14 New Mexico Fried Chicken Restaurants Where Every Bite Feels Homemade
New Mexico’s fried chicken scene is something special.
From family-run diners tucked away in small mountain towns to bustling restaurants in Albuquerque, the state serves up crispy, flavorful chicken that tastes like it came straight from grandma’s kitchen.
Whether you’re craving classic Southern-style recipes or unique Southwest twists with green chile, these spots prove that the best fried chicken is made with care, quality ingredients, and a whole lot of love.
1. Frank’s Famous Chicken & Waffles
Crispy, golden fried chicken meets fluffy waffles in a combination that’ll make your taste buds sing.
You’ll find this local favorite at 400 Washington St SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108.
Every piece of chicken gets hand-battered and fried to perfection, creating that satisfying crunch you hear with every bite.
The menu goes beyond the classic pairing too, offering Buffalo wings, Nashville Hot wings, catfish, and shrimp & grits for when you want to explore more Southern flavors.
Families love gathering here on weekends, filling the dining room with laughter and the aroma of comfort food.
The portions are generous enough to satisfy even the heartiest appetites.
With over 2,200 positive reviews, this place has earned its reputation as a must-visit spot.
2. Big Daddy’s Diner
Hidden away in the mountains, this tiny diner packs a huge flavor punch that locals guard like a secret treasure.
Located at 1705 James Canyon Hwy, Cloudcroft, NM 88317, it’s worth the scenic drive.
The star attraction is their ‘Henny Penny’ fried chicken, made with locally sourced poultry and a secret batter blend that’s been perfected over years.
Each batch gets cooked fresh to order, so you might wait a bit, but trust me, it’s absolutely worth every minute.
The wedge ‘taters served alongside are crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, making the perfect sidekick.
Don’t let the casual atmosphere fool you—this hole-in-the-wall serves restaurant-quality food.
Regular customers drive hours just to get their fix.
3. Nexus Brewery & Restaurant
Craft beer and fried chicken might sound like an unusual pairing, but this spot makes it work beautifully.
Find them at 4730 Pan American Fwy NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109, though they’re currently closed.
Their signature dish combines New Mexico flair with soul food traditions—crispy fried chicken perched atop a savory cornbread waffle.
The butter pecan syrup drizzled over everything adds a sweet touch that balances the savory perfectly.
Beer lovers appreciate pairing their meal with one of the house-brewed craft beers on tap.
The casual atmosphere makes it easy to relax and enjoy your meal without any stuffiness.
When they reopen, this will be a prime spot for anyone wanting something different from typical fried chicken joints.
4. The Range Cafe
Homestyle cooking defines everything that comes out of this kitchen, from breakfast through dinner.
Multiple locations across New Mexico make it convenient to stop by whenever a craving hits.
Their fried chicken recipe stays true to traditional methods, using a simple seasoned flour coating that lets the quality of the meat shine through.
Each piece gets fried until the skin reaches that perfect golden-brown color that signals it’s ready.
The chicken stays juicy inside while maintaining a satisfying crunch outside.
Locals often order it with mashed potatoes and green beans for a complete comfort meal.
The portions are large enough that you might need a to-go box, which means leftovers for tomorrow.
5. Sadie’s of New Mexico
Known primarily for salsa, this restaurant also serves fried chicken with a distinctive Southwest twist.
Several locations throughout Albuquerque give you options for where to enjoy their food.
The chicken gets marinated in a blend of spices that includes hints of cumin and chile before hitting the fryer.
This extra step infuses the meat with flavor that goes deeper than just the coating.
You can order it mild or request a spicy version that’ll wake up your palate.
The family-friendly atmosphere makes it perfect for bringing kids who might be picky eaters.
Their salsa bar offers dozens of varieties to sample alongside your meal, creating a uniquely New Mexican dining experience that visitors remember long after leaving.
6. New Frontier Restaurant
College students and locals have been flocking to this Albuquerque institution for decades.
You’ll spot it right across from the University of New Mexico campus, always buzzing with hungry diners.
While famous for their cinnamon rolls, the fried chicken holds its own as a menu favorite.
The breading includes a hint of New Mexican spices that sets it apart from standard recipes.
Open late into the night, it’s a lifesaver when those fried chicken cravings hit after dark.
The cafeteria-style service keeps things moving quickly even during peak hours.
Prices stay reasonable, making it easy to enjoy a satisfying meal without emptying your wallet, which explains why generations of students have made it their regular spot.
7. Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm
Farm-to-table dining reaches new heights when the chicken comes from birds raised right on the property.
Located at 4803 Rio Grande Blvd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87107, this historic inn offers upscale casual dining.
Their fried chicken showcases organic, pasture-raised poultry that tastes noticeably different from conventional options.
The meat has more flavor and a firmer texture that comes from birds living active, healthy lives.
Chefs prepare it simply, allowing the quality of the ingredients to speak for themselves.
Dining in their garden setting surrounded by lavender fields creates a memorable atmosphere.
While pricier than typical fried chicken spots, the quality justifies the cost for a special occasion meal.
8. The ORIGINAL Cocina Azul at 12th & Mountain Rd
Traditional New Mexican cuisine meets Southern comfort food in unexpected and delicious ways.
Their Santa Fe location brings together the best of both culinary traditions.
The fried chicken gets a unique preparation that includes a buttermilk brine infused with green chile.
This gives the meat a subtle kick that complements rather than overwhelms the classic fried chicken flavor.
Served with red chile honey for dipping, it offers sweet and spicy notes in every bite.
The restaurant sources ingredients locally whenever possible, supporting New Mexico farmers and ranchers.
Weekend brunch features the chicken alongside blue corn pancakes, creating a meal that represents the state’s diverse food culture perfectly and satisfying both locals and tourists.
9. Church Street Cafe
Breakfast and lunch crowds keep this downtown Albuquerque spot hopping from morning until mid-afternoon.
The fried chicken appears on both menus, showing up in different preparations depending on the time of day.
For breakfast, it comes with eggs and hash browns, creating a hearty plate that fuels you through lunchtime.
The lunch version pairs it with coleslaw and biscuits for a more traditional Southern presentation.
Each piece gets a light, crispy coating that doesn’t feel heavy or greasy.
The historic location adds character, with exposed brick walls and vintage decor creating a cozy atmosphere.
Regulars recommend arriving early on weekends since tables fill up quickly with families enjoying leisurely meals together.
10. Jason’s NY Pizza – Hammond St
Italian restaurants aren’t usually known for fried chicken, but this place breaks the mold deliciously.
Their Albuquerque location serves up a surprising menu addition that’s become a customer favorite.
The chicken gets an Italian-inspired treatment with herbs like rosemary and oregano mixed into the breading.
Parmesan cheese adds a savory depth that you won’t find in traditional Southern recipes.
It’s served with marinara sauce for dipping, creating an interesting fusion of culinary traditions.
The family-run business has been perfecting their recipes for generations, and it shows in every dish.
If you’re looking for something familiar yet different, this Italian take on fried chicken delivers both comfort and surprise in equal measure.
11. Village Pizza
Pizza joints don’t typically make lists for fried chicken, but this Corrales spot earned its place through sheer quality.
Their Wednesday night fried chicken special has developed a cult following among locals.
The recipe comes from the owner’s grandmother, passed down through generations and kept mostly secret.
What we do know is that the chicken soaks in buttermilk overnight before getting coated and fried.
This creates incredibly tender meat that practically falls off the bone.
Only available one night per week, it often sells out before closing time.
Smart diners call ahead to reserve their order, ensuring they don’t miss out on this limited-time treat that brings the community together weekly.
12. Ceciliass Cafe
Home cooking is the specialty at this Las Cruces favorite that’s been serving families for years.
Everything tastes like it came from someone’s grandmother’s kitchen, made with love and traditional methods.
The fried chicken follows a simple recipe that relies on fresh ingredients rather than fancy techniques.
Each order gets made to order, so patience is required, but fresh-cooked food always beats pre-made.
The portions are generous, often including multiple pieces of chicken plus two sides.
Locals bring out-of-town visitors here to show them what real New Mexican home cooking tastes like.
The casual, no-frills atmosphere keeps the focus on the food, which is exactly where it should be for this type of comfort dining experience.
13. Quarters Korean BBQ
Barbecue restaurants understand low and slow cooking, but this Roswell spot also knows how to fry chicken right.
The combination of smoky barbecue sides with crispy fried chicken creates an interesting contrast on your plate.
Their chicken gets a spice rub before battering, adding layers of flavor that complement the crispy coating.
You can taste hints of paprika, garlic, and black pepper in every bite.
The meat stays incredibly juicy, likely from a brining process that happens before cooking.
Pairing it with their homemade coleslaw and baked beans makes for a satisfying meal.
The casual atmosphere welcomes families, and the staff treats everyone like regulars, even first-time visitors who quickly understand why locals keep coming back.
14. Sophia’s Place East Apartments
Farmington’s hidden gem serves breakfast and lunch with a focus on made-from-scratch cooking.
Their fried chicken sandwich has become legendary among locals who crave it regularly.
A massive piece of hand-breaded chicken gets tucked into a fresh-baked bun with pickles and spicy mayo.
The chicken itself is so big it hangs over the edges of the bread.
Crispy, juicy, and perfectly seasoned, it hits all the right notes for comfort food lovers.
The small dining room fills up quickly during lunch rush, creating a lively, energetic atmosphere.
Staff members know most customers by name, creating a welcoming environment that feels like eating at a friend’s house rather than a restaurant.
