Best Chicken Shops in Melbourne

Updated 6 months ago

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Before fried chicken captured Melbourne's attention, there was the charcoal chicken shop. They're still everywhere and remain reliable spots for a nicely charred bit of chook and a side of chicken-salt chips.

But now, there's a new breed of chicken shops. Some are run by former chefs keen to escape night shifts, others by people with no training but plenty of passion.

The settings and prices vary, but the next-gen approach is the same across the board: free-range and/or organic birds cooked low and slow, with great attention to detail. We're talking beer marinades, specialist woods for smoking and even house-made chicken salt.

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Best Fried Chicken in Melbourne
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  • This Lebanese charcoal chicken chain has ascended to cult status since opening in Sydney in 1998. After dark, the busy Preston shop has a green neon halo that can be seen from blocks away. Go for its signature charcoal chook or the fuss-free chicken plate with Lebanese pickles, pita and a secret recipe garlic sauce.

  • Chicken, chips, gravy, salads and roast veggies from a former Mamasita chef.

  • A red neon arrow beckons you inside for a choose-your-own-chicken adventure. Just decide what cut, heat and sauce you want – then add on silky mash with 48-hour gravy and some wads of garlic-butter brioche.

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  • How many chicken shops have a beer garden and playground? Also, we could drink this gravy by the pint.

  • Bannockburn chooks and colourful salads that are perfect for takeaway lunches.

  • Four south-side locations to score roast chicken and substantial salads.