Katy RosserWhether it’s Scottish immigrants or an African influence, the American South birthed this crispy delight, and we’re forever grateful it landed in our shoes. Crunchy, juicy, and perfectly seasoned, we’re on the hunt for the best fried chicken in Auckland!
It’s the dish that could win any food fight, hands down. And don’t even get us started on the spicy variants — it’s an explosion of flavor in your mouth!
Gone are the days when KFC ruled the roost. Now, we’ve got a smorgasbord of options, from Grammy’s Nashville recipes to Japanese-inspired minimalism to Korean-infused glazed goodness.
So grab your napkins and get ready to dive into a finger-licking feast at these restaurants — guaranteed satisfaction!
Brew’d Hawt
— Media credit: brewdhawt
Website: https://www.brewdhawt.co.nz/
Address: 12 Putney Way, Manukau City Centre, Auckland 2104, New Zealand
Contact: +64 9 212 2135
Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: 11 AM–9 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 11 AM–9:30 PM
Alright, we’re going for a taste bud revolution at Brew’d Hawt, the holy grail of fried chicken in Auckland. We’re talking crunchy, juicy chicken that’ll make your taste buds do the chicken dance, all topped off with those glorious pickles.
And let’s be real, no legit list of Auckland’s fried chicken royalty is complete without giving props to this South Auckland sensation. Aari Puri is the fried chicken genius behind Brew’d Hawt.
Formerly of Pickle Pickle and Boy & Bird, this guy knows his cluckin’ stuff. They’ve even got a secret recipe for that crispy coating that’s been fine-tuned over the years — talk about dedication!
It stays crispy for a solid 26 minutes, because, well, they’ve timed it. Now that’s what we call commitment to the fried chicken cause!
And if burgers are your jam, they’ll slap your favorite fillings between a premium brioche or lettuce bun, complete with real cheese. It’s a whole vibe of yes, yes, and more yes!
Pro Tip:
At Brew’d Hawt, you’re the boss of your spice level. Keep it real with the OG level or crank up the heat with the ‘Hawt Hawt’ option — your call!
OCKHEE
— Media credit: ockheedokey
Website: https://ockheedokey.com/
Address: 171 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland 1011, New Zealand
Contact: +64 9 217 2020
Hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday: 5 PM–10 PM
- Thursday to Saturday: 12 PM–3 PM, 5 PM–10 PM
Ockhee on Ponsonby Road is as funky as it gets, and their fried chicken? Child, it’s a whole mood.
They call it dak gang jeon, and trust me, it’s the stuff of dreams. Now, here’s where it gets juicy: you’ve got two options to choose from — sweet chili and roasted peanut glazed or spicy soy and sesame glazed.
I mean, talk about Seoul food goals, right? But wait, they’ve got this little thing called fried chicken skin, and let me tell you, it’s addictive as heck!
You’ll be saying “hell yes!” with every crunchy bite. Well, I did.
Pro Tip:
Think about pairing your chicken with some of their natty Testpot’s rosé. Divine!
Peach’s Hot Chicken
— Media credit: peachs_hot_chicken
Website: https://www.peachshotchicken.com/
Address: 2 Queens Road, Panmure, Auckland 1072, New Zealand
Contact:
Hours:
- Closed from Monday to Tuesday
- Wednesday to Thursday: 11:30 AM–9 PM
- Friday: 11:30 AM–10 PM
- Saturday: 11 AM–10 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM–9 PM
When grandma’s recipe is behind it, you know that chicken is legit. And that’s the secret sauce behind Peach’s Hot Chicken.
Alex and Olivia, the masterminds behind this joint, are dishing out traditional Nashville chicken like nobody’s business all over Auckland.
Their menu? Oh, it’s a thing of beauty.
We’re talking chicken and waffles, popcorn chicken, and a mouthwatering chicken sandwich. And here’s where things get serious: they’re serving it up in different levels of heat, from mild to medium to what they boldly call “a religious experience.”
Holy Cluck is no joke, folks. The feeling is real!
But enough talk, let the flavors do the talking. Just grab a few pieces served up with some white bread and pickles, or dive headfirst into our personal fave, the Baller Sandwich.
Crispy fried chicken thigh nestled in a soft brioche bun with coleslaw, cheese, pickles, and a generous drizzle of aioli-style sauce? Trust us, it’s a fave fowl-changer.
Pro Tip:
Try their Peach & Blackberry Cobbler! It’s just like Grammy (or Mom) used to make.
Schapiro’s Sports Bar
— Media credit: schapiros.akl
Website: https://www.schapirossportsbar.co.nz/
Address: 224 Symonds Street, Eden Terrace, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Hours:
- Closed on Monday
- Tuesday to Wednesday: 12 PM–10 PM
- Thursday: 12 PM–11 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 12 PM–12:30 AM
- Sunday: 12 PM–8 PM
Schapiro’s Sports Bar is one of the holy grails of fried chicken in Auckland. When we order, we often brace ourselves for the dry seasoned chicken wings that defy gravity!
They’re juicy, they’re spiced, and trust us, one serving won’t cut it (we’ve tested this theory extensively). Plus, you get to choose from three mouthwatering iterations: lemon pepper, original, and hot and spicy.
Or you can dive into the saucy delights of Gochujang or buffalo wings, complete with ranch and celery on standby for your dipping pleasure. Deep dip for that deelish dive!
Pro Tip:
Can’t make up your mind? Our answer: get them all. Because why make decisions when you can have everything?
Gochu
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Website: https://gochugotyou.co.nz/
Address: Commercial Bay Level 2/1 Queen Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Contact: +64 210 905 2396
Hours:
- Open daily from 12 PM–2:30 PM, 5 PM–10 PM
You’ve got three hungry souls gleefully clutching fried chicken from Gochu, AKA the holy grail of crispy goodness in Auckland. Who are they? Me, myself, and I.
When it comes to next-level flavor fireworks, Gochu doesn’t play around with their fried chicken. Their Korean-style masterpiece is these succulent, bite-sized chunks of meat, cloaked in a crunchy batter so divine it’s like Mozart in your mouth.
And that sauce? Spicy, vibrant, and downright addictive — it’s the stuff dreams are made of.
Pro Tip:
And if you’re feeling bold, dare to level up with their extra spicy version. But fair warning: this bad boy packs a serious punch, so grab a drink or two to douse those flames!
Mexico
— Media credit: mexiconz
Website: https://www.mexico.net.nz/
Address: 164 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland 1011, New Zealand
Contact: +64 9 280 3919
Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: 11:30 AM–8:30 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 11:30 AM–9:30 PM
We can probably blame Mexico, the OG fried chicken sensation, for igniting Auckland’s obsession with crispy goodness. We think it’s the need for flavorful goodness that kickstarted the craze.
Those little nuggets of spicy, golden joy? They’re still rocking taste buds after all this time.
And you’ve got to try their jalapeño and chipotle mayo! It’s like a firecracker of flavor in your mouth.
Some folks swear they only come here for this finger-lickin’ fowl goodness. Here’s to hoping this heavenly dish stays on the menu forever!
Pro Tip:
Don’t limit yourself to their chicken. Try their butterfly prawns and beef tostadas too!
Kai Eatery
— Media credit: kai_eatery
Website: https://www.kaieatery.co.nz/
Address: 7 Queen Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Contact: +64 9 222 2689
Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: 11 AM–8 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 11 AM–9 PM
Kai Eatery, the heavyweight champ of the fried chicken scene, puts a Taiwanese twist on this crispy classic. There’s no ordinary fried chicken here as you’ve got options galore.
Whether you’re craving just the breast, marinated and coated to perfection, you’ve got a full meal. A bowl packed with rice, salad, and your favorite dressing, Kai’s got you covered.
Or maybe take it up a notch: fried chicken bao style, loaded with daikon, cucumber, slaw, and chipotle. Mmm, it’s the chicken champion!
Kai Eatery isn’t messing around when it comes to their Taiwanese-style XL Fried Chicken. We’re talking chicken breast bigger than your face: boneless, butterflied, and bursting with flavor.
It’s crispy, it’s juicy, and it’s coated in a mouthwatering array of flavors like salt and pepper and peri peri. Trust us, once you’ve tasted this behemoth, you’ll never settle for ordinary fried chicken again.
Pro Tip:
And don’t skimp on the sides! You can beef up your meal with shoestring fries, onion rings, or hash browns — because let’s be real, who said you can’t have it all?
My Fried Chicken
— Media credit: myfriedchicken.nz
Website: https://myfriedchicken.co.nz/
Address: Ponsonby Central 4 Brown Street, Ponsonby, Auckland 1011, New Zealand
Contact: +64 9 218 6840
Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: 11 AM–9 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 11 AM–11 PM
It’s a flavor explosion at My Fried Chicken, where traditional fried chicken gets a Korean makeover. Just step into their Ponsonby Central store and witness the culinary magic unfold before your eyes!
From super mild to super spicy, they’ve got every heat level covered. And if things start heating up too much, don’t sweat it!
Pro Tip:
Just grab a can of Garage beer from their impressive selection and cool down in style. Trust us, it’s a match made in foodie heaven!
The Candy Shop
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Website: https://www.namugroup.co.nz/venue/the-candy-shop
Address: 2/8 Osborne Street, Newmarket, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
Contact: +64 27 352 0026
Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 7 AM–3 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 8 AM–4 PM
The Candy Shop in Newmarket is slinging out treats seven days a week, from steamed bun sliders to brunch bowls fit for summer royalty. But let’s cut to the chase — their Korean fried chicken is the real star of the show.
You’ll sink your teeth into one of Auckland’s finest fried chicken burgers. And if you’re feeling extra peckish, splurge a bit for the KFC Platter: waffle fries, slaw, pickles, and your choice of sauce included.
Mmm, now that’s what we call a mouthwatering masterpiece!
Pro Tip:
Just take your pick: original with garlic soy dipping sauce or spicy with tteokbboki (fried rice cakes). Or better yet, slap it between two buns and chomp down sandwich-style.
Azabu
— Media credit: azabuponsonby
Website: https://savor.co.nz/azabu-ponsonby
Address: 26 Ponsonby Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland 1011, New Zealand
Contact: +64 9 320 5292
Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday: 5 PM–10 PM
- Thursday to Friday: 12 PM–10 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 4 PM–10 PM
Azabu’s Karaage chicken is the real deal in Auckland! This Japanese fried chicken masterpiece has everything we’re looking for: juicy, crispy goodness served with pickled daikon, oregano or kale crisp, and a dollop of aji Amarillo mayo.
And guess what? It’s free-range. It’s time to cluck — we mean, dig in!
Pro Tip:
If the chicken’s not enough, we recommend going with their platters paired with your Asahi beer or their latest cocktail: the Celestial Dragon. What a way to celebrate the year!
Lord of the Fries
— Media credit: lordofthefries.nz
Website: https://lordofthefries.co.nz/
Address: 179-189 Karangahape Road, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Contact: +64 9 600 1234
Hours:
- Sunday to Tuesday: 11 AM–9 PM
- Wednesday to Thursday: 11 AM–12 AM
- Friday to Saturday: 11 AM–4 AM
Let’s talk about Lord of the Fries and their plant-based fried “chicken.” Yeah, you heard that right: vegan fried chicken.
Weird? Maybe. But hey, we’re all about celebrating options, especially for the plant-based crew.
Lord of the Fries knows how to work their magic with soy protein, creating a chicken substitute that looks and tastes just like the real deal. Seriously, it even separates like legit fried chicken.
So, next time you’re craving some crispy goodness sans the guilt, Lord of the Fries has got your back!
Pro Tip:
If the waffles are too much, try their Fried Chicken Munch Box. It’s your chick and chips fix!
Lowbrow.
— Media credit: lowbrow.nz
Website: https://www.lowbrow.co.nz/
Address: 18/183 Karangahape Road, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Contact: +64 9 300 6410
Hours:
- Sunday to Monday: 12 PM–7 PM
- Tuesday to Thursday: 12 PM–9 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 12 PM–10 PM
Lowbrow doesn’t mess around when it comes to serving up fast food that actually tastes good. And trust us, this ain’t your normal chicken joint.
Their menu is like a trip down memory lane with a twist of mischief. OG Chicken Sando, wings that’ll make your taste buds chuckle and cluck, or a fried chicken Caesar salad because — why the heck not eat them all?
And let’s talk sweets, shall we? It’s practically a sin not to indulge in their Triple Threat Sundae or Fried Birthday Cake.
Yeah, they’re not messing around when it comes to satisfying that sweet tooth!
Pro Tip:
Don’t think there aren’t any alcoholic stuff here. Check out their cocktail selections and choose your poison!
