What are the best chicken dishes in Chicago?

Based on diner recommendations, the best chicken dish in Chicago is at Kumiko. We compared 18 restaurants serving chicken dishes.

How much do chicken dishes cost in Chicago?

Chicken dish prices in Chicago range from $8.00 to $90.00 across 18 restaurants.

Best Chicken Dishes in Chicago

18 restaurants compared

Price range: $8.00 – $90.00

Avg recommendation: 91%

Top 5 Chicken Dishes in Chicago (Quick Answer)

Based on diner recommendations across 18 restaurants:

Karaage at Kumiko, $16.00 (West Loop)
Gumbo Ya-Ya at Big Jones, $16.00 (Andersonville)
Pollo Bowl at Pollo Express, $13.75 (Pilsen)
Whole Chicken at Pollo Express, $22.99 (Pilsen)
Smoked Chicken Sausage Pizza at Bob's Pizza, $30.00 (Pilsen)

Scroll down for detailed comparisons, prices, and diner tips for each restaurant.

All 18 Chicken Dishes

Karaage

Kumiko

West Loop·$$$$

$16.00

Japanese fried chicken — crispy, juicy, and deeply flavored.

Tip: Pairs remarkably well with a spiritfree cocktail or light sake if you prefer non-alcoholic or less intense pairings.

Gumbo Ya-Ya

Big Jones

Andersonville·$$

$16.00

Dark Cajun roux, housemade sausage, chicken, and pork in a spiced broth.

Tip: Gumbo is filling and warming—a complete meal on its own with the rice.

Pollo Bowl

Pollo Express

Pilsen·$

$13.75

Shredded charcoal-grilled chicken over rice with beans, lettuce, tomato, onion, cilantro, jalapeño, cheese, and sour cream.

Tip: The bowl is good if you prefer one-handed eating or want everything mixed together. But a half chicken with tortillas is more authentic.

Whole Chicken

Pollo Express

Pilsen·$

$22.99

Full charcoal-grilled bird with crispy skin, served with rice, beans, and tortillas.

Tip: Order two whole chickens for a group of four with rice, beans, and tortillas—it's enough for everyone and costs only $45.

Smoked Chicken Sausage Pizza

Bob's Pizza

Pilsen·$$

$30.00

House-smoked chicken sausage, caramelized onions, and cheese on beer-crust dough.

Tip: Order two different pizzas and share—the portion size is generous and variety lets everyone find their favorite.

Chicken Burrito

Pollo Express

Pilsen·$

$13.75

Charcoal-grilled chicken wrapped in a large flour tortilla with rice and beans.

Tip: The burrito is convenient for on-the-go eating, but try the half chicken at least once—it's the true signature.

Chicken & Waffles

White Palace Grill

South Loop·$

$10.50

Fried chicken served with buttered waffles and sides.

Tip: Available 24 hours—order this at 2 am and it tastes just as good as it does at noon.

Chicken Vesuvio Sandwich

Ricobene's

Bridgeport·$

$10.25

Crispy fried chicken with roasted potatoes and peas in tomato sauce on a roll.

Tip: The chicken Vesuvio is a unique Ricobene's creation—less famous than the steak but worth trying.

Chicken Wings

Honey 1 BBQ

Bronzeville·$

$12.50

Hickory-smoked wings with honey sauce glaze.

Tip: Smoked wings are different from fried—expect a char on the skin and smoke flavor in every bite.

#10

Miller Amish Chicken Taco

Antique Taco

Wicker Park·$

$8.00

Grilled Amish chicken with honey yogurt, cucumbers, jalapeños, pink onion, and mint.

Tip: This is one of the more affordable tacos on the menu and doesn't sacrifice flavor or technique.

#1197% recommend

Mole Negro

Topolobampo

River North·$$$$

$44.00

Slow-cooked mole with over 20 ingredients, served with chicken breast and roasted poblano.

Tip: This is the signature dish — order it if you visit only once.

#1293% recommend

Half Chicken

Pollo Express

Pilsen·$

$14.99

Charcoal-grilled chicken, halved, with crispy charred skin and juicy meat.

Tip: A half chicken is a full meal. Don't add anything else unless you're incredibly hungry.

#1393% recommend

Fried Chicken Dinner

Big Jones

Andersonville·$$

$18.00

Fried in leaf lard and ham drippings, served with two sides and biscuit.

Tip: The chicken skin is crispy and nearly shatters under your teeth—ask about any special preparations if you want extra crispness.

#1492% recommend

Fried Chicken with Waffles

Longman & Eagle

Logan Square·$$

$18.00

Spicy-dredged chicken fried in beef fat, served on maple syrup-laced waffles.

Tip: Ask for it with the maple reduction instead of syrup if you want to taste the chicken better.

#1592% recommend

Galauti with Foie Gras

Indienne

River North·$$$

$90.00

Northern Indian kebab made with foie gras and chicken liver instead of traditional ground lamb.

Tip: This course arrives early in the tasting menu — it sets the tone for how Sarkar reinterprets Indian food.

#1691% recommend

Fried Chicken Wings

Harold's Chicken Shack

Douglas·$

$9.50

Crispy wings fried in beef tallow, served with fries and coleslaw.

Tip: Six wings is the starter portion—get 10 wings if you want a real meal. Both come with fries and slaw.

#1788% recommend

Fried Chicken Combo

Harold's Chicken Shack

Douglas·$

$14.00

Bone-in fried chicken pieces with fries, bread, and coleslaw.

Tip: Ask for dark meat if you want flavor and juiciness—it holds up better than white meat during frying.

#1884% recommend

Shoyu Ramen

Akahoshi Ramen

Logan Square·$$

$28.00

Chicken broth-based ramen with soy sauce tare, thin noodles, and subtle fish notes.

Tip: The shoyu works best as a second bowl if you're ordering multiple. The lighter flavor feels refreshing after the miso.