11 Arkansas Spots Serving Fried Chicken Too Good To Skip
In Arkansas, fried chicken isn’t just a meal – it’s a point of pride.
Crispy, juicy, and seasoned to perfection, it’s the kind of comfort food that brings people together and keeps them coming back for more.
Across the state, you’ll find family-run diners, roadside joints, and hidden gems turning out golden-brown masterpieces that rival any big-name chain.
1. AQ Chicken House
Since 1947, AQ Chicken House in Springdale has been serving up fried chicken that’s become the stuff of legend. Generations of families have made this a weekend tradition.
The batter is light yet incredibly crispy, and every piece is cooked to golden perfection. Don’t skip the homemade sides – they’re just as famous as the chicken itself and round out the meal beautifully.
2. Monte Ne Inn Chicken
Monte Ne Inn has been a Rogers landmark for ages, and their fried chicken keeps people coming back year after year. The recipe hasn’t changed, and honestly, why mess with perfection?
Each piece is marinated, hand-breaded, and fried until it reaches that ideal crunch. The atmosphere feels like stepping into your grandma’s kitchen, warm and welcoming with a side of nostalgia you can taste.
3. Holly’s Country Cooking
Holly’s Country Cooking in Conway is where comfort food dreams come true. Their fried chicken is crispy, flavorful, and never disappoints, no matter when you stop by.
The portions are generous, and the sides are made from scratch daily. It’s the type of meal that makes you want to loosen your belt and order another piece because one is simply never enough here.
4. The Skillet Restaurant
The Skillet Restaurant in Little Rock has mastered the art of the perfect fry. Their chicken has a satisfying crunch that gives way to meat so juicy, you’ll wonder how they do it.
Locals rave about the consistency – you know exactly what you’re getting every visit. Whether you’re a breast person or a drumstick devotee, every piece comes out of the kitchen tasting absolutely fantastic.
5. Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken
Gus’s didn’t earn the “World Famous” title by accident. Their spicy fried chicken packs heat and flavor in every single bite, with a recipe that’s been perfected over decades.
The crust is thin, super crunchy, and loaded with spices that wake up your taste buds. If you like your chicken with a kick, this Little Rock location will become your new obsession immediately.
6. Slim Chickens
Born in Fayetteville, Slim Chickens has grown into a beloved chain, but the quality hasn’t slipped one bit. Their hand-breaded chicken tenders are crispy, fresh, and made to order every time.
What really sets them apart? The dipping sauces—there are seventeen flavors to choose from. Whether you go classic or adventurous, your taste buds are in for a seriously delicious ride here.
7. Southern Food Company
Southern Food Company in Little Rock takes pride in doing things the old-fashioned way. Their fried chicken is made with time-honored techniques that bring out maximum flavor and texture.
Every piece is seasoned beautifully and fried to a gorgeous golden brown. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, making it the perfect spot for a casual meal that tastes anything but ordinary or rushed.
8. Dot’s Nashville Hot Chicken
If you can handle the heat, Dot’s Nashville Hot Chicken in Little Rock is calling your name. Their chicken is coated in a fiery spice blend that’ll make you sweat and smile simultaneously.
Choose your heat level wisely – mild is flavorful, but extra hot is no joke. Pair it with pickles and white bread to cool things down, or just embrace the burn like a true hot chicken warrior.
9. KDK’s Chicken and Waffles
Why choose between breakfast and lunch when you can have both? KDK’s Chicken and Waffles in Little Rock serves up crispy fried chicken paired with fluffy, golden waffles drizzled in syrup.
The sweet and savory combo is absolutely unbeatable. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent but totally worth it, especially when you’re craving something fun and a little different from the usual.
10. Catfish Hole
Catfish Hole serves fried chicken that rivals their famous fish. Located in multiple Arkansas cities, they know how to fry just about anything to perfection.
The chicken is always crispy, never dry, and comes with all the classic Southern sides you could want. It’s a hidden gem on the menu that locals know about and visitors should definitely try.
11. Pecker’s Chicken
With a name that makes you chuckle, Pecker’s Chicken in Little Rock serves up seriously good fried chicken that’s no laughing matter. Their chicken is crispy, flavorful, and cooked fresh to order.
The menu is straightforward – they focus on doing chicken right without any unnecessary frills. Sometimes simplicity wins, and this place proves that point deliciously with every single crunchy, juicy bite you take.
