If you’ve been searching for the best fried chicken in Los Angeles—crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor—you might be surprised to find it hiding right here in Chatsworth. Welcome to Best Damn Chicken, where the Windy City’s signature Chicago-style fried chicken meets the laid-back vibe of the San Fernando Valley.

This spot isn’t just another fried chicken joint—it’s a full-blown Midwest soul food experience brought to life by Brandon, a Chicago native who wanted to share a real taste of home with Southern California. From the moment you walk in, you can smell the golden crunch of fried chicken and catfish sizzling behind the counter, and you instantly know you’re about to eat something special.

A Taste of Chicago, Right Here in Chatsworth

So, what exactly makes it Chicago-style? According to Brandon, it all comes down to seasoning and sauce. Chicagoans like their food bold—never bland—and Best Damn Chicken delivers exactly that. Each piece of fried chicken is coated with a light dusting of dry lemon pepper, then topped with a drizzle of the city’s legendary mild sauce, a sweet and tangy creation that perfectly complements the crispy texture.

“The lemon pepper gives it that kick, and the mild sauce ties everything together,” Brandon explains. “It’s what makes our chicken truly Chicago-style.”

But it’s not just about the chicken. The menu here celebrates the variety and heart of Chicago comfort food—with dishes like fried catfish, pizza puffs, and even homemade Kool-Aid, each one packed with nostalgia and love.

More Than Just Chicken

Let’s talk about the catfish nuggets, affectionately called the “Lil Daddy.” They’re bite-sized, crispy on the outside, flaky on the inside, and—most importantly—completely free of that gamey flavor that turns some people off catfish. Each piece is marinated overnight, hand-battered, and fried to perfection.

Then there’s the pizza puff, a true Chicago classic rarely found outside the Midwest. Imagine a deep-fried pastry filled with gooey cheese, tomato sauce, and your choice of sausage, beef, or spinach. It’s the kind of comfort food that instantly transports you to a street corner in Chicago.

And we can’t forget the Kool-Aid, which brings a nostalgic smile to everyone who tries it. “Kool-Aid is a part of everyone’s childhood,” says Brandon. “We had to include it.” Available in red or blue (and matching the colors of the Chicago flag), it’s the perfect sweet balance to the spicy, tangy chicken.

From the Midwest to the West Coast

Brandon’s journey to opening Best Damn Chicken wasn’t easy—or quick. He moved from Chicago to Los Angeles two decades ago with a dream: to bring authentic Chicago food to the Valley. After years of planning, scouting locations, and even nearly franchising another restaurant, the timing never felt right—until now.

“Right location, right time, right people behind me,” he says. “It’s only God.”

And it seems fate played its part. Since opening, word of mouth has spread fast. Locals can’t get enough of the chicken, catfish, and signature sauces, while Chicago transplants are thrilled to finally get a taste of home.

Don’t Forget Dessert 🍌

Every great meal deserves a sweet ending—and at Best Damn Chicken, that means banana pudding. Rich, creamy, and layered with vanilla wafers, it’s the perfect finale after a basket of wings or catfish. The first bite delivers pure comfort—soft, chewy, and packed with banana flavor. And if banana pudding isn’t your thing, there’s also Grandma’s pound cake and classic chocolate cake on the menu.

Why You Need to Go

Best Damn Chicken isn’t just about great food—it’s about community and culture. It’s where Chicago flavor meets Valley hospitality, where every bite tells a story, and where new memories are made over classic dishes.

If you love discovering hidden gems in the San Fernando Valley, or if you’re simply craving food that’s made with love, passion, and real flavor, you owe yourself a visit.

📍 Best Damn Chicken
20944 Nordhoff St, Chatsworth, CA 91311

Websites: https://www.bestdamnchicken.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebestdamnchicken/
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/bestdamnchickenla