Whether you like it spicy, sweet or a good ol’ classic, this list brings the best crunch
Crispy, juicy, perfectly seasoned fried chicken sounds simple… until it isn’t. The magic is all in the details: heat, timing, seasoning and that all-important crunch. One small misstep and you’re in soggy territory.
From Southern-style classics born of rich culinary tradition to ultra-crispy Korean fried chicken glazed in sweet-spicy sauces, this dish has traveled far and perfected itself in a lot of delicious directions along the way.
Collin County may not be the birthplace of fried chicken, but it’s very much in the game. We rounded up where to get your fix (finger lickin’ required):
Babe’s Chicken Dinner House
Multiple locations
Babe’s Chicken Dinner House is a Frisco staple steeped in local history, decked out with vintage tractors, fire trucks and plenty of quirky chicken-themed décor. Known for its crunchy, juicy fried chicken served family-style, it comes with classic sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, creamed corn and salad. It’s kitschy, it’s classic and it’s all about saving room for the chicken.
Photo: Mark Stuertz | Local Profile
bb.q Chicken
Multiple locations
At bb.q Chicken — short for “best of the best quality” — a chalkboard breaks down the meticulous process behind its signature crunch. Chicken is marinated for at least 12 hours, then fried in olive oil in a precise order: drumsticks, thighs, breasts, then wings.
The result is Korean-style fried chicken with a crisp, spicy finish, balanced by a side of pickled radish that resets the palate between bites. Inside, it’s a casual, counter-service space with wooden tables, a long banquette, faux brick walls and Korean music videos playing on loop for added flair.
Chicken Barn Korean Style Cuisine
9292 Warren Pkwy #350, Frisco
Chicken Barn leans all the way into its barn theme with rough-hewn wood, rustic tables and beam-style lighting that gives the space a warm, farmhouse feel.
The menu sticks to Korean fried chicken staples like wings, drumsticks and tenders, with flavors like sweet and spicy, hot soy garlic, lemon pepper and buffalo. Cooked in small batches and served fresh, it sells out daily, so once it’s gone, it’s gone.
Don Chicken
3320 K Ave M109, Plano
Located inside the K-Town Food Court next to H Mart, Don Chicken is a no-frills Korean counter-order spot where you place your order, pay a few stalls over and wait for your number to be called over the loudspeaker. Grab a seat in the bustling food court or take it to go, with H Mart’s lively seafood tanks just steps away adding to the sensory overload.
The crispy soy garlic wings are knockout — fried to a crunch and coated in a sweet-savory glaze, served alongside a pile of crinkle-cut fries.
Roots Chicken Shak
7800 Windrose Ave., Plano
Launched by celebrity chef Tiffany Derry, Roots Chicken Shak — known for its “duck fat fried everything” — serves wings, tenders, sandwiches and fries fried to rich, golden perfection. Located inside Legacy Hall, it’s part of a lively food hall packed with local vendors, drinks and events like karaoke and speed dating.
Sal’s Nashville Hot Chicken
6205 Coit Rd #352, Plano
Inspired by Nashville’s hot chicken tradition, Sal’s Nashville Hot Chicken serves up crispy drumsticks and thighs with juicy, tender interiors and heat levels ranging from no spice to extra hot. Sauces like “Come Back,” jalapeño ranch, honey mustard and garlic add extra kick if you want it. A no-frills spot, but the flavor holds its own.
Photo: Mark Stuertz | Local Profile
Seager & Sons
5864 State Hwy 121 Suite 106, Plano
With dark woods, rich leather and a ’70s soundtrack vibe, this family-run spot feels like a Dallas steakhouse turned disco-era time capsule. The walls are lined with reel-to-reel decks, vintage amps, vinyl records and lyric snippets from rock legends, setting the stage for a comfort-food menu that goes big on nostalgia.
That includes fried chicken — arguably some of the best in Collin County — with a shattering crunch and juicy, briny finish. It comes with chipotle hot honey and a bright herb “green stuff” sauce that takes every bite up a notch.
Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar
6725 Winning Dr, Frisco
Inside The Star in Frisco, Tupelo Honey brings a polished Southern comfort-food vibe with fried chicken at the center of the table.
The signature “honey-dusted” fried chicken is crisp, golden and lightly sweet, while the sweet and spicy version adds a sriracha-honey drizzle for a sticky kick. Tenders come Carolina-style with a “bee dust” seasoning, plus sauces and hearty sides built for sharing. Then there’s the chicken & waffles lineup. Who can say no to that?
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Hungry for more? Check out our dining guide.
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