This Korean fried chicken wing spot in Clawson joins a growing number of Korean chicken joints to dot the metro Detroit landscape. Noori’s specialty lies in its variety of sauces and flavor add-ons, from Yum Yum (a house-made spicy mayo), Magic Sprinkle (a sweet and cheesy dry rub), and its signature soy garlic sauce. Wings are available bone-in or boneless. Top off an order with sides of rice, fries, pickled radish, and coleslaw. Closed Mondays. 1 S. Main, Clawson. (248) 850-7512. noorichicken.com.

Southfield’s staple Beans & Cornbread — which specializes in Southern food with options like collard greens, salmon croquettes, and a stellar fried chicken recipe — moved in late 2021 and rebranded as Cornbread Restaurant & Bar. Get the plate of chicken with sides such as macaroni and cheese or spring for the Belgian waffle. The new space also means room for a full bar.

This popular Korean fried chicken chain landed in Michigan in fall 2021 and more locations are in the works here this year. In addition to the twice-fried, extra crispy fried chicken that comes in soy garlic, spicy, or half and half and is served with a side of picked radish or coleslaw, the fast-food chain also offers other items like tacos, sliders, potstickers, pork buns, and bulgogi.

This East Side soul food establishment serves up some of the freshest, well-spiced fried chicken around. Orders are paired with a few of the restaurant’s wide selection of sides including black eyed peas, candied yams, and banana pudding.

Named for the famous late Detroit boxer, this restaurant by his namesake serves all-day brunch in a cute dining room seven days. The real attraction is the fried chicken and waffles, topped with butter and strawberry slices (guests can also opt for a red velvet waffle). The signature dish was the star of the now shuttered New Center Eatery around the corner, formerly owned and operated by Johnny Cannon (he was instrumental as a consultant for Joe Louis Southern Kitchen when it launched in early 2020). In addition to the spot’s chicken and waffles, the menu also features cinnamon roll flapjacks, bananas foster French toast, bread pudding, key lime pie flapjacks, shrimp and grits, and Joe Louis’s favorite, country-fried steak cheese grits.

A Southern-style favorite, Gus's now has several locations in metro Detroit slinging special recipe fried birds. The chicken boasts a spicier than average dredge. Order it with a side of greens and pie.

Eastern Market mainstay Bert’s is known for its live entertainment and Saturday Market grilling, but the restaurant also makes a mean plate of fried chicken. The chicken is seasoned and soaked in buttermilk and then dredged in a flour mixture before hitting the fryer. Each piece comes out piping hot with juicy meat and plenty of crunchy seasoned skin.

The fried chicken at this carryout stand flanking the Brakeman beer hall is a bit pricier than most spots in town, but Penny Red’s doesn’t skimp on flavor. The birds are deep-fried in a pressure cooker, leaving the meat extra juicy. Order it as a bucket or in a sandwich and dress it up with a variety of sauces.

Fried chicken lovers should make it a point to visit Pollo Chapin in Southwest Detroit for dine-in or takeout. This casual Guatemalan restaurant’s fried chicken features crispy skin with moist, tender meat and hot sauce for dipping (or drenching) the chicken. Pair a few pieces with pickled veggies, beans, and rice.

With little in the way of a social media presence, this Yemeni-owned, all-halal market does an impressive fried bird featured on its hot food bar menu. The spot features free-range, organic chickens slaughtered on-site in keeping with Islamic tradition. Fans flock to this place for its low prices. One can usually place an order for a whole meal for around $10 or less.

Indie East Hollywood pop-up, turned mega-popular chain backed by Drake, Maria Shriver, Samuel L. Jackson, and Good Morning America anchor and retired NFL player Michael Strahan brought its

certified-halal hot chicken tenders and sliders craze to metro Detroit in 2021. Expect a range of hot from “no spice” to “reaper” (disclaimer, guests must sign a waiver for this level of spice). Cool off the palate with house-made kale slaw or creamy mac ‘n’ cheese (remember, dairy counteracts spice).

Holy Cluck is the Dearborn Heights-based eatery making a name for itself in metro Detroit’s increasingly crowded hot chicken scene for its juicy, all-halal fried chicken tender sandwiches. Tenders are sourced from Saad Meats in Eastern Market and can be eaten alone or in a sando. The Cluck features slaw, pickles and Holy Sauce, the Holy Cluck Nashville hot chicken inspired sandwich, the Mac Cluckin’ with mac and cheese, and filling sides like the Coop, crinkle-cut fries loaded with nacho cheese, slaw, pickles, and three different sauces. Visit the food truck at 15010 W Warren Ave. in Dearborn or hit up the brick and mortar space at 25827 West Warren in Dearborn Heights, where guests can also find the 1922 Milkshakes counter, featuring a variety of Instagrammable shakes.