Let’s be real—when it comes to Huntington Beach, we’re all just chasing that perfect crispy skin and juicy meat. (Cue the heavenly choir.) That’s right, from buttermilk-brined beauties to Korean-style double-fried magic, you’ll find seven of our Infatuation Staff’s favorite chicken spots below, each worthy of a victory lap down Main Street. Ready?
Jay Bird’s Huntington Beach
$ | (714) 594-3233 | WEBSITE
IDK what to say about this overlooked, overstuffed, oft-misunderstood chicken spot. It’s visually stunning, incredibly crispy, psychologically scarring, and really focused on Nashville-style heat (without giving too much away, there’s a whole lot of cayenne pepper swapping going on).
The last few bites will definitely test your spice tolerance, and a whole lot of it might not make a ton of sense, so just keep things simple and pick up a few sandwiches from my favorite chicken joint in Huntington Beach, Jay Bird’s. I love the chicken sandwich, with perfectly fried chicken and pickles, and the crispy fries, but everything comes with large portions, so you can rest easy, knowing there are no bad choices here.
You’ll need that extra stomach space to process everything you just ate.
The Chicken Shop
$ | (949) 877-0011 | WEBSITE
The Chicken Shop just opened a few months ago in Huntington Beach, but it’s already one of my favorite new spots of the year. It serves delicious meals, including the popular OG Wrap, which is full of flavor and cooked to perfection. The Aussie-Lebanese owned eatery provides amazing customer service, with friendly staff ensuring customers have everything they need. It’s juicy, flavorful, and breathes completely new life into a very played out genre of fast-casual chicken.
And as you’re visiting, be sure to order the shawarmas, especially with the garlic sauce. This wood and charcoal chicken shop has fantastic bowls (the roasted chicken is a standout) with generous portions you can customize with sauces, crispy wraps that are packed with fresh ingredients, and classic options that range from bowls to wraps and shawarmas. That said, no visit is complete without trying the garlic sauce as well.
Charo Chicken
$ | (714) 892-2900 | WEBSITE
There’s nothing revolutionary about this chicken joint – the menu’s pretty straightforward, the décor, a bit basic, and within the first few bites, you’ll realize that Charo’s spicy sauce is just a toned-down version of what you’d find at any decent spot. But what Charo Chicken lacks in flashiness, it more than makes up for in pleasantry – delightful and charming in the most mild of ways, eating here is like taking a dose of comfort straight to the face.
Both the chicken (and the comfort) actually pair really nicely with their lemon garlic marinade. Don’t get me wrong, unlike the décor, the food at this old-school Huntington Beach eatery is far from mediocre – juicy, flavorful, and cooked with care like that spicy sauce and lemon garlic marinade, it’s a perfect, pleasant meal for when everything else in the world is… well, not that.
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen
$ | (714) 963-8400 | WEBSITE
My recommendation comes with a couple caveats. The first is that this chicken spot delivers some genuinely fantastic service I’ve ever experienced, and the second is that a lot of people straight-up think the quality is inconsistent. However – I love it, and depending on how fresh your order turns out, you might, too. Regardless, you’re definitely not going to be able to resist the hot and tasty food once you try it, so some comforting fast food from Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen will serve you well.
Order the chicken sandwich, some red beans and rice, and use the app for specials.
Dave’s Hot Chicken
$ | (714) 439-0755 | WEBSITE
Not to be confused with the fast-food chains that dominate every corner, Dave’s Hot Chicken is a family-friendly spot where it’s the owner Paul doing the greeting. Of customers. Who are enjoying spicy chicken tenders on a clean back patio. Or something. The menu doesn’t really offer much variety, most of the items are variations on chicken (at best), and the tenders aren’t very tender.
But none of that matters; Dave’s is more of an experience than a gourmet meal, and despite its shortcomings, it’s been surprisingly reliable for tasty meals that leave a good impression. So, uh, in keeping with that spirit, order the extra hot chicken sandwich, (probably) the creator of one of the most flavorful bites of all time – the spicy yet flavorful favorite. Get it with fries, or forever be banished to a dry tender.
Bred Hot Chicken – Costa Mesa
$ | (714) 696-9468 | WEBSITE
I suspect even the most timid spice-averse diner would love Bred Hot Chicken’s Habanero Spicy tenders, even if they come with a serious kick. They’re one of my favorite chicken dishes in the city, served with a creamy, herby dilly ranch for dipping. And while they might not have a classic chicken sandwich on their excellent menu – sorry, purists – their chicken & waffle is a fantastic alternative.
Order some lightly seasoned fries and witness the meticulous waffle batter prep while you’re at it, to fortify yourself for the endless debates about whether or not this is actually the best fried chicken in Huntington Beach.
KFC
$ | (657) 531-2433 | WEBSITE
KFC, this chicken is terrifying. After undergoing intensive drive-thru microphone reconstructive surgery, a Huntington Beach mother returns home to her two leg meal, which becomes increasingly convinced that it’s been replaced by a sinister intruder. Hilarity ensues.
Just kidding – the next 100 minutes contain a horrific, stomach-churning mix of slow service, gory pyrotechnics, and straight-up higher prices – which is to say, by the end of it, you’ll be in need of some comfort food when it all becomes too much. My advice? Place an order at KFC, a classic fast food joint in Huntington Beach, and go extra hard on the staff’s dedication and effort during busy hours.