15 Auckland Fried Chicken Places So Good You’ll Cry
Jessica McNamara
| Last Updated: January 2025 The quest for the perfect piece of fried chicken is a journey as old as the fryer itself. It’s a pursuit that’s led me down dusty back roads, through bustling food halls and dimly lit corners of dive bars. What have I found?
Frankly, that this city is a minefield when it comes to fried chicken.
I’ve encountered dry duds, grease bombs disguised as chicken, and marinades so sugary they can replace dessert. I eventually found the places in all of Auckland with the best fried chicken, of course – obviously, or this list wouldn’t exist – but damn, did it take a while.
So now, let’s check out the ones that finally made the cut. Don’t worry, all of these places are finger-licking good!
1. Jack’s Fried Chicken
Address:
Glendene: The Kitchen Collective 9A Akatea Road, Glendene, Auckland 0602, New Zealand
Takapuna: 33/45 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna, Auckland 0622
Hours:
Glendene: Monday – Thursday 5.00 PM – 2.00 AM
Friday 5.00 PM – 4.30 AM
Saturday 12.00 PM – 4.30 AM
Sunday 12.00 PM – 2.00 AM
Takapuna: Sunday – Thursday 6.00 PM – 2.00 AM
Friday – Saturday 6.00 PM – 4.30 AM
Phone:
Glendene: +64 21 085 96073
Takapuna: +64 21 739 864
At Jack’s Fried Chicken, the flavours of chicken to choose from seem endless. Jack’s chili cheese seasoning chicken is a flavour fiesta.
Or take a trip to Seoul (without leaving Auckland) with Jack’s K sweet chili chicken. This chicken’s got a sweet and tangy glaze that’ll leave you with happy taste buds.
But sometimes, you just need classic perfection: Jack’s Chicken Tenders are the answer.
Pro Tip: Get their chicken-loaded fries. Crispy fries smothered in melted cheese, topped with your choice of chicken, and drizzled with your favorite sauce.
2. Lowbrow
Address:
Krd: 18/183 Karangahape road, Grafton
Elliott stable: 39 Elliott st, Auckland CBD
Ellerslie: 130 Main Highway, Ellerslie
Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday: 12-9 PM
- Friday to Satuday: 12-10 PM
- Sunday and Monday: 12-7 PM
Phone: +64 9 300 6410
Lowbrow positions itself as a trendy, Kiwi-inspired take on fast food, offering a curated menu of fried chicken, burgers, and sides made with high-quality, free-range ingredients. Known for its casual vibe and creative dishes, Lowbrow has built a loyal following among those seeking indulgent comfort food that’s both satisfying and thoughtfully sourced.
The star of Lowbrow’s menu is undoubtedly their fried chicken. Featuring free-range chicken, the fried chicken items come in several enticing options like the Hot Chicken Sando and Signature Hot Wings, offering a range of spice levels from mild to their daring “Holy Crack” flavor.
Lowbrow also excels in providing variety with their chicken tenders, which are served with ranch sauce, sweet & sour pickles, and a toasted brioche milk bun. This dish caters to those who prefer boneless chicken without sacrificing the crunch and flavor typical of fried chicken.
Another fan favorite is their Signature Hot Wings, served with ranch dressing and a slice of white bread to soak up the extra juice. The wings are available in multiple heat levels, allowing customers to choose their preferred spice intensity, making it a versatile choice for groups.
Pro Tip: Try the Hot Chicken Sando if you love a bit of spice, but if you’re sensitive to heat, ask for it with their Lowbrow Original seasoning instead—it’s still packed with flavor without the intense kick. Also, upgrade your combo with the curly fries and cheddar cheese sauce for a next-level side experience!
3. My Fried Chicken Ponsonby
Address: Ponsonby Central 4 Brown Street, Ponsonby, Auckland 1011, New Zealand
Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 11 AM to 9 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 11 AM to 11 PM
Phone: +6492186840
Forget your boring old fried chicken—My Fried Chicken Ponsonby is a haven for crispy, juicy, finger-licking good Korean fried chicken. They go nuclear with their selection of mouth-watering sauces.
We’re talking the ‘OG’ sauce for the purists, maple for the sweet tooths, sweet & sour for the tang fiends, and thunderbird sauce for those who like to live dangerously (and love their lips on fire).
Pro Tip: Give their chicken and waffles a try. It’s a match made in heaven (and your stomach will thank you).
4. Oh My Chicken
Address: 15E Torrens Road, Burswood, Auckland 2013, New Zealand
Hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday – 10:30 AM to 10PM
Phone: +64 9 218 2638
If your mouth’s been watering for darn good chicken, then go to Oh My Chicken, the king of cluckin’ good times in this town.
They have flavours so fly they should be in first class. We’re talking soy garlic, fire chicken that’ll set your senses on fire (in a good way, my guy), honey garlic that’s sweet and sticky and creamy onion.
Pro Tip: Order some kimchi on the side. The tangy crunch from the kimchi is the perfect balance to all the fried goodness.
5. KS Chicken
Address: 33F Triton Drive, Rosedale, Auckland 0632, New Zealand
Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 10:30 AM to 8 PM
- Friday – 10:30 AM to 8:30 PM
- Saturday – 11AM to 8:30 PM
Phone: +64 9 476 1952
The fried chicken at KS Chicken is an explosion of flavours. We’re talking padak: chicken that’s juicy and drenched in a sweet and savory soy sauce, and BBQ.
Their sweet chili chicken is so tangy that it’ll leave you wanting more. And let’s not forget the ‘OG’ classic: crispy and golden perfection for the purists.
Pro Tip: Get their snowy cheese toppings, and for an extra kick, sprinkle on some onion seasoning.
6. Peach’s Hot Chicken
Address: 2 Queens Road, Panmure, Auckland 1072, New Zealand
Hours:
- Wednesday to Thursday – 11:30 AM to 9:00PM
- Friday – 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM
- Saturday – 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Sunday – 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Crank up the heat and get your spice on at Peach’s Hot Chicken, where Nashville-style heat meets Kiwi cool to create fried chicken that’ll leave you in a daze.
The ‘OG’ classic sandwich will rock your world, but get the baller when you want to go big and spicy. Nashville-style hot chicken piled high with melty cheese, comeback sauce and crunchy pickles. One bite will have you tapping your feet and reaching for your drink.
Want to go full-on Southern comfort? Peach’s has got your back (and your belly) with their chicken and biscuits. It’s perfect for those days when you need a little somethin’ somethin’ to warm your soul.
Pro Tip: Going with family or a group of friends? Get the family plate for mountains of chicken, pickles, mashed potatoes, gravy & biscuits.
7. Little & Kitchen
Address: 18 Mayfair Place, Glen Innes, Auckland 1072, New Zealand
Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday – 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM & 4:30 PM to 9 PM
- Sunday – 4 PM to 8PM
Phone: +64 9 528 9991
Little & Kitchen’s Dakgangjeong is a revelation. Tender chicken coated in a sweet and spicy sauce, then showered in crunchy, addictive honeycomb candy. But they ain’t just about solo fried chicken here.
They’ve got a fried chicken burger game that’ll knock your socks off (and leave you needing many napkins). The Dakgangjeong burger is perfect for spice lovers.
And if you’re feeling adventurous? Take a trip to the Caribbean with their jerk chicken burger.
Pro Tip: Don’t miss out on their sweet & spicy fried chicken bowl. It’s guaranteed to satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more.
8. DAKOGI Korean Fried Chicken
Address: 80a Mokoia Road, Birkenhead, Auckland 0626, New Zealand
Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 9:30 PM
Phone: +64 27 868 8582
At Dakogi Korean Fried Chicken, you’re in for the chicken of your life. Their crispy fried dark is a classic done right.
Feeling fancy? Take your dak to the next level with their cheese-sprinkled dak.
Or if you like your chicken with kick, grab their magma dak. This chicken is coated in a fiery red sauce that’ll set your taste buds on fire (in a good way!).
Just be sure to have a drink (or five) on hand, because things get spicy real quick.
Pro Tip: Get their sweet and chili dak and cheese balls. Sweet, spicy, and cheesy goodness.
9. Pocha
Address: 50 Kitchener Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Hours:
- Sunday & Tuesday to Thursday – 5 PM to 12 AM
- Friday and Saturday – 5 PM to 2 AM
Phone: +64 9 309 2342
Ready to spice up your life with chicken so good it’ll have you doing the Gangnam Style? Then head to Pocha.
They have flavours that’ll steal your heart. Pocha’s Seoul mustard fried chicken is drenched in a sweet mustard sauce that’ll have you lickin’ your fingers and begging for more.
Or take your chicken game to the next level with Pocha’s maple almond crunch chicken. It’s like dessert disguised as dinner (of course, no one’s judging if you eat this for dessert too).
Pro Tip: Spice fiends, listen up! Pocha’s got your fix with their jalapeño chicken and volcano chicken. Just make sure you grab a glass of water (or a gallon) before you have a bite.
10. Chic’en Eats
Address: Shop 4/359 Onehunga Mall, Onehunga, Auckland 1061, New Zealand
Hours:
- Monday & Wednesday to Friday – 5 PM to 9:30 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM, 5 PM to 9:30 PM
Phone: +64 9 622 0866
Chic’en Eats butters up your biscuit with their buttermilk chicken biscuit. It’s the Southern comfort you didn’t know you needed.
Feeling sassy? Grab a brioche bun sandwich. Their chicken is slathered in that legendary Mississippi comeback sauce, with crunchy pickles and creamy coleslaw adding a tangy, refreshing counterpoint.
Or sometimes, you just need a little sweetness with your heat. That’s where Chic’en Eats’ chicken tenders and waffles come in. It’s a breakfast-dinner-dessert hybrid that’ll leave you satisfied (and maybe needing a nap—it’s that good).
Pro Tip: Get extras of their comeback sauce. Dip, drizzle, dunk—whatever your heart desires—just make sure you get some of that sauce in your life.
11. Brew’d Hawt
Address: 12 Putney Way, Manukau City Centre, Auckland 2104, New Zealand
Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 11 AM to 9 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 11 AM to 9:30 PM
Phone: +64 9 212 2135
Spice up your life at Brew’d Hawt, the boss of fried chicken. Brew’d Hawt’s chicken comes in flavours that blow, waffles that swoon, and boxes that bust your hunger (and maybe your belt buckle).
For a classic with a kick, get their waffle-fried chicken. Hot waffles drizzled with herb butter and maple syrup, and sweet, savory fried chicken—a timeless combo.
Or, if you’ve got a big appetite, their 12-piece box is your best bet. You’ll have enough fries to build a fort and slaw for days.
Pro Tip: Don’t underestimate the Bombay G and Sze-In burgers. Both burgers will leave you needing another (and maybe using all the napkins).
12. Ockhee
Address: 171 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland 1011, New Zealand
Hours:
- Monday – 5 PM to 9 PM
- Tuesday and Wednesday – 5 PM to 10 PM
- Thursday to Saturday – 12 PM to 3 PM & 5 PM to 10 PM
Phone: +64 9 217 2020
Ockhee, where Korean fried chicken reigns supreme and your taste buds will do the kimchi tango. Try the sweet chili and roasted peanut-glazed chicken. You’ll need tons of napkins, because this goodness is messy in the best way possible.
Feeling bold? Take your chicken game to the next level with the spicy soy. This isn’t your grandma’s fried chicken.
We’re talking a kick of chili that’ll set your taste buds on fire, balanced with the savory depth of soy sauce and the nutty crunch of sesame seeds.
Pro Tip: Give Ockhee’s fried chicken skin a try. It’s a salty, textural delight that’ll have you reminiscing about childhood snacks (but way, way better).
13. Winner Winner
Address: 439 Grey Street Hamilton East, New Zealand
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 9 PM
Phone: +07 949 9218
Winner Winner: a place where chicken isn’t just dinner.
You’ve got to try the white BBQ chicken and bacon. The crispy bacon, melty cheese, and creamy white BBQ sauce will have you doing the chicken dance.
Or if you prefer to have a chicken sandwich, Winner Winner makes theirs with such love and attention that each bite is a reminder that sometimes the best things in life are the simplest (but still packed with flavour, obviously).
And for the hotheads? Get the fried chicken, hot-dipped.
Pro Tip: Winner Winner’s spicy Korean fried chicken is a game-changer. It’ll have you booking a one-way ticket to Seoul (or just ordering another round—your wallet will thank you later).
14. Mexico Ponsonby
Address: 164 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland 1011, New Zealand
Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11:30 AM to 8:30 PM
- Friday & Saturday – 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM
Phone: +64 9 280 3919
Eat your way south of the border with Mexico Ponsonby! Mexico Ponsonby’s got chicken so good, it’ll make you want you to go to Mexico right away.
Their fried chicken is smothered in a creamy mayo with a kick of jalapeño that’ll wake up your taste buds and make you do the salsa. Just don’t blame us if you accidentally knock over your margarita.
Pro Tip: You’ve got to try Mexico Ponsonby’s elotes. Juicy, chargrilled corn ribs slathered in chipotle butter, sprinkled with fresh coriander, topped with melty queso fresco, and finished with a dollop of smoky blackened onion crema. It’s a side dish that steals the show.
15. Kai Eatery
Address: Commercial Bay, Level 2, 7 Queen Street, Auckland
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 8 PM
Phone: +09 222 2689
Craving Taiwanese chicken? Kai Eatery is the place to go.
Get the XL fried chicken if you’re really hungry. It’ll test your appetite.
Or if you want crispy fried chicken tenders, give theirs a try. Their tenders are thick, juicy, and coated in a secret Taiwanese spice blend that’ll make you forget all about ketchup.
Pro Tip: Try the chicken bites deluxe. They’re addictive, and you’ll find yourself popping them in your mouth like there’s no tomorrow.
16. The Candy Shop
Address: 2/8 Osborne Street, Newmarket, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
Hours:
- Monday – 7 AM to 4 PM
- Tuesday to Friday – 7 AM to 10 PM
- Saturday & Sunday – 8 AM to 10 PM
Phone: +64 27 352 0026
The Candy Shop’s got Korean-infused fried chicken that’ll make your heart skip a beat and polenta chips so good, they’ll put regular fries to shame.
Their fried chicken is smothered in fiery gochujang sauce and tteokboki. It’s a textural and flavour explosion—a party on your plate that’ll transport you straight to Seoul.
Pro Tip: Get their crispy polenta fries dusted with parmesan cheese and served with a creamy aioli dip. They’re light, fluffy, and so addictive, you’ll find yourself ordering another round (and maybe another; no judgement here).
