8 Legendary Indiana Fried Chicken Spots You’ve Gotta Road Trip For

Indiana might be famous for its basketball and racetracks, but locals know the Hoosier State hides some seriously amazing fried chicken joints. From Nashville-style heat to old-school country recipes passed down for generations, Indiana’s fried chicken scene delivers crispy, juicy perfection worth driving across the state to find. Pack your stretchy pants and hit the road with me to discover these eight finger-lickin’ good spots that prove Indiana knows its way around a fryer.

1. Dave’s Hot Chicken, Indianapolis

A California transplant that’s taken Indy by storm, Dave’s brings Nashville-style heat with a West Coast twist. Their tenders and sliders come in seven spice levels, from “No Spice” to the waiver-required “Reaper.”

What makes Dave’s special is their perfectly crispy exterior that somehow stays crunchy even under their signature spice dust and sauce. The chicken itself remains impossibly juicy inside.

Locals recommend ordering at medium spice your first visit, paired with their creamy mac and cheese to balance the heat. Weekend evenings get packed, so consider an early dinner or weekday lunch to avoid the longest lines.

2. Joella’s Hot Chicken, Indianapolis

Southern hospitality meets fiery flavor at this Louisville-born chain that’s captured Indianapolis hearts. Their quarter dark plate showcases perfectly fried chicken with a signature crimson coating that signals the delicious heat to come.

Unlike competitors who focus solely on spice, Joella’s balances heat with actual flavor profiles. Their sweet-heat Ella’s Fave stands out for those wanting warmth without pain.

The sides here aren’t afterthoughts – creamy mac and cheese, sweet-tangy vinegar slaw, and crispy fries all complement the main attraction. First-timers should sample their house-made dipping sauces, especially the Parmesan Garlic that locals hoard by the container.

3. The Chicken House, Sellersburg

Family-owned since 1962, this Southern Indiana institution serves fried chicken so good it’s become a tradition for generations of locals. Their pressure-fried method creates a distinctively thin, ultra-crispy coating that shatters perfectly with each bite.

The seasoning here is simple – just salt, pepper, and a few secret spices that enhance rather than overwhelm the chicken’s natural flavor. Everything’s cooked to order, so the 20-minute wait becomes part of the experience.

Don’t skip their homemade sides, especially the creamy mashed potatoes swimming in chicken gravy. Cash-only and closed Mondays, this no-frills spot proves sometimes the most unassuming places hide the greatest treasures.

4. Country Squire Carry Out, Kokomo

Hidden in an unassuming building that hasn’t changed since the 1970s, Country Squire has been Kokomo’s best-kept secret for over five decades. Regulars line up early for their broasted chicken – pressure-fried in specialized equipment that locks in moisture while creating an impossibly crispy exterior.

The chicken here has a distinctive golden-bronze color and a seasoning profile that hints at paprika, garlic, and something mysteriously addictive no one’s been able to identify. Their potato wedges, fried in the same magical broaster, develop a crust that rivals the chicken itself.

Call ahead for large orders – they’ve been known to sell out by early afternoon on busy days.

5. Chicken Place, Jasper

Don’t let the straightforward name fool you – this Jasper landmark serves chicken worth writing home about. Since 1988, their pan-fried chicken has developed a cult following across southern Indiana for its shatteringly crisp skin and perfectly seasoned meat.

The secret lies in their old-school cast iron skillet method, where chicken slowly cooks to golden perfection. Weekends bring their special broasted chicken, creating friendly debates among locals about which style reigns supreme.

Family meals come with traditional sides like German-influenced potato salad – a nod to Jasper’s heritage. Arrive hungry and order their livers and gizzards as an appetizer for the full experience that keeps farmers and factory workers coming back daily.

6. The Log Inn, Haubstadt

History and heavenly fried chicken converge at Indiana’s oldest restaurant, established in 1825. Abraham Lincoln once ate here, but today’s pilgrims come for family-style platters of their legendary skillet-fried chicken.

Their time-honored technique creates chicken with a distinctively dark, extra-crispy exterior hiding impossibly juicy meat. The seasoning is minimal – just salt, pepper, and a hint of herbs – letting the quality of the locally-sourced chicken shine through.

Meals arrive with bowls of creamy mashed potatoes, country gravy, and buttered corn that keep getting refilled until you surrender. Reservations are essential on weekends when families gather around large tables in the historic log dining rooms.

7. Kopper Kettle Inn, Morristown

Housed in a charming 1850s farmhouse, the Kopper Kettle elevates fried chicken to fine dining status without losing its country soul. Their signature “Chicken Continental” features hand-breaded, pan-fried chicken that’s finished with a light cream sauce – a European twist on the American classic.

The chicken itself maintains perfect crispness even under the delicate sauce, creating a textural masterpiece. Multi-course meals include their famous cheese spread appetizer and homemade rolls that locals drive miles to experience.

Reserve a table in their antique-filled dining rooms where servers in period-inspired attire deliver platters family-style. The Sunday chicken dinner has remained virtually unchanged for over 50 years, proving that perfection needs no updates.

8. Hollyhock Hill, Indianapolis

Since 1928, this Indianapolis institution has served their famous “Hoosier Pan-Fried Chicken” to generations of families celebrating special occasions. The chicken arrives golden-brown with a distinctively crunchy, almost pebbly crust that somehow remains light rather than heavy.

Their time-honored technique involves dusting the chicken in seasoned flour, then frying it in shallow skillets until perfectly done. Meals begin with their famous tomato juice cocktail and relish tray – traditions maintained for nearly a century.

The white-tablecloth setting belies the ultimately comforting nature of the food. Sunday reservations should be made weeks in advance, as multi-generational families gather for post-church meals that have become part of Indianapolis’ cultural fabric.