Fried chicken is a classic American staple, combining a crispy crunch, juicy meat, and a savory flavor that leaves your mouth watering for more. While there are numerous national chains that sell fried chicken, Wichita, KS, is home to some of the best fried chicken you can find.   

You'll get unique flavors and top-notch service at a local eatery instead of a soulless corporate fast-food restaurant. Wichita has several mom-and-pop spots and regional franchises that continue to earn the love of Wichita residents. If you're on the hunt for the best fried chicken in Wichita, KS, here are 5 fried chicken spots you should probably try before deciding on your favorite. 

Slim Chicken 

Slim Chicken only has one goal: to make the best hand-breaded chicken tenders using only fresh ingredients while serving in a friendly atmosphere. This is why this fast food restaurant is considered one of the best fried chicken places in Wichita and has spread to 33 states and counting!  

With a diverse menu, you'll find plenty of fried chicken variations, including tenders, wings, bites, and sandwiches.  On their tender menu, try their popular Chick's Meal. This meal includes three crispy tenders served with Texas toast, a side of your choice, 1 dipping sauce, and a drink.  

If you're feeling particularly hungry, they have several other tender meals with more tenders. The Hungry Meal comes with seven tenders. They currently have 14 dipping sauces, from their sweet, sour, and salty Korean BBQ sauce to the mild but flavorful Gravy sauce. 

Slim Chicken offers pan-fried wings with a variety of customization options. If you're in the mood for a sandwich, try one of their many fried chicken sandwich options, including their Classic Crispy Chicken Sandwich, Cayenne Ranch Chicken Sandwich, Slim's Wrap, and more.

Da Chicken Shak & More 

You haven't experienced fried chicken until you've visited Da Chicken Shak & More. Their chicken is hand-breaded every morning and fried fresh for every order. They ensure each piece of chicken is juicy and fried to a golden crisp, making this restaurant popular in Wichita. They've even won public votes for the Best Chicken in Kansas! 

Their chicken menu focuses on golden-fried tenders, offering them in a range of portions. Choose between a 2-, 4-, 6-, 8-, or 10-piece tender combo depending on your hunger level. Each combo comes with a small side. For bulk options, they offer a 20-piece tender with 4 sauces and a 30-piece tender with 6 sauces. Don’t forget sauces, including their signature Shak Sauce, Cajun seasoning, and basic Ranch for dipping. 

Their menu also includes fried shrimp, catfish bites, and alligator. If you want something to eat on the go, they have a fried chicken sandwich that comes with Shak sauce and a pickle on a brioche bun. You can get this as a sandwich only or as a combo.   

Chick N Max 

Chick N Max offers some of the best fried chicken in Wichita, KS and has also won local awards for their food quality. What makes them different is that they specialize in fried chicken sandwiches that are far from simple. They prioritize using fresh and real ingredients and ensuring each fried chicken sandwich is bursting with flavor. 

For a classic fried chicken sandwich, try their Original Fried Chicken. This sandwich includes two crispy tenders and dill pickles on a toasted brioche bun. 

If you're ready to turn up the heat, Chick N Max has two sandwiches with the spice you crave: Sriracha Hot Honey and Nashville Hot (Or Not). The Sriracha Hot Honey includes two crispy tenders, buttermilk garlic sauce, Sriracha Hot Honey, bread, and butter pickles on a brioche bun. 

The Nashville Hot (Or Not) includes two crispy tenders, house Nashville spices, zesty white bama sauce, creamy coleslaw, and dill pickles on a toasted brioche bun. If you want to taper down the spice, you can omit their Nashville spices. They also have a BBQ Onion Ring sandwich with smoked pulled chicken and a chicken and waffles sandwich where the waffles replace the bun. 

Their menu has full meals as well, including smoked chicken and wings, popcorn chicken, and even quinoa bowls.  Their side dishes include smoked white beans, mac & cheese, hushpuppies, and of course, French fries. 

Nelson's Kitchen 

There's no better mom-and-pop restaurant that sells fried chicken in Wichita than Nelson's Kitchen. They offer a variety of wing options, each fried to perfection.  

One of their most popular wing options includes a wing bundle of 6, 10, 12, or 20 wings. Choose from a variety of flavors, including Hot Lemon Pepper (Wet),  Buffalo (Wet), Hot Honey BBQ (Wet), Spicy (Dry), Ranch (Dry), Fiesta (Dry), and more. You can also get a 6-wing meal with two sides. 

If you're craving a sandwich, try their Chicken Sandwich. It includes marinated fried chicken, tomato, pickle, and their special sauce. Their menu also includes a variety of burgers, tacos, burritos, and even salads. Make sure to order their locally-famous Kool-Aid.  

Golden Chicken 

Golden Chicken originated in Central Texas in the late 1960's. Their chicken was created through a secret marinade and a unique batter mix, making Golden Chicken a widely-loved chicken spot. Today, Golden Chicken has 39 locations, with Golden Chicken - Wichita being one of the best fried chicken restaurants in Wichita, KS.

You'll find juicy tenders, golden fried chicken, and wings on their menu. One popular meal on Golden Chicken's tender menu is the Golden Tenders. Choose a 3-, 4-, 6-, or 8-piece tender meal. It comes with gravy or sauce, a single side, a drink, and a house-baked roll. 

If you want a classic piece of fried chicken, try the Golden Fried Chicken. Choose between a 2-, 3-, or 4-piece combo. This meal includes a single side, a drink, and a roll. For wings, try Golden Chicken's 9 Wicked Wings. These unique fried chicken wings are dusted with their spicy Lotta Zing seasoning and come with a freshly-baked roll.  

You can also buy fried chicken by the piece. Golden Chicken offers breasts, legs, thighs, or wings.  Consider adding one of their recommended sides, including corn nuggets, fries, mashed potatoes, and fried okra. 

Finding Your Home in Wichita 

After indulging in fried chicken, you need a place to rest and digest.  Mt. Carmel Village Apartments offers pet-friendly 1- and 2-bedroom apartments surrounded by the tranquility of wooded surroundings while being less than 4 miles away from Downtown Wichita.  Our community is only a short drive from some of the best restaurants in the area, with Da Chicken Shak only a 10-minute drive from home!  

When you live here, you'll enjoy excellent amenities, including a sparkling swimming pool, an on-site laundry facility, and a fenced-in dog park. Schedule a tour today to see why Mt. Carmel Village Apartments is a great place to call home!