Brothers Kelly and Calcie Fiorella brought their family’s legacy and incredible fried chicken to Gentilly in early 2016. Dating back to 1940s Central City grocery Fiorella’s Fine Food, the near-perfect chicken at Fiorella’s has just a hint of spicy heat and is served over toasted white bread.

Black checkered floors, a Coke machine, walk-up counters for ordering, and no dining tables don’t make for anything fancy, but McKenzie’s Chicken in a Box is a local favorite serving crunchy fried chicken that’s never greasy. This inexpensive grab-and-go spot is as good as it gets.

Manchu is a Seventh Ward hole-in-the-wall place, known for fried chicken wings and yak-a-mein. It’s also local legend Big Freedia’s favorite fried chicken in New Orleans. The fried wings are insanely delicious (with a spicy kick on the finish), awesome for party platters needed on the cheap and quick. There’s also fried boneless chicken used in Chinese dishes like fried rice. Parking is tough, but don’t let that scare you off.

Formerly set in Lakeview, Chaps relocated to Old Metairie a few years back, creating a void for some and a gain for others. Stop by Chaps for po’ boys, blue plate specials, and made-to-order, piping hot fried chicken. It’s peppery but not spicy, and both crisp and juicy enough to still taste great cold. That means always bring home an extra order to stick in the fridge for tomorrow.

Often considered one of the best fried chicken offerings in the country, this Treme landmark’s wet-batter recipe sets it apart from nearly every other fried chicken in town, with a crispiness beyond reproach.

The word that Li’l Dizzy’s was closing was a devastating blow during the pandemic — which made its reopening by the next generation, Arkesha and Wayne Baquet Jr., such a balm. The iconic Treme corner restaurant offers the same great po’boys, gumbo, fried seafood, and some of the best fried chicken in town, everyday.

Dooky Chase is a Treme institution known for many things: its iconic late chef and owner Leah Chase, the incredible gumbo, its place in the Civil Rights Movement. The fried chicken is a star, available to take out and dine in Tuesday through Saturday for lunch and Friday and Saturday evenings for dinner. Reservations recommended.

Key’s, a gas station on the Treme side of Rampart Street just outside the Quarter, is another example of the supremacy of New Orleans gas station chicken. Painted blue and orange and unassuming as expected, Key’s is constantly churning out fresh batches of savory, rich fried chicken, with a crust more like Willie Mae’s than McHardy’s, for example. The best part may be the prices, which make it easier to add a seafood platter to your order.

Coop’s slightly spicy Cajun fried chicken is served with savory rabbit jambalaya and sweet coleslaw, making for a truly delightful sensory experience. Soak that part in because you may need it to tolerate the oft-obnoxious drunkards that tend to line up for this always-busy Quarter haunt.

Luckily, chef Carl’s Fried Chicken Mondays at the Roosevelt are back and better than ever in the hotel’s Fountain Lounge. The set menu offers fried chicken, biscuits, coleslaw, red beans and rice, and cobbler, and it is some of the best chicken in town.

Gas station fried chicken is kind of Louisiana’s thing — man stations in the greater New Orleans area have chicken that would rival any found at sit-down restaurants. And Brother’s is known for having the best of the best, which is probably why there’s more than 30 locations across the metro area. The Carondelet shop, while not a gas station, is one of Brothers’ best locations for crunchy, not-greasy pieces, as is the gas station in New Orleans East on Crowder.

Louisiana cuisine is the heartbeat of the High Hat Cafe, a relaxed spot that is known for a rich, dark gumbo; fried catfish with cornbread and greens; pimento mac and cheese, and most importantly, fried chicken on Tuesdays only.

Chubbie’s looks like a fast food chain, but is actually just a legit neighborhood spot for fried chicken (and fried seafood) on the West Bank in Algiers. It’s widely regarded as one of the top spots in all of New Orleans, especially for fried gizzards and livers.

While Uptown’s homey seafood destination Frankie and Johnny’s is primarily a destination for crawfish and cold beer on the patio, the fried to order chicken plate is a juicy gem. Fried to order, the half chicken platter includes a side salad and choice of fries, potato salad or veggie.

Chicken’s Kitchen in Gretna is New Orleans homestyle cooking at its best, serving large portions, delicious chicken, and great mac and cheese and smothered okra. But back to the chicken — from wings and tenders to legs, these pieces are expertly fried; juicy, tender, and crispy. Bonus — chef Marlon “Chicken” Williams’s food is available for catering.