Everyone loves the comfort of the perfect crispy fried chicken – crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Indeed, a perfectly cooked piece of fried chicken can evoke comfort, joy, and culinary satisfaction. Whether for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even snacks, you can never go wrong with fried chicken!
If you’re a food enthusiast looking for the best places to get your crispy fried chicken fix in Tampa, or even if you’re just a curious traveler seeking to immerse yourself in the city’s food culture, here are our top 15 picks for the best fried chicken in Tampa!
1. RyGuy’s Chicken & Waffles
Address: 1724 E 8th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605
Hours: Monday – Sunday: 11 AM – 12 AM
Phone: +1 813-247-1896
RyGuy’s Chicken & Waffles is a trendy spot that combines the classic comfort food duo of crispy fried chicken and fluffy waffles. With a casual atmosphere and friendly service, it’s the perfect place for a laid-back meal with friends or family.
Best Seller:
RyGuys Special – A generous serving of Southern-style fried chicken tenders accompanied by a pecan and sweet cream waffle.
2. PDQ Tampa (S. Dale Mabry)
Address: 2207 S Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33629
Hours: Monday – Sunday: 11 AM–10 PM
Phone: +1 813-254-7373
PDQ Tampa is all about fresh, delicious food served quickly. With a focus on quality ingredients and made-to-order meals, PDQ prides itself on offering tasty fried chicken that leaves you craving more.
Best Seller:
Tenders Meal – Hand-breaded crispy, grilled, or spicy chicken tenders made to order with waffle fries, regular tea or soft drink, and a choice of sauces.
3. King of the Coop
Address: 5910 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33604
Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 11 AM–9 PM
Friday: Closed
Saturday: 11 AM–3 AM
Sunday: 11 AM–8 PM
Phone: +1 813-232-2667
King of the Coop is a fried chicken haven specializing in Nashville-style hot chicken with various heat levels. With a cool and casual vibe, this is the place to go when you’re in the mood for seriously flavorful fried chicken.
Best Seller:
Spicy Bone-in Chicken – Juicy bone-in chicken tossed in your choice of heat, served with a slice of potato bread and house-made B+B pickles.
4. Zaxby’s Chicken Fingers & Buffalo Wings
Address: 4201 W Hillsborough Ave, Tampa, FL 33614
Hours: Monday – Sunday: 10:30 AM–10 PM
Phone: +1 813-882-8300
Zaxby’s is a popular fast-food chain known for its delicious chicken fingers, wings, and signature sauces. With a casual setting and friendly service, it’s a great spot for a quick and satisfying fried chicken fix.
Best Seller:
Zaxby’s Chicken Finger Plate – Savory Chicken Fingerz, Cole Slaw, Zax Sauce, and Texas Toast.
5. Krispy Krunchy Chicken
Address: 4901 W Linebaugh Ave Ate 1, Tampa, FL 33624
Hours:
Sunday: Closed
Monday – Friday: 7 AM–7 PM
Phone: +1 813-205-9676
Krispy Krunchy Chicken is a fast-food joint that offers Southern-style fried chicken with a mildly Cajun-spiced twist. With various combo meals available, it’s a tasty and convenient option for fried chicken lovers.
Best Seller:
Cajun-Style Hand-Breaded Chicken – Enjoy their hand-breaded, mildly Cajun-spiced fried chicken by the piece or as part of one of their combos, served with their trademark honey biscuits.
6. Gangchu Chicken & Beer
Address: 6618 N Nebraska Ave, Tampa, FL 33604
Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 11:30 AM–9:30 PM
Friday – Saturday: 11:30 AM–10 PM
Sunday: 11:30 AM–9 PM
Phone: +1 813-515-7962
Gangchu Chicken & Beer is a Korean-inspired fried chicken joint that offers a unique, delicious spin on the classic American favorite. With a lively atmosphere and a fantastic selection of beers, it’s a great spot for a fun night out with friends.
Best Seller:
Gangchu’s Signature Fried Chicken – Enjoy Korean-style crispy fried chicken with a special house sauce. Available in whole or half chicken portions, with your choice of boneless or bone-in.
7. Craft Fry Wing
Address: 2224 E Fletcher Ave #9402, Tampa, FL 33612
Hours:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday – Thursday: 11 AM–10 PM
Friday: 11 AM–11 PM
Saturday: 12–11 PM
Phone: +1 813-374-3233
Craft Fry Wing is a cozy eatery that serves crispy, flavorful fried chicken with various delicious sauces. With a diverse menu and warm ambiance, it’s an ideal destination for a casual lunch or dinner with friends.
Best Seller:
6pcs Tenders Combo – Enjoy six juicy, hand-breaded chicken tenders with dipping sauce, a side, and a drink.
8. Mr. B’s Restaurant
Address: 3401 N Nebraska Ave, Tampa, FL 33603
Hours:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday – Friday: 11 AM–7 PM
Saturday: 9 AM–7 PM
Sunday: 9 AM–5 PM
Phone: +1 813-333-5338
Mr. B’s Restaurant is a welcoming, down-to-earth eatery offering a variety of classic Southern dishes, including fried chicken and other comfort food favorites. The warm atmosphere and friendly staff make it a great spot to enjoy a hearty meal with family and friends.
Best Seller:
Fried Chicken or “Not” – Choose crispy fried chicken or a flavorful alternative with your sides.
9. Chanko
Address: 4603 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33603
Hours:
Monday: 5–10 PM
Tuesday: 5–10 PM
Wednesday – Sunday: 11:30 AM–10 PM
Phone: +1 813-770-7306
Chanko is a stylish restaurant that offers a unique fusion of Japanese and American cuisine. The menu features a variety of dishes, including sushi, ramen, and tempura, as well as American favorites like fried chicken.
Best Seller:
Chicken Katsu – Tender, juicy chicken coated in crispy panko breadcrumbs and fried to golden perfection, served with tangy dipping sauce.
10. Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen
Address: 5156 S Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33611
Hours:
Monday – Sunday: 10 AM–10 PM
Phone: +1 813-831-5873
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen is a widely-loved fast-food chain known for its Southern-style fried chicken and flavorful sides. Popeyes is committed to quality and taste and offers a satisfying dining experience for those craving a taste of the South.
Best Seller:
8pc Signature Chicken Box – Enjoy eight pieces of Popeyes’ famous fried chicken seasoned with their signature blend of spices.
11. Slim Chickens
Address: Bldg. 926, 3108 N Boundary Blvd, Tampa, FL 33608
Hours:
Sunday: Closed
Monday – Saturday: 10:30 AM–5:30 PM
Phone: +1 813-840-2200
Slim Chickens is a fast-casual restaurant serving hand-breaded, all-natural chicken tenders, wings, and sandwiches. With a focus on quality, flavor, and freshness, Slim Chickens offers a variety of delicious options to satisfy any chicken craving.
Best Seller:
Chick’s Meal – All-natural hand-breaded chicken tenders served with your choice of dipping sauce, a side, and a drink.
12. Wingstop
Address: 2115 E Hillsborough Ave, Tampa, FL 33610
Hours: Sunday – Saturday: 11 AM–12 AM
Phone: +1 813-559-1527
Wingstop is a popular fast-food chain known for its flavorful chicken wings, available in various mouth-watering sauces and rubs. Whether you prefer mild or spicy wings, Wingstop has a flavor for everyone.
Best Seller:
Authentic Chicken Wings – Classic, bone-in chicken wings tossed in your choice of sauce or rub and served with a side of fries.
13. Wings Xpress
Address: 1911 E Bearss Ave, Tampa, FL 33613
Hours:
Sunday – Thursday: 10 AM–2 AM
Friday: 10 AM–4 AM
Saturday: 10 AM–4 AM
Phone: +1 813-971-4141
Wings Xpress is a casual eatery specializing in delicious chicken wings, offering a variety of flavors and heat levels to suit every taste. A relaxed atmosphere and friendly service make it a great spot to enjoy your favorite wings and other tasty treats.
Best Seller:
Buffalo Wings – Classic, savory Buffalo wings served with your choice of heat level, perfect for satisfying your cravings for spicy goodness.
14. Checkers
Address: 3002 N Nebraska Ave, Tampa, FL 33603, United States
Hours:
Sunday – Wednesday: 10 AM–2 AM
Thursday: 10 AM–3 AM
Friday – Saturday: 10 AM–4 AM
Phone: +1 813-221-4839
Checkers is a well-known fast-food chain offering various tasty menu options, including burgers, fries, and their signature Fry-Seasoned Tenders. With a commitment to flavor and quality, Checkers is a great option for a quick and satisfying meal on the go.
Best Seller:
Fry-Seasoned Tenders – Portable and flavorful, these all-white, crispy chicken tenders are coated in Checkers & Rally’s Famous Seasoned Fry batter for a signature zesty taste.
15. Jollibee
Address: 4057 Park Blvd Ste 120, Pinellas Park, FL 33781
Hours: Monday – Sunday: 9 AM–9 PM
Phone: +1 727-551-4554
Jollibee is a beloved international fast-food chain known for its delicious fried chicken, sweet spaghetti, and other unique menu items. Jollibee is committed to quality and taste and offers a delightful dining experience for those looking to enjoy global cuisine.
Best Seller:
Signature Crispy Fried Chicken – Savor Jollibee’s famous fried chicken, marinated and seasoned to perfection, then fried to a golden, crispy finish.
Crispy, Juicy, and Irresistible
Tampa has diverse fried chicken restaurants offering various flavors and styles to suit every taste. From traditional Southern-style fried chicken to unique fusion dishes, there’s no shortage of options for fried chicken enthusiasts to explore.
Don’t hesitate to try the different restaurants on this list, as each one offers a unique take on this beloved dish. Grab your friends and family, and get ready to indulge in some of the most flavorful and satisfying fried chicken Tampa offers!