[[{“value”:”Chicken fried chicken is the ultimate plate of two things people love: flavor and texture. A crunchy exterior, with a juicy and tender inside that’s seasoned just right is everything. It’s one of the most cravable foods, and while you can find it on menus across the U.S., there’s only a handful of chains that nail it, according to chefs. Here are four spots where culinary pros go when they want the ideal chicken fried chicken.
The Colonnade
A longtime Atlanta institution, The Colonnade is known for serving classic Southern fare in a relaxed, family-friendly setting. Its menu leans into the kind of traditional dishes that have remained popular across generations. It’s a go-to for Kerby Morgan Jr., chef and owner of Coastal Cuisine. “The Colonnade’s chicken fried chicken stands out for its old-school Southern comfort and straightforward execution,” he says. “I love the contrast between the crisp, seasoned coating and tender, juicy chicken, especially when paired with rich, creamy gravy. It’s hearty, nostalgic, and representative of the classic Southern cooking that has made The Colonnade an Atlanta staple.”
Logan’s Roadhouse
Logan’s Roadhouse is best known for its steaks and hearty American fare, but its menu also includes several Southern-inspired favorites. The Country-Style Buttermilk Chicken is one option for diners looking beyond the steakhouse staples. “White pepper gravy is the detail that sets Logan’s apart,” says Daniel P. Craig, cooking and baking expert and founder of Kitchendeets.com. “Their Country-Style Buttermilk Chicken is a hand-breaded chicken breast, deep-fried and covered in white pepper gravy.” He explains, “The buttermilk gives the meat a slight tang and keeps it tender, and the white pepper adds a clean heat that cuts through the richness of the fry. Most places lean on black pepper, so this tastes different.”
Texas Roadhouse
Texas Roadhouse may be known for steaks, ribs, and its signature rolls, but the menu also features a selection of classic comfort-food dishes. Country Fried Chicken is one of the chain’s alternatives to its beef-focused offerings. “Chicken fried chicken lives or dies on the gravy and the crust, and Texas Roadhouse gets both right,” says Craig. “Their Country Fried Chicken is a hand-battered chicken breast, fried golden and topped with made-from-scratch cream gravy. Hand-battering gives the crust real texture, with craggy, crunchy edges instead of a uniform shell. The cream gravy is peppery and rich, so it soaks into the crust without turning it to mush.” He adds, “Great chicken fried chicken is a texture game. You want a crust that crunches under a blanket of gravy, and a scratch-made cream gravy is what keeps it from going soggy.”
Cracker Barrel
Cracker Barrel has built its menu around familiar Southern and country-style dishes, from biscuits and gravy to fried chicken. Chicken Fried Chicken fits naturally among those traditional comfort-food offerings. According to Craig, “Cracker Barrel makes chicken fried chicken the way people remember it from their grandmother’s kitchen.” He explains, “It’s a menu staple, and that consistency is the point. A thick, well-seasoned breading, a tender breast and a gravy that tastes like comfort are what people come back for. It also works because the sides, like mashed potatoes and biscuits, are built to catch the extra gravy.”
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