When it comes to the best chicken in Des Moines, one name sizzles above the rest: The Ornery Chicken. From the first bite to the last crispy crumb, our made-from-scratch chicken delivers the kind of flavor that keeps you coming back. Whether you’re a longtime local or just passing through, once you’ve tasted our famous chicken, you’ll understand why folks say it’s the best in town.
What Makes The Ornery Chicken the Best?
At The Ornery Chicken, we’re not just cooking—we’re crafting an experience. Our chicken is hand-breaded, freshly made to order, and cooked until golden perfection. But what really makes us stand out as the best chicken in Des Moines is our commitment to quality, consistency, and flavor.
We use only fresh, never frozen chicken, seasoned with a unique blend of herbs and spices that give it that crave-worthy crunch. And it’s not just fried chicken we’re known for—our full menu is packed with flavor, from juicy tenders to loaded sandwiches.
Fried Chicken That Brings the Heat (and the Crunch)
Des Moines has its fair share of fried chicken spots, but few bring the level of passion and precision that we do. In fact, if you haven’t read it yet, check out our Fried Chicken Des Moines blog where we go deep into how we make every piece of chicken just right—hot, crispy, and bursting with flavor.
Our chicken isn’t just food—it’s a memory in the making. One bite, and you’ll get it.
Locally Owned, Community Driven
We’re proud to call Des Moines home. As a locally owned and operated restaurant, we know the community, and we know what our neighbors crave. That’s part of why we’ve earned a reputation for having the best chicken in Des Moines.
EEAT principles (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) aren’t just for search engines—they’re how we operate every day. Our team includes seasoned culinary pros who’ve perfected the art of fried chicken. We’re not a chain. We’re your neighborhood chicken experts.
Crispy Tenders, Spicy Sandwiches, and More
Of course, “best chicken” doesn’t mean just one thing. Some folks are all about our crispy tenders—juicy, golden, and made to dunk. Others swear by the kick in our spicy chicken sandwich. Whatever your flavor, our menu has something that’ll hit the spot.
Fan favorites include:
- Ornery Chicken Sandwich – Buttermilk-fried and stacked high
- Spicy Tenders – Heat lovers, these are for you
- Loaded Fries – The perfect sidekick
- Chicken & Waffles – Weekend brunch vibes, anyone?
Everything is made fresh, nothing sits under a heat lamp, and every order is crafted with care.
Perfect for Delivery, Dine-In, or Takeout
We know life moves fast. That’s why we make it easy to get your hands on the best chicken in Des Moines—whether you’re picking it up, dining in, or ordering delivery. Our food travels well and stays crispy, so no matter how you get it, it’s always top-tier.
Looking for delivery options? We break down everything in our blog on restaurants that deliver in Ankeny—but spoiler alert: we’re on the list.
It’s Not Just About Chicken (But It Kinda Is)
While our name says chicken, we also serve up sides and sauces that keep things interesting. Try our housemade ranch, honey sriracha, or OG sauce. Crave a sweet finish? Our dessert menu is small but mighty.
Still, let’s be real: It’s mostly about the chicken. And when you’re aiming for the best chicken in Des Moines, you don’t cut corners. You fry fresh. You season with soul. And you serve it with pride.
Ready to Taste the Best Chicken in Des Moines?
If you’re searching for that next-level, made-from-scratch flavor that hits every time, The Ornery Chicken is your destination. Whether you’re a crispy tender loyalist, a spicy sandwich fan, or just someone who appreciates quality food made with passion, we’ve got a plate for you.
The best chicken in Des Moines isn’t just about frying it right—it’s about doing everything right. From fresh, never-frozen chicken to hand-breaded care in every order, we bring the flavor, the crunch, and the heat.
So come visit, check out our full menu, and see why The Ornery Chicken is setting the standard for the best chicken in Des Moines.