The smokehouse and larder on St. Clair rules the roost with its popular four piece chicken dinner. The combo features expertly brined and buttermilk-soaked chicken enveloped in a crisp, seasoned crust and comes with the necessary sides including fries, coleslaw and hot sauce.

Locations in Kensington Market and in the Annex have popularized Northern Fried Chicken or golden-hued, crispy-skinned and maple-dusted poultry. Order bone-in combos with sides of fries, slaw or 'tato salad, or opt for signature creations like the ODB featuring crispy boneless mean atop a buttered maple waffle.

Wings, sandwiches and signature dishes like the Mother Clucker just fly out of the kitchen at this halal-certified eatery on the Esplanade. Crispy bone-in chicken loaded onto a cheddar-jalapeno waffle is among the many menu highlights.

This Parkdale bar embraces the grittier, bourbon-soaked side of the Southern states. From the fryer, crispy but tender chicken thighs are a sure thing when doused in a tangy citrus sauce and finished with a handful of scallions.

Fried chicken is the pièce de résistance on the unfussy menu at Jonathan Poon's West Queen West snack bar. The deep-fried bird boasts an expertly seasoned, crunchy exterior featuring moist, flavourful meat inside. On the side, slices of white bread, pickles, lime, house sauce and very necessary wet naps.

The county fried chicken features addictive morsels of fried chicken glazed in gochujang and hoisin-espresso BBQ sauce. It's served along with toasted sesame, avocado and pickled onions with steamed buns for DIY sandwich assembly at the table.

Fried chicken is just one of the delectable items showcased on the Pit Master Platter. Southern-fried buttermilk chicken is joined by pork ribs and beef brisket in the sharable feast that's rounded out with sides of coleslaw, pickles and fries.

Taiwanese fried chicken is the specialty at this Cabbagetown snack bar. These golden bone-in nuggets are coated in Taiwanese spices and finished with chilis, cilantro, scallions and a sweet and spicy chili-spiked sauce. Order by the bucket with a six pack of PBR or get a few pieces to enjoy with an assortment of other small plates.

The dinner menu at this Koreatown joint excels at soul food and the buttermilk fried chicken is no exception. Each order features half a bird and is served with an entourage of green onion biscuits and your choice of seasonal sides.