The VB Local’s Guide to the Best Fried Chicken
Is there anything more satisfying than a big plate of delicious food dished up by the locals? Read on to find where to get some of the best fried chicken in Hampton Roads.
Jump to RecipeHere in VB, we like to walk the line between southern charm and city-hip, but at the end of the day, we take our southern comfort food pretty seriously. If you’re not looking for seafood, though, we’ve got a roundup of where to find the best fried chicken in the Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads area.
Best Fried Chicken Takeout
While chain staples like Popeyes, KFC, Chick-fil-A, and Bojangles are always a hit, it’s also great to support local haunts. These mom-and-pop restaurants put their heart and soul into the food they cook, and you can really taste it. Before jumping in another nationwide chain’s drive-thru line, check out these Virginia Beach fried chicken joints where you can get takeout.
BoBo’s Fine Chicken Restaurant (Virginia Beach)
Not only do locals and tourists alike love their delicious chicken dipped in “BoBoQ sauce,” but their sides, including Granny Wilson’s scratch-made biscuits, Norfolk potato salad, and macaroni and cheese, are equally delicious. Try their homemade creamy custard ice cream for dessert! Those looking for something a bit less indulgent might enjoy some of their healthier sides, like fresh greens, butterbeans, cucumber, and tomato salad. Although new to the scene, their dedication to family tradition and excellence makes them one of Hampton Road’s most well-loved gems.
Pollard’s (Virginia Beach)
I think they know my father’s name and order at this establishment. Pollards is a locally-owned dive serving up chicken and barbecue for over 50 years. We highly recommend their catering, the chicken tenders are always a hit for any occasion.
Beach Bully (Virginia Beach)
Although roast beef is their claim to fame, it turns out their chicken recipe is also a hit! Since March of 1986, Rick Waskey and Chris Merrill have been serving up sliced, smoked, roast beef sandwiches at the Virginia Beach oceanfront to happy customers. Just look at those happy faces! With their roast beef reputation unmatched, their fried chicken is definitely something you’ll also want to try.
Wing’s Way
This family-owned and operated small business has perfected the art of fried chicken wings. While wings are delicious, what really makes them stand out is their wide variety of tasty sauces. From sweet and spicy to tangy and savory, they’ve got over 15 regular sauces and five limited-time sauces. So you know everyone in the family will find something they like. Not a fan of wings? They’ve also got plenty of yummy fried seafood options.
Best Fried Chicken at Dine-in Restaurants
Hair of the Dog
One day, my friend and I were looking for something new. We stumbled across this gem, and I’ll never get my fried chicken and waffles from anywhere else. This playful American haunt has plenty of breakfast-centric comfort foods, ample craft beers, plus patio seating. Head over to the Hair of the Dog for an indulgent brunch with an eclectic twist on southern comfort food. You won’t be disappointed.
Southern Fried Chicken at Union Alehouse (Virginia Beach)
This is a quiet, modern restaurant with a comfortable feel. Not only do they have a wide selection of beers, but they’re also reasonably priced, with generous portions of food. We highly recommend the southern fried chicken sandwich tossed in their signature wing sauce.
Rick’s Cafe
This family-owned diner gives you all the small-town feels along with unbeatable comfort food flavor. They serve a great breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu all day long. From ribs, wings, and pulled pork (all smoked in-house) to shrimp, catfish, and flounder that are hand-breaded with Louisiana-style seasonings. Of course, we have to mention their chicken-fried chicken that will satisfy your craving for the crispy, crunchy, southern classic.
Terrapin (Virginia Beach)
A sleek, modern venue serving up locally-sourced American cuisine from oysters on the half shell to flatbread pizzas. The soft lighting and elegant meals provide the perfect ambiance for that romantic date night you keep hoping for. They accommodate many dietary restrictions, with several gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options. While they only offer fried chicken on Wednesdays, it’s definitely a highlight of the menu!
Do It Yourself
It may seem like a pretty daunting task, but frying chicken at home isn’t so hard after all and can be healthier! Check out this super simple recipe! Serve it up with some baked beans, biscuits, corn pudding, coleslaw, black-eyed peas, or mac-n-cheese.
Southern Fried Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 whole bone-in, organic chickens raw
- vegetable oil for frying
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 6 cups all-purpose flour
- 5 tbsp salt
- 4 tbsp ground black pepper
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 2 tsp cayenne pepper
Instructions
Southern Fried Chicken
- Cut the whole chickens into 4 breasts, 4 thighs, 4 legs, and 4 wings. Set aside.
- Preheat your oil to 325 degrees F, either in a heavy pan or cast iron skillet on the stove or in a deeper fryer. As long as your oil is between 300 and 350 degrees Fahrenheit, your chicken should come out perfect.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Set aside.
- Pour the buttermilk into a separate large bowl, making sure its deep enough for the chicken to be submerged.
- Prepare your dredging station. Place your chicken in a bowl. Beside that, your dry mixture.
- Take the chicken breasts and dust them with the flour mixture. Then, dip them in buttermilk until they are coated.
- Place in the flour mixture and push the flour mixture into the chicken. Make sure the chicken is thoroughly coated. When coating and breading your chicken, make sure to tap off the excess buttermilk and flour.
- Gently place the chicken breasts in the hot oil.
- Next, repeat the dredging steps with your other pieces of chicken: thigh, leg, then wing.
- When you place the last wing into the fryer, you should have 16 pieces of chicken in the oil. Set a timer for 15 minutes. Flip several times to ensure the breading cooks evenly and does not burn. If you are pan frying, do the pieces in several batches, as overcrowding the pan may cause the breading to fall off.
- After 15 minutes, take a meat thermometer and check the temperature of a breast. If it reads 165 degrees F, the chicken is done. With fried chicken, white meat will be best around 165 F and dark meat can be cooked to 170 F for ideal texture.
- Remove the chicken pieces from the pan or fryer and drain for 5 minutes. Let it cool for another 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Eat More Virginia Beach Fried Chicken
Regardless of your budget, there are several delicious options for fried chicken in Virginia Beach. What are your favorites? Be sure to let us know on social #getfamilyapp!
