Living in a region known for all-things-fried, some might think it difficult to find gluten-free fried chicken, but they are so not looking in the right places. Light, flaky, tender, and well-seasoned gluten-free fried chicken is on the menu at seven restaurants and two dedicated bakeries where caution is taken to prevent cross contact with wheat flour.
Why use gluten-free flours to coat chicken? Because these flours don’t absorb grease the way gluten flour does leaving the coating lighter and crispier. In honor of National Fried Chicken Day, we put together a list of where to find gluten-free fried chicken in and around Atlanta.
People come from far and wide to taste Arepa Mia’s fried chicken arepa. Topped with thai chili, avocado, lettuce and tomato, their Venezuelan take on a southern classic gets an A+. Stop by either of their two locations in Avondale Estates or Sweet Auburn Market and see what all the fuss is about. And they are a dedicated gluten-free restaurant, so everyone on the menu is in play.
Bantam & Biddy’s fried chicken is served as chicken tenders (on the bone on Sunday’s only) that pair nicely with jalapeno cornbread (also gluten free) and sweat tea. Their proprietary gluten-free batter turns out a crispy and light crust for lip-smackin’ chicken. Prepared in a dedicated fryer, their fried chicken is a testament to safe handling.
Chick-a-Biddy’s fried chicken tenders are gluten free and the only version on the menu. Unsuspecting consumers usually pair them with waffles or fries. Yes, they have a dedicated waffle iron for waffles, so you can nosh on chicken and waffles, a true southern tradition.
All the fried chicken at Crafthall Kitchen is gluten free and offers many ways to indulge. Served as chicken tenders, you can order a sandwich on gluten-free bread with bacon and avocado, or smother it with cheese and bacon. Chicken and waffles, waffles with chopped chicken in the batter, or chicken tenders atop creamy grits with crumbled bacon, green onions and one of their homemade sauces. Every choice is a tasty dream.
Kaleidoscope Bistro & Pub’s most popular gluten-free item is the on-the-bone fried chicken. After being brined in buttermilk, it is fried in a blend of cornstarch and rice flour in a separate fryer. Fried to order, a serving includes a breast, thigh, leg, and wing. Their fried chicken has a boldly seasoned thin crust that makes licking ones fingers a necessity and a pleasure.
Both Gluten Free Cutie and Good Karma Coffee House serve up fried chicken biscuits on the weekends for brunch. These are the only two places in town that offer fried chicken biscuit sandwiches that you can customize. Order a fried chicken and biscuit plate topped with gravy or top a Belgian waffle with it at Good Karma. Chicken biscuit sandwiches at Gluten Free Cutie can be topped with housemade pimento cheese or a fried green tomato.
Punch Bowl Social’s southern fried chicken can be ordered as an entree with tomato jalapeno salad and mint vinaigrette or as a sandwich with white barbecue sauce and French fries (just ask them to be made in the dedicated fryer). You can even order a 12-piece bucket with bread and butter pickles and slaw.
Richards’ Southern Fried in Krog Street Market reformulated its previous recipe and now only makes fried chicken with gluten-free coating. The recipe was changed to ensure the chicken was just as crunchy for take-away orders as it is fresh out of the fryer. The chicken is coated with a blend of corn starch, potato, rice and tapioca flours. Because nothing goes in the fryer that contains gluten, the fries a safe bet too. Try their hot fried chicken with housemade pimento cheese and chow and savory every delicious bite.
Zeal Modern Eatery in Marietta prepares fried chicken by starting with Springer Mountain Farms chicken coated in tapioca and rice flour batter before frying it in a dedicated fryer. Diners get a whole breast with attached wing served with spicy habanero pepper jelly, collards, and red skin mashed potatoes.
