Crispy guide to 10 fried chicken spots that’ll have you shakin’ your tailfeather

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.

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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.

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Fried chicken – one of those foods that everyone loves and is the perfect food to share with family and friends, isn't it? C'mon by to Ken's this weekend and share the ultimate comfort food with your family and friends. The only decision you'll have to make is what sides you're going to have with your chicken! ? . . . . . . #KensBBQ #FriedChicken #GetYourBBQOn

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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.

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When it comes to #luckywishbone's famous chicken, what's your go-to? ?? . . . #tucson #tucsonaz #tucsonlocal #tucsonfoodie #tucsonarizona #tucsonfood #tucsonfavorite #friedchicken #classic #tucsonclassic #luckywishbone #igerstucson

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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

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Swing by & try the best Fried Chicken in town!?? – Takeout & Drive-Thru available!? – Call (520)367-4183 to place orders!?? – Tag a friend!? – #tucson #tucsonaz #tucsonmunchies #tucsonlocal #tucsoneats #tucsonarizona #tucsonfood #tucsonfoodie #arizona #Arizonafood #arizonamunchies #Arizonafoodie #arizonaeats #azeats #azlocal #azfood

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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.