This San Fernando Valley Institution Serves Some of Los Angeles’s Best Fried Chicken

Open since 1986, Les Sisters’ Southern Kitchen , a Cajun restaurant started by Clara Huling, Roda Hadi and Willie Stanford — three sisters in spirit — has moved from its original home in Chatsworth to Winnetka, but the emphasis on homestyle cooking and old-fashioned hospitality has not wavered. Now run by third-generation owner Jessica Huling, the modest strip mall destination churns out shrimp jambalaya and other regional Louisiana staples alongside soul food classics like collard greens, macaroni and cheese, and some of the best fried chicken in Los Angeles. A regular clientele of locals cycle in and out to pick up takeout, many of them on a first-name basis with the longtime staff; awards and press accolades from over the years dot the walls, as well as a handful of Mardi Gras and other New Orleans memorabilia. Call ahead or order online if you don’t want to wait, as everything is made to order. 

• Whether you go for the hot or mild variety, get the Cajun fried chicken: Golden, crispy-skinned, and nearly greaseless, the well-seasoned crust sets it apart from other styles of American Southern–style fried chicken.
• The shrimp (or chicken, if shellfish isn’t your thing) jambalaya’s spice level can be modified to your preferences, but the pillowy grains of rice and mixed vegetables always taste on point. 
• Make sure to order a few sides; the Southern “meat and three” exists for a reason, after all. No matter if you’re ordering the smothered (gravy-coated) chicken or the lighter grilled catfish, the collard greens, black-eyed peas and rice, and plush cornbread are excellent additions to a meal here.

Order the sweet tea or muddy water, a.k.a. Arnold Palmer. Les Sisters’ also brews traditional New Orleans–style chicory coffee.

On Sundays, Les Sisters’ fries up classic beignets dusted in powdered sugar.