The 5 Best Fried Chickens in Melbourne for That Crispy Skin and Juicy Meat
A sudden craving for crispy fried chicken usually demands immediate satisfaction. The absolute worst feeling is wasting your money on a bucket that turns out soggy and completely flavourless.
Melbourne offers incredible dining variety, and we always enjoy exploring quirky restaurants or diving into the menus at various Filipino restaurants. But sometimes, all you simply need is the perfect crunch of a golden drumstick.
We completely understand the struggle to find a genuinely good meal when you’re a hungry office worker or a late-night diner.
That’s why we spent several weeks eating our way through the city to find the real deal. Below are the absolute best fried chicken joints in Melbourne guaranteed to deliver exactly what you crave.
How much does fried chicken cost in Melbourne?
Grabbing a fried chicken in Melbourne usually sets you back anywhere from a quick $12 street snack to a massive $55 sharing platter for the whole crew.
| Serving Type | Price Range (AUD) |
| Taiwanese Large Cutlets and Street Snacks | $12.00 – $13.00 |
| Single Boneless Boxes and Chicken Burgers | $14.00 – $22.50 |
| Half or Whole Bone-in Chicken Platters | $36.00 – $51.00 |
| Premium Sharing Buckets and Combos | $55.00 – $59.00 |
| All-You-Can-Eat Wing and Chicken Buffets | $30.00 – $32.00 per person |
1. Bird Bang’n Chicken
Website:https://birdbangnchicken.com/
Address: 179 Weston St, Brunswick East
Contact: 0456 209 712
Hours: Monday 12:00-9:00 PM; Tuesday-Thursday 12:00-9:30 PM; Friday-Saturday 12:00-10:30 PM; Sunday 12:00-9:00 PM
Bird Bang’n Chicken serves up brilliant Southern-style fried chicken made from fresh local poultry that gets brined for twenty-four hours. Their kitchen hand-dredges the meat in a custom house flour blend and finishes it with distinct dry rubs.
For dietary needs, they run a completely halal kitchen and use dedicated separate fryers to prepare excellent gluten-free chicken options. Diners can easily pair their crispy meals with a cold craft beer or a house cocktail.
Their thoughtful kitchen practices let customers enjoy incredible tenderness and flavour in every bite. It’s a welcoming setup designed to accommodate diverse dining preferences in a lively setting.
On the other hand, the premium pricing might feel a bit steep. The restroom maintenance can also occasionally be slightly neglected during busy evening hours.
Customer Reviews
Mixed platter was perfect for someone indecisive like me
Heard this place was rated one of Melbourne’s top fried chicken spots by Time Out, so I had to give it a try!
We ordered the Mexican-style shrimp taco and a burger — flavours were rich and bold, and I can imagine they’d be perfect with a beer. Of course, the highlight was the fried chicken. The mixed platter was perfect for someone indecisive like me — no regrets at all! Super crispy and so easy to smash.
Would definitely come back for the chicken 🐔
- Monique S | Google Review
Seriously good fried chicken
Bird is the ultimate comfort food spot. Delicious wings, mac & cheese bites, burgers. The chicken tenders were crispy, juicy and packed with flavour – definitely a standout. We were also impressed by the huge range of gluten-free options, which means no one has to miss out. A great spot for a meal when you’re craving seriously good fried chicken 🙌🏽
- Jenna Eats Melb | Google Review
2. SamSam Chicken & Beer Melbourne
Website:https://www.samsamchicken.com/
Address: 207-209 Swanston St.
Contact: 0451 671 174
Hours: Monday-Thursday 11:30 AM-10:00 PM; Friday-Saturday 11:30 AM-11:00 PM; Sunday 11:30 AM-9:00 PM
SamSam Chicken & Beer Melbourne specialises in authentic Korean fried chicken and cold beer right in the middle of Swanston Street. They offer convenient dine-in and takeaway choices to suit any busy schedule.
Their extensive menu features crispy portions alongside traditional Korean comfort dishes.
They’ve created a highly popular late-night hangout. It’s a bustling spot designed for those wanting great food and drinks in a lively atmosphere.
For extra convenience, they run a second branch in Box Hill to serve suburban diners.
Unfortunately, customers might experience longer wait times for their food during rush hours. Some service procedures are also not always clearly communicated by the busy floor staff.
Customer Reviews
Their robot serve fried chicken such a fun and interesting touch
SamSam Chicken in Melbourne is a hidden gem! The food was absolutely delicious, and the jjajang myum noodles was rich, flavourful, and definitely a must-try (my personal favourite). The portions are generous for the price, which makes it great value.
On top of the amazing food, the atmosphere was really nice and welcoming. What made the experience even more unique was seeing their robot serve fried chicken such a fun and interesting touch that added to the vibe. Highly recommend if you’re after tasty food, with a great price
- leena Huynh | Google Review
The fried chicken here is delicious, flavorful
The fried chicken here is delicious, flavorful, and has many flavors to choose from. The black bean noodles are also delicious. Although the price is a bit expensive, the portions are large, so go with 2 or 3 people to enjoy many dishes. The service is fast. The space is cozy, with many tables you can dine in anytime. This is a restaurant with many Korean dishes, so if you have a chance, you should stop by and try it.
- Luke Mai | Google Review
3. Belles Hot Chicken Melbourne CBD
Website:https://belleshotchicken.com/
Address: 147 Elizabeth St
Contact: +61 3 9670 7478
Hours: Monday-Thursday 11:30 AM- 9:00 PM; Friday-Saturday 11:30 AM-9:30 PM; Sunday 11:30 AM-9:00 PM
Belles Hot Chicken Melbourne CBD offers authentic Nashville hot chicken inspired directly by founder Morgan McGlone’s culinary years in the American South.
Their signature offerings allow diners to choose from five distinct heat levels to customise wings or hot chicken sandwiches.
To complement their menu, they keep the energy high with excellent music and a broad beverage selection featuring boozy slushies and craft beers. It’s a vibrant, fast-casual destination where individuals enjoy a truly unforgettable and sweat-inducing kick.
On the other hand, solo diners might find the seating choices quite limited. The food temperature can also occasionally be slightly inconsistent between visits.
Customer Reviews
My favorite fried chicken spot
Crispy, juicy, perfectly seasoned — this is hands down my favorite fried chicken spot. The macaroni and cheese was creamy, rich, and pure comfort food, pairing so well with the hot crispy chicken. Add an ice-cold beer and it’s pretty much the perfect meal. Always so good, always worth coming back for. 🍗🧀🍺
#genastar
- Gena star | Google Review
Gave off a real American-style fried chicken vibe
My friends and I came here for the first time, and the staff were super friendly and provided great service. We ordered the Belles Bucket with the Traveller flavor — it had a nice, balanced taste, not too spicy, and gave off a real American-style fried chicken vibe. I really liked the pickles on the side — they went perfectly to cut through the richness. The side dishes like salad, fries, mashed potatoes and corn cheese were the best! Everything tasted amazing together. We’ll definitely be coming back again!
- Kinako Chan | Google Review
4. I LOVE CHICKEN
Website:https://www.lovechicken.com.au/
Address: 617 Lonsdale St
Contact: 0481711726
Hours: Monday-Sunday 12:00 PM-Closing
I LOVE CHICKEN crafts its menu using 100% fresh Australian chicken that undergoes a thorough eight-hour marination process to lock in moisture.
Their preparation relies on an authentic Korean recipe called “Son-Mat” that’s been passed through generations.
Hungry diners can order several distinct flavour glazes, including the original cuts or the fiery volcano option. They also serve traditional favorites like comforting army stew, making the spot ideal for cold winter days.
With them, you and your gang can enjoy a deeply satisfying lunch break. It’s an inviting eatery where students and workers find rich, traditional flavors.
However, a weekend surcharge applies to all purchases. The portions can also feel a bit small for the premium price tag.
Customer Reviews
Not too oily for the fried chicken but really flavourful
Tried their Cabonara fried Chicken and it’s sooo good. Not too oily for the fried chicken but really flavourful. As well as the tom yum fried rice taste really good. The service is really good and nice really enjoy it.
- Food girlies | Google Review
The fried chicken here is so crispy and juicy
Absolutely delicious!
The fried chicken here is so crispy and juicy — perfectly cooked every time. Loved the variety of sauces, especially the sweet & spicy one. The chips were crunchy and seasoned just right, and the slaw added a nice balance. The portion was generous and goes so well with rice!
Highly recommend if you’re craving Korean-style chicken 🍗🔥
- Krittiya Sitt | Google Review
5. Buza Chicken
Website:https://www.buzachicken.com.au/
Address: Shop 3, 365 Queen Street, Melbourne
Contact: 0461 410 769
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 5:30 PM-11:00 PM; Friday-Saturday 5:30 PM-12:00 AM
Buza Chicken serves authentic Korean fried chicken in bone-in or boneless styles alongside an excellent vegetarian-friendly fried cauliflower alternative.
They offer signature flavour profiles like the sweet and spicy glaze or the deeply savory smoked soy coating. To complete the feast, their extensive selection features burgers and spicy tteokbokki.
Their customers mentioned they easily find dishes that please different preferences. It’s a highly accessible dining option with multiple branches scattered across the city.
On the downside, online delivery orders can occasionally face unexpected delays. The overall customer service attentiveness also tends to vary depending on how busy the floor gets.
Customer Reviews
Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside
Kimchi pancakes work perfectly as a snack or a side dish with soup. Imagine having a bowl of steaming hot rice and pickled radish paired with a piping hot Kimchi stew. Topped off with Korean fried chicken that is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, even when generously glazed in sauce!
- siwaporn wongpet| Google Review
Perfectly crispy and juicy
Had an amazing experience at Buza Chicken on Queen Street! We started with the fried corn, cheese, and drinks such a great way to begin. The main dish, their fried chicken, was perfectly crispy and juicy. Everything was super fresh and full of flavour. The staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming, which made the experience even better. Definitely coming back again! 😊🍗
- Pooja Nagaraj | Google Review