Living in a region known for all-things-fried, you might think finding gluten-free fried chicken would next to impossible, but it isn’t. It’s all about knowing where to look.
Light, flaky, tender, well-seasoned and grease-free fried chicken is on the menu at nine local restaurants and one dedicated bakery in and around Atlanta. Stop by any of these fine restaurants and enjoy a crispy fried treat without fear because all the right steps have been taken to prevent cross contact during preparation.
And you may just find you prefer gluten-free fried chicken because gluten-free flours don’t absorb grease the way wheat flour does, which means the coating fries up lighter and crispier.
I created a list of where to find gluten-free fried chicken in and around Atlanta. Please note that Punch Bowl Social is no longer offering a gluten-free fried chicken breast. And Craft Hall Kitchen, Gluten Free Cutie, and Zeal Modern Eatery have closed.
Gluten-free fried chicken is on the lunch and dinner menu at 1910 Public House. Served up on a gluten-free bun and topped with pimento cheese, pecan smoked bacon, red pepper jelly, arugula and vine ripened tomatoes. The Southern fried chicken plate is paired with rosemary-garlic whipped potatoes, sautéed green beans and peppercorn gravy. All their fried chicken is prepared with gluten-free flour and fried in a dedicated fryer. Safety at its finest.
People come from far and wide to devour one of 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 to customize a fried chicken arepa at one of Atlanta’s dedicated gluten-free restaurants.
Bantam & Biddy’s fried chicken is served as chicken tenders (on the bone on Sunday’s only) and pairs nicely with a jalapeno cornbread muffin, pimento cheese, or fries. Prepared in a dedicated fryer, their gluten-free batter turns out crispy, light and flavorful fried chicken that is a testament to all things southern.
The only fried chicken tenders served at Chick-a-Biddy are gluten free. Unsuspecting customers usually pair them with a cornbread waffles (with or without jalapenos) or fries. And it can be ordered as a sandwich and served on a gluten-free bun. I love that they have a dedicated waffle iron, turning chicken and waffles, a true southern tradition, into a tasty reality.
At Citizen Soul in Alpharetta their California cuisine is lovingly infused with Southern heart and soul. All the fryers are free of gluten and the inventive food is more than worth the drive. We started with the duck fat fries, such an unexpected crispy treat. Plus, I had the fried chicken with riced grits and sorghum sauce, and it didn’t disappoint! So crispy and tender. Delicious.
Kaleidoscope Bistro & Pub’s most popular gluten-free item is the on-the-bone fried chicken. After being brined in buttermilk, it’s fried in a blend of cornstarch and rice flour and prepared in in a dedicated fryer. Fried to order, each serving includes a breast, thigh, leg, and wing. Normally served with collard and mac and cheese (not gluten free), ask for a side of fries (made in the dedicated fryer) instead. Their fried chicken has a boldly seasoned thin crust that is finger licking good – pun totally intended.
Good Karma Coffee House serves up fried chicken tenders with flaky biscuits on the weekends making it the only place in town offering chicken and biscuit options. Top their chicken and biscuits with gravy or pair the tenders with a Belgian waffle. The traditional chicken and biscuit sandwich can be topped with regular or vegan cheese, eggs, sliced tomatoes, or whatever tickles you fancy. They are the first dedicated gluten-free coffee shop in Atlanta and they have a long list of vegan and vegetarian offerings as well.
The dedicated gluten, nut, and dairy-free menu at Karma Farm always includes their oven-baked fried chicken. They coat Springer Mountain Farms chicken with a spicy breading (with notes of cayenne and black pepper) and bake until it is nice and crunchy. It can be ordered as an entrée and paired with a cold salad or hot side, or as an arepa sandwich topped with lettuce, tomatoes, and homemade sauce. I love supporting this dedicated gluten-free and family-owned restaurant
Richards’ Southern Fried in Krog Street Market reformulated its chicken coating using only gluten-free flours to ensure the chicken (served on the bone) was just as crunchy for take-away orders as it is fresh out of the fryer. Coated with a blend of corn starch, potato, rice and tapioca flours, it is pressure-fried to create its unique crispy and crunchy exterior that somehow isn’t heavy. And it is fried in dedicated fryers making the fries a safe bet too. Try their hot fried chicken with housemade pimento cheese and chow chow and savor every delicious bite.
Sprig serves gluten-free fried chicken on their dinner menu and pairs it with gluten-free mac & cheese, fried okra, and mushroom tarragon gravy. A full plate of comfort food is hard to come by in Atlanta.
Where do you eat gluten-free fried chicken in Atlanta?
