The Best Spots in Sydney to Get a Next-Level Fried Chicken Burger

There’s no denying it, this spot takes its chicken very seriously — and it shows. Its chicken undergoes a four-step process: a spiced brine, a 24-hour coolroom air dry, followed by cooking the meat twice to ensure a crunchy buttermilk exterior and a tender, juicy filling. It’s hard to know where to begin with a selection of proper chicken sandwiches, but we settled for the Big Kahuna ($15), which showcases grilled pineapple, bacon, cheese, tomato and lettuce atop one of the epic buttermilk chicken pieces (you can add a double stack for $6). Sides include sweet potato waffle fries with chilli aioli to complete the indulgent experience.

For the uninitiated, Manly’s Peanut Butter Jelly is more of an experience than a venue. An eclectic array of street art from local and international artists adorns the walls of the five separate areas that make up the venue. Featuring everything from a casual bar area and outdoor seating to a private dining room, there’s a spot for whatever vibe you’re after.

The Hot Bird burger ($22) takes centre stage here, featuring buttermilk fried chicken thigh, pickled jalapeños and smoked chipotle cream — you can also throw on another fried chicken thigh for an extra $5. It pairs well with the house Jelly Belly Lager, thus completing the indulgent experience that is a visit to Peanut Butter Jelly.

Enmore’s Wish Bone lays claim to ‘the best fried chicken in Sydney’. We might not be ready to make such a bold statement but it’s definitely a top candidate. With a diverse range of inspirations, award-winning chef George Lewellyn and Naomi Hart’s venue takes its name from the wishbone suspension used to hold up the tables, with, of course, a nod to the speciality: fried chicken.

The husband and wife team (formerly behind much-loved Enmore joint, Hartsyard) have turned their focus exclusively to fried chicken, which they offer up alongside a wide array of sides including mac ‘n’ cheese, North American biscuits and gravy and a Japanese-inspired spin on poutine to round out the menu. A variety of chicken burgers are available, but the classic, The Birdy Sando, features fried chicken, lettuce, cheese, pickles and hot sauce on a potato bun. We suggest pairing it with a ‘Hey Y’all’ Southern-style hard iced tea for the full experience.

Situated at the south end of King Street in Newtown, this heritage-listed watering hole has long been a favourite spot for locals. Revamped by the Reilly Group (the team behind Marrickville’s The Henson) in mid-2016, this working-class boozer has maintained its old-school charm, with a few smart touches to keep things relevant. The food is straightforward pub grub but done properly. And the chicken burger ($19) here is worth a visit alone. It features fried chicken, iceberg lettuce and chipotle mayo, with the option of adding streaky bacon for $3 (yes, please). Drop in on a Monday for the $20 burger and beer deal, plus pints at schooner prices.

Simple, straightforward decor and a decadent array of burgers on the menu — alongside American-inspired desserts such as deep fried Oreos — this Concord establishment’s team definitely knows a thing or two about kicking it up a notch. The lines out the door can attest to this. Happy Ending Burgers keep their focus tight and simple, and let the food do the talking — juicy burgers and, of course, the all-important fried chicken. We opted for the Nashville Hot’n’Heavy ($15); with a spicy buttermilk fried chicken thigh fillet, pickles, cheese and buttermilk-mayo slaw this indulgent beast packs a real punch. Pair it with some deep fried pakora onions ($5), if you can fit them in. If this has your mouth watering already, it’s all available via Menulog.