-542-0880
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 8:30 AM – 2 PM, 4:30 PM – 9 PM
Price: $$
Screen Door really knows how to do it right, especially with their fried chicken. It’s cooked to order, so you get that amazing crunch and warmth right off the fryer.
They use a buttermilk batter that gives the chicken a light and crispy coat, while the inside stays super juicy and full of flavor.
Their chicken and waffles? Total legend status. Picture a mountain of fried chicken piled high on a sweet potato waffle—people go wild for it. Plus, they’ve even got a family meal option for takeout if you want to enjoy it at home.
Pro tip:
If you’re heading there for brunch, try to arrive early! Screen Door gets super busy and the lines can get pretty long, especially on weekends. If you roll in right after they open, you’ll have a way better chance of snagging a table without a long wait.
4. FOMO Chicken
Media credits: fomochicken
Website: https://www.fomochicken.com/
Address: 113 SE 28th Ave, Portland, OR 97214, United States
Contact details: +1 503-308-0258
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: 11:30 AM – 8:30 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 11:30 AM – 9 PM
Price: $$
For an awesome mix of Korean and Southern-style fried chicken, visit FOMO’s Chicken.
Their menu has some standout items, like the Southern Fried Chicken Box, which is just a classic comfort dish. If you’re into spice, the Spicy Korean Fried Chicken packs a punch and is super popular with heat seekers.
They even have a gluten-free option, so no one has to miss out on the fried chicken goodness. Plus, they’re all about using organic and locally sourced ingredients.
Pro tip:
You should totally try the Ban Ban Chicken! You get to pick two different sauces for your chicken, which means you can mix and match flavors in one meal. It’s a hit with folks who want to enjoy the best of both worlds when it comes to Korean-style fried chicken.
5. Chimcking
Media credits: chimckingpdx
Website: https://www.chimckingusa.com/
Address: 4118 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97212, United States
Contact details: +1 503-384-2536
Operating hours:
- Monday: 11:30 AM – 8:30 PM
- Tuesday to Thursday: 12 PM – 8:30 PM
- Friday: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM
- Saturday: 11:30 AM – 10 PM
- Sunday: 12 PM – 8:30 PM
Price: $$
Chimcking is the place to be for some seriously delicious Korean-style fried chicken. They’ve nailed that double-fried technique, giving the chicken an incredible crunch while keeping it juicy inside.
A fan favorite is the half-and-half plate, where you can dig into both spicy and soy-garlic wings. It’s like a flavor party in your mouth, combining sweet, savory, and spicy all in one meal.
Their menu has some real stars. The soy garlic chicken is super popular, praised for its crispy texture and addictive glaze. If you’re feeling bold, the spicy chicken is a must-try. And don’t sleep on the popcorn chicken; these bite-sized pieces are perfect for snacking and just as tasty.
Pro tip:
To complement your fried chicken, pair it up with ddukbokki and some Korean beer like Hite.
6. Wilder
Media credits: wilderbarpdx
Website: https://www.wilderpdx.com/
Address: 5501 NE 30th Ave, Portland, OR 97211, United States
Contact details: +1 971-710-5428
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 4 PM – 10 PM
Price: $$
Wilder is a cozy neighborhood gastropub that nails the local vibe, especially with its famous fried chicken. You can choose to dine inside or soak up some sun on the patio, depending on your mood.
Their fried chicken is a real crowd-pleaser—it’s gluten-free and comes with a tasty honey Dijon glaze. It’s served up with herbed Yukon gold potatoes and sautéed greens, making for a deliciously balanced meal.
But it’s not just about the fried chicken. Wilder also offers some tasty bites like fried broccoli with a spicy remoulade that’s been getting a lot of love.
Pro tip:
To complete your fried chicken meal, you can choose from their selection of craft cocktails. Just ask for recommendations that pair well with your dish, and they’ll be happy to help!
7. FRYBABY
Media credits: ehow.eats
Website: https://www.instagram.com/frybaby.pdx
Address: 1015 SE Stark St, Portland, OR 97214, United States
Contact details: +1 971-258-0566
Operating hours:
- Wednesday: 11 AM – 7 PM
- Thursday to Saturday: 11 AM – 8 PM
- Sunday: 12 PM – 7 PM
- Monday to Tuesday: Closed
Price: $$
Frybaby is a must-try food cart in Portland. This place serves up some seriously good Korean fried chicken with a fun Southern twist. Sunny Hatch, the founder, really wanted to celebrate his Korean roots and the lively street food vibe from back home.
The wings and drumsticks come with some killer sauce options. If you’re into savory, the soy garlic is a classic. For something with a kick, the spicy gochujang sauce delivers. And don’t miss the snow cheese sauce; it’s rich and creamy, and definitely a crowd favorite.
But the fun doesn’t stop there. Their sides are just as creative. You’ve got Bo Ssam collard greens, giving a nod to Southern comfort with a Korean twist.
Pro tip:
We recommend ordering both the drumsticks and wings to sample their different fried chicken offerings. The drumsticks are especially large and meaty, while the wings offer a perfect bite-sized option
8. Fire on the Mountain
Website: https://www.portlandwings.com/
Address: 1708 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214, United States
Contact details: +1 503-230-9464
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 11 AM – 11 PM
Price: $$
Since they opened in 2005, Fire on the Mountain has become the go-to spot for Buffalo wings and fried chickens. Their fried chicken wings are made from free-range, all-natural chicken that’s fried to crispy perfection.
You can grab a small order for a quick snack or go all out with a feast. They’ve got a ton of sauces to choose from, too—everything from classic Buffalo to fun flavors like Raspberry Habanero.
And if you’re not in the mood for wings, their boneless chicken tenders are a total crowd-pleaser. Made from all-white meat, they’re perfect for dipping and just as tasty.
Pro tip:
If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, their homemade fried seitan “wings” are surprisingly delicious and can be tossed in any of their tasty sauces.
9. Dave’s Hot Chicken
Media credits: daveshotchicken
Website: https://daveshotchicken.com/
Address: 2920 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97232, United States
Contact details: +1 503-388-3855
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: 11 AM – 12 AM
- Friday to Saturday: 11 AM – 1 AM
Price: $$
If you’re on the hunt for Nashville-style hot chicken, Dave’s Hot Chicken is the place to be. Their menu features incredibly juicy chicken tenders and sliders that you can order individually or as combo meals.
The tenders are a standout, boasting a crispy exterior that really holds up against the heat. You can choose from seven spice levels, starting with “no spice” and going all the way up to “reaper”—the last one is so fiery that you’ll have to sign a waiver!
Their seasoning is a unique blend that offers a fruity, pepper-forward flavor, allowing that crunchy fried coating to really shine.
Pro tip:
Don’t miss out on the sliders—they come with a generous chicken tender topped with kale slaw and pickles on a soft bun. They’re more like full-sized sandwiches, which is a delightful surprise.
10. Twozone Chicken PNW
Media credits: twozonechickenpnw
Website: https://twozonechickenpnw.godaddysites.com/
Address: 111 N Failing St, Portland, OR 97227, United States
Contact details: +1 503-206-8845
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Monday: 12 PM – 7 PM
- Tuesday: 12 PM – 7:30 PM
- Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday: 12 PM – 8 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 12 PM – 9 PM
Price: $$
Twozone Chicken PNW is known for its Korean fried chicken. Their menu features some seriously delicious bone-in wings and tender boneless options. The wings are massive and perfectly crispy, maintaining that crunch even when slathered in sauce.
You can pick from a variety of their ten sauces, from sweet and tangy to spicy, letting you customize each bite to your liking.
Their fried chicken also has this warm seasoning that really hits the spot, with just a hint of cinnamon that some folks find totally addictive.
Aside from chicken, their menu also has some awesome Gamja hot dogs (Korean corn dogs), spicy tteokbokki, and a bunch of tasty small bites that vibe with traditional Korean street food. The corn dogs are a hit, thanks to their crispy outside and gooey cheese inside!
Pro tip:
If you’re looking for a balanced taste without overwhelming the spiciness of your fried chicken, we highly recommend the soy garlic sauce! This sauce gets a lot of love for its savory flavor, mixing a rich soy base with a touch of garlic.
