Unearth The Voyage
Delaware may be small, but it serves up an impressive variety of outstanding fried chicken. From longtime family restaurants and Southern-style kitchens to Korean fried chicken specialists and Nashville hot chicken favorites, the First State offers something for every craving.
Whether you prefer classic comfort food or bold, spicy flavors, these 13 restaurants have earned loyal followings for their perfectly cooked chicken and memorable sides. Each proves that some of Delaware’s best meals come in a crispy, golden package.
1. Walt’s Flavor Crisp Chicken, Wilmington, Delaware
Harry Sheppard and Walter Samuels originally opened an ice cream parlor back in 1973, but fried chicken soon became the real star of the show. The recipe Sheppard developed was adapted from his grandmother Anna Brown’s method for cooking jackrabbit, which might be the most uniquely Delaware origin story in the entire state.
Former restaurant critic Eric Ruth once declared Walt’s the home of “the best fried chicken ever made in Delaware,” a quote the restaurant has more than earned over five decades. The patent-protected crispy coating relies on Flavor-Crisp’s seasoned marinades, a product line with its own loyal following since 1960.
Now located on Miller Road with a proper sit-down dining area and private banquet space, Walt’s has grown far beyond its ice cream parlor roots. Loyal customers have been known to arrive at 10 AM just to secure their order before batches sell out.
2. Kick n’ Chicken, Lewes, Delaware
Every piece of chicken served at this Lewes favorite starts fresh, never frozen, a commitment the kitchen treats as non-negotiable. The house seasoning and proprietary batter recipe have been carefully developed to deliver a flavor profile that stands apart from anything pre-packaged or mass-produced.
Orders are prepared fresh upon request, which occasionally means a short wait, but regulars will tell you that patience is rewarded every single time. The crispy coating stays intact, the meat stays juicy, and the overall result is exactly what fresh preparation promises.
Beyond classic fried pieces, the menu covers buffalo wings, boneless wings, chicken wraps, sandwiches, and salads, giving diners plenty of ways to enjoy quality poultry. Gluten-free options are listed online, which makes the restaurant accessible to a broader range of customers. Beach visitors and year-round locals alike have made this spot a consistent favorite along the southern Delaware coast.
3. Kick n’ Chicken, Milford, Delaware
The Milford location brings the same fresh, never-frozen philosophy that defines the brand, applying it consistently for a southern Delaware crowd that has clearly taken notice. Generous portions and a signature house seasoning keep the loyal customer base coming back on a regular basis.
The menu mirrors its Lewes sibling, featuring classic fried chicken alongside wraps, sandwiches, salads, buffalo wings, and boneless options. Gluten-free selections are available and listed on the restaurant’s website, making it a practical stop for diners with dietary considerations.
Regulars often highlight the nicely cooked chicken and complementary sides like biscuits as standout elements of the experience. Pricing stays affordable, and the atmosphere is described as comfortable and welcoming. Some customer reviews mention occasional service inconsistencies, but the food quality consistently earns positive remarks. For travelers passing through the region, it has become a reliable comfort food destination worth planning a stop around.
4. The Country Store, Dover, Delaware
Most convenience stores do not earn statewide reputations, but The Country Store in Dover operates on a completely different level. The Famous Fried Chicken here has become a destination item, drawing customers who would otherwise have no reason to stop at a store of this type.
The menu extends well beyond chicken, covering huge sandwiches, burgers, subs, hand-dipped ice cream, and freshly brewed coffee. A full bakery, bulk goods section, deli counter, and fresh produce section round out an operation that functions more like a community hub than a typical roadside stop.
Patrons consistently praise the country-style flavor that runs through everything on the menu, and the clean, well-organized layout makes shopping and eating here a genuinely pleasant experience. Locals recommend it without hesitation, and many build regular trips around both the groceries and the prepared food. The wholesome, unpretentious approach has earned The Country Store a loyal following across central Delaware.
5. Southern Grille, Ellendale, Delaware
Chef Ronald White brought more than three decades of culinary experience when he revived this Ellendale landmark in 2011, restoring a restaurant that originally opened in the 1980s. The kitchen operates on a strict scratch-cooking policy, preparing every dish fresh daily with no shortcuts taken.
The house fried chicken anchors a menu that also includes dumplings, prime rib, flounder, cream of crab soup, candied yams, sweet potato souffle, and macaroni and cheese. Freshly baked rolls arrive at the table alongside daily desserts, completing a meal that genuinely earns the label of Southern comfort food.
In December 2019, the restaurant appeared on Restaurant: Impossible, which resulted in an updated interior featuring distressed flooring, bright white walls, and farmhouse metal chairs. The dining room carries a casual, quiet atmosphere that fits the small-town setting perfectly. One unique seasonal tradition worth noting: Wednesday nights from late November through March are dedicated to serving muskrat, a cherished Delaware culinary tradition.
6. Lettie’s Kitchen, Hockessin, Delaware
Born from a family legacy that stretches back to a Hockessin grocery store opened in 1886, Lettie’s Kitchen carries a history that most restaurants can only dream about. Mother-son duo Susan and Tom Alexander opened the restaurant in spring 2011 as a tribute to Susan’s mother, Lettie, whose cooking became legendary in the community.
The broasted chicken here has earned serious accolades, including Best Fried Chicken from the Food Network in 2019 and a nod from Southern Living that same year. The preparation locks in moisture while producing a crispy exterior that keeps regulars calling ahead to reserve fresh batches.
Beyond the chicken, the menu includes homemade soups, flatbreads, inventive salads, and hearty sandwiches. The dining room has a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere that many describe as feeling like a visit to grandma’s kitchen. Outdoor seating and delivery options make it even more convenient for devoted fans.
7. L&G Southern Soul Food, New Castle, Delaware
True Southern soul food is harder to find than people expect, which makes L&G Southern Soul Food in New Castle a genuinely valuable spot on the Delaware dining map. The crispy fried chicken anchors a menu built around hearty, familiar flavors that prioritize substance over style.
Alongside the chicken, the kitchen turns out barbecue, seafood, and a rotating selection of homemade sides that reflect the core values of Southern home cooking. Portions are generous, and the overall experience is designed to make diners feel comfortable and well-fed rather than rushed through a meal.
The restaurant has built a loyal following among New Castle residents who appreciate consistency and authenticity over trendy presentations. Every plate emphasizes real, satisfying food without unnecessary embellishment. For anyone who grew up eating Southern cooking or simply wants an honest, filling meal, L&G delivers exactly what the name promises, no compromises and no disappointments.
8. Bonchon, Newark, Delaware
Korean fried chicken operates by a completely different set of rules, and Bonchon in Newark is the place to understand why. The restaurant’s signature double-frying method involves a first fry at 320-340 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-12 minutes, followed by a critical 5-10 minute rest that allows moisture to escape from the batter.
A second fry at 375-400 degrees for 3-5 minutes then produces the crackling, paper-thin crust that Bonchon has become famous for worldwide. Each piece is hand-battered in a thin flour mixture before the process begins, and hand-brushed with house sauces afterward, ranging from sweet soy to spicy varieties.
The result stays crispy even as takeout or leftovers, which is a feat that conventional fried chicken rarely manages. University of Delaware students and Newark residents have both embraced this spot enthusiastically. For anyone used to standard Southern preparation, Bonchon offers a technically fascinating and deeply satisfying alternative worth trying at least once.
9. Bash Soul Food and African Cuisine, Dover, Delaware
Combining two distinct culinary traditions on a single menu requires real confidence in the kitchen, and Bash Soul Food and African Cuisine in Dover pulls it off with impressive results. The Southern-style fried chicken has developed a devoted following, served alongside soul food staples that include collard greens, candied yams, black-eyed peas, and baked macaroni and cheese.
The West African side of the menu features Jollof Rice with Chicken, Foo Foo with Peanut Butter Soup, Jamaican Jerk Chicken, Cassava with Beef and Chicken, and Potatoes Leaf served over white rice. This range gives the restaurant a genuinely unique identity that no single-cuisine spot can replicate.
Online ordering is available for both pickup and delivery, making access easy for customers across the Dover area. Located at 5409 N Dupont Hwy, the restaurant maintains a welcoming atmosphere that tends to turn first-time visitors into regulars. The combination of generous portions and layered flavors makes every visit feel worthwhile.
10. Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Newark, Delaware
Chain restaurants rarely develop the kind of devoted local following that this Newark location has managed to build, but the Popeyes at McIntosh Plaza is genuinely a cut above the average franchise experience. Reviewers frequently note the architectural design and color scheme as a surprisingly appealing departure from standard chain aesthetics.
The staff here consistently earn praise for their energy and customer service, qualities that elevate an already reliable menu into something worth seeking out specifically. One satisfied regular went on record calling it their favorite Popeyes location in all of Delaware, which says plenty about the consistency of the operation.
The menu delivers the Louisiana-style fried chicken the brand is known for, complete with bold Cajun seasoning, buttery biscuits, and the famous chicken sandwich that still draws lines years after its debut. For a quick, satisfying fried chicken meal that never disappoints, this Newark location remains one of the busiest and most recommended spots in the state.
11. bb.q Chicken, Newark, Delaware
The name stands for Best of the Best Quality, and the Newark location of this Korean fried chicken specialist takes that standard seriously. Founded in South Korea in 1995 and expanded to the United States in 2014, bb.q Chicken focuses entirely on fried chicken, despite what the name might suggest to first-timers.
Every order is cooked fresh, and the menu covers a remarkable range of flavors including the classic Golden Original, sweet and tangy Secret Sauce, gochujang-based Hot Spicy, Honey Garlic, Soy Garlic, and the smoky sweet Galbi. More adventurous options include the Cheesling, dusted in sweet cheese blends, and the Gangnam Style with black pepper, garlic, and onions.
The Spicy Galbi Wings have earned recognition as a unanimous crowd favorite, and the Wings of Fire are marketed as Korea’s hottest wings for those seeking extreme heat. University of Delaware students and longtime Newark residents both make up the loyal customer base that keeps this spot consistently busy.
12. Hangry Joe’s Hot Chicken, Newark, Delaware
Nashville-style hot chicken has a way of sorting people into two very clear camps, and Hangry Joe’s in Newark caters enthusiastically to both. The spice levels range from approachable to genuinely alarming, with the top tier Angry Hot requiring customers to sign an actual waiver before ordering.
The Mega Sando features an 8-ounce seasoned chicken breast on a brioche bun with cider slaw, pickles, and Hangry sauce, while the Jr. Sando offers a slightly more manageable version of the same concept. Chicken Fingers, a Chicken Wrap, 6-Wing Combos, and Chicken Bites round out the main options.
Waffle fries seasoned well enough to hold their own alongside the heat and a refreshing apple cider vinegar slaw are the standout sides. A chicken and waffles option featuring churro waffles adds a sweet contrast that balances the spice effectively. Portions are consistently described as massive, making the value here hard to argue with regardless of which heat level you choose.
13. Asad’s Hot Chicken, Newark, Delaware
Asad’s Hot Chicken in Newark has built its reputation on halal fried chicken that takes its spice levels seriously without treating heat as a gimmick. The Mild level is described as still potent enough to make you sweat, the Hot is said to be capable of melting your head, and the Extra-Hot is simply characterized as eating fire.
The chicken itself features a cayenne-and-paprika-heavy spice rub that penetrates deeply into thick white-meat pieces, served on soft brioche rolls with fat pickles and a creamy sweet-hot mayo sauce. Loaded fries, generously coated in signature sauce, hot honey, spices, and chopped chicken, have become a popular order in their own right.
Milkshakes and fruit smoothies are available specifically to help manage the heat, a practical addition that regular customers appreciate. Lines form consistently outside the restaurant, which speaks to both the popularity and the overall value. Reviewers who find the chicken not the crispiest still overwhelmingly agree that the flavor is in a category of its own.
