Sometimes, you crave a classic, perfectly fried chicken dinner. And other times, you want that bird to “get freaky.” Whether you’re after a crispy hangover cure or a casual meal with a Nashville hot, Korean BBQ, or lemon-herb remix, we’ve got the list for you. It’s full of all the non-standard chicken spots that go beyond the basic bird. Here are 9 restaurants that prove the rules are meant to be broken, especially when they taste this good.
Chicken Express
$ | (318) 216-5540 | WEBSITE
You know when you get so giddy that you type in all caps? That’s how we feel when we bite into the Liver Dinner at Shreveport’s Chicken Express. It has perfectly cooked liver with crispy batter and a soft interior, creamy corn nuggets (our new favorite side), and crispy chicken tenders, all served fresh and hot—which adds some great satisfaction.
The food is almost consistently delicious, and after a few bites, it will be the thing you excitedly text about in all caps instead of drive-thru waits and restroom cleanliness.
KFC
$ | (318) 671-0050 | WEBSITE
For those of you who have never been a fan of fast-food chicken, you may want to reconsider. But if you stick around, this Shreveport institution has two alternative chicken dishes for you. Both the chicken pizza and spicy KFC bowls with Nashville sauce are packed with flavorful, tender chicken, yet make for a pretty substantial meal. The oozing cheese on the pizza gives it a satisfying creaminess, while the Nashville sauce adds a welcome spicy kick.
They both laugh in the face of regular fried chicken and raise the stakes with their bold, savory flavors. The helpful suggestions from the smiling staff and the clean establishment are just a bonus.
Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers
$ | (318) 603-4790 | WEBSITE
Things that will stand the test of time: the pyramids, Barbie’s obsession with pink, and this city’s love of putting chicken fingers in a basket. At Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, they have a Chicken Finger Combo that mixes perfectly seasoned, golden-brown tenders with their secret sauce, crinkle-cut fries, and warm, buttery Texas toast. The meal is basically a fried chicken dinner that grew up in a cozy, chicken-scented atmosphere instead of a fast-food joint.
The sauce makes it juicier than the chicken fingers we’re used to, and has a nice balance of crunch and flavor. It works so well that it got us thinking about other Shreveport-centric things we can mash up, like a chicken tender po’boy or a statue of a friendly staff member handing out crispy blessings next to the Red River.
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen
$ | (318) 629-0365 | WEBSITE
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen is a Shreveport spot that translates our love for chicken into crispy, flavorful classics. The Sweet and Spicy 12 Pieces keeps it ‘simple’ with perfectly fried chicken, a sweet glaze, and a spicy kick that lingers just right. The chicken sandwich has all of the above, plus a buttery brioche bun and crunchy pickles, making it the handheld feast of our cravings. They both bring a blend of quality chicken and a savory, satisfying bite.
Be prepared—they’re popular (and will require all of your appetite’s attention), and you’ll have to navigate a busy counter to get yours.
King Of Wings
$ | (318) 425-9775 | WEBSITE
King Of Wings is a small Shreveport spot with a mighty menu of comfort food classics, especially hot honey mustard wings and the king burger. The wing options are straightforward—including classic buffalo, barbecue, and lemon pepper—but the Hot Honey Mustard wings are our favorite. They have crispy skin, tender meat, a sweet-spicy glaze, and a tangy mustard kick with a bit of a sticky finish. It’s essentially everything you love about bar food in wing form.
All of the plates are $12-$16, and are the perfect affordable option for a quick lunch or casual dinner.
Southern Classic Chicken
$ | (318) 219-2444 | WEBSITE
Southern Classic Chicken is where we go for fried chicken, crispy wings, and French fry-induced happiness with a Southern twist. So it should be no surprise that we also head here for out-of-this-world red beans and rice. The classic fried chicken coats super juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken with a crispy golden crust, and pairs it all with fluffy mashed potatoes. It’s a hot and flavorful blend so good you won’t regret skipping the chicken wings (but next time, you should try those, too).
Chick-fil-A
$ | (318) 797-4001 | WEBSITE
Visiting Chick-fil-A and skipping their classic Chicken Sandwich would be like going to a symphony and leaving before the crescendo — disappointing and incomplete. While they offer several chicken dishes on the menu, there’s an obvious explanation why this one remains the star: the perfectly seasoned, pressure-cooked chicken breast with its signature blend of herbs and spices.
There’s a satisfying crispness from the buttered, toasted bun, and the tangy pickles ensure each bite stays perfectly balanced in that familiar, comforting package. The only challenging choice you’ll face here is whether to pair your sandwich with the Waffle Potato Fries (and if one serving truly satisfies).
Church’s Texas Chicken
$ | (318) 686-0659 | WEBSITE
Although this fried chicken is straightforward, it’s always served piping hot (unlike many fast-food competitors). You’ll get crispy, golden-brown chicken, creamy mashed potatoes with gravy, fried okra, and honey-buttered biscuits. It would taste satisfying even if it was handed to you in a basic cardboard box (meh), but thankfully, it’s presented with that classic Southern hospitality.
It’s like the comfort food sweet spot between a home-cooked meal and our go-to fast-food fix, and the familiar flavors are glorious. Grab some before or after running weekend errands or while enjoying the family-friendly atmosphere inside.
Zaxby’s Chicken Fingers & Buffalo Wings
$ | (318) 606-5332 | WEBSITE
The Chicken Fingers at Zaxby’s are what happens when a classic comfort food gets a Southern makeover and decides to be the best version of itself. They have crispy golden breading, tender juicy chicken inside, and just the right amount of seasoning throughout. What we love most about them, though, outside of the perfect crunch, is they’re about as satisfying as finding an extra chicken finger in your box.
It’s one of those all-time great meals you’ll crave as much as your last summer barbecue with friends.