Fried chicken may have found its popularity in the South but hungry diners all over the country crave the crunchy favorite in various forms, from smothered in hot sauce and slapped between buns to paired with a fluffy, syrupy waffle or as simple and classic as it comes, served with traditional Southern sides.

Using reviews, awards and accolades, and first-hand experience, LoveFood compiled a list of the "best fried chicken joint" in every state, from delicious chicken sandwiches with simple but impactful ingredients to crispy, mouthwatering bites served with impeccable sides.

According to the site, the best fried chicken joint in all of Missouri is Lula Southern Cookhouse. This Kansas City eatery serves up an incredible take on the classic dish and pairs it well with tasty sides. Lula Southern Cookhouse is located at 1617 Main Street, Suite 100.

Here's what LoveFood had to say about this tasty restaurant:

"The focus at Lula's is Southern cooking with bold flavors — and the joint certainly delivers. There's a great menu to choose from, but the crispy and juicy fried chicken here is the star of the show. Try it waffles and chili syrup, or with smashed potatoes, gumbo gravy, and ham-glazed green beans. There's also a delicious platter available on the dinner menu, consisting of fried chicken pieces, pickles, hot sauce, biscuits, and gumbo gravy. When it comes to sides, customers rave about the mac 'n' cheese and fried green tomatoes."

See the full list of each state's best fried chicken joint at lovefood.com. You can also check out our previous coverage of the Missouri restaurant that serves the best chicken sandwich in the state.

BJ "The DJ" Holiday