10 Massachusetts Spots Where Fried Chicken Is The Main Event
Golden, crispy, juicy, and utterly irresistible, fried chicken has earned its place as one of America’s favorite comfort foods.
Massachusetts may be famous for clam chowder and lobster rolls, but the state’s fried chicken scene is nothing short of spectacular.
From Japanese-inspired karaage to Nashville-hot creations, these spots prove that fried chicken deserves top billing on any food lover’s bucket list.
1. Hojoko
Crispy bites of heaven await at a spot that reimagines fried chicken through a Japanese lens.
Hojoko brings izakaya vibes to life at 1271 Boylston Street in Boston, Massachusetts.
Their karaage-style chicken gets marinated with ginger, soy, and garlic before hitting hot oil.
The result is tender meat wrapped in a shatteringly crisp coating.
Togarashi spices add a gentle heat and aromatic complexity that makes each bite unforgettable.
You can taste the care in every piece.
The atmosphere buzzes with energy, perfect for sharing plates with friends.
Each morsel delivers umami-packed flavor that keeps you reaching for more.
This is not your typical fried chicken experience.
It feels adventurous yet comforting at the same time.
The chicken arrives piping hot, inviting you to savor every crunch.
Pairing it with cold drinks amplifies the joy.
Hojoko proves that fried chicken can travel across cultures and still feel like home.
Your taste buds will thank you for the trip.
2. Brassica Kitchen + Cafe
Locals whisper about a legendary fried chicken that has become the stuff of neighborhood folklore.
Brassica Kitchen + Cafe sits proudly at 3712 Washington Street in Jamaica Plain.
Their fried chicken is a masterpiece of balance and flavor.
Maple syrup adds sweetness while mustard brings tangy sharpness.
Fresh cabbage provides crunch and lightness to each bite.
Hot sauce is optional but highly recommended for those who crave heat.
The chicken itself is perfectly fried with a golden, crackling exterior.
Inside, the meat stays moist and flavorful.
This combination of toppings transforms simple fried chicken into something extraordinary.
The cafe atmosphere feels warm and welcoming, like visiting a friend’s kitchen.
You can see why this dish has earned such devoted fans.
Every element works together in delicious harmony.
Brassica proves that creativity and quality can coexist beautifully.
One taste and you will understand the hype.
3. Cutty’s
Sunday becomes something special when fried chicken takes sandwich form.
Cutty’s has made a name for itself at 280 Washington Street in Brookline.
Their Super Cluckin’ Sunday event features a buttermilk fried chicken sandwich that draws crowds.
Ranch dressing adds creamy coolness while BBQ sauce brings smoky sweetness.
Sweet onion provides a gentle bite that balances the richness.
The chicken itself is brined in buttermilk for maximum tenderness.
Each sandwich comes with house-made chips that are dangerously addictive.
The crunch factor is off the charts.
This is handheld comfort food at its finest.
You might need extra napkins, but it is worth the mess.
The combination of textures and flavors creates pure satisfaction.
Cutty’s understands that a great sandwich is all about the details.
Every component is thoughtfully chosen and expertly prepared.
This is why people plan their week around Super Cluckin’ Sunday.
4. Cluck & Crispy Chicken
Sometimes the name says it all, and this place lives up to its bold promise.
Cluck & Crispy Chicken serves up satisfaction at 118 Cambridge St #5, Worcester.
Their chicken is straightforward and delicious, no gimmicks needed.
The coating achieves that perfect golden brown color that signals crispiness.
Inside, the meat is juicy and well-seasoned.
This is the kind of fried chicken that reminds you why the dish became a classic.
The restaurant stays open late, making it a perfect spot for evening cravings.
Prices remain reasonable, offering great value for quality food.
You can taste the care that goes into each batch.
The neighborhood vibe feels friendly and unpretentious.
Regulars keep coming back because consistency matters.
Every piece delivers on flavor and texture.
Cluck & Crispy Chicken proves that sometimes, simple done right beats fancy every time.
Your search for great fried chicken ends here.
5. Bonchon
Korean fried chicken has taken the culinary world by storm, and for excellent reasons.
Bonchon brings this phenomenon to Massachusetts with locations that have become destinations for chicken lovers.
Their signature method involves double-frying, creating an incredibly crispy exterior.
The coating stays crunchy even as you work through the plate.
Soy garlic sauce offers savory sweetness with a hint of umami depth.
Spicy sauce brings heat that builds gradually but never overwhelms.
Each wing is coated evenly, ensuring flavor in every bite.
The meat remains tender and succulent despite the intense frying process.
This is fried chicken that feels both familiar and excitingly different.
The restaurant atmosphere is casual and welcoming to groups.
Sharing plates of wings becomes a communal experience.
You will find yourself debating which sauce reigns supreme.
Bonchon demonstrates how technique and tradition can elevate simple ingredients.
One visit turns into a habit.
6. Slade’s Bar & Grill
Heat seekers have found their paradise at a spot that does not hold back on spice.
Slade’s Bar & Grill delivers Nashville-hot chicken with authentic fire at 958 Tremont St, Boston.
Their version stays true to the Nashville tradition of cayenne-laced coating.
The heat builds with each bite but never crosses into painful territory.
Pickles provide cooling relief and tangy contrast.
White bread soaks up the spicy oil, becoming delicious in its own right.
The chicken itself is expertly fried to crispy perfection.
Even through the heat, you can taste the quality of the meat.
This is not just spicy for the sake of being spicy.
The flavor remains complex and satisfying.
The bar atmosphere adds to the fun, making it a great spot for groups.
Cold beverages help tame the flames.
Slade’s proves that Massachusetts can handle the heat as well as any Southern city.
Your taste buds will feel alive.
7. Blackstrap BBQ
Barbecue and fried chicken come together in a marriage of smoky, crispy perfection.
Blackstrap BBQ at 4 Somerset Ave, Winthrop, is where their fried chicken shines alongside smoked meats.
Their approach adds subtle smoke flavors to the traditional fried chicken experience.
The coating captures both crunch and a hint of barbecue seasoning.
This creates a unique flavor profile that stands out from the crowd.
The chicken is brined before frying, ensuring maximum juiciness.
Each piece comes out golden and glistening.
Pairing it with their house-made barbecue sauces adds another dimension.
Sides like cornbread and baked beans complete the Southern-inspired meal.
The rustic atmosphere feels relaxed and inviting.
You can tell the kitchen takes pride in their craft.
Every element shows attention to detail.
Blackstrap BBQ demonstrates that innovation and tradition can coexist beautifully.
This is fried chicken with a twist you will love.
8. Roxy’s Grilled Cheese
Food truck magic happens when fried chicken meets creative sandwich-making.
Roxy’s Grilled Cheese, at 292 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, started as a mobile operation and has become a Boston institution.
Their fried chicken sandwiches combine crispy chicken with gooey melted cheese.
The bread is grilled to golden perfection, adding another layer of texture.
Various toppings and sauce options let you customize your experience.
The chicken is always fried fresh to order.
You can watch your sandwich being assembled with care.
The combination of hot chicken and melted cheese is pure indulgence.
Despite the richness, the flavors remain balanced and satisfying.
The food truck vibe adds to the fun and accessibility.
Lines form quickly, proving the popularity of their approach.
Prices stay reasonable for the quality and portion size.
Roxy’s proves that great fried chicken does not need a fancy dining room.
Sometimes the best meals come from the most unexpected places.
9. Dave’s Hot Chicken
Nashville-style heat meets fried chicken perfection at this trendy chain with multiple Massachusetts locations.
Dave’s Hot Chicken brings bold, spicy flavors to Boston’s Seaport and surrounding areas, specializing in hot chicken sandwiches and wings.
Chicken is fried to golden crispness, then coated in your choice of heat level, from mild to “reaper” for the brave.
Toppings like pickles and sauces balance the heat with tangy and creamy notes.
Each sandwich and plate is served with fresh sides that round out the meal.
The casual, fast-casual setting makes it perfect for lunch breaks, quick dinners, or group outings.
Staff are helpful in guiding first-timers through the spicy menu and recommended heat levels.
Every bite delivers a satisfying crunch and punch of flavor that keeps fans returning.
Dave’s Hot Chicken proves that fiery, expertly fried chicken can be both adventurous and crave-worthy.
10. Crispy Chick
Somerville locals flock to this beloved spot where fried chicken reaches peak crispiness and flavor.
Crispy Chick operates at 288A Broadway, Somerville, serving perfectly seasoned, golden-fried chicken daily.
Each piece boasts a satisfying crunch that gives way to tender, juicy meat inside.
The menu includes classic wings, chicken tenders, and sandwiches with bold, flavorful seasoning.
Sides like coleslaw, fries, and pickles complement every bite perfectly.
The casual, vibrant atmosphere makes it ideal for friends, families, and casual meals alike.
Friendly staff ensure every order is cooked to perfection and served piping hot.
Generous portions keep customers coming back, whether for lunch, dinner, or late-night cravings.
Crispy Chick proves that simple ingredients, executed with care, create unforgettable fried chicken experiences.
