When it comes to simple foods, few have the appeal of fried chicken. Even celebrity chefs proudly profess their love for Popeyes.
And these are their own recipes, some now Broaster chicken like you’d find at doughnut shops.
Asian Sofrito
2530 N. First Ave.
Soup, fried rice, tostones, and fried chicken at Asian Sofrito (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Asian Sofrito, as you would expect, is not a southern restaurant. But they have flavorful, crunchy fried chicken. Their recipe is secret, but garlic and oregano in a lengthy marinade might have to do with it.
For more information, call (520) 207-5701. Keep up with Asian Sofrito on Facebook.
Brother John’s Beer, Bourbon & BBQ
1801 N. Stone Ave.
Fried chicken (Photo courtesy of Brother John’s Beer, Bourbon & BBQ)
Brother John’s brines their half chicken in seasoned buttermilk for at least a couple of days, then fries it to order (give them 20 minutes). It’s served with mashed potatoes, pan gravy, and buttered green beans. Make sure to take advantage of their extensive beer and whiskey selection, too.
For more information, call (520) 867-6787 or visit brotherjohnsbbq.com.
Commoner & Co.
6960 E. Sunrise Dr.
A longstanding tradition, Commoner sells their fried chicken every Tuesday from 4 p.m. until it is sold out.
For more information, visit commonertucson.com.
The Drunken Chicken
429 N. Fourth Ave.
Chicken & Waffle with Bourbon Maple Syrup at the Drunken Chicken (Credit: Jackie Tran)
These are technically chicken strips, but they are excellent chicken strips. But please, Drunken Chicken, please add dark meat as an option.
For more information, visit thedrunkenchickenaz.com.
Ken’s Hardwood Barbecue
5250 E. 22nd St.
The fried chicken isn’t always on the menu, but make sure to grab some when it’s available on special.
For more information, call (520) 745-4746 or visit kenshardwoodbbq.com.
Lucky Wishbone
For a list of locations, click here.
With locations all over town and affordable quantities, it’s a party pleaser and pleasant picnic plus. You might as well pick up some shrimp and steak fingers too.
For more information, visit luckywishbone.com.
Saguaro Corners
3750 S. Old Spanish Trail
Photo by C.J. Hamm
Nestled among the stately saguaro, this east Tucson icon features the PicNic Chicken. It’s bone-in dark meat with cheesy grits, porky greens, Cholula honey butter.
Keep up with Saguaro Corners on Facebook.
Tiny’s Saloon & Steakhouse
4900 W. Ajo Hwy
Fried chicken at Tiny’s Saloon & Steakhouse (Credit: Gloria Knott)
Tucked away west on Ajo Highway, Tiny’s is a hub of activity in the neighborhood. Though the burgers, steaks, and wings grab the attention, the fried chicken is a crispy contender as well.
Keep up with Tiny’s Saloon & Steakhouse on Facebook.
Toss Fried Chicken & Ramen
1655 S. Alvernon Way
While the chicken sandwich is the star here, you can also order your conventional fried chicken as Southern Crispy Chicken on the menu.
Read our June 2020 article “Toss Fried Chicken & Ramen” now open on South Alvernon Way.
For more information, visit tossfriedchickenandramen.com.
Union Public House
4340 N. Campbell Ave.
Chicken & Waffle at Union Public House (Credit: Jackie Tran)
The half-chicken in the Chicken & Waffle features satisfyingly crunch craggedy edges from the buttermilk brine mingling with the breading.
For more information, visit uniontucson.com.
Where’s your favorite fried chicken in town? Let us know in the comments.
