These 8 Spots for Fried Chicken in Houston Will Have You Saying “Cluck Yeah!”
I’ll never forget the first time I had a perfect piece of fried chicken. It was crispy on the outside, spicy, and so juicy on the inside—a combo I didn’t even know I was missing until then!
Since that day, I’ve been on a mission to find the best fried chicken in Houston. And trust me, the city has plenty of amazing spots.
If you’re someone who loves a good, crunchy piece of chicken, you’re going to love our recommendations. However you want your fried chicken–spicy, crispy, or just comforting–these places will hit the spot!
1. Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken
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Website: https://www.gusfriedchicken.com/locations/houston-texas
Address: 614 Dennis St, Houston, TX (in The Crossing at Midtown)
Contact Details: +1 281-584-3733
Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday – 11 AM to 11 PM; Friday to Sunday – 11 AM to 12 AM
Price Range: $
Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken is a must-try if you’re in Houston and craving some of the best fried chicken around. This place is known for its simple but tasty food and a loyal following of fans who keep coming back for more.
The menu is easy to understand: choose your chicken (dark or white meat), how many pieces you want, and then pick a couple of sides like fried okra, mac and cheese, or collard greens.
The fried chicken here is the real star. It’s crispy, spicy, and juicy on the inside. No matter if you pick dark or white meat, you’re going to love it!
If you’re looking for something else to try, the fried green tomatoes are a great choice. They’re crispy and full of flavor. The mac and cheese is also a fan favorite and pairs well with the chicken!
Finally, don’t forget the sides! The seasoned fries are crispy and just the right amount of salty. And if you like your food spicy, you’ll find Louisiana hot sauce on every table to add a kick to your meal.
| Pro Tips: If you’re craving Gus’s but don’t want to deal with the hassle of parking, they offer Doordash delivery that brings the chicken hot and fresh to your doorstep. Perfect for a cozy night in! If you want to avoid a wait, try visiting during off-peak hours. Lunchtime and dinner rushes can get busy, especially with limited parking. |
2. Dave’s Hot Chicken
Media Credit: daveshotchicken
Website: https://restaurants.daveshotchicken.com/tx/houston/hot-chicken-dennis-st/
Address: 614 Dennis St, Houston, TX (in The Crossing at Midtown)
Contact Details: +1 281-584-3733
Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday – 11 AM to 11 PM; Friday to Sunday – 11 AM to 12 AM
Price Range: $
If you’re craving crispy, spicy chicken, Dave’s Hot Chicken is a must-try in Houston. This Nashville-style spot has become popular since it opened!
The menu is simple and straightforward. If you’re craving a Hot Chicken Sandwich or some sliders, you’ll get crispy chicken with just the right amount of spice!
The soft potato buns add a nice touch, and don’t miss the creamy dipping sauce—it’s the perfect way to add extra flavor!
The fries are a big hit here. They’re crispy on the outside and soft inside, making them the perfect side to your meal, especially when dipped in their special sauce. If you want something lighter to balance out the heat, try the kale slaw—it’s a refreshing choice.
| Pro Tips: The medium spice level is milder than expected, so if you enjoy a good kick, it’s worth going for the “extra hot” or even the “reaper” level for an intense experience. Parking can be tricky, especially during busy hours. If you’re planning to visit during peak times (like lunch or dinner), consider arriving early or using the paid street parking options to avoid wasting time. |
3. Mico’s Hot Chicken
Media Credit: micoshotchicken
Website: https://micoshotchicken.com/
Address: 2400 N Shepherd Dr Suite 100, Houston, TX (in 24th Street Market)
Contact Details: +1 713-689-4600
Operating Hours: Sunday to Thursday – 11 AM to 9 PM; Friday to Saturday – 11 AM to 10 PM
Price Range: $
If you’re looking for hot chicken in Houston, Mico’s Hot Chicken is a must-try. Since opening as a food truck in 2019, it has quickly become a local favorite, known for its fiery yet flavorful Nashville-style hot chicken.
The Hot Chicken Sammich is the most popular choice! If you’re craving a tasty side dish, the Loaded Fries covered in cheese and Mico’s secret sauce is a delicious complement!
If you’re not a fan of sandwiches, you can order the 2 or 3 Tender Basket! You can pair this with their Fried Pickles. For something lighter, you can get their Buffalo Tender Salad.
Finally, you can pair your meal with their fresh Lemonade! And don’t forget to try the banana pudding—it’s a sweet, creamy treat that helps cool down the spice and is the perfect way to end your meal.
| Pro Tips: The portions at Mico’s are large, so be prepared for a very satisfying meal. Even if you’re hungry, consider sharing or taking some leftovers home. This is a great spot for families! They offer activities like Jenga for kids to enjoy while you eat. |
4. The Breakfast Klub
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Website: http://www.thebreakfastklub.com/
Address: 3711 Travis St, Houston, TX
Contact Details: +1 713-528-8561
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 7 AM to 2 PM; Saturday to Sunday – 8 AM to 2 PM
Price Range: $
If you’re in Houston, The Breakfast Klub is a place you have to try. Located in Midtown, this popular diner serves classic comfort food. It’s not just a restaurant – it’s a part of Houston’s food culture.
This local gem is famous for hearty Southern dishes. The Chicken and Waffles is a must-try! The crispy, seasoned chicken and soft, fluffy waffles are the perfect mix of savory and sweet.
If you want to try something different, go for the Katfish & Grits or the Wings & Waffles.
The menu is full of other Southern comfort food made with fresh ingredients. You can also try the Fried Pork Chops, Red Beans and Rice, or Biscuits and Gravy. Everything is served hot and fresh, and the portions are big enough to leave you full. You won’t go hungry here!
| Pro Tips: Expect a line, especially on weekends or during peak hours, but don’t let it discourage you! The line moves quickly, especially for smaller parties. Upon entering, you’ll need to scan a QR code to access the menu on your phone. It’s a unique setup, but it makes ordering easy and quick. |
5. Main Bird Hot Chicken – Westchase
Media Credit: https://www.instagram.com/eatmainbird/
Website: http://www.mainbirdhotchicken.com/
Address: 10705 Westheimer Rd STE A, Houston, TX
Contact Details: +1 346-867-1776
Operating Hours: Sunday to Thursday – 11 AM to 12 AM; Friday to Saturday – 11 AM to 2 AM
Price Range: $
If you’re in Houston and craving some tasty Nashville-style hot chicken, Main Bird Hot Chicken in Westchase is the place to go. This spot serves up 100% halal fried chicken, as crispy sliders and tenders.
A great option to start with is the Slider Meal. It comes with two fried chicken sliders, crinkle fries, and a drink. You can also try the Combo Meal if you’d like to have the sliders and tenders–the best of both worlds!
If you’d like something lighter, try their Bird Wrap meal–it’s their signature chicken wrapped in a flour tortilla.
If you’re in the mood for something richer, try the Dirty Mac—it’s chicken with waffles, creamy mac, and special sauces. And make sure to pair your meals with their sides–mac and cheese, fries, and coleslaw!
| Pro Tips: If you’re new to Nashville hot chicken, ask the staff for advice on what heat level is best for you. If you’re stopping by during the afternoon, check out their happy hour for discounted milkshakes and other menu items. |
6. The Cookshack
Media Credit: the.cook.shack
Website: https://www.thecookshack.com/
Address: 4015 Washington Ave Suite F, Houston, TX
Contact Details: +1 713-534-1746
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 10 PM
Price Range: $
If you’re in Houston and craving great fried chicken, The Cookshack is the place to go. Known for its juicy chicken tenders, tender ribs, and crispy fries, it’s a local favorite!
The chicken tenders are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, with heat levels ranging from mild to Texas hot for those who like some spice.
Their most popular dish is Chicken and Waffles. The waffles are thick and fluffy, perfectly matching the seasoned chicken. The Ribs are another highlight, falling off the bone with rich flavor.
The sides are just as tasty. The Sweet Potato Fries are crispy and slightly sweet, while the creamy Mac and Cheese is a comforting choice. If you like a bit of spice, the Dragon Fries will hit the spot.
Finally, finish your meal with one of their famous ice cream sandwiches for a sweet ending!
| Pro Tips: If you enjoy a cocktail with your meal, the margaritas are highly recommended! For the sauces, the shack sauce is a popular dipping sauce for chicken tenders and fries. |
7. Tumble 22 – Texas Chicken Joint
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Website: https://tumble22.com/houston-avenue/
Address: 1017 Houston Ave, Houston, TX
Contact Details: +1 281-500-9190
Operating Hours: Sunday to Thursday – 11 AM to 10 PM; Friday to Saturday – 11 AM to 10:30 PM
Price Range: $
Tumble 22 offers a true Texas experience with its crispy, fried chicken. What started as a food trailer in Austin has quickly grown to multiple locations, including Houston.
The standout feature of this spot is its hand-breaded, all-natural chicken, which gets tumbled 22 times for extra crunch. The menu has a variety of options, like the Southern Chicken Sandwich and Hot Chicken with different spice levels.
The Hot Chicken is a must-try. You can choose your spice level, from mild to fiery. The Southern Chicken Sandwich is also a popular choice, with a crispy chicken fillet and classic sides like Mac and Cheese.
For extra flavor, try any dish “Korean-style.” Be sure to leave room for dessert—Key Lime Pie and Peanut Butter Pie are favorites. The Pie Shakes, which combine pie and milkshake, are also a unique, sweet treat!
| Pro Tips: Be sure to sample the different heat levels if you’re not sure how spicy you want your chicken to be. Tumble 22 offers a complimentary Sample Tray to help you decide. |
8. Clutch City Cluckers
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Website: https://clutchcitycluckers.com/
Address: 9598 S Main St, Houston, TX
Contact Details: +1 832-374-1019
Operating Hours: Sunday to Thursday – 10 AM to 3 AM; Friday to Saturday – 10 AM to 5 AM
Price Range: $
Clutch City Cluckers serves up Nashville hot chicken sandwiches, tenders, tacos, loaded fries, and more. Known for fresh, halal ingredients, it’s a go-to spot in Houston, San Antonio, Baton Rouge, and even Amman, Jordan.
If you’re trying it for the first time, go for the Cluck It Like It’s Hot sandwich, a spicy chicken treat with tangy sauce, slaw, and pickles on a soft bun. The Cheesy Buns and Juicy Cluckin’ Lucy sandwiches are great for cheese lovers.
For tacos, the Shrimp Daddy Tacos and Flower Power Tacos are popular choices, while the Clutch Wrap is a spiced-up chicken wrap.
Sides like Cheesy Fries and Clutch Fried Pickles & Fries Combo pair perfectly with any dish, and don’t miss the Lil Biscoff Shake—a fan favorite.
For a group, try the Cluck It Like It’s Hot Family or Clutch Wings Family Meal to share a variety of dishes.
| Pro Tip: If you’re out late and need something to satisfy your hunger, Clutch City Cluckers is a great spot. They stay open late, making it perfect for late-night food runs. If you’re feeling adventurous, get different sauces on your wings or sandwiches to create a custom flavor combination. |
