Casual
24 March 2025
The top 10 fried chicken joints in Christchurch
The best places to get your fried chicken fix.
The search for the perfect fried chicken in Ōtautahi Christchurch
Crispy, tender, juicy, salty — the perfect combination that makes fried chicken, fried chicken. No longer the sole realm of the Colonel, modern fried chicken is global. Flavours from Japan, Korea, Mexico sit alongside the American taste we know.
We’ve done the leg work for you and put together a lineup of the best fried chicken in Ōtautahi Christchurch. Missed your favourite joint? Let us know!
Evil Genius
Their evil fried chicken deliciously pairs Indonesian marinade with Argentinian chimichurri dressing. This true fusion is colourfully presented, its distinct crispiness credited to a mix of gluten free flours. Best served with a cold beer — obviously.
Good for:
- Asian fusion
- Gluten free
- Eclectic vibes
Empire Chicken
Could this be the fastest-growing chicken joint in the city? With a prime location at Riverside Market, their chef and founder wanted to make food that made people happy. So, what’s the key to happiness here? A bite of their perfectly crisp and crunchy chicken goodness. They also like happy local chickens and happy compostable packaging. Win win.
Good for:
- Gluten free
- Vegetarian
- CBD location
Civil and Naval
You came for the chicken but stayed for the cauliflower. A brilliant take on a classic, Civil and Naval’s fried cauliflower is coated in a drool-worthy mix of spices and fried until perfectly crunchy and tender. This dish gives the fried chicken (also available) a run for its money. Served up with a zingy chipotle crema and drizzled with maple syrup before serving.
Good for:
- Vegetarian
- Bottomless aioli
- Casual cool
Seoul Chicken Club
Korean fried chicken and the Seoul sandwich are quickly becoming the go to for fried goodness. These guys put their fried chicken between brioche buns with fresh slaw, gherkins and cheese, topped with spicy sriracha mayo. It can be ordered as a main, drizzled with maple soy sauce, sriracha mayo and side slaw. Yes please, get in my belly.
Good for:
- Street food vibes
- Casual dining
- Lunch
O.G.B
The secret ingredient that takes OGB’s gluten-free fried chicken up a notch is chili salt. It blends tangy and savoury flavours for a blissful balance in every bite. Hot sauce, ranch, and crunchy pickles served alongside make for a satisfying meal. Grab a cosy seat inside or outside for al fresco dining.
Good for:
- Courtyard
- Live music
- Best bar (award)
Smokey T's
Low and slow is the star of the show at this popular joint, but you’d be doing yourself a disservice by overlooking their Southern Fried Chicken. With crunchy pickles and a side of Smokey T’s original sauce, the chicken’s crispy exterior perfectly contrasts the juicy, tender centre. Take a detour from your usual grill order.
Good for:
- South American classics
- Casual dining
- Friendly vibes
Mexicanos
Mexicano’s fried chicken is ordered by nearly every table. Why? It’s one of the only dishes that doesn’t get rotated out with the season. Tender and juicy, drizzled with syrup to balance the salty spice, this dish will become your new staple too.
Good for:
- Sangria
- Sombreros
- Moody vibes
Monster Chicken
As the name might suggest, Monster Chicken is committed to fried chicken in a big way. How do they prove it? They have 11 types of fried chicken. From original crispy fried to parmesan, sweet chili, Korean, and cauliflower – there’s no risk of being bored. Plus, the team accommodates dietary needs so everyone can join in. Get stuck in.
Good for:
- Flavour options
- Vegetarian
- Dairy and gluten free
Fiddlesticks
Fiddlesticks takes this humble comfort food to new levels of sophistication. An order of F.F.C (Fiddlesticks fried chicken) comes artfully displayed on green tomato chutney, with a healthy dose of dipping sriracha on the side. A perfect sharing plate, but we won’t say anything if you go it alone. Go on. You deserve it.
Good for:
- Finer dining
- Cocktails
- CBD location
The Craft Embassy
Southern fried chicken and a couple of cheeky crafties from The Craft Embassy’s thirty taps is a very, very good idea. Served with pickled cucumber and sriracha ranch dressing, this dangerously delicious dish is one sharing plate that won’t last long once on the table. Grab some mates, some pints, and some napkins, and get into it.
Good for:
- Terrace views
- Craft beer
- Pop-up events
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