Chicken Restaurants in California – Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives

Chicken Restaurants in California

When Guy Fieri hits the road in California, he knows where to find the state’s most flavorful chicken joints. Over a decade of Triple D adventures from 2013 to 2023, the Mayor of Flavortown has spotlighted 15 chicken-focused restaurants across the Golden State, with 12 still serving up their signature dishes today. From the desert heat of Palm Springs to the coastal vibes of Santa Barbara, these establishments have earned an impressive average rating of 4.4 stars from devoted fans.

Among the standouts, Gabino’s Creperie in Palm Springs leads the flock with a stellar 4.8-star rating, while daybird in Los Angeles and Shalhoob’s Funk Zone Patio in Santa Barbara tie at 4.5 stars. Palm Springs emerges as a surprising chicken hotspot with three featured restaurants, followed by Los Angeles with two. Whether you’re craving crispy fried bird, slow-roasted rotisserie, or creative chicken creations, these Guy-approved spots prove that California’s chicken game is worthy of a road trip.

Gabino’s Creperie

Gabino’s Creperie

Still Open

Palm Springs, California

★★★★☆ 4.8
Episode 489: From Chicken to Cheesesteak
ChickenSandwich
daybird

daybird

Still Open

Los Angeles, California

★★★★☆ 4.5
Episode 517: From Chicken to Noodles
ChickenAsian
Shalhoob’s Funk Zone Patio

Shalhoob’s Funk Zone Patio

Still Open

Santa Barbara, California

★★★★☆ 4.5
Episode 502: Chicken and Ribs
AmericanBBQChicken
Chúla Artisan Eatery

Chúla Artisan Eatery

Still Open

La Quinta, California

★★★★☆ 4.5
Episode 485: From Chicken to Chiles
MexicanChickenBreakfast
Scolari’s Good Eats

Scolari’s Good Eats

Still Open

Alameda, California

★★★★☆ 4.5
Episode 374: Playin' Chicken
BurgerChicken
Smitty’s Wings & Things

Smitty’s Wings & Things

Permanently Closed

Stockton, California

★★★★☆ 4.5
Episode 316: Smoked, Grilled, and Fried
AmericanBBQChicken
Senor Sisig Food Truck

Senor Sisig Food Truck

Still Open

San Francisco, California

★★★★☆ 4.5
Episode 222: Cannoli, Fritters and Wings
ChickenAsianVegan/Vegetarian
El Mirasol Cocina Mexicana

El Mirasol Cocina Mexicana

Still Open

Palm Springs, California

★★★★☆ 4.4
Episode 489: From Chicken to Cheesesteak
MexicanChickenSandwich
The Original Barone’s Famous Italian

The Original Barone’s Famous Italian

Still Open

Valley Glen, Los Angeles, California

★★★★☆ 4.4
Episode 324: Global Greats
ItalianChickenPizza
Tiger! Tiger!

Tiger! Tiger!

Still Open

San Diego, California

★★★★☆ 4.3
Episode 405: Crazy Chicken and Twisted Burgers
BurgerChickenBreakfast
Batterfish

Batterfish

Still Open

Santa Monica, California

★★★★☆ 4.3
Episode 351: Barbecue, Batter and Beer Can Chicken
AmericanSeafoodBBQ
Frankinbun

Frankinbun

Permanently Closed

Palm Springs, California

★★★★☆ 4.3
Episode 346: Chicken Trifecta
AmericanChickenSandwich
Chili John’s

Chili John’s

Still Open

Burbank, California

★★★★☆ 4.3
Episode 207: Chicken, Chili and Chowder
ChickenBreakfast
Horse Thief BBQ

Horse Thief BBQ

Permanently Closed

Los Angeles, California

★★★★☆ 4.1
Episode 351: Barbecue, Batter and Beer Can Chicken
AmericanBBQChicken
Tamarindo Truck

Tamarindo Truck

Still Open

Orange County, California

☆☆☆☆☆ N/A
Episode 242: Grillin, Chillin & Huli Huli Chicken
Chicken