11 Missouri Buffets That Make Fried Chicken A Must-Try

Missouri knows how to do comfort food right, and nothing says comfort quite like perfectly fried chicken at an all-you-can-eat buffet. From crispy golden skin to juicy, tender meat, these buffets have mastered the art of making fried chicken that keeps locals coming back for more.

Whether you’re road-tripping through small towns or exploring bigger cities, these spots serve up fried chicken that’s worth every single bite.

1. Don’s Family Style Buffet, Huntsville

This place doesn’t mess around when it comes to down-home cooking that hits all the right nostalgic notes. Don’s Family Style Buffet brings you fried chicken with a crunch so satisfying you’ll hear it before you taste it.

The seasoning is simple but incredibly effective, letting the chicken itself shine through. Every piece comes out hot and fresh, with that ideal ratio of crispy coating to succulent meat underneath.

Locals treat this spot like their second dining room, and once you try the chicken, you’ll understand why they keep coming back.

2. Gingerich Dutch Pantry, Jamesport

Where tradition meets flavor, you’ll find fried chicken that tastes like it came straight from your grandmother’s kitchen. Gingerich Dutch Pantry serves up Amish country cooking that’s been perfected over generations, and their fried chicken is no exception.

The batter has a homemade quality that factory-made mixes simply can’t replicate. Each bite delivers that perfect combination of herbs and spices without overwhelming your taste buds.

Pair it with their homemade noodles and fresh-baked bread, and you’ve got yourself a meal that feels like a warm hug.

3. Pizza Ranch, Branson

Did you know that some pizza places actually nail fried chicken better than dedicated chicken joints? Pizza Ranch proves this theory correct with their surprisingly spectacular fried chicken that competes with their famous pies for attention.

The crust achieves that elusive balance between crunchy and tender, seasoned just right without being too salty. Fresh batches come out regularly, so you’re almost guaranteed to grab pieces straight from the fryer.

Kids and adults alike pile their plates high here, and honestly, nobody’s judging if you skip the pizza entirely.

4. Murray’s Buffet & Grill, Chillicothe

Though it might not look fancy from the outside, what happens on your plate tells a completely different story. Murray’s Buffet & Grill delivers fried chicken with that perfect small-town authenticity that bigger chains try to replicate but never quite manage.

The coating stays crispy even after sitting on the buffet for a few minutes, which is genuinely impressive. Seasoning penetrates deep into the meat, giving you flavor in every single bite rather than just on the surface.

Regulars know to hit this spot on Sundays when the chicken practically flies off the buffet line.

5. Grand Country Buffet, Branson

Are you ready for a buffet experience that takes fried chicken seriously enough to make it a headlining act? Grand Country Buffet treats their fried chicken like the star it deserves to be, with dedicated fryers ensuring constant freshness throughout service.

The breading has a subtle buttermilk tang that elevates it beyond standard fare. Juiciness factor stays consistently high, whether you grab a drumstick or a breast piece.

After a long day of Branson shows and attractions, this chicken hits different, providing exactly the comfort food your body craves.

6. Shoney’s Fresh Food Bar, Branson

However you feel about chain restaurants, this particular location brings serious game to their fried chicken preparation. Shoney’s Fresh Food Bar maintains quality control that would make independent restaurants jealous, with chicken that tastes legitimately homemade.

The spice blend leans toward the peppery side without crossing into spicy territory, making it family-friendly yet interesting. Portions are generous, and the turnover rate means you’re getting chicken that hasn’t been languishing under heat lamps.

Breakfast gets all the Shoney’s attention usually, but their fried chicken deserves equal recognition and praise.

7. Sirloin Stockade, Rolla

When a steakhouse does fried chicken this well, you know they understand how to cook meat properly across the board. Sirloin Stockade in Rolla surprises first-timers with fried chicken that rivals their beef offerings in popularity and quality.

The coating achieves an almost shattering crispness that food scientists would probably want to study in labs. Meat stays incredibly moist inside, suggesting a proper brining process that most buffets skip entirely.

College students from nearby Missouri S&T have made this their unofficial comfort food headquarters, and honestly, they’re onto something brilliant.

8. PeachTree Buffet, Kansas City

Hence the name might suggest something sweet and delicate, but the fried chicken here packs bold, unapologetic flavor. PeachTree Buffet brings Kansas City soul food vibes to their chicken preparation, with seasoning that makes your taste buds stand up and pay attention.

The crust has a slightly coarser texture that creates maximum crunch factor with every bite. They don’t skimp on the dark meat either, giving thigh and drumstick lovers plenty of options.

City dwellers who’ve tried every fried chicken spot in town still return here, which speaks volumes about consistency.

9. Pizza Ranch, Wentzville

Though this chain appears twice on our list, the Wentzville location deserves its own shoutout for maintaining exceptional standards. Pizza Ranch here serves fried chicken that tastes like someone’s actually paying attention in the kitchen rather than just going through motions.

The breading stays put instead of sliding off like a badly fitted jacket, which is honestly half the battle. Flavor profile hits that sweet spot between seasoned enough and not overseasoned, letting the chicken quality shine through clearly.

Families pack this place on weekends, and the fried chicken disappears faster than you can say second helping.

10. Sirloin Stockade, Carthage

Are two Sirloin Stockade locations on one list excessive, or just evidence of their fried chicken excellence? The Carthage outpost maintains the same high standards as its Rolla counterpart, with chicken that could convert vegetarians if they weren’t paying attention.

Breading technique here creates layers of texture that make each bite interesting from start to finish. The kitchen clearly understands proper frying temperatures, avoiding that greasy heaviness that ruins lesser buffet chicken.

Route 66 travelers stop here expecting basic road food and leave as evangelists for this particular fried chicken preparation.

11. Golden Corral, Independence

However you might feel about massive chain buffets, this Independence location consistently delivers fried chicken that exceeds reasonable expectations. Golden Corral here takes their chicken game seriously, with frequent fresh batches ensuring you’re not eating something that’s been sitting around since lunch.

The seasoning blend tastes more complex than typical chain restaurant fare, with hints of garlic and paprika coming through nicely. Pieces come in all sizes, so whether you want a quick snack or a full chicken dinner, you’re covered completely.

Local families consider this their celebration spot, and that fried chicken is usually the first stop on everyone’s buffet tour.