Leeds is home to an impressive array of fried chicken restaurants, each offering their own delicious twist on the classic dish. From the Filipino flavors of Jollibee’s Chickenjoy to the Korean delights at Yuzu Street Food, there’s something to satisfy every fried chicken enthusiast in the city.
What are the best fried chicken restaurants in Leeds?
Leeds boasts a fantastic selection of fried chicken restaurants, each with its own twist on the classic dish. Top picks include:
- Jollibee for their famous Chickenjoy.
- Yuzu Street Food for Korean fried chicken and craft beer pairings.
- Ji Chicken Shop, offering authentic Taiwanese fried chicken.
- Cult Wing, known for wings with a secret 14-spice blend.
- OWT, featuring French-inspired fried chicken dishes.
- Fire and Smoke, serving southern fried chicken with traditional sauces.
- MEATliquour for buffalo wings and the Clustercluck burger.
- Slim Chickens, providing Southern comfort food and vegetarian options.
Fried chicken enthusiasts, rejoice! Leeds is home to a remarkable array of restaurants that specialize in this delectable comfort food. From the succulent Korean-style to the classic Southern buttermilk-brined delights, the city’s vibrant culinary scene offers a plethora of choices to satisfy your cravings. Below, we delve into some of the top fried chicken destinations in Leeds, where the quality and flavors of this humble dish are celebrated with gusto and creativity.
Jollibee: A Taste of the Philippines
Filipino fast-food chain Jollibee has captured hearts worldwide, and its Leeds location on Briggate is no exception. Known for their Chickenjoy, a marquee item, it’s described as “crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.” Their original or spicy chicken comes with a savory gravy that’s perfect for dunking. For those with a hearty appetite, Jollibee’s buckets present a sumptuous feast. And for something uniquely Jollibee, their Jolly Spaghetti combines sweet-style spaghetti with chunky slices of ham and hotdog – a true Filipino classic.
- Address: Jollibee, 92 Briggate, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6NP.
- Notable Dish: Chickenjoy Bucket, Jolly Spaghetti
- Ambiance: Fast-food with a Filipino twist
Yuzu Street Food: Korean Fried Chicken Haven
At Yuzu Street Food, Korean fried chicken takes center stage, reflecting the ‘chimaek’ culture – a portmanteau of chicken and maekju, the Korean word for beer. Chicken pieces are bathed in a light batter and fried to an audible crunch. They’re then coated in a selection of sauces that are as vibrant in taste as they are in color. Pair the spicy sweet chilli or the umami-rich Korean BBQ wings with a pint from Brew York for the complete experience.
- Address: Yuzu Street Food, Brew York, 72 New Briggate, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6NU.
- Menu Highlights: Korean BBQ Wings, Sweet Chilli Chicken Strips
- Pairing Tip: A pint of craft beer from Brew York
Ji Chicken Shop: Taiwanese Street Food Gem
Taiwanese fried chicken is a street food sensation, and Ji Chicken Shop brings that authentic experience to The Headrow in Leeds. Their menu is an ode to the bird, offering everything from sizable chicken breasts to boneless thighs. For something different, try the popcorn chicken or the adventurous garlic chicken gizzard. And for a crunchy treat, don’t overlook their fried chicken skin – a textural delight that’s not to be missed.
- Address: Ji Chicken Shop, 25-27 The Headrow, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6PU.
- Specialties: Extra Crispy Taiwanese Fried Chicken, Garlic Chicken Gizzard
- Unique Offer: Fried Chicken Skin Snack
Cult Wing: Wings and Spirits
Cult Wing, situated within the bustling Merrion Centre, is a haven for wing aficionados. Here, the humble chicken wing is elevated through a secret 14-spice blend and an array of tantalizing flavors. Culinary daredevils might venture towards the Habanero Hell, while the Killer Korean offers a tangy twist. The pairing of beer and tequila with these delectable wings creates an indulgent experience that’s tough to beat.
- Address: Cult Wing, Merrion Centre, 19 Merrion Way, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 8BT.
- Recommended: Breaded Jumbo Wings with Cult Flavours
- Drink Pairing: Tequila or Craft Beer
OWT: French-Inspired Chicken Delicacies
OWT, known for its French bistro vibe, features a rotating menu with one constant – their house fried chicken. Its crispy exterior and steaming juicy interior make it a star dish. Opt for the full experience with their triple-cooked chips, or grab a Chicken Sandwich with garlic herb mayo nestled in a fluffy muffin for lunch. It’s a small slice of Paris in Leeds, where the preparation of chicken is nothing short of an art form.
- Address: Owt, 104 Burley Road, Woodhouse, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS3 1JP.
- Must-Try: House Fried Chicken, OWT Chicken Sandwich
- Atmosphere: French Bistro Charm
Fire and Smoke: Smokehouse Sensations
Fire and Smoke brings the robust flavors of a Texas smokehouse to Leeds. Their commitment to locally sourced Yorkshire meat translates into fried chicken with a crisp crust and a brined, tender core. Their chicken thigh burger is a stack of savory indulgence, topped with classic American cheese and gherkins. With options like sweet Texas and Franks Hot sauces, Fire and Smoke offers a southern fried chicken experience that’s rich in flavor and tradition.
- Address: Fire and Smoke, Sunny Bank Mills, 83-85 Town Street, Farsley, Pudsey, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS28 5UJ.
- Best Picks: Buttermilk Brined Thighs, Chicken Thigh Burger
- Sauce Selection: Sweet Texas, Sweet Chilli, Franks Hot
MEATliquour: Burgers and Wings
MEATliquour serves up a variety of fried chicken options that complement their famous burgers. Their buffalo wings with blue cheese sauce are a crowd favorite, alongside monkey fingers soaked in buffalo sauce. If you’re inclined towards a burger, the Clustercluck burger is an indulgent choice with crispy chicken and an array of flavorful additions, all sandwiched between two buns for a memorable meal.
- Address: MEATliquour Bar & Restaurant, Albion Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 5AT.
- Highlights: Buffalo Wings, Clustercluck Burger
- Ambience: Edgy and Laid-back
Slim Chickens: Southern Comfort
Slim Chickens has made a name for itself with its Southern-style fried chicken and a side of blues music. Whether you prefer wings or a chicken sandwich, their menu covers it all. The sauces range from the fiery sriracha garlic to the tangy mango habanero, catering to all taste preferences. Additionally, vegetarians aren’t left out, with a plant-based buffalo burger available for those seeking a meat-free option.
- Address: Slim Chickens, Trinity, 413 Albion Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 5AY.
- Menu Options: Classic Wings, Fresh Chicken Sandwiches
- Vegetarian Offering: Plant-Based Buffalo Burger
Leeds’ love for fried chicken is evident in the diverse range of establishments dedicated to serving up this comfort food staple. Each restaurant offers a unique twist on the classic dish, whether it’s a regional specialty or a fusion of flavors. Diners are truly spoilt for choice, with options ranging from Filipino-style fast food to refined French-bistro takes on fried chicken. With such an array of tantalizing options, the only difficulty lies in deciding where to begin your fried chicken journey in Leeds.
- Leeds has a fantastic selection of fried chicken restaurants, each with its own twist on the classic dish.
- Jollibee is known for their famous Chickenjoy and Filipino fast-food cuisine.
- Yuzu Street Food specializes in Korean fried chicken and offers craft beer pairings.
- Ji Chicken Shop brings the authentic Taiwanese fried chicken experience to Leeds.
- Cult Wing is a haven for wing lovers, offering wings with a secret 14-spice blend.