The Absolute Best Hot Chicken in Chicago [Updated 2024]

I've tried countless hot chicken joints and have finally narrowed it down to the top 12 contenders. From crispy breading to mouth-watering sauce combinations, these spots are sure to satisfy your spicy cravings.

So sit back, loosen your belt, and get ready for a tour of the best hot chicken in Chicago. Whether you're a heat seeker or just looking to try something new, I've got you covered with this lighthearted guide to the spiciest and most delicious chicken in town.

Let's dive in!

Roost Chicken & Biscuits

Highlights
Nashville Hot Chicken
Carolina Chicken
Crispy and Crunchy
Soft Biscuits
Patio Seating

Firstly, I have to say that their Nashville Hot Chicken is no joke. It's spicy, juicy, and definitely not for the faint of heart. But if you're a hot chicken enthusiast like me, then this is the dish for you. The crispy and crunchy texture of the chicken was perfectly balanced with the heat of the spices.

But don't worry if you're not into spicy food, because their Carolina Chicken is just as impressive. It had a tangy and sweet flavor that complemented the tender meat perfectly.

What really stood out to me about Roost's dishes was how well they paired with their soft and fluffy biscuits. I mean, who doesn't love a good biscuit? And when it's freshly baked and melts in your mouth, it makes for an unforgettable meal.

If you're looking for a great spot to enjoy some hot chicken on a beautiful day, then Roost has got you covered with their patio seating area. It's perfect for people-watching while indulging in some delicious chicken and biscuits.

Overall, I highly recommend Roost Chicken & Biscuits for all of my fellow hot chicken enthusiasts out there. The combination of flavors and textures will leave your taste buds dancing with joy!

You might also want to check out the best chicken fried rice in Chicago.

Hot Chi Chicken & Cones

Highlights
Delicious hot chicken
Choose your spice level
Large sandwich portions
Refreshing watermelon drink

First off, let me just say that this place serves up some delicious hot chicken. I mean, seriously, my taste buds were dancing a tango with every bite. What sets Hot Chi apart from the rest is their unique approach to spice - you can choose your spice level, from mild to "burn your face off" (okay, maybe not that extreme). As someone who loves a good spicy kick, I wanted to push my limits and went for the highest level of heat. And boy, did they deliver.

But it's not just the heat that makes this place stand out - their sandwiches are also worth mentioning. The portions are large and definitely worth the price. I was pleasantly surprised by how juicy and flavorful the chicken was in each bite.

And if you're looking for something to wash it all down with, I highly recommend trying their refreshing watermelon drink. It's the perfect balance of sweet and sour and pairs well with the spiciness of the chicken.

Overall, my experience at Hot Chi Chicken & Cones was fantastic! If you're looking for a playful yet professional spot to get some great hot chicken in Chicago, this is definitely a place worth checking out.

You might also want to check out the best chicken wings in Barrington.

The Budlong Hot Chicken

Highlights
Fresh and juicy chicken
Great spice blend on chicken sandwich
Excellent bread and butter pickles
Ultra creamy Mac

First, let me just say that my taste buds were dancing with joy as I took a bite of their fresh and juicy chicken. The spice blend on their chicken sandwich was absolutely amazing, leaving a tingling sensation on my tongue without being too overwhelming.

But what really set The Budlong apart were their excellent bread and butter pickles. They added the perfect tanginess to the chicken, giving it an extra burst of flavor. And don't even get me started on their ultra creamy mac - it was like a warm hug in every bite!

The atmosphere in the restaurant was very welcoming and cozy. While waiting for my food, I couldn't help but admire the chic decor and vintage feel of the place.

I have to admit, I'm quite picky when it comes to hot chicken but The Budlong exceeded my expectations. The quality of their ingredients paired with the skillful cooking made for an unforgettable experience.

Overall, if you're looking for a great spot to satisfy your hot chicken cravings, you won't be disappointed by The Budlong Hot Chicken!

You might also want to check out the best chicken wings in Evanston.

Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken

Highlights
Flavorful chicken with a kick
Unbelievable mac and cheese
Fast and friendly service
Extra crispy fried chicken

First of all, let me tell you that the chicken at Gus's is not just hot, it's flavorful with a kick. The spices are perfectly blended and it's obvious that they know what they're doing in the kitchen. Even my taste buds were impressed!

Now let me talk about the sides - I had to try their mac and cheese and oh my goodness! It was unbelievable. The cheese was ooey-gooey and melted perfectly. I could eat it every day, but my waistline might not appreciate it.

The service at Gus's was also exceptional, with a fast and friendly staff who made sure we were well-fed and happy throughout our meal.

Last but not least, the fried chicken itself was extra crispy which is always a good thing. It had a perfect crunch without being too greasy or heavy.

Overall, I highly recommend Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken for anyone looking for some spicy yet flavorful chicken in Chicago. You won't be disappointed!

You might also want to check out the best chicken wings in Naperville.

Parson's Chicken & Fish

Highlights
Great food
Friendly staff
Creative menu
Awesome setting
Delicious fried chicken

First of all, let me just say that the fried chicken at Parson's is out of this world! It's crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, with just the right amount of spice. I couldn't get enough of it!

But it's not just the food that makes Parson's a must-visit spot for hot chicken lovers. The staff is incredibly friendly and welcoming, making you feel right at home as soon as you step through the door. And speaking of stepping through the door, the setting is absolutely awesome! You can sit outside in their large patio area or inside their cozy dining room.

One thing I loved about Parson's was their creative menu. They have a variety of different dishes that are all equally delicious, but what stood out to me was their Nashville-style hot chicken sandwich. It had just the right amount of heat and was piled high with toppings like pickles and slaw.

Overall, I highly recommend Parson's Chicken & Fish for anyone looking for some seriously good hot chicken in Chicago. With great food, friendly staff, an awesome setting, and a creative menu, it's definitely one of my top picks for the best hot chicken joints in town!

You might also want to check out the best chicken wings in Aurora.

Honey Butter Fried Chicken

Highlights
Lovely outdoor patio
Friendly staff
Multiple sandwich options
Flavorful food
Tender chicken

First off, the restaurant has a lovely outdoor patio where you can enjoy your meal and bask in the beautiful Chicago weather. The atmosphere is relaxed and casual, perfect for a quick bite with friends or family.

The friendly staff made me feel right at home as soon as I walked in. They were eager to help me navigate through their menu which had multiple sandwich options. I decided to go with their classic hot chicken sandwich, and boy was it worth it!

The chicken was tender and cooked to perfection. Each bite was packed with flavor that left me wanting more. I could really taste the spices they used in their recipe and appreciated that it wasn't overpowering.

Overall, my experience at Honey Butter Fried Chicken was fantastic! The food was great, the staff was friendly, and the outdoor patio just added to the already pleasant atmosphere. If you're looking for a new spot to try some hot chicken sandwiches in Chicago, this place should definitely be on your list!

You might also want to check out the best chicken fried steak in Chicago.

Big Boss Spicy Fried Chicken

Highlights
Friendly service
Delicious spicy chicken sandwich
Crispy and addictive waffle fries
Modern and comfortable atmosphere
Asian-inspired flavor profile

First things first, the service was incredibly friendly and welcoming. The staff made me feel right at home as I perused the menu. I decided to try their famous spicy chicken sandwich and boy, oh boy, was it worth it! The chicken was perfectly crispy and had a great kick to it. The bun was soft and fresh, making every bite an absolute delight.

But that's not all - the waffle fries were so addictive that I couldn't stop myself from reaching for more. They were perfectly crispy on the outside while remaining fluffy on the inside. It's safe to say that I indulged in one too many servings of those!

The atmosphere of Big Boss Spicy Fried Chicken was modern and comfortable, with plenty of seating available for diners who wanted to sit down and enjoy their meal. What impressed me most about this place is how they incorporated Asian-inspired flavors into their dishes without sacrificing authenticity.

Overall, I would highly recommend Big Boss Spicy Fried Chicken for anyone looking for a deliciously spicy chicken sandwich accompanied by some seriously addictive waffle fries. With friendly service and a cozy atmosphere, it's definitely a spot worth checking out in Chicago!

You might also want to check out the best tamales in Aurora.

Dave's Hot Chicken

Highlights
Generous portions
Delicious chicken
Competitive pricing
Friendly staff
Free parking

From the moment I walked in, I was welcomed by a friendly staff who were more than happy to guide me through their menu. I opted for their classic hot chicken sandwich and boy, was it worth it! The chicken was perfectly cooked and spiced just right, leaving my taste buds tingling with every bite.

One thing that stood out to me was the generous portions served at Dave's Hot Chicken. I couldn't finish my sandwich, so I took the rest home and had it for dinner later that night (yes, it was still delicious!).

The pricing is also quite competitive compared to other hot chicken joints in Chicago. You won't break the bank indulging in a satisfying meal here.

And if you're worried about parking, fear not as there is free parking available right outside the restaurant.

Overall, Dave's Hot Chicken is definitely a must-visit spot for anyone looking for some finger-licking good hot chicken. With its delicious food, friendly staff, generous portions, competitive pricing and convenient location with free parking - what else could you ask for?

You might also want to check out the best thai food in Schaumburg.

Sir Chicken

Highlights
Spicy Chicken
Homemade Cheese Sauce
Juicy and Tender Meat
Unique Sandwich Options

The moment I walked in, the smell of spicy chicken hit me like a ton of bricks in the best way possible. The menu was filled with unique sandwich options that made my mouth water just by reading them. I decided to go with their signature sandwich, the "Sir Chicken Sandwich," which featured juicy and tender meat topped with homemade cheese sauce.

As I took my first bite, I couldn't help but moan in pleasure from how delicious it was. The chicken had the perfect amount of spice that didn't overpower the other flavors, and the cheese sauce added an extra layer of creaminess that elevated the sandwich to another level.

I also appreciated how generous they were with their portions, as one sandwich was enough for a satisfying meal. Their attention to detail really showed in every aspect of their dish.

Overall, Sir Chicken exceeded my expectations and truly deserves recognition for having some of the best hot chicken sandwiches in Chicago. If you're looking for a unique twist on a classic dish, give Sir Chicken a try - your taste buds will thank you!

You might also want to check out the best sushi in Naperville.

Harolds Chicken Shack

Highlights
Delicious chicken
Great customer service
Tasty BBQ sauce
Abundant and well-cooked fries

First off, let me tell you that the chicken at Harolds is delicious. The crispy exterior and juicy interior of the chicken was truly impressive. I was blown away by how flavorful it was, even without the BBQ sauce. Speaking of which, the BBQ sauce complimented the chicken perfectly with just the right amount of tanginess.

But what really stood out to me was their great customer service. The staff was attentive and friendly, making sure that my experience there was a positive one. They were knowledgeable about their menu and helped me make some great choices.

Now let's talk about the fries. Oh my goodness, they were so abundant and well-cooked! I could hardly get through them all but I tried my best because they were just too good to resist.

Overall, if you're looking for some top-notch hot chicken in Chicago, then Harolds Chicken Shack should definitely be on your list. Their delicious chicken, tasty BBQ sauce, great customer service and abundant fries make this spot a must-visit!

You might also want to check out the best sushi in Schaumburg.

Lucy's

Highlights
Great service
Signature sandwich
Seasoned chicken
Mac and cheese

First off, I was impressed by the great service at this establishment. The staff was friendly and attentive without being overbearing. But let's get to the real reason I came here: hot chicken.

I ordered their signature sandwich, which did not disappoint. The chicken was perfectly seasoned and had a nice kick to it without being overwhelmingly spicy. It was served on a soft bun with pickles that added a refreshing crunch.

But what really blew me away was their mac and cheese. It was creamy, cheesy, and had just the right amount of breadcrumbs on top for texture.

Overall, Lucy's is definitely a contender for the best hot chicken in Chicago. Their commitment to quality ingredients and attention to detail made for an enjoyable dining experience. If you're looking for a well-rounded meal that includes more than just chicken, then Lucy's is definitely worth checking out.

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Feed

Highlights
Tasty, honest food
Large portions
Cozy patio vibe
Hidden gem location

First off, Feed is a hidden gem that you don't want to miss if you're a fan of hot chicken. As I arrived, I was greeted by a cozy patio vibe where I could enjoy my meal in the open air. The ambiance made for an enjoyable eating experience.

As for the food, the hot chicken at Feed was nothing short of amazing. The taste was not only spicy but also had a unique flavor that left me craving more. The portions were large, so I recommend bringing your appetite or maybe even sharing with a friend!

What sets Feed apart from the rest is their commitment to honest food. You can really taste the quality ingredients and care put into each dish.

Overall, if you're looking for a place that serves up some seriously delicious hot chicken, Feed is definitely worth checking out. With its hidden gem location and tasty eats, it's no wonder why it's become one of my top picks for the best hot chicken in Chicago!

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