This place just took the #1 chicken sandwich spot in the city for me!!! And for a decent price?! The hype is real!!! Food was delicious. Chicken was moist (we tried a honey chicken sandwich and nuggets), fries were crispy and well salted, and the sauces (garlic aioli and ranch) were free delicious add ons. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It's a counter shop, with no seating indoors. There are standing small tables outside available.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The service was quick and easy, as their menu is small but mighty! Can't wait to come back and try the hot honey sandwich!!!! read more

See all

the perfect menu for a person that gets decision fatigue VERY easily. i got one honey chicken sandwich - bomb. chicken nuggets - so yummy. truffle fries - will dream of those fries forever. good sauce. great price. lots of food. so much flavor. service was quick and [[HIGHLIGHT]]ambiance was your typical hole in the wall grease dripping down the walls the food must be so good kinda joint.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] so you know the food is rockin!!! read more

See all

Finally got to try Red Light Chicken in Lincoln Park after having it on my list forever, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. [[HIGHLIGHT]]When you walk in, it's a small shack-style setup super simple, quick, and easy to order.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The menu is as straightforward as it gets: a chicken sandwich, fries, and an eight-piece nugget with a drink. No overthinking needed. I went with the chicken sandwich (got it hot) which comes with mayo, pickles, and lettuce, plus the eight-piece nuggets and a drink. My total came out to exactly $20, which felt totally fair given the quality. They also have free condiments: ranch, honey mustard, BBQ, ketchup and you can take as much as you want, which is always a win. [[HIGHLIGHT]]We ate outside, and even though the spot is small, they've got a surprising amount of seating: a standing counter area and another section with tables on the side.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Super easy to grab a seat and enjoy your food. The chicken sandwich was phenomenal genuinely one of the best I've ever had. Great heat, great flavor, super high-quality chicken. The nuggets were also awesome and a huge portion... definitely more than eight. Tons of food and a great value overall. Red Light Chicken is 100% the real deal and a must-try chicken spot in Chicago. Unique setup, amazing food, great experience. read more

See all

My goal is to try 50 new Chicago restaurants in 2025! Restaurant: 44/50 Month tried: August Favorite dish: Spicy fried chicken [[HIGHLIGHT]]Red Light Chicken is a hole-in-the-wall, no frills, limited menu fried chicken shop.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]There is no seating, and a few standing tables outside.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Our order took about 60 seconds to be ready and was piping hot. I had a spicy fried chicken sandwich and truffle fries. Delicious and worth the hype it gets!! The chicken was juicy, flavorful, and a good size. An absolute must-visit for fried chicken lovers :) read more

Important Note: With Red Light Chicken, one must manage their expectations. If I'm not wrong, they use chicken breasts (white meat) rather than thighs (dark meat). The result is meat that is naturally less tender and moist. I was going to ding them until I realized this; thus, it's not a criticism, just the reality of the cut. Their menu is incredibly simple! There are some options available (e.g., sandwich as plain, hot, honey, honey-hot). They also have fries, nuggets, and cans of soda. This simplicity means they're able to specialize very well and make deliciousness! I ordered a sandwich, honey-hot, with the standard mayo and pickles. The chicken was hot and crisp with a thin layer of scrumptious crust. The meat was cooked well, especially given the nature of chicken breast. The honey wasn't overdone and gave a pleasant sweetness. The heat reminded me of Tabasco sauce; while respectable, and the acidity helped add a new flavor dimension, the heat was minimal for my palate. It would be nice if Red Light offered an extra-hot option. The pickles and mayo were in perfect amounts, and the bread was a fresh brioche. Bonus points for the sando not falling apart on me, as happens with places that stuff massive, lopsided thighs to look pretty on Instagram. The service was lightning quick! I had the sandwich in hand less than a minute after ordering. Staff were friendly, welcoming, and polite also. The value is great! In a world where everything costs an arm and a leg, $8 for a reasonably sized chicken sandwich is more than reasonable. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Finally, there is no indoor seating whatsoever. There are, however, ample standing-room tables around, with one having overhead heaters.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Thus, while not necessarily a destination, Red Light Chicken is a phenomenal neighborhood chicken shop! read more

This update was prompted by my golden doodle Mo. The RLC staff always treats him with a nugget when I stop in for one their incredible chicken sandwich. Two paws up! read more

Red Light Chicken - Chicken Shop Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Found this on the sos app and stopped by on the way out of the city. I hope they are using beef tallow, I didn't see it advertised. It was packed around 6pm but we got our food in a couple minutes, it was so fast! Hot chicken - spicy tobacco flavor Honey chicken - drenched in honey. Loved the sweet and savory Fries - super crispy and perfectly salted Chicken nuggets - breading was coming off a bit but the portion was big! read more

One of my favorite fried chicken sandwiches in Chicago. No frills, simple and delicious. Stop by for a quick bite if you are in the area and want to have a solid fried chicken sandwich!! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Service is prompt, it is take out and not with limited space to eat outside.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Red Light Chicken - Chicken Shop Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

[[HIGHLIGHT]]The tiniest chicken spot![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Nice staff. Small menu. Very good sauce and quality tasting chicken. Would return. read more

Red Light Chicken - Fried Chicken Sandwich & Shoestring Fries - Chicken Shop Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Only have chicken tenders. Good tasting, might be worth the occasional late night craving.

There's something really special about Red Light Chicken. The really reasonable prices, friendly service, and REALLY high quality food is exactly the kind of thing that keeps me coming back for more. The nuggets are juicy, crispy, and fried to perfection. When dipped in their signature sauce it's the perfect bite. The truffle fries are also amazing, probably some of my favorite in the city so far. Definitely worth a visit. You won't regret it! read more

Red Light Chicken - Chicken Shop Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Thought this would be the best chicken sandwich and I came starving. But I feel as though I missed something. I got a hot and honey but it was barely sweet, and I don't have a sweet tooth. Definitely had a hot sauce spice to it, like tabasco-vinegary! The mayo made it wet, but the chicken itself wasn't juicy, and it just felt like a chunk of breast. The small piece of chicken sticking out of the sandwich was crispy, the rest not so much. I don't get the love. read more

Red Light Chicken - Chicken Shop Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

I highly recommend Red Light Chicken! They focus on chicken and fries which they execute perfectly. I had the hot honey chicken sandwich without mayo and regular fries. I loved the sandwich and especially loved HOT, crispy fries! The menu consists of the fried chicken sandwich served as regular, honey, hot, or hot honey with pickles and mayo on a white bun. Oh, and you can add cheese if you want. The other entree is chicken nuggets. The only other food item is shoestring fries, salt or truffle. The pricing is very reasonable and they don't try to ask for a tip just for doing their job! [[HIGHLIGHT]]It's a tiny place with a couple wood planks outside that serve as standing tables so you can eat it hot or get it to go![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] For drinks they have soft drinks and water. That's it! Small menu executed perfectl read more

Awesome nuggets! And I say this as true nugget aficionado. Tender yet firm, perfectly crusted, and tasty. They bill them as an order of eight, but don't believe it. I've never gotten less than 13! And super fast friendly service. I haven't tried the sandwich, but it looks awesome, too. My guess (and it is only a guess) is that the name means they are so fast, you can order and get your food while waiting for the red light at Webster and Sheffield. read more

A fried chicken shack offering three menu items?! I never thought I'd see the day and I am so happy I have. Red Light Chicken is a quick, over the counter shack offering fried chicken sandwiches dipped in plain, hot, honey, or hot honey, chicken nuggets and shoestring fries. Everything was delicious! Hence the five stars. The chicken was fresh and well seasoned. Even the bun was fresh with the perfect meat to bun ratio. I could've easily housed two more myself they are that good. The fries give me McDonald's vibes in all the best ways; thin, crispy and fresh. The service was quick with an easy ordering process. Place your order at counter and wait for your number to be called. There are two tall standing type tables otherwise this is a grab and go or eat while standing joint. Worth the visit. read more

See all

Fast and friendly service. Food came out piping hot and very crispy. I got the hot and honey chicken sandwich with extra pickles and fries with house sauce. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Outdoor eating area is nice and toasty in the winter[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] would definitely come back! read more

See all

Red light chicken, one of the best sandwiches you can eat in Chicago crisp tasty with a delicious sauce and the french fries are amazing. Both of the owners are amazing people Tony one of the owners is just amazing his food the service and just customer care quality is amazing when I'm near. I always stop to get a chicken sandwich and fries for my workers. I'm also a business owner and I love this spot. I highly recommend it. read more

By far the best chicken sandwich on the North Side! The beef tallow they use for frying makes all the difference. Truffle fry's are amazing too read more

Delicious chicken sandwiches with fast, thoughtful service! Probably top in the city. I got the hot and honey with some regular fries and I highly recommend. Note that the 'hot' is some sort of tabasco style heat. My usual will probably become just the honey, as I'm not usually drawn to spicy food anyway. The service is super fast, kind, and thoughtful. When I wanted some water the server (possibly owner?) just gave me some bottled water which was appreciated (I rarely see this but strongly believe water should always be free). When throwing trash out they proactively asked if we wanted some wet wipes. Just really thoughtful and straightforward service that seems to take pride in what they do and care about their customers. read more

Red Light Chicken - Hot and honey chicken sandwich - Chicken Shop Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

Fried chicken sandwich came out on a mushy bun. Chicken itself did not taste fresh and some parts of the meat were a bit stringy. Based on the way the fried chicken looked, I presume they were not using fresh oil. Fries were nothing spectacular either. Do not understand the hype for this place read more

Red Light Chicken - Chicken sandwich - Chicken Shop Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Wow. This place rocks. Some friends suggested Red Light post-pickleball on a Friday night, and we walked over. Service was friendly and fast. Ridiculously fresh and hot food. Like I had to let my sandwich cool off, but I didn't want to because it was so yummy. And I cannot believe how affordable it is! Truly awesome. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The vibes eating your food along the street standing by the tables is so fun and cool.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]I loved the ambiance and atmosphere here.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Truly a great spot that's super underrated. The hot honey is delicious, but I cannot wait to try the other flavors too. So good. The chicken nuggets... I was stuffed but kept throwing them back. My word. I think I'm going back right now! read more

I love a place that specializes in something so this was a fun find in the neighborhood while shopping. [[HIGHLIGHT]]They only do chicken sandwiches and it's a small place to order inside and they have a couple tables outside to stand and eat.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] My sandwich was ready fast and it was delicious read more

Red Light Chicken - Hot honey with mayo - Chicken Shop Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This is it! This is the spot. Red Light makes a solid fried chicken sandwich that hits it out of the park. It's not fussy, it's not overdone, it's just simply a great sandwich. The fries are also excellent though I'm privy to shoestring fries. [[HIGHLIGHT]]All in all, this place is great![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Red Light Chicken - Menu - Chicken Shop Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The best chicken sandwich in the city, period! Phenomenal value with a staff that is on point. The Dr. Pepper shake is a must!

Simple menu but they nail the taste! We loved our sandwiches & will definitely come back when we are in Chicago again. Friendly staff & food came up super quick. Mostly take out only as the place is very small. They do have an outside patio area but it was raining so we took ours to go. Our Favorites: -Fried Chicken Sandwich (Hot & Honey Style) Add Cheese. I also asked for Hot Sauce & they had some. -Shoestring Truffle Fries - Excellent Flavor! We will be coming back for sure! read more

Red Light Chicken - Address, Hours and Website (www.rlchicken.com) - Chicken Shop Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I got the hot honey chicken sandwich with truffle fries. The price was great for the quality and the chicken sandwich itself was very good and the chicken was very tender. [[HIGHLIGHT]]There is an outside seating area, no seats and no inside sitting.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I would definitely go again for a quick cheap good bite. The service was quick if not a little aggressive, but in a Chicago aggressive way not in a bad way. read more

Red Light Chicken - Chicken Shop Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Fried chicken sandwiches can be done in so many ways and are done at many places. Places tend to over complicate things, and Red Light takes things to the basics. They have a simple menu - Fried chicken sandwich (regular, hot, hot honey), fries, nuggets, drinks. Prices are cheap. It's a small little red shack on the corner of the street, with some bar style tables to sit outside. We came and got 2 fried chicken sandwiches - one hot and one hot honey and fries too. They were ready quick and were made to order. The breading on the sandwiches are light but offer a solid crisp. The hot honey was on the sweeter side but I thoroughly enjoyed it. (my girlfriend said too sweet for her) and the hot was just the right amount of heat. The chicken was a high quality cut, and the bun was fluffy. The fries were decent - they have a lot of different dips to make them better. The staff was kind to help with allergens and happy to report no soy, sesame or peanuts here! this place uses high quality ingredients and avoids filler. The staff was friendly and quick. I'd come back for a quick bite. Pro tip - go get some annette's around the corner to fulfill the salty/sweet combo ! read more

See all

I really like the ambience walking in. Real simple menu at affordable prices. I ordered the honey chicken sandwich and the hot and honey chicken. The bun was very fluffy but wish it was a bit thicker to hold the sauce. There is only one long shaded standing table outdoor for eating. Overall, I would definitely recommend this place. read more

See all

4 items on the menu. That's it! No phone, no line, no BS, just really good chicken and fries. Everything is cooked to order and the chicken sandwich with pickle, hot honey, was a home run. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Eat on the rails outside or take it to go.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Win all around and a great value! read more

Absolutely bangin. No more making the trip up to Wrigley Chick fila/ Canes. Hot honey sandwich here is amazing. Enough said. Great vibe here too and the staff is awesome. Old school looking kitchen and like 5 things on the menu. Easy comfort food, great for a weekend, or a mid week pick me up. read more

See all

My favorite food in the area. Always super fast, always the same quality, and delicious!

Honestly one of the best fried chicken sandwiches I've had anywhere. I got the sandwich (plain) w/ mayo & pickle with the fries. I've gone to a handful of these fried chicken spots and I feel like they take forever .. which is expected .. but my food was out to me within 5 minutes!! Hot and fresh .. and perfection tbh. Chicken is juicy seasoned well buns fresh ..couldn't ask for more. They give you a spicy mayo sauce for the fries and that was absolute fire as well!! If you're in the neighborhood check them out..if you aren't in the neighborhood .. then go check them out!!!!!! read more

See all

Delicious, fresh and fast. It's a small location but it's clean and great friendly service. read more

See all

My husband and I were driving down Sheffield. We've seen the little red shack before but this time decided to turn around and be nosy. We are glad we did. All of this time we had no idea it was a restaurant. Red Light Chicken is small. You walk in, you order, you wait, you walk out. But you walk out with the best tasting chicken. Staff is very friendly. Chicken sandwich is SO juicy, crispy and tasty. The fries take me back to my childhood. Old school shoestring fries. I Love It!! There's no seating inside but outside they have a patio space with standing tables. read more

See all

Red Light Chicken offers a simple menu so that they are able to focus on perfecting what they serve! My husband and I both ordered the hot & honey chicken sandwich with mayo and pickles. We also split an order of truffle fries. The chicken was super juicy and flavorful! The sandwich was served on a basic bun and I do wish they toasted it. The fries were also delicious and the truffle seasoning was not overpowering. All items are made to order so you know everything is fresh! There is no seating, but they do have a small communal table outside where you can stand and enjoy your meal. Definitely give Red Light Chicken a try! read more

Red Light Chicken - Chicken Shop Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

perfect little quick stand and eat or takeaway chicken sammy. service was top notch and actually quite nice and went above and beyond what you even see in nice sit down restaurants. thoughtful responses, recos, and proactive consideration from the front guy. sandwhich and fries were tasty. will try the nuggets next. nothing too extravagant or large, a normal portion size, which is greatly appreciated. read more

Red Light Chicken - hot honey chicken sandwich - Chicken Shop Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

Basically what attempts to be an 'elevated' version of Chick Fil A, but fell quite short for me to be a returning customer. The main culprit is their sauces, which none are made in-house. You HAVE to have a good sauce to be a successful chicken joint!! Their 'spicy mayo' (flavor profile being nearly identical to 1000 island) just comes out of an industrial sized tub you'd find at Restaurant Depot or Costco, whereas their mustard and bbq sauce are Sweet Baby Rays. And the cups they fill them in are so small as if they needed to be TSA approved! Had I known, I would've brought my own bottle of Chick Fil A sauce. Heck I'll just go there next time! The only things that were solid were their chicken nuggets and truffle fries (but cannot by any means be called 'shoestring' fries). My hot honey chicken sandwich was quite hastily constructed: cheese unmelted, mayo only on one side of the bun, and chicken portion not that substantial. The pickles were average and the heat/sweetness from the honey was nicely balanced out, however. Oh well.. I suppose the search for the perfect chicken sandwich in Chicagoland continues! read more

See all

The best chicken sandwich in the city, with quick service. Everyone I have recommended the restaurant to has thanked me for the suggestion.

So good no frills spot. The chicken is delicious but I don't like the shoestring fries.

Red Light Chicken is everything I wanted from a small chicken sandwich shop in the middle of Lincoln Park. The prices? Cheap. The food? Incredible. The vibes? Immaculate. Highly recommend everyone stop by here. read more