Far from fast-food chains and soulless buckets, fried chicken in Montreal now finds its place in lively counters, local eateries and kitchens where crispiness comes with character. It is no longer a side act; it takes centre stage, loud, generous, and satisfying, served with bold sauces, thoughtful sides, and recipes that speak for themselves.
Once standardized, this frying technique has become a playground for a new wave of restaurateurs. Bold chefs, creative entrepreneurs and comfort food enthusiasts across Montreal have reinvented it with care and confidence. It's all about the right marinade, a coating that sticks just enough, spot-on cooking and that addictive crunch that makes every bite matter.
The best places to eat fried chicken in Montreal reflect this range. Some embrace Korean or Filipino influences, while others revisit childhood favourites with a Quebec twist. You'll find soft-bunned sandwiches packed with flavour, overloaded poutines drenched in gravy, sticky wings that demand finger-licking and fully stuffed wraps. Each spot brings a unique vibe and identity.
Whether it's a solo craving or a casual dinner with friends, Montreal's fried chicken spots deliver a real comfort food experience. No excuses needed, just a true craving for juicy pieces that crisp up on the outside and stay tender on the inside. Every bite counts.
Multiple locations
In the West Island and in the Laval area, Birdhouse stands out as a bold and lively destination for fried chicken lovers. The menu offers much more than the usual options: flavourful crispy wings, golden tenders, fully loaded poutines, smashed chicken burgers, and generous salads fill it up. Each dish comes with a choice of house-made sauces, from the mild Tandoori to the fiery Buffanero or the rich Caccio e Pepe. The vibrant bar atmosphere, the well-crafted cocktails and the variety of fried chicken options, including the vegetarian Fauxly Cluck Sandwich, make this one of the best spots for fried chicken in Montreal. Anyone who does not mind getting their fingers a little messy will love it.
2080 Rue St-Mathieu, Shaughnessy Village, H3H 2J4
Created by the team behind Ganadara and Kyodai Izakaya, this spot in Shaughnessy Village turns fried chicken into a full-on flavour experience. More than ten variations await, from the sweet and sticky Bul Galbi to the generously coated Truffle Cheese, the fiery Yangnyeom or the surprisingly light Baby Powder. Each serving comes with pickled daikon and onions, just like in a traditional Korean chimaek spread. That iconic pairing of fried chicken and beer takes centre stage here, especially when you add a beef tartare, a bubbling tteokbokki and a slush cocktail to the mix. The bar's festive and high-energy vibe completes the experience, making Chimaek Gana one of the best places for Korean fried chicken in downtown Montreal.
2133 Boulevard le Carrefour, Laval, H7S 2J7
In Laval, this vibrant restaurant and bar draws inspiration from ancient Chinese temples while keeping the mood light and festive. Fried chicken does not necessarily take centre stage, but it earns its place on the menu with two standout options. During weekend brunch, it's paired with a Liege waffle, General Tao sauce, ricotta cheese and pickled onions. At night, crispy wings come lightly battered in tempura with a tamarind and plum sauce that begs to be licked off your fingers. With fruity cocktails, neo-Asian small plates and a bold soundtrack, Gon Bui is designed for letting loose. The vibe feels playful, and the setting feels like a celebration, whether you're digging into dumplings or just toasting with friends.
1516 Chemin de Chambly, Longueuil, J4J 3X4
No one expected a losing baseball team to inspire one of the best fried chicken spots in Longueuil. But Yakyu turned that unlikely story into a reality. The former players now run a lively restaurant where crispy chicken takes centre stage, from wings and tenders to juicy burgers and combo boxes. Bold sauces like Nashville XXX or Mayo Nash accompany each dish. The portions are large, the poutine Yakyu has its fans, and the atmosphere boasts a playful flavour. Every order represents a wink to that legendary losing streak, now reimagined as a deep-fried triumph. You do not just come here to eat. You come to join a story that finally found its win, one bite at a time.
6763 Rue St-Hubert, Montréal, H2S 2M7
Part of the Barranco Partners, Aime Tes Ailes is a fried chicken place that fully embraces its love of crispy wings. Along Plaza Saint-Hubert in Rosemont, this takeout-only counter serves portions ranging from ten to one hundred wings, available bone-in or boneless, with a golden crust and a full lineup of house-made sauces. You will find playful combos with names like L'Ascension du Mont-Royal and Un Québécois perdu sur le Plateau. Whether you go for takeout or delivery, the experience hits just right. The chicken is juicy, the fries are golden and crisp, and every bite brings that salty, satisfying flavour that makes fried chicken so crave-worthy. No extras needed. Just good food, fast, and full of character.
1361 Avenue Mont-Royal E, Montréal, H2J 1Y8
The crispy ayam goreng at Satu Lagi has built a loyal following in Mile End. This deep-fried chicken drumstick, served with house sambal or fermented chilli honey, perfectly reflects the spirit of the place: bold, generous and precise. The entire gluten-free menu draws inspiration from Malaysian and Indonesian traditions. The space is warm and inviting, with soft lighting, lush greenery and natural textures. From crispy oyster mushrooms to spicy kari ayam and fried bananas for dessert, every dish brings something surprising. The wine list focuses on natural selections, while the cocktails match the food's inventiveness. Whether it is for brunch or dinner, the experience invites you to come back for more. As the name says, satu lagi. One more.
3873 Boulevard Saint-Martin O, Laval, H7T 1L1
The fried chicken sandwich arrives with the right crunch, well stacked and tucked into a soft bun. At Calì in Laval, every combo brings something satisfying, whether it comes with golden waffle fries, creamy mac and cheese or a hearty poutine. They build everything for comfort, fast service and no compromise. They pay real attention to the ingredients and consistency. The vibe feels casual and focused, and the team makes you feel welcome from the start. No tricks, just good food that delivers. Each bite balances crispiness, tenderness and a salty kick. And when the craving for fried chicken hits, it is hard to find a spot more dialled in than this neighbourhood counter.
1622 Avenue Lincoln, Montréal, H3H 1G9
When the craving for something truly crispy hits downtown, a stop at Poulet Bronzé feels like the obvious choice. This halal rotisserie has been serving straight-up fried chicken classics since 2007. Crispy wings, generous burgers, warm croquettes, saucy poutines, wraps and combos for all appetites. The chicken comes hot and juicy, with bold sauces and sides that can be mixed and matched. Whether you go light or go big, the result is always satisfying. This place doesn't surprise; it delivers. The vibe pulsates with life, the portions fill you up, and the menu hits the spot. People come back because they know exactly what they are getting.
1800 Rue Notre-Dame O, Montréal, H3J 1M5
Griffintown has never known fried chicken like this. At Bird Bar, crispy chicken comes with either a glass of champagne or a house cocktail, served in a setting that trades in plastic trays for polished charm. The golden, juicy meat comes from Ferme des Voltigeurs and can be ordered solo, at brunch, or as a feast with sides like waffles, cornbread or duck poutine. By day, the atmosphere is laid back. By night, the energy builds as the drinks flow. You pick a sauce, add truffle mac and cheese bites or an Indian butter chicken taco, and it all makes sense. Bird Bar's fried chicken has its fan base, and one bite is enough to understand why.
Multiple locations
Mon Ami offers two distinct ways to enjoy its crispy Korean fried chicken. Dine-in brings the full experience with an all-you-can-eat barbecue in a lively setting. The express option fits perfectly for hot, made-to-order combos that are ready for takeout or delivery. Each location has unique variations, but the bold flavours and consistent crunch never change. From Snowing Cheese and Oh Honey to garlic-soy and the spicy mala version, the sauces stand out, as do the generous sides. You can add fries, rice cakes or; comforting bowl of bibimbap. With several locations across the region, Mon Ami continues to grow while staying true to the roots of Korean fried chicken done right.
Multiple locations
In Outremont, on the Plateau and in Ahuntsic, Roch le Coq serves up farm-raised fried chicken without cutting corners. Each location holds its own with generous buckets, well-stacked burgers and poutines loaded with just the right amount of sauce. The popcorn chicken has its fans, but it's the Korean burger, co-created with chef Antonin Mousseau-Rivard, that tends to steal the show. The bun melts in your mouth, the pickles snap, the kimchi brings heat, the mayo adds punch, and the crunch hits just right. The chicken has a golden, juicy exterior, served with a house-made sauce that leaves an impression. This counter does not try to do everything. It focuses on doing one thing properly. And that is exactly what makes it stand out.
Multiple locations
In Laval, Terrebonne, Pointe-Claire and Blainville, Madame Poulet runs on full speed, day and night. Two new locations have also opened downtown, near Atwater and McGill stations. Some locations stay open 24 hours, which comes in handy when a late-night craving kicks in. The chicken is local, antibiotic-free and fried to order, served with classic sides like crinkle fries and creamy coleslaw. The Julius Caesar wrap is hearty, the MP-Chou and Bold Buffalo burgers bring the heat, and the chicken combos can climb all the way to 80 pieces. From well-built sandwiches to generous shareable meals, everything comes fast and hot. This is fried chicken that gets straight to the point, with consistency that keeps regulars coming back.
Multiple locations
In NDG and in Longueuil, Olivia's serves Korean-inspired fried chicken that is marinated for 24 to 48 hours, hand-breaded, then fried to order for a light yet crispy texture. The menu covers all formats: a Mega Olivia's Spicy sandwich with waffle fries, tender strips in a combo, fully loaded poutines or a family meal with up to eight pieces. All products, which never take away from the flavour, avoid using eggs, dairy or peanuts. The house sauces do the rest, from the spicy honey to the garlic soy. Olivia delivers a thoughtful crunch with no compromise.
Multiple locations
On Beaubien Street, just steps from Molson Park in Rosemont, Mitch Deli is a neighbourhood sandwich shop that delivers more than expected. Their fried chicken sandwich, marinated in buttermilk and topped with house piri-piri sauce, herb emulsion, pickles and marinated red onions, hits a rare balance. Sides like the potato salad and Brussels sprouts leave a lasting impression. The menu changes with the seasons, the ingredients are fresh, and the flavours are carefully tuned. The wine list features private imports, Messorem beers are available, and several clearly marked gluten-free options make this spot stand out for more than just its crunch.
2660 Rue Beaubien E, Montréal, H1Y 1G7
On Beaubien Street, just steps from Molson Park in Rosemont, Mitch Deli stands out as a next-level neighbourhood sandwich shop. Their fried chicken sandwich hits all the right notes, with a buttermilk-marinated chicken thigh, house piri-piri sauce, herb emulsion, pickles and marinated red onions. The balance is spot on, and sides like potato salad or Brussels sprouts round out the The seasonal menu keeps things fresh, and the attentive staff and natural wine list shine just as much as the Messorem beer selection. An election. Everything is thoughtfully crafted, from the local ingredients to the clear gluten-free options. A relaxed spot with bold flavours that speaks to fried chicken lovers and natural wine fans alike.
51 Rue Roy E, Montréal, H2W 2S3
On the Plateau Mont-Royal, Icehouse serves up bold and generous fried chicken without overthinking it. You will find it wrapped in crispy tacos, stuffed into hefty burritos or stacked into juicy po'boy sandwiches with cheddar, slaw and pickled jalapenos. Plates come loaded with smoked potato salad, house coleslaw, green onions, pickles and rich gravy. Behind this rowdy Texan-inspired shack is chef Nick Hodge, a former Iron Chef contestant who has been running the show since 2011. The wood-panelled space hums with loud music and laughter, and the portions proudly reflect Texas cuisine. It's a place where fried chicken gets messy, but it's also deeply satisfying and exactly what you need.
6021 Boulevard Monk, Montréal, H4E 3H5
In Ville-Émard, Poulet FOU et Frit draws fried chicken lovers with a recipe inspired by the Philippines, where each piece is marinated for hours before being coated in a well-seasoned house batter. The result is juicy, golden and satisfyingly crisp. Formally known as Maffeo, the spot has kept its location and neighbourhood spirit, like potato salad or Brussels sprouts. The dish is halal, made in-house and served with no fuss. With more than 700 online reviews, clearly this local counter has earned its fans. This place has a bold, no-nonsense personality, and it keeps people coming back for fried chicken.
Multiple locations
Fried chicken comes in many forms. Then there's DaWa Chicken. In NDG and the Plateau Mont-Royal, this Korean spot serves up chicken marinated for 24 hours, then fried to crispy, juicy perfection. The boneless sunsals come in signature sauces like honey garlic or snowing cheese, while chilli wings, crispy wraps and loaded poutines round out the offering. You'll also find Korean dishes like bulgogi and yaki udon that bring even more depth to the menu. The setting is unpretentious, the portions generous, and the execution consistent. Whether you're in for a quick lunch or a full comfort dinner, the creamy onion combo and house classics keep people coming back.
Photo Credits: eat_with_jasmine
Want to explore different styles or uncover new favourites? Take a look at our full guide to the best fried chicken restaurants in Montreal. From well-known spots to newer counters, each one brings its own crispy flair. There's more than one way to enjoy that crunch.
