The Absolute Best Hot Chicken in Austin [Updated 2025]

I know what goes into a good plate of hot chicken--it's gotta be juicy, flavorful and well-seasoned. After plenty of trial and error, I eventually narrowed the selection down to 8 different spots that left me with very satisfied taste buds!

My list includes restaurants from all areas of Austin , so no matter where you are, you're sure to find something delicious. I'm excited to share my findings with everyone so that they can experience the best hot chicken in Austin , just like I did!

KO STOP

I had heard of KO STOP before and was excited to actually try it out. They're known for their hot chicken, and let me tell you, they didn't disappoint. The chicken was incredibly juicy, but not so much that the breading wasn't crispy.

The seasoning was bold and spicy, yet all the different flavors were balanced perfectly. It's definitely the best hot chicken I've ever had in Austin .

Also, the staff at KO STOP is so friendly! Everyone from the servers to the kitchen staff treated me like a valued customer and made sure that my visit was a pleasant one.

If you're looking for the best hot chicken in Austin then I highly recommend KO STOP!

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Hoover's Cooking

The flavor of the chicken is spot-on and just the right amount of spicy. The hot chicken is so juicy that I'm tempted to order it every time I visit!

The fries are always cooked perfectly, not too greasy, and provide the perfect side with the hot chicken. The macaroni & cheese is also top-notch, creamy and flavorful.

If you're looking for some of the best hot chicken in Austin, then Hoover's Cooking should be your go-to spot!

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Big Mama's kitchen

From the first bite, I could tell that Big Mama's Kitchen had put a great amount of love and care into creating their signature hot chicken. The crispy yet moist texture of the chicken itself was flawless- just enough crunch to give it some life and the juiciness made my mouth water for more! It was distinctly seasoned with a blend of spices that gave it a pleasant kick - not too spicy but just enough to give your taste buds a little surprise.

The sides that accompanied the chicken were equally delicious, as they provided a nice balance to the spiciness. From coleslaw to mashed potatoes, these sides added an extra layer of flavor which I loved.

To top it off, Big Mama's Kitchen has some of the best customer service in Austin! Every time I visit, they take the time to make sure my experience is nothing short of perfect- always attentive and friendly.

Overall, **Big Mama's Kitchen is by far **the best hot chicken in Austin ! Their amazing recipes and commitment to providing phenomenal customer service leave nothing more to be desired. Highly recommend!

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Colleen's Kitchen

I visited Colleen's Kitchen for the first time a few months ago, and was blown away by their hot chicken. I was taken aback by the unique flavor of their fried chicken, with it's crisp outer coating and perfect blend of spices inside. I have yet to find another restaurant that does this as well as Colleen's Kitchen.

The service is always top-notch - the wait staff is friendly and welcoming and can make great recommendations if you're unsure what to order. The atmosphere of the restaurant is very relaxed and cozy, which helps add to an enjoyable meal.

Overall, I would highly recommend anyone looking for some of the best hot chicken in Austin to try Colleen's Kitchen! From my experience, they definitely didn't disappoint.

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KFC

The crispy texture of the skin and the spicy flavor make KFC's hot chicken stand out from its competitors. The variety of spices used is great for giving the chicken a unique, flavorful feel without having it be overly spicy.

What really makes their hot chicken shine is the quality of ingredients used to construct it. I can really taste that they use natural, high-quality ingredients and nothing artificial. Altogether, the combination gives an incredibly delicious experience.

I'm always impressed at how well the hot chicken is cooked - perfectly crispy yet still juicy on the inside. With KFC, you can always trust that you're going to get a piece of hot chicken with great texture and delicious flavor each time.

To sum it up, KFC's hot chicken deserves recognition as one of the best in Austin . Whether you're looking for a fun snack or something more substantial to eat, I highly recommend trying out KFC's outstanding offering!

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Top Notch Hamburgers

I have to say that the first time I visited Top Notch Hamburgers, I was a bit skeptical because it is an iconic Austin burger joint. After trying their hot chicken, my doubts were gone! Their hot chicken is incredibly flavorful and has "just the right amount of heat." The chicken is crispy and juicy, so you can taste all the amazing flavors in every bite. I love the fact that they offer different levels of spiciness so everyone can enjoy it.

Overall, Top Notch Hamburgers offers some of the best hot chicken in Austin. Their portions are generous and reasonably priced for what you get. If you're ever in Austin, make sure to stop by and get yourself some mouthwatering hot chicken!

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Chicks

The Hot Chicken: Chicks' hot chicken is truly spectacular. The level of heat is perfectly balanced and the flavor is full and robust. Even with a couple of pieces, I was in for a night of deliciousness!

**The Sides **: The sides at Chicks are also amazing! Coleslaw, potato salad, mac & cheese and fries combine to make a great meal. Most importantly, all of the sides compliment the hot chicken perfectly.

Overall: In conclusion, if you're looking for the best hot chicken in Austin , look no further than Chicks! With their perfect balance of heat and flavor, you can't go wrong. Not to mention their great sides will definitely please any crowd!

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Roots Chicken Shak

I've tried plenty of chicken in my lifetime, but none can compare to the taste and spice of Roots Chicken Shak's hot chicken. They use a special blend of herbs and spices that really bring out the flavor.

The portions are generous and the prices are reasonable, so it's great value overall. Plus, their staff is always friendly and helpful!

Overall, Roots Chicken Shak has the best hot chicken in Austin that I have found!

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