The Absolute Best Fried Chicken in Knoxville [Updated 2024]

With a total of 12 places reviewed, I have truly explored all that Knoxville has to offer when it comes to mouthwatering fried chicken. From crispy golden crusts to juicy and tender meat, I have carefully analyzed each restaurant’s unique approach to this beloved dish.

Get ready to embark on a finger-licking journey as I uncover the hidden gems and well-known establishments that serve the best fried chicken Knoxville has to offer. Whether you're a local looking to satisfy your cravings or a visitor eager to discover the city's culinary treasures, this guide has got you covered.

So, let's dive in and find out where you can indulge in the absolute best fried chicken experience in Knoxville!

Myrtle's Chicken and Beer

Highlights
Nashville Hot Chicken
Delicious Food
Great Service
Clean Restaurant
Unique Flavors

The first thing that caught my attention at Myrtle's Chicken and Beer was their Nashville Hot Chicken. Let me tell you, it was truly an explosion of fiery flavors that had me begging for more. The spice level was just right, leaving a satisfying tingle on my taste buds without overpowering the other flavors.

As for the food, every bite was simply delightful. The crispy, golden-brown coating on the chicken was perfectly seasoned and had a crunch that could rival any top-notch fried chicken joint. Each piece of chicken was juicy and tender, making it evident that Myrtle's takes great care in preparing their birds.

The service at Myrtle's was exceptional. The staff greeted me with warm smiles, making me feel right at home. They were attentive, knowledgeable about the menu, and offered fantastic recommendations. It was clear that they took pride in their establishment and genuinely cared about their customers' experience.

The restaurant itself was clean and well-maintained. The modern and inviting atmosphere, coupled with the smell of fried goodness, created an enticing ambiance that made me excited to dig into my meal.

What set Myrtle's Chicken and Beer apart from other establishments in Knoxville was their unique flavors. From their tangy Sriracha honey glaze to their mind-blowing garlic-parmesan seasoning, their offerings went beyond the traditional fried chicken experience. It was a delightful exploration of creativity and taste.

In conclusion, Myrtle's Chicken and Beer is a fantastic addition to Knoxville's fried chicken scene. With their Nashville Hot Chicken, delicious food, great service, and clean restaurant, they have truly earned their spot on the list of must-try fried chicken places in the city.

You might also want to check out the best fried chicken in Nashville.

Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken

Highlights
Phenomenal service
Delicious chicken and sides
Wonderful mac-n-cheese
Amazing fried okra
Yummy desserts

From the moment I walked through the doors, I was greeted with phenomenal service. The staff was friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about the menu. It really set the tone for a great dining experience.

Now, let's talk about the star of the show: the fried chicken. Oh boy, was it delicious. Each piece was perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The seasoning was just right, adding a nice kick without overpowering the flavors. It was simply finger-licking good.

But let's not forget about the sides. The mac-n-cheese was wonderful. It was creamy, cheesy, and baked to perfection. The cheesy goodness paired perfectly with the crispy chicken. And let me tell you about the fried okra. It was amazing. Each bite had a satisfying crunch and the okra was cooked just right, not too mushy and not too tough.

And for those with a sweet tooth, Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken offers a selection of yummy desserts. From homemade pies to indulgent sundaes, there's something for everyone.

In conclusion, if you're in Knoxville and craving some mouthwatering fried chicken, head over to Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken. With its phenomenal service, delicious chicken and sides, wonderful mac-n-cheese, amazing fried okra, and yummy desserts, it's definitely a contender for the best fried chicken in the city.

You might also want to check out the best fried chicken in Pigeon Forge.

Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen

Highlights
Santa Fe Spinach Dip
Dijon Chicken
New Orleans Pasta
Polite and friendly
Honey butter croissants

Let me start by saying that Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen knows how to make fried chicken that will make your taste buds sway in delight.

Upon entering the charming restaurant, I was greeted by the polite and friendly staff, who promptly seated me and made me feel right at home. As I perused the menu, my eyes were immediately drawn to the Santa Fe Spinach Dip. Creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor, it was the perfect appetizer to start my fried chicken feast.

For the main course, I decided to try their famous Dijon Chicken. The juicy and tender chicken breast was perfectly seasoned and coated in a delectable mustard sauce. Each bite was a harmonious blend of tangy and savory flavors. Accompanied by a side of their New Orleans Pasta, which had just the right amount of kick to keep your taste buds on their toes.

But the true star of the meal was their fried chicken. The golden and crispy exterior gave way to juicy and succulent meat on the inside. The flavors were perfectly balanced, and the chicken had a beautiful crunch with each bite. I couldn't help but indulge in their honey butter croissants, which were warm, flaky, and a heavenly match to the fried chicken.

In conclusion, Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen is a fried chicken haven in Knoxville. With its delightful atmosphere, friendly service, and mouthwatering dishes like the Santa Fe Spinach Dip, Dijon Chicken, and New Orleans Pasta, it's become one of my top recommendations for anyone on the hunt for the best fried chicken in Knoxville.

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Captain Jack's

Captain Jack's in Knoxville is a hidden gem for fried chicken fanatics like me. The crispy and juicy chicken, paired with their secret seasoning, creates an addictive flavor explosion that has me dreaming about it at night. A must-try for any fried chicken lover in Knoxville!

You might also want to check out the best chicken and waffles in Nashville.

Emma's Southern Kitchen

Emma's Southern Kitchen in Knoxville serves up some seriously lip-smacking fried chicken. With its crispy coating and juicy meat, this place knows how to fry chicken right. The secret blend of spices adds a delightful kick to each bite. It's finger-lickin' good and definitely a must-try for chicken enthusiasts in Knoxville.

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Southern Grit

Southern Grit in Knoxville exceeded my expectations with their fried chicken. The crunch was irresistible and the meat was juicy and flavorful. The seasoning was perfectly balanced, resulting in a finger-lickin' good experience. It's no wonder why Southern Grit is a top contender for the best fried chicken in Knoxville.

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KFC

KFC in Knoxville is a finger-licking experience that will make your taste buds dance with joy. The crispy and flavorful fried chicken, paired with their signature sides, create a perfect harmony of deliciousness. The juicy chicken, combined with their secret blend of herbs and spices, will leave you begging for more. KFC in Knoxville truly delivers on the promise of great fried chicken.

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Gus's World Famous fried Chicken - Lovell Rd

Gus's World Famous fried Chicken - Lovell Rd

I recently had a finger-lickin' good experience at Gus's World Famous fried Chicken - Lovell Rd in Knoxville. The crispy golden coating was out-of-this-world and the juicy meat was moist and flavorful. Every bite was a burst of heavenly goodness. Hurry up and get your taste buds in on this delicious sensation!

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Big Kahuna Wings - West Town

Big Kahuna Wings - West Town in Knoxville left me feeling like a chicken connoisseur on cloud nine! Their perfectly crispy and juicy fried chicken sent my taste buds soaring. With a wide range of tasty flavors, this spot is a must-visit for any fried chicken aficionado.

You might also want to check out the best food in Pigeon Forge.

Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers

Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers in Knoxville is a finger-lickin' delight! Their crispy golden chicken fingers are tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned. Plus, their signature Cane's Sauce is a game-changer. It's the ultimate dipping companion. Get ready to have your taste buds do a little victory dance at Raising Cane's!

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Stock & Barrel

Stock & Barrel in Knoxville is a feast for chicken lovers. Their crispy breading and juicy meat make for a perfect combination. With a playful and cozy atmosphere, it’s the ultimate spot for indulging in finger-lickin' goodness. Don't miss out on this finger-licking experience!

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Super Chix - Knoxville, TN

I must say, Super Chix blew my taste buds away with their superb fried chicken. The crispy exterior was a delightful surprise, while the tender and juicy interior was like a flavor explosion in my mouth. Their secret seasoning totally elevated the taste to another level. If you're in Knoxville, this place is a must-try for the best fried chicken experience.

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