I grew up in a state where fried chicken is more than just food. It is a tradition that brings families together around tables covered in checkered cloths.
Every bite of crispy, golden chicken connects me to memories of Sunday dinners and family reunions. Indiana has perfected the art of down-home cooking, and these restaurants prove it.
From the moment you walk through the door, the smell of sizzling chicken fills the air and makes your mouth water. The recipes have been passed down through generations, and each restaurant has its own special touch.
Some serve it family-style on big platters, while others plate it with all the fixings you can imagine. These are not fancy establishments with white tablecloths and complicated menus.
They are the kind of places where you feel at home the second you sit down. The chicken is always hot, the sides are always homemade, and the portions are always generous.
If you love fried chicken as much as I do, these spots will become your new favorite places to eat in Indiana.
1. HollyHock Hill
HollyHock Hill has been serving fried chicken in Indianapolis since 1928, and remarkably, the recipe has not changed one bit since those early days. For nearly a century, generations of diners have come through its doors for the same familiar flavors, which has helped the restaurant earn a loyal following.
Walking into this restaurant feels like stepping back in time to when meals were unpretentious, conversation mattered, and portions were unapologetically large. The dining room has a warm, homey atmosphere, with sturdy wooden tables, softly worn chairs, and vintage decor lining the walls.
Old photographs and traditional accents add to the sense of history, making the space feel comforting and familiar, almost like being welcomed into your grandmother’s house for Sunday dinner.
The fried chicken is served family-style, a tradition that encourages sharing and lingering at the table. Large platters arrive loaded with generous portions of crispy pieces, still crackling hot from the kitchen.
The coating is perfectly seasoned with a balanced blend of spices that creates a rich, golden crust. It manages to stay crunchy even as the meal goes on, which is no small feat.
Beneath the crust, the meat is tender and juicy, pulling easily from the bone with each bite. The chicken is neither greasy nor heavy, making it easy to understand why so many people have been ordering it the same way for decades.
2. The Chicken House
The Chicken House in Sellersburg has built a reputation for serving some of the crispiest fried chicken in Southern Indiana. This family-owned restaurant has been a local favorite for years, drawing people from nearby towns who crave that perfect crunch.
The building itself is modest, but the food inside is anything but ordinary.
What makes their chicken special is the double-dipping technique they use before frying. This creates an extra-thick coating that stays incredibly crispy even after sitting for a few minutes.
The seasoning is bold without being overpowering, letting the natural flavor of the chicken shine through. White meat and dark meat are both cooked to perfection, so you cannot go wrong with either choice.
The menu also features classic Southern sides like coleslaw, baked beans, and cornbread that complement the chicken beautifully. The coleslaw has a tangy dressing that cuts through the richness of the fried chicken, while the cornbread is slightly sweet and crumbles perfectly in your mouth.
You will find The Chicken House at 7180 Hwy 111 in Sellersburg, just off the main road. The parking lot fills up quickly during dinner hours, especially on Friday and Saturday nights.
The portions are generous enough that you might end up taking some home for later. Service is friendly and efficient, with servers who know the menu inside and out and can make recommendations if you are having trouble deciding.
3. The Chicken Place
Tucked away in the tiny town of Ireland, The Chicken Place is a hidden gem that locals have kept secret for too long. This restaurant sits in the middle of farmland, surrounded by fields and open sky.
The atmosphere is casual and unpretentious, with a focus on good food rather than fancy decorations.
Their fried chicken is made using a recipe that has been in the family for three generations. The pieces are hand-breaded and fried in small batches to ensure each one comes out perfect.
The result is chicken with a light, flaky crust that shatters when you bite into it, revealing meat that is impossibly moist and flavorful.
What really sets this place apart is the attention to detail in every dish. The mashed potatoes are real, not instant, and they are whipped until they are smooth and creamy.
The gravy is made from scratch using pan drippings, giving it a depth of flavor you just cannot get from a mix. The green beans are cooked low and slow with bits of bacon that add a smoky richness.
The Chicken Place is located at 4970 W State Road 56 in Ireland, and it is worth the drive no matter where you are coming from. The restaurant is small, so seating can be limited during peak hours.
Many people call ahead to place takeout orders, which is a smart move if you are in a hurry. The prices are incredibly reasonable, especially considering the quality and quantity of food you get.
4. Stone’s Family Restaurant
Stone’s Family Restaurant in Greensburg has been feeding hungry families since 1986, and their fried chicken remains the star of the menu. This is the kind of place where everyone knows your name after a few visits.
The dining room is spacious with plenty of seating for large groups, making it perfect for family gatherings and special occasions.
The chicken here is brined overnight before being coated and fried, which keeps it incredibly juicy even after cooking. The breading has a subtle spice blend that adds warmth without any real heat, making it appealing to both kids and adults.
Each piece is fried to order, so you might wait a few extra minutes, but the freshness is absolutely worth it.
The buffet-style service on certain days lets you sample a variety of sides along with your chicken. Mac and cheese, biscuits, fried okra, and collard greens are just some of the options available.
The desserts are homemade too, with pies and cobblers that change based on what is in season.
Stone’s Family Restaurant is located at 2376 E Co Rd 820 S in Greensburg, a bit off the beaten path but easy to find once you know where to look. The restaurant has a loyal following of regulars who come back week after week.
The staff is attentive and friendly, always making sure your glass stays full and your plate stays loaded. This is comfort food at its finest, served in an environment that feels like home.
5. The Chicken Inn
The Chicken Inn in Shelbyville has been a local institution since the 1960s, serving up fried chicken that keeps people coming back generation after generation. The building has a retro charm with its vintage signage and classic diner-style interior.
Booths line the walls, and the counter seating gives you a front-row view of the kitchen in action.
Their fried chicken is known for having an incredibly flavorful coating that is seasoned with a secret blend of herbs and spices. The crust has a satisfying crunch that gives way to tender meat underneath.
They offer both original and spicy versions, so you can choose based on your heat tolerance. The spicy version has a nice kick without being overwhelming.
The sides menu is extensive, featuring everything from creamy coleslaw to crispy french fries. The potato salad is a customer favorite, made with a mustard-based dressing that has just the right amount of tang.
The dinner rolls come warm and brushed with butter, perfect for rounding out your meal.
You will find The Chicken Inn at 541 E Hendricks St in Shelbyville, right in the heart of town. The restaurant has a steady stream of customers throughout the day, from lunch crowds to families having dinner.
The prices are fair, and the portions are more than generous. Takeout is available if you prefer to enjoy your meal at home, and the packaging keeps everything hot and crispy during the drive.
6. His Place Eatery
His Place Eatery on the east side of Indianapolis serves fried chicken with a soul food twist that makes every meal feel special. This restaurant has a welcoming vibe that makes you feel like you are eating at a friend’s house.
The decor is simple but comfortable, with tables spaced out enough to give you privacy while still feeling connected to the community around you.
The fried chicken here is seasoned with a blend that includes paprika, garlic powder, and other spices that create a complex flavor profile. The coating adheres perfectly to the chicken, creating a shell that crackles when you bite into it.
The meat inside stays moist and tender, with natural juices that enhance every bite.
The soul food sides are what really complete the experience. Collard greens cooked with smoked turkey, candied yams with a sweet glaze, and black-eyed peas seasoned to perfection all make appearances on the menu.
The cornbread is slightly sweet and has a crumbly texture that pairs beautifully with the savory main dishes.
His Place Eatery is located at 6916 E 30th St in Indianapolis, in a neighborhood setting that feels authentic and genuine. The restaurant is popular with locals who appreciate good food served with care.
The staff takes pride in what they serve, and it shows in the quality of every dish. Portions are substantial, so come hungry or be prepared to take home leftovers.
This is the kind of place that reminds you why fried chicken will always be a beloved comfort food.
7. Wagner’s Village Inn
Wagner’s Village Inn in Oldenburg is legendary among fried chicken aficionados, specifically for a preparation style you won’t find anywhere else. Located in a historic German village known as the “Village of Spires,” this restaurant feels like a hidden treasure tucked away in the rolling hills of southeastern Indiana.
The building has a rustic, tavern-like feel with dark wood accents and a cozy atmosphere that invites you to settle in for a long, satisfying meal. It has even earned national recognition as a James Beard Foundation America’s Classics award winner, proving that world-class food can be found in the smallest of towns.
The secret to their success is their heavy use of coarse-ground black pepper in the breading. This gives the chicken a signature “zing” that is bold and distinctive without being “hot” in a traditional chili sense.
The chicken is fried in heavy cast-iron skillets, a labor-intensive method that creates a thin, iron-clad crust that locks in an incredible amount of moisture. When the platter arrives at your table, the aroma of the pepper and the sizzling fat is enough to make anyone skip the appetizers and dive straight into the main course.
Accompanying the chicken are traditional sides like homemade slaw and fried potatoes that taste exactly like they came off a farmhouse stove. Located at 22171 Main St in Oldenburg, the restaurant is often packed with people who have driven from Cincinnati or Indianapolis just for a taste.
The service is no-nonsense and efficient, keeping the focus exactly where it belongs: on the best pepper-crusted chicken in the Midwest. If you haven’t made the trip to this historic corner of the state, your Indiana fried chicken tour isn’t truly complete.
8. The Log Inn
The Log Inn in Haubstadt is not just a place to eat; it is a tangible piece of American history that has stood the test of time since 1825. Officially recognized as the oldest restaurant in Indiana, this legendary spot celebrated its 200th anniversary in 2025.
Walking through the heavy doors feels like stepping back into the early 19th century, as you can still dine in the original log room where Abraham Lincoln famously ate in 1844. The atmosphere is thick with nostalgia, from the rustic timber walls to the long-standing tradition of Hoosier hospitality that has welcomed travelers for two centuries.
It originally served as a stagecoach stop and trading post, and its basement even served as a hiding place on the Underground Railroad, giving every meal here a profound sense of historical weight.
While the history draws people in, the food is what brings them back generation after generation. The Log Inn specializes in family-style dinners that are unapologetically traditional and hearty.
Large bowls of creamy mashed potatoes, steaming gravy, and buttery corn are passed around the table, but the fried chicken is undoubtedly the star of the show. Each piece is prepared with a simple, honest recipe that hasn’t changed in decades, resulting in a crispy golden skin and meat that stays incredibly moist.
It is the kind of unpretentious, soul-warming meal that reminds you why some recipes don’t need modernizing.
You can find this historic landmark at 12491 S 200 E in Haubstadt, situated just off US 41.
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