Seattle’s Best Fried Chicken

I’ve always believed you can learn a lot about a city by the food its people love — and when someone like Oprah Winfrey singles out a place as her favorite fried chicken, you know it’s special. That’s exactly what she did with Ezell’s Famous Chicken, a Seattle institution born in 1984, known for its perfectly crispy, juicy chicken and buttery rolls. In this post, I’m sharing not only my go-to fried chicken spots that I’ve been visiting for years, but also a few new places recommended by friends and locals that I couldn’t wait to try.

Here’s the map of all my visits.

So Tasty

If you’re on the hunt for the best fried chicken in Bellevue, look no further than So Tasty, a local Chinese restaurant known for its bold flavors and surprising specialty: Sichuan fried chicken. Nestled in a quiet strip mall on NE 8th Street, So Tasty has become a hidden gem for Eastside food lovers craving crispy, spicy, and authentic eats.

Located at 15920 NE 8th St, Bellevue, So Tasty is a casual Chinese eatery that focuses on comfort food and fresh, made-to-order dishes. While the menu offers a variety of Sichuan classics—from soup pots to stir-fries—the standout item that keeps people coming back is their signature fried chicken.

Ezell’s Famous Chicken

Ezell’s first opened its doors in Seattle’s Central District over 40 years ago. What started as a small neighborhood shop has grown into a regional chain, with multiple locations across the Seattle area, including Bellevue, Woodinville, Lynnwood, and beyond.

Despite its growth, Ezell’s has stayed true to its roots: homestyle Southern fried chicken that’s made fresh daily. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime fan, walking into Ezell’s always feels like stepping into a part of Seattle’s culinary history.

Ma’ono Fried Chicken

Ma’ono traces its roots back to chef Mark Fuller’s family restaurant, Spring Hill, which evolved into a fried chicken–focused concept after the chicken became its runaway hit. Located in West Seattle and Univserity Village, Ma’ono has since expanded to include a presence at other popular venues, reflecting Seattle’s growing obsession with fried chicken.

The restaurant’s name, Ma’ono, means “to satisfy” in Hawaiian — and that’s exactly what their food does. Combining Hawaiian comfort dishes with American classics, Ma’ono brings a unique cultural fusion to Seattle’s dining scene.

City Market

When you think of fried chicken in Seattle, a corner convenience store may not be the first place that comes to mind. But in Capitol Hill, City Market has earned a cult following for serving up some of the best fried chicken in Seattle — right from a humble grocery counter. It’s the kind of hidden gem that locals whisper about, and once you try it, you’ll understand why.

City Market is a family-owned convenience store located at 500 E Pike St, Seattle, WA 98122. By day it looks like your average corner shop — stocked with snacks, drinks, and essentials. But the real magic happens behind the counter, where they fry up crispy, golden chicken that rivals Seattle’s top restaurants.

This “fried chicken inside a market” setup has become part of City Market’s charm, drawing everyone from late-night revelers to neighborhood regulars.

Pelicana Chicken

If you’re craving Korean fried chicken in Seattle, look no further than Pelicana Chicken in Capitol Hill. Known worldwide as one of Korea’s most beloved fried chicken chains, Pelicana has brought its signature crispy chicken, flavorful sauces, and addictive sides to the heart of Seattle. Whether you’re looking for late-night eats or a casual dinner with friends, Pelicana delivers a fried chicken experience that’s bold, crunchy, and distinctly Korean.

Pelicana is a global Korean fried chicken chain with hundreds of locations in South Korea and around the world. Their Capitol Hill restaurant, located at 1411 Harvard Ave, Seattle, WA 98122, offers a vibrant, casual spot for fried chicken lovers.

The brand has been serving chicken since 1982, making it a pioneer in Korea’s fried chicken boom. In Seattle, Pelicana has quickly become a go-to for both locals and K-food enthusiasts.

T&T Market

Sometimes the best fried chicken isn’t found in restaurants at all — it’s tucked away in unexpected spots. That’s exactly the case with T&T Market in Bellevue. Known primarily as an Asian grocery store, T&T has quietly built a reputation for serving crispy, flavorful fried chicken that rivals Seattle’s most popular restaurants. If you’re exploring Bellevue’s food scene, this is one of those delicious hidden gems worth seeking out.

Located at 14350 NE 20th St, Bellevue, WA, T&T Market is a large Asian supermarket offering everything from fresh produce and seafood to snacks and pantry staples. But regulars know that one of the store’s best-kept secrets is its hot food counter, where fried chicken is among the standout items.

For many, grabbing a box of fried chicken here has become as essential as stocking up on groceries.

Zip Dak (K-fried Chicken & Grill)

Here is another Korean fried chicken spot that’s been winning over food lovers across the Eastside and Seattle: Zip Dak. With locations in both the University District and Kirkland, Zip Dak serves up ultra-crispy, double-fried chicken coated in flavorful sauces. Whether you’re hanging out near UW or grabbing a bite on the Eastside, Zip Dak is quickly becoming a go-to for fried chicken cravings.

The name Zip Dak (집닭) translates to “house chicken” in Korean, reflecting their homestyle yet flavorful approach. The brand focuses on delivering authentic Korean fried chicken with a modern, playful twist — perfect for casual meals, group hangouts, or late-night bites.

Chicken Supply

Seattle’s fried chicken scene is wonderfully diverse, and Chicken Supply adds a distinctly Filipino twist. Located in Phinney Ridge, this cozy neighborhood restaurant serves Filipino-style fried chicken alongside comforting sides and rice plates that make you feel right at home. If you’re craving fried chicken with a cultural story behind it, Chicken Supply is one of Seattle’s must-visit gems.

Opened by Chef Paolo Campbell, Chicken Supply was designed as a neighborhood spot bringing Filipino homestyle food into Seattle’s dining scene. The name is a nod to both chicken as a centerpiece and the community-driven supply of comfort food. The restaurant keeps things casual and welcoming, with a small menu that lets each dish shine.

Sisters and Brothers

Seattle’s fried chicken lineup wouldn’t be complete without a proper Nashville hot chicken joint — and that’s exactly what Sisters and Brothers delivers. With its bold, fiery flavors and no-frills charm, this Interbay spot has become a favorite for anyone who craves fried chicken with serious heat and attitude.

Founded by Colleen and Matt Parker, Sisters and Brothers brings authentic Nashville hot chicken to Seattle. What started as a humble food truck evolved into a permanent restaurant that locals and visitors alike flock to for spice-packed fried chicken.

Milk Drunk

To round out Seattle’s fried chicken tour, let’s talk about Milk Drunk — a Beacon Hill gem known for its crispy fried chicken sandwiches and playful soft serve creations. While it’s not a traditional fried chicken shop, Milk Drunk has carved out a reputation for serving some of the city’s most creative takes on fried chicken in a fun, neighborhood-friendly setting.

Opened by the team behind Homer, one of Seattle’s most acclaimed restaurants, Milk Drunk was designed as a casual counter-service spot where fried chicken meets whimsical dessert. The name comes from that blissful, full feeling after indulging in both comfort food and sweets.

Seattle’s fried chicken scene is as diverse as the city itself — from Sichuan spice in Bellevue to Filipino comfort in Phinney Ridge, Nashville heat in Interbay, and playful sandwiches in Beacon Hill. Whether you’re craving the fiery crunch of hot chicken, the double-fried crisp of Korean styles, or a homestyle plate with rice and pickles, there’s a spot here to satisfy every fried chicken craving. No matter which neighborhood you’re in, Seattle has a fried chicken destination worth seeking out.