Fried chicken is a beloved comfort food across America, and Indiana has two shining stars that have earned the title of the best fried chicken spots in the country.
With crispy, juicy chicken prepared in unique and flavorful ways, these restaurants offer experiences that go beyond the ordinary. In 2025, their recognition has put Indiana on the map for fried chicken aficionados.
The Eagle — Indianapolis
Located on Massachusetts Avenue, The Eagle is famous for its fried chicken served with a distinctive spicy hot honey glaze. The chicken is both juicy and crispy, perfectly paired with all-American sides such as fries, succotash, horseradish mashed potatoes, skillet cornbread with maple butter, and highly rated mac and cheese.
The menu also includes fried chicken sandwiches and a chicken BLT with bacon, avocado relish, and jalapeño honey mayo, served on rustic Italian bread. The Eagle’s approach marries the classic with the contemporary, earning it a place among the best fried chicken restaurants nationally.
Wagner’s Village Inn — Oldenburg
A longstanding Indiana institution since 1968, Wagner’s Village Inn is a family-run spot famed for its no-recipe fried chicken fried lavishly in hog fat, a preparation praised by the James Beard Foundation. In 2023, Wagner’s received the prestigious America’s Classics Award, recognizing its contribution to culinary heritage…