There was a Fried Chicken thread in the lounge. I recommended a couple places -

Out here in the prairies of SW Illinois.

That thread is dormant now, but I thought the info was worth a repost here in the "Chicago plus corn and soybeans state" Group. Because folks coming through may need a good spot for fried gizzards and such.

I think the best national chain is Popeyes. Or Pope Yes! as my 6 year old daughter called it when they opened on Misawa AB Japan...

I enjoy Raisin' Canes chicken fingers, but I agree with a previous poster that "Fried Chicken" Means on the bone chicken.

Locally, there are some great options around St Louis - But unfortunately, Sweetie Pie's is not on the list.

Hey, don't look at me like that. It's good, just not great, and the green beans and Mac & Cheese are average.

Lee's Fried Chicken is great if you're in a good franchise and the iced tea is worth the ridiculous mark up for a take home gallon.
It's top notch tea.
But when it comes to the actual fried chicken? There is a LOT of difference in quality depending on location.

Locally famous Southern Illinois family restaurant "The Good Ol' Days" in New Baden is really good, but a bit salty and the sides are just average... Their Pie is phenomenal though, so it's worth a trip up I64 IMHO
www.goodoldays.net/

The absolute best fried chicken around here in the corn fields of SW Illinois is at the restaurant in the Original Springs Hotel.
Perfect crunch, juicy meat, just the right level of salt and black pepper in the old school crust.
This place is said to be haunted, and it's probably by the spirits of folks looking for a 2 piece dinner with corn bread and slaw.
https://www.theoriginalspringshotel.com/

Super obscure bonus recommendation - The Eagles Nest has the absolute best butter milk soaked fried gizzards in the whole world.

It's in Addieville Illinois a town of 200 or so a good 10 minute drive past the ass end of nowhere.
Worth it.
So delicious.
https://www.yelp.com/biz/eagles-nest-addieville