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Best Fried Chicken In Orange County

Best Fried Chicken In Orange County

I love great fried chicken—crispy, juicy, and full of flavor. And honestly, it blows my mind how many amazing fried chicken spots we now have in Southern California, especially right here in Orange County.

Back when I was a kid, our options were pretty limited. It was usually Popeyes or KFC… and if we were really feeling fancy (and patient), we’d wait in that long line at Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant in Buena Park. That was the spot.

But times have changed—and the fried chicken scene in OC is next level now. From spicy Nashville-style to Korean double-fried perfection, we’ve got it all.

Here’s my list of the absolute best fried chicken in Orange County—bring your appetite!

Table of Contents

Holdaak Fullerton Ca.

Holdaak is an amazing Korean fried chicken restaurant in Orange County! Their original location started in Fullerton, CA—but luckily, Holdaak is now expanding to more spots throughout Orange County and Los Angeles County.

Let’s talk about the crispy chicken sandwich—it’s absolutely to die for. The chicken is so crispy, the meat is so juicy and tender… it’s everything you want in a bite.

If you love a little spice, I highly recommend trying their Holdaak Spicy or Seoul Spicy sauce (not too spicy and a little sweet). They’re perfect for the chicken wings or tenders!

Pro tip: go for the chicken sandwich with crinkle-cut French fries—or grab one of their chicken tender combos, which come with either two or three pieces and those same addicting crinkle-cut fries.

The sandwich is built on a delicious brioche bun with awesome slaw, and the chicken is cooked to perfection. You honestly can’t go wrong with any of the menu choices—the sauces, the chicken… it is all great food.


Address: 1201 Euclid St Ste. B Fullerton, CA. 92832

Hours:

  • Sun- Thurs 11:00 am- 9:00 pm
  • Fri- Sat: 11:00 am- 10:00 pm

The Golden Eatery Santa Ana

The Golden Eatery is an amazing Nashville hot chicken restaurant located in downtown Santa Ana. It’s honestly the first place I’ve found that comes close to true hot Southern fried chicken—especially on the West Coast.

From the Golden Sando and Golden Sliders to the Loaded Wedges, Golden Tacos, tenders, and wings—everything is really, really good. If you love eating hot and spicy chicken, this is definitely the place you want to go.

I had a mild spice level, and every bite felt like I was swallowing hot peppers—so beware of the heat!

The chicken is excellent—fried to perfection, with white meat that’s incredibly juicy and flavorful. And the buns they use for the sandwiches and sliders? Amazing.

It’s a great place to eat and enjoy a wonderful meal.

Address: 201 E 4th St. Santa Ana, CA. 92701

Hours:

  • Sun-Mon 12:00 pm- 7:00 pm
  • Tues: Closed
  • Wed-Thurs: 12:00 pm- 7:00 pm
  • Fri-Sat: 12:00 pm- 8:00 pm

Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken

Gus’s is one of my favorite fried chicken restaurants in Orange County. It has amazing Southern buttermilk fried chicken with all the classic, comforting sides. The chicken is perfectly seasoned, and that flaky, crispy skin is just amazing.

Start your meal with the fried pickles—super crispy and a great appetizer to kick things off.

All the sides are solid: mac and cheese, collard greens, potato salad, mashed potatoes, coleslaw salad, baked beans, and seasoned fries—any of them are great choices. And if you’re a carb enthusiast like myself, don’t forget about the white bread!

The dessert pies? Pretty awesome too. The Chess, pecan, or coconut pie are all great.

They also have two other locations—in Los Angeles and Long Beach, California. I’ve been to the Long Beach spot, and the Southern fried chicken is just as good as the one in Orange County.

Address: 102 N Sycamore St. Santa Ana, CA. 92701

Hours:

  • Sun- Sat 11:30 am – 8:30 pm

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Howard Chung

Hey Orange County, I’m Howard Chung! I'm here to share weekly information about the best events, restaurants, shopping and activities in and around Orange County, California. Plus, the best hiking, biking, health and wellness options, new hot spots, and more! Click below to follow us.

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