Some chicken restaurant menus are like culinary contracts. They’ll list wings, tenders, and sandwiches in endless variations, and by the time you’ve navigated the options, you’re fairly certain you’ve committed to a poultry pilgrimage. The thing is, chicken is great if you’re into crispy, juicy, or smoky—but sometimes you just really want the best plate in Columbus.
Sharks Chicken, Fish, & Shrimp
$ | (614) 268-6905 | WEBSITE
Sharks’ mix of sizzling chicken, crispy fish, and plump shrimp are an always-enticing lineup. The star of the menu from this welcoming spot in Columbus is undoubtedly the chicken wings—a generous platter of perfectly seasoned, golden-brown wings served hot and fresh. They’re crispy and flavorful, generous and moreish. A dish that’s made for everyone and, as Sharks always guarantees, ensures no one goes home hungry.
Chick-fil-A
$ | (614) 861-2300 | WEBSITE
Chick-fil-A, a top-tier fast food spot in Columbus, understands that the best kind of meals require a pair of throwaway napkins. Order the classic chicken sandwich—it looks like a treat, feels like a treat, and will probably require a quick stop for a satisfying dinner. The star of the show is the hot, fresh chicken that is so tender and so perfectly seasoned that we think about it at least four times a week.
It’s a popular place, with a friendly staff that goes above and beyond, so expect a line and come with an empty stomach and a willingness to enjoy a quick, pleasant meal.
Just Chicken
$ | WEBSITE
The Columbus chicken favourite offers excellent options for families, solo diners, and chicken lovers alike. Crispy fried chicken and fresh-cut fries with that tasty “Just Sauce” are regular orders from our side. But whatever combination you get, you’re bound to enjoy their generous portions and consistently hot food. It’s a nice, casual space, just as good for a quick lunch as it is for a family dinner or a solo meal when you’re craving that perfect chicken.
The Crispy Coop
$ | (614) 481-4040 | WEBSITE
You’re about as likely to find a boring bite at The Crispy Coop as you are to spot a cape on one of the staff. That stuff is reserved for the décor. The Crispy Coop, in Columbus, is the freshest of modern-superhero chicken spots. And if you know anything about chicken lovers, then you know they don’t like to compromise. Don’t let that put you off though. It’s a destination to be tasted by everyone. Not least for some Nashville chicken sandwich and banana pudding.
Cluck Norris at Budd Dairy
$ | (614) 505-2636 | WEBSITE
Everything at Cluck Norris is bold: the flavors, the crunch, and the chicken dishes. Crispy breaded tenders come heaving with juicy meat and delicious ranch sauce. Our favourite sandwich at this Budd Dairy spot—the Cluck Pao—is topped with sugar cane glaze, chili crunch, scallions, cilantro, and crunchy peanut butter. You could go all-in and share the fried pickles, but we’ve taken down plenty of these baskets solo.
The food is sometimes inconsistent but it’s a fun spot for the bigger-is-better experience.
Dave’s Hot Chicken
$ | (614) 999-9840 | WEBSITE
OK, the best way to have a meal at Dave’s Hot Chicken is to go big. But the tenders at this hot chicken spot in Columbus will satisfy even the hungriest appetite. They involve huge, high-quality chicken and what feels like endless heat options, from mild to extra hot. Inside, it’s clean and kid-friendly, and you’re here for amazing food and a fun atmosphere, not fine dining or quiet elegance.
Forget utensils and dive into the sliders with your hands or even better, eat them with the fresh sweet kale slaw and crisp dill pickles.
Chicken Salad Chick
$ | (614) 775-6112 | WEBSITE
Chicken Salad Chick is tucked into a convenient Columbus strip mall, which feels fitting because the way we devour these chicken salad sandwiches calls for a casual setting. The chicken salad is freshly made and is priced per scoop, and the classic Carol and the zesty, creamy buffalo should absolutely be on your plate. So should sides that’ll make you glad you wore stretchy pants: crunchy kettle chips, crisp cucumber salad, and buttery croissants. But you could come here for the soup alone.
It’s a comforting chicken noodle and so satisfying that by the last spoonful, the crackers are all but forgotten.
LB’s Golden Fried Fish & Chicken
$ | (614) 285-0043 | WEBSITE
LB’s Golden Fried Fish & Chicken is one of our favourite restaurants in Columbus, and its consistently hot and fresh food is just one of the reasons. The others are pretty much everything about the place, from the sides, to the service, to the atmosphere. But not least because of the menu, ranging from its delicious salmon bites to its superbly prepared classics like golden fried chicken, crispy fish, and sweet potato pie.
Bojangles
$ | (380) 203-0326 | WEBSITE
The Columbus location of Bojangles is a killer spot for a meal that involves a basket of steaming chicken tenders hot-hot and your face. Other people are of course welcome, but the beauty of a meal at Bojangles is that a chicken biscuit and sweet tea is meant for you and just you. Of course we’d recommend sharing the cajun fries and boberry biscuits as well, but if you’re looking for a solo counter breakfast with a basket of goodness, this is the place.
Fisher Fish & Chicken
$ | (614) 338-8108 | WEBSITE
In our books, skipping the special seasoning on the catfish at this Columbus spot is a crime. And of all Fisher’s tasty options, the one that sends us into perfect content silence—and convinces us that it’s not the end of the world if we get a little messy—is the Boston Blue. It arrives in a crisp box, filled to the brim with golden fried fish, topped with that signature seasoning, and two pieces of perfectly cooked chicken wings.
The fried chicken is crispy and satisfying—and should under no circumstances be saved for later.
Lenny’s Chicken Fingers
Lenny’s Chicken Fingers, a Columbus chicken spot with ample parking, keeps their fryers busy with thick, juicy chicken free of fatty pieces for both takeout and delivery. The chicken and waffle combination is what customers anticipate most. The waffle fries are a standout side, crisp and golden, perfect for dipping. However, the coleslaw can sometimes look grey and carry an off-putting scent. Service is generally fair and friendly, though occasionally staff might be distracted by their phones.
It’s straightforward, satisfying fare in a no-frills setting where the chicken truly shines.
M & M CHICKEN & FISH
$ | (614) 252-3674 | WEBSITE
One of the safest ways to guarantee a satisfying meal is to head to a comfort food spot. But often they don’t come with great service. Enter M & M Chicken & Fish. It’s a casual Columbus restaurant that serves generous portions for under $15. The menu focuses on soul-satisfying classics, with perfectly seasoned fried chicken and crisp whiting fish, but is always guaranteed to be flavorful.
Best of all is that this place provides free parking, so call ahead or use the app and everyone can get their food.