Robyn Lane

Robyn Lane

Robyn Lane

SAN RAFAEL, CA - OCTOBER 30: A bucket of KFC Extra Crispy fried chicken is displayed October 30, 2006 in San Rafael, California. KFC is phasing out trans fats and plans to use zero trans fat soybean oil for cooking of their Original Recipe and Extra Crispy fried chicken as well as other menu items. KFC expects to have all of its 5,500 restaurants in the U.S. switched to the new oil by April 2007.

Enjoy some of the Best Fried Chicken Joints In New Jersey on National Fried Chicken Day!

Every day should be National Fried Chicken Day! Fried Chicken is the ultimate comfort food right behind mac & cheese.

I LOVE fried chicken! I don’t recall my mother ever making fried chicken while I was growing up. It was one of those dishes that never made it into her repertoire.

My grandmother used to live across the street from Kentucky Fried Chicken. Every time we went to visit grandma, I would get all wide eyed seeing the big sign with Colonel Sanders mug alongside the KFC bucket staring me in the face. It was almost as if he was trying to lure me into the restaurant with his smile and the aroma of that crispy coated fried chicken. Oh, and let’s not forget those mashed potatoes and the well seasoned gravy.

If I had a choice for a last meal, fried chicken would be at the top of my list. I’ve made fried chicken a few times in my life, but not enough to claim a blue ribbon or any kind of award at all.

What Goes Into Making Great Fried Chicken?

Making great fried chicken and getting it just right is a long, labor intensive process. Creating the buttermilk marinade, figuring out the perfect spice blend, the perfect options to create, a crunchy coating, the perfect cooking temperature and the perfect cooking time, are absolutely key to creating a memorable plate of fried chicken.

I’ve eaten some amazing fried chicken here in New Jersey. Jameson’s Southern Cooking on Route 35 in Neptune City was the first place I had fried chicken when I moved here in 1996 and I must say that it is hands down, one of the best plates of fried I have ever eaten since living in New Jersey. Jameson’s ribs, mac and cheese, and their perfectly seasoned collard greens are hard to beat.

I love a good crispy coating that clings to the chicken. I’m talking the kind where the people from across town can hear the crunch when you take your first bite. The chicken cannot be too greasy or under seasoned.

Outside of Jameson’s, where does one find the perfect fried chicken in New Jersey?

 Check Out These Local Places For A Killer Sandwich On The Jersey Shore

I put the word out to those who love fried chicken as much as I do. The passionate food-loving crews on the social media pages will be our guides to finding fried chicken that you would drive miles for every time you had a craving for this juicy, crunchy delight.

The first recipe for American-style fried chicken appeared in Hannah Glasse’s ‘The Art of Cookery Made Plain and Easy’ in the year 1747. The recipe called for the floured chicken to be fried in lard. Soon, American Southerners started their standard techniques of frying chicken with similar recipes. There is so much history of fried chicken. Too much to include here. Hey, I need to stay on point.

What say you, passionate food crew? See the list below to find out where New Jersey food lovers get what they consider, the best-fried chicken in the Garden State.

  • Jameson's Southern Cooking - 652 NJ-35, Neptune City, NJ 07753

    This is food for your soul. Jameson’s was founded by United States Marine and Vietnam Veteran, Bob Jameson back in 1994. The fried chicken at Jameson’s Southern Cooking may be the star here, but the ribs are not far behind. The mac and cheese, and the collard greens are my favorite sides, and the banana pudding is the perfect finish to any meal.

    Jameson's the ultimate in Southern Cooking

    Jameson brings a little bit of the South, up North!

  • Claudie's Chicken - 113 Leonardville Rd, Belford, NJ 07718

    Claudie’s humble beginnings were born at a gas station at the intersection of Cooper Rd on the Red Bank – Middletown border.  They have since moved to another location in Belford. Countless fried chicken lovers on social media told me I must include Claudie’s – a family-owned local restaurant.  Everything is cooked to order so please be patient. 

  • Sandy's Cozy Corner - 414 NJ-70, Lakehurst, NJ 08733

    Sandy’s celebrates 25 years serving the community meals made from scratch and with lots of love. This place is the embodiment of comfort food and according to Artie from Lakehurst, the fried chicken is no exception. When you order the fried chicken, I beg you to order a side of biscuits & gravy. You will be bowled over by just about anything you order at Sandy’s.

     

  • Papa Al's Chicken and Waffles - 286 US-46, Rockaway, NJ 07866

    Everything here is cooked to order. Nothing ever sits under a heat lamp. The Southern style fried chicken is crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Kyle suggests you try the chicken and waffles with their maple habanero, which is one of 9 sauces Papa Al’s offers.  Good quality ingredients are always front and center.

    Open every day from 11am – 8pm,  except Tuesday.

     

     

     

  • Chicken Kitchen - 420 Shrewsbury Plaza, Shrewsbury, NJ 07702

    Chicken Kitchen is located in Shrewsbury Plaza and is well known for their well crafted fried chicken recipe. Locals flock to this place because not only is the chicken well seasoned, it’s made to order. No greasy mess here! According to Barbara,  “The person taking my order made sure my food arrived exactly as requested. I am very appreciative as to how polite and attentive she was with my order.”

    The wings, ribs, and the batter dipped fish also get high marks from the locals.

     

  • 92 Chicken(Korean Style Fried Chicken) - Located Inside International Bites, 1013 NJ-35, Ocean Township, NJ 07712

    I love Korean style fried chicken! It’s fairly new to me, but an old favorite of some of the folks on social media. 92 chicken  is fairly new and serves a variety of fried chicken wings including Spicy Honey Garlic, Soy Garlic, Hot BBQ, Lemon, regular fried chicken wings and more along with many Korean specialties like Bulgogi rice bowls.  Try the KFC Taco, it’s probably better than the real KFC.

     

    I would start with the original fried chicken wings with a side of their highly recommended golden cheese sauce with a side of fries.

     

     

  • Chicken Galore - 354 Amboy Ave, Woodbridge, NJ 07095

     The folks that have recommended this place love it. Alex had the best review: “Outstanding service. Best fried chicken in New Jersey! Scott, the owner, treats you like family. He gives you the best bang for your buck and when you’re in the mood for fried chicken this is the best place to go by far!!!” 

    Chicken Galore Woodbridge was established in September of 1967 by the late Harris Rasizer and is now operated by his 2 sons Scott & Bruce Rasizer. We are constantly striving to be the best restaurant of its kind by serving our community with the finest quality foods.

  • New York Fried Chicken - 66 South St, Freehold, NJ 07728

    Open 7 days a week from 11am to midnight. A stoner’s dream. It was actually a stoner who originally recommended this place to me a few years ago. The chicken is crispy and delicious. You can get regular fried chicken by the piece or by the plate. They even have a 30 piece meal that won’t break the bank. Plus, chicken tenders, popcorn chicken, chicken wings, chicken strips, and chicken nuggets are all available.

    The menu is huge and includes fish, gyros, fat sandwiches and so much more.

     

  • Chicken Town - 931 Fischer Blvd #19, Toms River, NJ 08753 (Bellcrest Plaza)

    This is Eddie Testa’s place! A great musician making great fried chicken. Chicken Town serves up delicious take-out, and dinners & caters to commercial & private events. 

    They’ve got Barbecue, Chicken, Ribs, Seafood, Salads, Sandwiches, Subs, etc.  All food is made to order & never ahead of time. They have an extensive menu that contains snacks & dinners for family & party plans, so “Come in & Savor the Flavor”! Plus they deliver to the Toms River, Silverton & Island Heights areas. 

  • Chicken Holiday - 3316 Sunset Ave. • Wanamassa, NJ. 07712

    This was among my favorite fried chicken joints when I lived in Ocean Township. So good!! I hear they are still hitting it out of the park. They’ve been doing this for well over 40 years.

    Wanamassa Chicken Holiday

    Crispy, juicy fried chicken, savory pork spare ribs, and more. Call ahead of time so we can have it ready when you arrive, or have us deliver it to you.

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