Kellie Hwang

The Republic | azcentral.com

Nothing says comfort food like this Southern dish: fried golden brown and piping hot with a crispy, crunchy coating, and juicy, flavorful meat. Is your mouth watering yet?

Here are five great places around the Valley to indulge in fried chicken.

Lo-Lo's Chicken & Waffles

When you think of fried chicken in Phoenix, Lo-Lo's is at the top of the list. Owner Larry White used to bus tables at his grandmother's restaurant, Mrs. White's Golden Rule (also on this list), and was inspired to create his own recipes. Now an Arizona-based franchise, Lo-Lo's has locations throughout metro Phoenix and in Las Vegas, Nebraska and Texas. The fried chicken recipe features a secret blend of spices and is served on top of Lo-Lo's signature fluffy waffles and maple syrup. Diners can choose from a variety of combinations, washed down with a glass of sweet tea or Kool-Aid. Don't forget to try the moist red velvet cake. The restaurant also serves all-day breakfast, sandwiches, salads, special entrees, cocktails, wine and beer.

Details: Five Valley locations, including Phoenix International Sky Harbor Airport and Chase Field. loloschickenandwaffles.com.

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Welcome Chicken + Donuts

This spot near downtown Phoenix was launched by the owners of Welcome Diner (which serves tasty fried chicken dishes, as well). WC+D focuses on Korean fried chicken, which has a thinner batter and is fried twice, then doused in Asian-style sauces. Choose from Korean chili, Japanese barbecue or Vietnamese herb sauces. Also select a side, such as cucumber salad, Thai yum slaw or stir-fry. Other menu items include chicken wings, ramen and a kimchi chicken salad. Save room for one of the delectable doughnuts in changing, seasonal flavors.

Details: 1535 E. Buckeye Road, Phoenix. 602-258-1655, welcomechickenanddonuts.com.

Southern Rail

Chef Justin Beckett's stylish restaurant in central Phoenix is hosting Birds and Bubbles in honor of National Fried Chicken Day. Guests who order the crispy fried chicken dish, which is served with Yukon gold mashed potatoes and corn on the cob, receive a free glass of sparkling wine. The menu also features a variety of inventive Southern dishes, such as cider-brined pork loin, smoked chicken and biscuit dumplings, heirloom tomato and watermelon salad, and dirty rice balls. Reservations are recommended.

Details: 300 W. Camelback Road, Phoenix. 602-200-0085, southernrailaz.com.

Ezekiel's

This Ahwatukee eatery is a local favorite for pickup or delivery, offering stick-to-your-ribs soul food. Order the tasty fried chicken dinner with two sides and cornbread, or enjoy your fried chicken in a sandwich. Sides include collard greens, sweet potatoes, macaroni salad and baked beans.

Details: 4825 E. Warner Road, Phoenix. 480-785-4886, ezekielsphoenix.com.

Mrs. White's Golden Rule Cafe

This Phoenix institution is run by the grandmother of Larry White, who owns Lo-Lo's. The small, casual eatery serves down-home Southern food, including oxtail, fried catfish, smothered pork chops, black-eyed peas, fried okra, macaroni and cheese and, of course, the signature Golden Brown Southern Fried Chicken.

Details: 808 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix. 602-262-9256.

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