Lewis HiceFried chicken has a way of turning an ordinary day around. It’s the kind of comfort food you reach for when you want something familiar—crispy, juicy, and full of flavor.
And when a place really gets it right, it’s even better! Good fried chicken can make a simple meal satisfying without trying too hard.
We’ve tried fried chicken from different spots around Jacksonville to see which ones really deliver. These are the places locals can count on whenever the craving shows up.
Bold Birds Nashville Hot Chicken
Media from boldbirdshotchicken
Location: 1173 Edgewood Ave S
Contact: (904) 619‑2943
Operating hours:
Pricing: $
Bold Birds Nashville Hot Chicken is all about spicy, crispy fried chicken done right. The crust had a solid crunch without being greasy, and the meat stayed juicy all the way through.
The heat levels are well thought out, so you can pick your spice without worrying that it will overpower the flavor. On top of that, the sides are simple but fresh, and the pickles were a nice touch to balance the heat.
| Pro tip: Try pairing your chicken with their honey butter biscuit. It balances the heat really well and is way better than your usual side. |
THC Trap House Chicken
Media from thctraphousechicken
Location: 5907 Merrill Rd
Contact: (904) 683‑1268
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:30 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Pricing: $
THC Trap House Chicken is kind of a wild ride, but in the best way. The fried wings are super crispy, and depending on what you pick, you can get everything from mellow “Mids” heat to full-blown “Fiya” fire.
One of our favorites was their Krab Tray wings. They pour this buttery crab sauce over the fried chicken, which is bold and unexpected, but works so well. And then there’s their Garlick wings that are drenched in a rich garlic butter sauce.
The place doesn’t feel fancy at all. It’s takeout-first, very down-to-earth, and you’ll often catch folks chilling while they wait. The portions are generous, especially if you go for their “Crack” wedges—cheesy, fried potato wedges topped with chicken or rib bits.
| Pro tip: Try the Trap Fries with your order. They’re seasoned in a way you won’t find anywhere else in Jacksonville. |
Jax Hot Chicken
Location: 1750 Southside Blvd
Contact: (904) 901‑1910
Operating hours: Wednesday to Friday: 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Pricing: $
Jax Hot Chicken is a food truck slinging Nashville-style hot chicken around Jacksonville. When we tried it, the coating was crunchy and clearly made from a house-made batter, and the chicken was juicy under the crust.
They offer a few spice levels, so you can dial down the heat if you’re not feeling extra or go a little wild. What stood out to us was how the seasoning felt balanced. It wasn’t just pure cayenne but had actual flavor behind it.
| Pro tip: Ask if they’ve got their pickles on hand. A bite with the chicken and those tangy pickles really helps cut through the spice in a good way. |
Shut Em Down Authentic Southern Restaurant
Media from yelpjacksonville
Location: 6315 San Juan Ave
Contact: (904) 503‑1979
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Pricing: $
Shut Em Down Authentic Southern Restaurant feels like that warm, soulful meal you’d get at Grandma’s. When we tried their fried chicken, the skin was just the right kind of crisp, and the meat underneath stayed really juicy.
Their lunch special, two pieces of chicken with two classic sides and a big slab of cornbread, gave us serious comfort-food vibes. The sides are all old-school Southern: think collard greens, mashed potatoes, and black-eyed peas.
We also caught regulars raving about their banana pudding and peach cobbler, so dessert is definitely worth considering. It’s clearly family-run (the owners built it around their family recipes).
| Pro tip: Check their daily specials board before ordering. They rotate certain proteins and sides, and some of the best items only show up on specific days. |
Mr. Fried Fish Shrimp & Chicken
Media from mr.friedfishchicken
Location: 2011 Emerson St
Contact: (904) 551‑3590
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Friday to Saturday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 AM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Pricing: $$
Mr. Fried Fish Shrimp & Chicken is the kind of spot where your fried chicken feels like a solid, satisfying catch. We tried their wings and tenders, and both had a crisp, well-seasoned breading that didn’t feel too greasy.
On their menu, there are a bunch of flavor options: Cajun ranch, teriyaki, BBQ garlic, and Bom Bom. They also have sweet tangy and hot garlic.
We were surprised by how many seafood and chicken combos they offer, so if you’re with someone who loves both, this place really delivers. Their jumbo tenders are especially good if you want something a little meatier and easy to share.
| Pro tip: Order extra wings in the hot garlic or Bom Bom flavors. These sauces really elevate the chicken and are great for dipping your fries or shrimp too. |
Hip Hop Fish and Chicken
Media from hiphop.fishandchicken
Location: 6610 N Main St
Contact: (904) 766‑7272
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Pricing: $
Hip Hop Fish and Chicken is exactly the kind of fried-chicken spot you hit when you want something hearty and satisfying. Their wings, tenders, and legs are hand-battered in a special spice blend and fried fresh. They come with fries, coleslaw, or sliced bread.
We went for their 6-mix combo (3 wings + 3 legs) and were pleasantly surprised by how crispy the coating was and how the meat stayed moist underneath. The seasoning isn’t overly salty or sweet. It’s just right, with a balanced flavor that feels like their signature.
The menu isn’t just chicken. They’ve got a solid seafood game too, with catfish, whiting, and even popcorn shrimp.
| Pro tip: If you’re splitting with friends, go for their combos. You can mix chicken and fish, and that way, you get the best of both worlds without overbuying. |
Duval Fish & Chicken
Media from duvaalfish.chicken
Location: 4250 Moncrief Road
Contact: (904) 551‑0926
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 10:30 AM – 11:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday: 10:30 AM – 12:00 AM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Pricing: $
Duval Fish & Chicken serves chicken that stays crispy right to the last bite. We went for their wings and tenders, and each piece had a crunchy coating with juicy meat inside. The seasoning is balanced, and you can really taste the hand-battered breading.
They offer a range of spice levels, so it’s easy to go mild or add a little kick. The sides are classic Southern: fries, coleslaw, and macaroni and cheese. We liked how the sides complemented the chicken without taking over the flavor.
The staff here is friendly, and the service moves quickly, even during the busy lunch rush. Portions are generous, so you leave feeling satisfied without overdoing it.
| Pro tip: Try their honey butter biscuit alongside your chicken. It adds a subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory, crispy coating. |
Flyed Chicken
Media from flyedchicken
Location: 2467 Faye Road, Unit 10
Contact: (904) 374-8935
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Pricing: $
If I had to pick a favorite from all the places we visited, it would be Flyed Chicken. Each piece had a crisp, well-seasoned crust with a mild kick that kept the meat juicy inside.
Every time I smell it, it makes me want to eat more. The flavors felt balanced, letting the chicken itself shine.
They offer a few signature sauces, like Sweet Heat and garlic parmesan, and each one adds its own twist without masking the chicken. Portions are generous, so sharing a combo still leaves you with plenty.
| Pro tip: If you’re getting a combo, ask for your fries tossed lightly in garlic parmesan. It makes a tasty side you won’t get anywhere else. |
Soul Food Bistro
Media from akshun.love
Location: 5310 Lenox Avenue, Suite 1
Contact: (904) 394-0860
Operating hours:
- Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 10:30 AM – 8:00 PM
- Wednesday: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday & Sunday: 10:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Pricing: $$
At Soul Food Bistro, you get all the comfort of home-cooked meals without lifting a finger. What really sets this place apart are their soul food staples done right.
We loved pairing the chicken with collard greens, cheesy mac and cheese, or string beans. The sides feel hearty and traditional but never overpower the main dish.
The restaurant itself comes with a genuine, family-style vibe. It was actually opened by the Potter’s House church, so there’s a real sense of community in the space.
| Pro tip: Soul Food Bistro offers online ordering and catering, so you can bring their fried chicken and sides to any gathering without the hassle. |
Soul Food Express
Media from sfx21st
Location: 1227 E 21st St
Contact: (904) 634-0018
Operating hours: Thursday to Sunday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Pricing: $
Soul Food Express is one of those classic, cosy soul food joints that feels like it’s been around forever. Every bite had that satisfying crunch up front, followed by tender meat and a seasoning that lingered just enough to make you want the next piece.
The menu doesn’t stop at chicken. They’ve got oxtails, chitterlings, turkey wings, and more staples. We tried their collard greens and macaroni and cheese, and both felt homemade and satisfying.
Portion sizes are generous, so even if you split a plate, you’ll probably have leftovers.
| Pro tip: Soul Food Express offers catering straight from their Jacksonville kitchen. Since they don’t have a dedicated online catering menu, call (904) 634-0018 to ask about their fried chicken platters and event bundles. |
