Whether you’re craving classic, crispy fried chicken or looking to spice things up with our famous chicken heat options, our Des Moines restaurant delivers unmatched flavor, quality, and convenience. Located in the heart of Ankeny, The Ornery Chicken is your ultimate destination for fried chicken that’s made fresh to order, crafted with care, and served with love.
Why settle for anything less when you can experience the best fried chicken Des Moines has to offer? Our chicken is hand-breaded, seasoned to perfection, and fried to a golden crisp that keeps people coming back for more. With our made-to-order approach, you’re guaranteed hot, fresh, and flavorful chicken every time. Plus, we offer a range of heat levels to cater to every palate—whether you like it mild or wild, we’ve got a kick that’s just right for you.
Fresh, Fast, and Made-to-Order
At The Ornery Chicken, we don’t believe in shortcuts. Every piece of chicken we serve is hand-breaded and cooked to perfection, ensuring that every bite is juicy, crispy, and bursting with flavor. But we don’t just stop at fried chicken—we also offer a selection of sides and extras that elevate your meal. From our crunchy fries to our perfectly seasoned mashed potatoes, we have the comfort food staples that complement your chicken perfectly.
We know our customers are busy, especially the students and faculty at DMACC who are juggling classes, work, and everything in between. That’s why we make it easy to enjoy our food on the go. Whether you prefer delivery straight to your door or quick curbside pickup, we’ve got you covered. Ordering from The Ornery Chicken is always convenient, fresh, and fast—perfect for a quick lunch, study break, or after-class meal.
The Ultimate Destination for Chicken Heat
If you love spice, our chicken heat options are for you. Fried chicken Des Moines enthusiasts looking for bold flavors and fiery heat won’t be disappointed. Our heat levels range from a mild kick to scorching hot, giving you complete control over how intense you want your meal to be. Pair it with our house-made sauces, and you’ve got an experience that’s both savory and spicy, making every meal an adventure for your taste buds.
Not into the heat? No problem. We pride ourselves on serving the best fried chicken Des Moines has to offer, whether you’re in the mood for a classic or crave something with a little extra punch. Our menu is built around satisfying cravings and giving our customers the best fried chicken experience in town.
The Crafty Mac Connection
Our sister company, The Crafty Mac, brings an extra layer of deliciousness to our offerings. If you haven’t tried one of their handcrafted, made-to-order mac and cheese dishes, you’re missing out. The best part? The Crafty Mac uses the same high-quality chicken from The Ornery Chicken in some of their signature mac and cheese bowls.
The combination of cheesy, creamy pasta with crispy, flavorful fried chicken is a match made in heaven. Whether you’re a fan of classic mac and cheese or want to mix it up with some chicken heat, The Crafty Mac offers the perfect sidekick to our fried chicken meals.
For the students and faculty at DMACC, this means you’ve got not one but two incredible options to choose from when hunger strikes. You can order from The Ornery Chicken for the best fried chicken Des Moines has to offer, or mix it up with a mac and cheese dish from The Crafty Mac that features our hand-crafted chicken. Either way, you’re guaranteed a fresh, fast, and flavorful meal that hits the spot every time.
Easy Delivery and Curbside Pickup for Busy Lives
We know life can get hectic, especially for college students, faculty, and busy professionals. That’s why we’ve made it easier than ever to enjoy our food without any hassle. Both The Ornery Chicken and The Crafty Mac offer easy online ordering with delivery and curbside pickup options that fit your schedule. Whether you need a quick meal between classes at DMACC or want something delicious for dinner after a long day, we’ve got you covered.
Our delivery service brings the best fried chicken Des Moines has to offer right to your doorstep. If you’re local to Ankeny or anywhere in the Des Moines area, you can count on us for fast, reliable delivery that keeps your food hot and fresh. If you’re on the go or prefer to pick up your order, our curbside pickup option lets you grab your meal without even leaving your car.
We understand how important convenience is, and we’re committed to making sure you never have to sacrifice flavor for speed. With just a few clicks, you can enjoy The Ornery Chicken’s famous fried chicken or The Crafty Mac’s indulgent mac and cheese wherever you are.
Why The Ornery Chicken Stands Out
There are plenty of places in Des Moines where you can get fried chicken, but none compare to the quality, flavor, and experience you’ll find at The Ornery Chicken. From our made-to-order cooking process to our range of heat options, we’ve perfected the art of fried chicken. And with the added bonus of our partnership with The Crafty Mac, we’re able to offer even more variety for our customers, ensuring there’s something for everyone on our menu.
So, the next time you’re craving fried chicken Des Moines style, remember there’s no better place than The Ornery Chicken. Whether you like it classic or with a kick, served with fries or on top of creamy mac and cheese, we’ve got the meal to satisfy your cravings. And with our easy delivery and curbside pickup, enjoying the best fried chicken Des Moines has to offer has never been more convenient.
Come experience the difference for yourself—because at The Ornery Chicken, we’re not just serving food; we’re creating flavors and memories that keep you coming back for more.