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Crispy, Juicy, Delicious: Columbia, SC Top Fried Chicken Joints 2024

A Guide to the Best Fried Chicken in Columbia, SC

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The perfect fried chicken is here in Columbia, SC, which boasts a thriving fried chicken scene that extends well beyond national chains. From traditional Southern comfort to innovative interpretations, there’s a local establishment to satisfy every desire.

Uncover the hidden gems of Columbia’s fried chicken landscape, where time-honored recipes and locally sourced ingredients blend to create truly memorable dishes. Whether you favor your chicken crispy, succulent, or extra spicy, you’ll find it all here.

Embark on a gastronomic exploration of Columbia’s premier fried chicken establishments, where each mouthful celebrates Southern hospitality and culinary mastery. From iconic family-run eateries to trendy gastropubs, these venues offer a wide array of fried chicken experiences that will leave you craving more.

A standout feature of Columbia’s fried chicken scene is the diversity of cooking techniques and seasonings employed. Some restaurants adhere to traditional Southern methods, while others experiment with bold flavors and innovative preparations. Whether you prefer your chicken seasoned with classic herbs and spices or enveloped in a fiery hot sauce, you’re bound to find a spot that caters to your palate.

Complementing the chicken itself, Columbia’s fried chicken joints provide an assortment of sides and accompaniments to round out your meal. From airy biscuits and velvety mashed potatoes to zesty coleslaw and crisp green beans, there’s something to please every palate.

Thus, whether you’re a fried chicken connoisseur or simply seeking a delectable and satisfying meal, Columbia, SC has plenty to offer. Join us on this culinary expedition and discover the city’s finest fried chicken destinations.

Chickieboom’s 

  • 2180 Boyce St. Columbia, SC 29207
Chickieboom’s, a local favorite acclaimed for their inventive and mouthwatering interpretations of this classic dish, Fried Chicken Sandwich. Forget run-of-the-mill options – Chickieboom’s delivers a flavor explosion with their signature sandwiches. Take “The Rooster,” featuring a crispy, succulent fried chicken drizzled in signature Chickieboom sauce and pimento cheese, baked beans, and bacon. For the more close-to-home, “Nashville Hot” offers crispy chicken paired with pickles, all sandwiches on a brioche bun. With an emphasis on fresh, premium ingredients and innovative flavor combinations, Chickieboom’s has solidified its reputation as a top contender in Columbia’s fried chicken scene, according to local enthusiasts.

Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich

The Rooster Chicken Sandwich

Little Pigs Barbecue

  • 4927 Alpine Rd, Columbia, SC 29223
At Little Pigs Barbecue in Columbia, SC, their barbecue may be their main attraction, but locals rave about their succulent fried chicken. Tender, juicy pieces are enveloped in a perfectly seasoned batter, resulting in a satisfyingly crispy, golden-brown exterior. Be sure to try their signature fried chicken plate, accompanied by classic sides such as creamy coleslaw, savory baked beans, and fluffy mashed potatoes. For a truly unforgettable experience, sample their fried chicken and waffles, a sweet and savory combination that’s bound to leave you craving more. According to Columbia residents, Little Pigs Barbecue offers the perfect blend of Southern hospitality, mouthwatering fried chicken, and traditional comfort food sides, establishing it as a top choice for a satisfying and genuine dining experience.

Fried Chicken

Fried Chicken Gizzards

Fried Chicken Liver

Braza Chicken

  • 676 Saint Andrews Rd. Columbia, SC 29210
Braza Chicken in Columbia, SC stands out as a local favorite and strong contender in the fried chicken scene. They excel in “Fried Chicken Coleslaw Sandwich,” a distinctive sandwich that stacks their chicken with creamy coleslaw, dill pickles and zesty pub sauce. Whether you choose their signature chicken tenders, ideal for sharing, or their individual chicken sandwich, you’re assured a delectable and satisfying meal. Braza Chicken provides an array of dipping sauces, ranging from their signature aji verde (green chili) sauce to a refreshing cilantro ranch, enabling you to tailor the flavor profile to your preference. According to Columbia residents, Braza Chicken’s unique charcoal-broiled method, zesty sauces, and diverse options establish it as a prime destination for indulging in a delicious and memorable fried chicken experience.

Fried Chicken Tenders

Fried Chicken ColeSlaw Sandwich

Fried Chicken Deluxe Sandwich

Crazy Wings

  • 1033 Roberts Branch Pkwy. Columbia, SC 29203
Crazy Wings, a Columbia favorite celebrated for their award-winning wings and innovative flavors. While they offer an array of wing options, including bone-in and boneless varieties, their true claim to fame is their “Crazy Fried Chicken.” This dish showcases tender, expertly seasoned chicken pieces fried to golden perfection, available in a range of heat levels to please every palate. From the classic Buffalo to their signature “Ghost Pepper,” Crazy Wings caters to both mild and daring tastes. According to locals, Crazy Wings’ blend of flavorful fried chicken, diverse heat intensities, and relaxed atmosphere establishes them as a top choice for a satisfying and delectable fried chicken experience.

Chicken Tender

Chicken Sandwich

Boneless Wings

Hot Headz

  • 2730 Main St. Columbia, SC 29201
Hankering for fried chicken with a fiery kick? Look no further than Hot Headz in Columbia! This local favorite isn’t for the faint-hearted, offering an array of fried chicken dishes that pack a punch. Select from their signature “Hot Headz” chicken, perfectly crispy and coated in their secret spice blend, or venture into the “Nashville Hot” version if you truly dare. Don’t fret; they also provide milder options like their classic fried chicken or succulent chicken tenders. All their fried chicken is accompanied by a variety of dipping sauces, ranging from cool and creamy ranch to their signature “Hot Headz” sauce for those craving extra heat. According to Columbia locals, Hot Headz’ dedication to flavor, spice levels for every daredevil, and diverse menu options establish them as a top contender for the hottest – and most delectable – fried chicken experience in town.

Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich

Gen Gen Tenders

Nashville Chicken Tenders

Bernie’s Chicken

  • 1311 Bluff Rd. Columbia, SC 29201
Classic Southern comfort food centered on crispy, juicy perfection is no other than Bernie’s Chicken, a cherished Columbia institution. Renowned for their pressure-cooking technique, Bernie’s chicken boasts an impeccably crispy exterior and remarkably moist interior, guaranteed to satisfy any fried chicken craving. Their menu presents a variety of options, from traditional fried chicken plates with all the trimmings to tenders and sandwiches generously stacked with their signature poultry. According to Columbia locals, Bernie’s dedication to fresh ingredients, their distinctive cooking method, and consistently delectable fried chicken establish them as a top contender in the city’s fried chicken scene. Whether you’re an ardent fried chicken enthusiast or simply seeking a taste of Southern hospitality, Bernie’s is an essential stop on your culinary journey through Columbia.

Fried Chicken Breast

Fried Chicken Dinner Platter

Bernie's Chicken Sandwich

Palmetto Pig

  • 530 Devine St. Columbia, SC 29201
This local favorite, Palmetto Pig, has captivated Columbia residents with their legendary fried chicken, renowned for its perfect balance of golden, crispy exterior and tender, flavorful meat. Patrons rave about the buffet to create their personalized “Fried Chicken Platter,” which showcases a generous serving of their signature bird alongside comforting sides such as creamy mashed potatoes, tangy coleslaw, and rich mac and cheese. According to Columbia locals, Palmetto Pig BBQ’s dedication to classic Southern comfort food, with their unrivaled fried chicken as the centerpiece, establishes them as a top contender for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Whole Fried Cihcken

Fried Chicken Leg

Fried Chicken Thigh

BigBone 

  • 3908 W Beltline Blvd Columbia, SC 29204
BigBone Takeout, a cherished Columbia establishment renowned for their legendary fried chicken. Their secret lies in a treasured family recipe, passed down through generations. Each piece is meticulously hand-battered and fried to crispy perfection, yielding tender, succulent chicken with an unrivaled flavor. BigBone offers their fried chicken by the piece or in various combinations, accompanied by classic Southern sides such as creamy mac and cheese, savory collard greens, and velvety mashed potatoes. According to Columbia locals, BigBone’s dedication to tradition, their impeccable balance of crispy and juicy chicken, and their delectable side dishes establish them as a top contender in the city’s vibrant fried chicken scene.

Fried Chicken

Fried Chicken Drumettes

Chicken WiFried Chicken Tenders

929 Kitchen

  • 929 Gervais St. Columbia, SC 29201
929 Kitchen in Columbia, SC, showcases a variety of delectable dishes, locals enthusiastically praise their fried chicken. 929 Kitchen elevates the classic dish to new heights, offering crispy, succulent chicken fried to perfection. Choose their signature “Korean Fried Chicken,” served alongside velvety sauces to mix it up. With its emphasis on fresh ingredients and innovative interpretations of Southern staples, 929 Kitchen has secured a prominent position in Columbia’s fried chicken scene, according to local enthusiasts.

Korean Fried Chicken

Korean Fried Chicken Wings

Korean Chicken Kangjeong

D’s Wings

  • 415 Meeting St. W Columbia, SC 29169
D’s Wings isn’t just about wings, although their classic and boneless options are a local favorite. D’s offers their signature “Fried Chicken” – crispy, juicy pieces marinated to perfection and served piping hot. Feeling adventurous? Try their “D’s Buffalo Fried Chicken Ranch Melt” – tender, fried chicken smothered in a rich Ranch and topped with melted cheese. D’s also offers a variety of fried chicken platters with sides like mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, and fries, making it a perfect spot for a satisfying and delicious fried chicken experience. According to Columbia locals, D’s combination of classic and innovative fried chicken dishes, generous portions, and casual atmosphere makes it a top contender for the best fried chicken in the city.

D's Buffalo Fried Chicken Ranch Melt

Buffalo Fried Chicken Wrap

Fried Boneless Wings

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