This is the easiest way to make fried chicken
Everyone loves fried chicken but no one knows how to make it. Now you can with your air fryer! It’s easier, quicker, and (somewhat) healthier!
Melissa Rorech, Reviewed
- Des Moines offers a variety of fried chicken options, from Southern comfort food to Korean fried chicken.
- Some restaurants specialize in specific styles, like Nashville hot or Korean double-fried.
- Fried chicken can be found in various settings, from casual dining to liquor stores.
Fried chicken in Des Moines is more than a comfort food — it’s a culinary staple that sparks passionate debate among locals. Whether you’re after Southern-style classics or unexpected gems, the city offers a crispy, golden lineup worth exploring.
In the Des Moines metro, diners have myriad options for fried chicken, whether at a restaurant specializing in Southern food, at a fast-casual stop for to-go orders, or even inside a liquor store. Fans of fried chicken can try Korean fried chicken with its double fried coating and dipping sauces, Nashville hot for a fiery five-alarm option, and even a fried chicken recipe just like grandma makes.
This guide to fried chicken in the greater Des Moines area offers a handful of places to try, not an entire Yellow Pages of options. Here’s a look at some of the finest fried chicken in the metro.
Here are 10 fried chicken spots that locals and visitors alike are raving about in 2025.
Basic Bird
Get your chicken fried twice with Korean fried chicken. Basic Bird in the Beaverdale neighborhood from chef Joe Tripp offers his rendition with a thin, crispy crust that can be sweet or spicy. Opt for sweet honey butter, spicy gochujang, or a combination of both to coat the chicken. Diners can also order a bone-in chicken or a sandwich on brioche bun.
Location: 2607 Beaver Ave., Des Moines
Contact: basicbird.com
Other Korean fried chicken options:
- What Dak opened at 9250 University Ave. in West Des Moines with Korean fried chicken with soy garlic, spicy or sweet. Find it at whatdak.com.
- Chikin Lickin’ at 1196 S.E. University Ave. in Waukee specializes in double-fried, super crispy chicken tossed signature sauces. Find it at chikin-lickin.com.
Bubba — Southern Comforts
When in the South, order fried chicken. The Southern comfort food restaurant Bubba from Chris Diebel and Orchestrate Hospitality is all about fried chicken, served for lunch, dinner, or brunch. Bubba starts with certified organic chicken that’s brined in buttermilk, then breaded, seasoned and fried as it’s ordered. Order two or three pieces, or a half bird, and then delve into options such as hot, honey hot, or smothered in gravy. Order chicken and waffles for brunch or dinner, or a fried chicken sandwich at lunch. And pair any of these crispy options with fried green tomatoes or deviled eggs.
Location: 200 10th St., Des Moines
Contact: 515-257-4744 or bubbadsm.com
Charlotte’s Kitchen
Founders Michael Hanstad and Robert Doan opened their standalone fast-casual restaurant in Johnston in 2021. Hanstad said his maternal grandmother, Charlotte, taught him how to cook and inspired his restaurant. Charlotte’s Kitchen specializes in fried chicken sandwiches, but diners can order it as a wrap, too. Nashville hot is one option, while a crab Rangoon and weekly special are others. Add sides such as cheese curds, Brussels sprouts or mac and cheese for a full meal.
Locations: 6150 Merle Hay Road, Johnston, 515-859-6257
102 N. Jefferson Way, Indianola
Drive-thru only at 109 Eighth St. S.E., Altoona
Contact: charlotteskitchendsm.com
The Chicken
Orilla was once its own town, a hamlet, and now is a neighborhood in West Des Moines where diners can go for fried chicken at The Chicken. The restaurant offers Nashville hot boneless fried chicken with fries and a biscuit, boneless chicken strips, or the Iowa hot boneless fried chicken tossed in a buttery seasoning blend. Diners can also order a broasted chicken dinner that can also be made with Nashville hot sauce for a sweat-worthy meal.
Location: 4221 S.E. Orilla Road, West Des Moines
Contact: 515-410-2520 or thechickenorilla.com
High Life Lounge
Step back in time to a ’70s den decorated with wood paneling, low-slung ceilings, and vintage beer signs and order the broasted chicken at the High Life Lounge. The restaurant broasts its chicken in a pressure cooker to ensure each piece comes out with a juicy inside and crispy skin. Order combinations of white and dark meats, then pair your meal with mashed potatoes and gravy or broccoli.
Location: 200 S.W. Second St., Des Moines
Contact: thehighlifelounge.com
Iowa Machine Shed
It’s all about supper at the Iowa Machine Shed, which turns any meal into a feast. The Urbandale comfort food restaurants serves its country fried chicken as well as classic fried chicken with four pieces dredged through “secret spices” and served with breads and family style fixins’. Order some mashed potatoes on the side for a country good treat.
Location: 11151 Hickman Road, Urbandale
Contact: 515-270-6818 or machineshed.com
Krispy Krunchy Chicken
Find Cajun-spiced fried chicken from Krispy Krunchy Chicken inside three liquor stores across the metro. Order by the piece, in a chicken sandwich or as chicken tenders. Each features a mild Cajun marinade and custom breading.
Locations: Super Quick Liquor Store, 1800 22nd St., West Des Moines, 515-601-2141
Oasis Grocery Liquor, 1401 Buchanan St., Des Moines, 515-299-5167
Super Quick, 303 S.E. 30th St., Des Moines, 515-263-1508
Contact: krispykrunchy.com
Slim Chickens
Arkansas-based fast-casual chain Slim Chickens in Ankeny has new locations in Waukee and Grimes. Order hand-breaded chicken tenders in wraps, salads, and even with waffles.
Locations: 1730 N. Ankeny Blvd., Ankeny, 515-985-0555
2170 E. First St., Grimes, 515-444-0880
965 S.E. Alice’s Road, Waukee, 515-561-6478
Contact: slimchickens.com
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If you see a new restaurant opening or a beloved place closing, send me some details at sstapleton@gannett.com.
Susan Stapleton is the entertainment editor and dining reporter at The Des Moines Register. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or drop her a line at sstapleton@gannett.com.
