12 Pennsylvania Family Owned Fried Chicken Joints That Will Make You Feel Right At Home
Pennsylvania’s family-owned fried chicken spots serve up more than just crispy, golden goodness they offer a taste of home.
From bustling Philadelphia streets to cozy small-town diners, these locally loved joints have been perfecting their recipes for generations.
I’m excited to share 18 incredible places where you can enjoy authentic, soul-warming fried chicken that’ll make you feel like part of the family.
1. Love & Honey Fried Chicken
When you crave fried chicken made with real love and attention, this Northern Liberties gem delivers every single time.
Love & Honey Fried Chicken is located at 1100 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19123.
Their hand-dredged approach means each piece gets individual care, resulting in a perfectly seasoned crust that stays crunchy bite after bite.
Small-batch preparation ensures freshness you can taste.
You’ll notice the difference immediately when you bite into that crispy exterior and juicy interior.
Scratch-made sauces add another layer of homemade goodness to your meal.
Pair your chicken with their house-made desserts for a complete comfort food experience that feels like Sunday dinner at grandma’s house.
2. Soul Food Connection
Over thirty years of serving the community has made this spot a true institution where tradition meets exceptional flavor.
Soul Food Connection is located at 749 Penn Ave, Wilkinsburg, PA 15221.
Three decades of experience means they’ve perfected every aspect of their fried chicken recipe, from the marinade to the final fry.
Their chicken stands out because of the time-tested cooking methods that haven’t changed since day one.
You’ll appreciate the consistency that comes from years of dedication to quality.
Regulars know to arrive early because this popular dish often sells out.
The friendly staff treats everyone like family, remembering your name and your favorite order after just a few visits.
3. Mildred’s Halal Soul Food
Combining two culinary traditions creates something truly special at this Allentown favorite where halal meets Southern comfort food.
Mildred’s Halal Soul Food is located at 35 N 6th St, Allentown, PA 18101.
Made-to-order preparation guarantees that your chicken arrives at your table hot and fresh every single time you visit.
The halal certification opens up authentic soul food to more diners without compromising on taste.
Each piece of chicken is carefully prepared according to both traditional soul food methods and halal standards.
You’ll find generous portions that satisfy even the biggest appetites.
The menu extends beyond chicken to include fish and oxtails, but the fried chicken remains the star attraction that keeps customers coming back.
4. Grandma Stamm’s
Fifty years of serving the same incredible fried chicken has made this Carlisle institution a must-visit destination for comfort food lovers.
Grandma Stamm’s is located at 4 Frederick St, Carlisle, PA 17013.
Half a century of experience means they’ve mastered the art of creating that perfect crispy, golden crust everyone craves.
Walking inside feels like stepping back in time to when family dinners were sacred and recipes were treasured secrets.
The nostalgic atmosphere enhances the already delicious food.
Their chicken has remained consistently excellent through decades of changing food trends.
You’ll understand why generations of families have made eating here a beloved tradition that continues to grow stronger with each passing year.
5. Federal Donuts
Combining two seemingly different foods creates an unexpectedly perfect pairing at this innovative Philadelphia spot that dares to be different.
Federal Donuts is located at 1632 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19103.
Korean-style preparation gives their fried chicken a unique twist with extra crispy coating and bold flavor profiles.
The sweet and savory combination might sound unusual but it works beautifully together.
You can start with savory fried chicken and finish with a gourmet donut for dessert.
Their approach proves that tradition can be honored while embracing creativity.
Multiple locations throughout Philadelphia make it easy to satisfy your craving for this unique culinary experience that keeps customers talking and coming back.
6. Big Mama’s Soul Kitchen
Authentic home cooking is what you’ll experience at this Reading gem where recipes come straight from Big Mama’s own kitchen.
Big Mama’s Soul Kitchen is located at 801 Penn St, Reading, PA 19601.
Every dish tastes like it was prepared by someone who truly cares about feeding people well.
The fried chicken here is seasoned with love and fried to perfection.
You’ll notice the difference that comes from using quality ingredients and time-honored cooking methods.
Sides are just as impressive as the main dishes, all made from scratch daily.
The cozy atmosphere and friendly service make you feel like you’re eating at a relative’s house where seconds are always encouraged and smiles are guaranteed.
7. Chicken on the Run
Fast service doesn’t mean sacrificing quality at this York favorite where families have been getting their fried chicken fix for years.
Chicken on the Run is located at 2955 E Market St, York, PA 17402.
Their efficient operation ensures you get hot, fresh chicken without the long wait times typical of sit-down restaurants.
Perfect for busy weeknights when you want homemade quality without the cooking time.
The chicken stays crispy even during the ride home thanks to their expert preparation.
You’ll appreciate the reasonable prices that make feeding a family affordable.
Regulars know this spot delivers consistent quality meal after meal, making it their go-to choice when fried chicken cravings strike unexpectedly.
8. The Chicken Shack
Simple surroundings hide seriously delicious fried chicken at this no-frills Harrisburg spot where food quality speaks louder than fancy decor.
The Chicken Shack is located at 1501 Derry St, Harrisburg, PA 17104.
Their straightforward approach focuses all energy on making the best fried chicken possible without unnecessary distractions.
Southern-style preparation brings authentic flavors to central Pennsylvania.
The crispy coating and juicy meat prove that great food doesn’t need elaborate presentations.
You’ll find honest portions at honest prices that respect your budget.
Local workers and families pack this place during lunch and dinner rushes because they know reliable, tasty food awaits them every single visit without fail.
9. Mama’s Kitchen
Everything tastes better when it’s made with a mother’s touch, and this Lancaster restaurant proves that point with every meal served.
Mama’s Kitchen is located at 436 N Prince St, Lancaster, PA 17603.
Walking through the door immediately makes you feel welcomed into someone’s personal cooking space.
Their fried chicken recipe has been in the family for generations.
You can taste the history and tradition in each perfectly seasoned, expertly fried piece.
The warm atmosphere encourages lingering over your meal and chatting with other diners.
You’ll leave feeling satisfied not just from the delicious food but from the genuine hospitality that makes every customer feel valued and appreciated.
10. Homestead Fried Chicken
Old-fashioned cooking methods produce timeless flavors at this Gettysburg spot where tradition isn’t just respected it’s celebrated daily.
Homestead Fried Chicken is located at 1270 York Rd, Gettysburg, PA 17325.
Their rustic approach to food preparation honors the way meals were cooked on family homesteads generations ago.
Cast iron skillets and carefully maintained temperatures create chicken with unmatched texture and taste.
You won’t find shortcuts or modern conveniences that compromise quality here.
The commitment to doing things the old way results in superior flavor.
You’ll taste the difference immediately and understand why some cooking methods should never be abandoned in favor of speed or convenience.
11. Country Kitchen Chicken House
Rural Pennsylvania charm combines with exceptional fried chicken at this State College favorite where country cooking shines.
Country Kitchen Chicken House is located at 1201 N Atherton St, State College, PA 16803.
Their country-style approach means generous portions and flavors that remind you of farm-fresh meals.
Everything is made from scratch using recipes that have fed farming families for years.
The fried chicken benefits from this attention to quality ingredients and proper preparation.
Homemade sides complement the main dish perfectly.
You’ll feel transported to a simpler time when meals were events that brought communities together and food was made with patience, skill, and genuine care for those eating it.
12. The Golden Crust
Achieving that perfect golden color and crispy texture is an art form mastered by this Altoona family over many years of dedicated practice.
The Golden Crust is located at 1627 11th Ave, Altoona, PA 16601.
Their name promises exceptional crust quality, and they deliver on that promise with every single order.
The secret lies in their breading technique and precise temperature control during frying.
You’ll experience chicken that stays crunchy from first bite to last.
They’ve perfected the balance between seasoning and coating thickness.
You’ll find yourself recommending this place to friends and family because truly excellent fried chicken deserves to be shared and celebrated with everyone you know.
