Fried Chicken in Boston (2025)

A neighborhood original where fermentation meets comfort, Brassica’s koji-brined fried chicken shows real craft—equally great as a dinner plate or with waffles at brunch. Recently highlighted by The Boston Globe for that “incredible” bird, it remains a JP essential with a loyal local following.

Tony Brooks’ longtime Cambridge soul-food spot is beloved for crispy, deeply seasoned fried chicken with classic sides and cornbread. Featured by Eater Boston and often singled out by local critics as among Massachusetts’ best, it’s a community anchor that keeps things simple and right.

This Kendall Square favorite leans fun and retro, but its technique is serious: a three-piece buttermilk fried chicken dinner glossed with Tabasco honey or done Nashville hot, plus a killer chicken katsu sando. Consistently recommended by Eater Boston for fried chicken that over-delivers.

A Somerville classic where the fried chicken comes two ways: as a crisp dinner plate with hot pepper syrup or as chicken and waffles at brunch. Praised by The Food Lens and local writers, Trina’s channels neighborhood hospitality with old-school charm and a lively bar.

A beloved Somerville hangout where Southern comfort gets New England attitude. Look for the buttermilk fried chicken dinner and a spicy Nashville hot sandwich on the menu. Long praised by local critics, it’s the kind of neighborhood spot people recommend without hesitation.

Fenway’s Japanese tavern riffs on fried chicken with juicy karaage—ginger-soy marinated thighs served simply with lemon—or go for the karaage sandwich. A perennial media favorite from the team behind O Ya, it blends Tokyo nightlife spirit with Boston attitude.

What started as a pop-up now anchors Inman Square with dialed-in Nashville-style heat. Recognized by Boston Magazine for Best Fried Chicken, the sandwiches and tenders bring crisp crunch, real spice, and house sides that keep regulars coming back.

A Black-owned seafood grill and raw bar rooted in Dorchester culture, The Pearl also turns out a crisp fried chicken sandwich alongside oysters and seafood favorites. Covered by The Boston Globe and the Bay State Banner, it recently expanded to Boston Landing while keeping its neighborhood soul.

Chinatown’s modern Asian upstart adds playful twists like C-Town Chicken and Waffles and Taiwanese popcorn chicken to a menu of bold, pan-Asian flavors. Frequently recommended by city guides such as Time Out, it’s a lively stop for creative fried chicken snacks.

Chef Tiffani Faison’s Fenway roadhouse is better known for barbecue and famous biscuits, but the buttermilk fried chicken platter and sandwich are local favorites too. Often cited by Boston food media, it’s a lively, independent spot with serious comfort-food chops.

A longtime Haitian restaurant cherished by the local diaspora, serving poul fri—spiced, fried chicken—alongside griot, diri kole, and plantains. Noted by The Boston Globe for comforting, flavor-packed plates, it’s a warmly welcoming taste of Haiti just up the hill from Union Square.