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.
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.
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.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B998ecmB_2z/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
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.
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.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B2mu816lQ1q/
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.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BWigAjXHHk3/
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
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
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
https://www.instagram.com/p/CCJ-BWUj0lY/
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.
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.
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Article written by:
Jackie Tran
More about JackieJackie Tran is a Tucson-based food writer, photographer, culinary educator, and owner-chef of the now-closed food truck Tran’s Fats. Although he is best known locally for his work for Tucson Foodie, his work has also appeared in publications such as Bon Appétit, National Geographic, and the New York Times.
An adventurous foodie, he enjoys culinary experiences ranging from seasonal omakase to sloppily devouring green chili patty melts in his car afterhours. His favorite foods include aguachile, garlic noodles, and leftover fried chicken illuminated by the fridge light. His favorite drinks include morning micheladas, fireside imperial stouts, candle-lit negroni, and grassy mezcales.
Outside of food, he also loves playing musical instruments, karaoke, Tetris, Super Smash Bros. Melee, and petting Addie’s dog Spaghetti.
If you’d like to stalk him, visit his Instagram @jackie_tran_ or jackietran.com.
