Yes. There really is a Big Dean.
And the man knows his chicken….and slaw….and fries.
What started out as a 5,000 mile road trip in pursuit of the best Nashville Hot style chicken, turned into a quest to create some of his own. And after 3 weeks of outbound tasting, and 3 months of in-kitchen testing, Big Dean’s Hot Chicken was born.
The limited menu at Big Dean’s (chicken, slaw and fries) is intentional. It puts a sharp focus on perfecting the balance of hot, sweet, creamy & crunchy that you’ll get in each bite. And it pays off.
Timeless southern staples like Duke’s Mayo, White Lily Flour and Crystal Hot Sauce, mingle with locally sourced bakery buns, and a few of Dean’s secret ingredients that take this chicken to the next level.
“
Based on 159 reviews, the restaurant has received a rating of 4.1 stars. Price $
✔️ Dine-in ✔️ Takeout ✔️ No-contact delivery
Address:
208 W College Ave, State College, PA 16801
Phone: (814) 954-7240
Website:
Social Profile: 
Hours
| Wednesday |
11 AM–9 PM |
| Thursday |
11 AM–9 PM |
| Friday |
11 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday |
11 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday |
11 AM–9 PM |
| Monday |
11 AM–9 PM |
| Tuesday |
11 AM–9 PM |
Menu
… View more
Menu Photos
Photo Gallery
Reviews
Adam Allen
The family ordered from Big Dean’s Hot Chicken for the very first time this weekend. We ordered a variety of food. Their chicken sandwiches were large and the chicken breast I was moist and seasoned well. The rest of the family ordered chicken strips. They had a great crispy crust to them and were equally moist and filling. The fries were seasoned very well and the sauces were great! My only caution is that the inferno seasoning that they use is no joke. I honestly wish they made it a little less crazy hot. I like spicy foods but this was burn your mouth off hot. I found myself running to the refrigerator for milk and blue cheese. You have been warned. Otherwise, I would totally order there again!
… more
Alonzo Brown
This restaurant looks great and has great service, But the food was not that great.
… more
Vanshika A
overall good experience. Solid fried chicken, but greasier than expected. Could be drained better. Meals were ready fast. Nashville was a bit milder than expected.
… more
trenton wooster
Deans is a solid chicken joint, ordered here multiple times and never once had a complaint. Chicken is crispy, juicy, and most importantly it’s good without the sauce. Canes is overrated and expensive. You get better food, and better prices here. Highly recommend, canes is mid.
… more
Tara Yadgir
Just went for my fourth time and honestly this chicken sandwich is one of the best I’ve ever had. The chicken is so moist, but with a crunchy breading. You can select your spice level, so you can actually get tasty, spicy food in State College. This is definitely the best chicken sandwich in State College.
… more
Scott Rutt
They didn’t have fried chicken, only chicken fingers and chicken breast sandwiches. The chicken sandwich was pretty good. Not a fan of the fries, and the tea is sweet Iced Tea, not Sweet Tea.
… more
Amanda Becker
This place is amazing, best crispy chicken sandwich I have ever eaten! I want to eat it everyday, clearly not a wise health choice, so it will be an awesome treat once in a while. If you haven’t tried Big Dean’s YOU NEED TO ASAP.
… more
Rich De Luca
Went from my least favorite chicken place (~2021) to my most favorite (~2023). New management (?) and crew have really turned the place around.
… more
Harry Foss
The chicken has been top notch lately. Perfect spice level on the Nashville hot. More often than not the portion size is solid for the price
… more
Shugufa Ramin
I was craving a chicken sandwich and decided this was the best place to come to try that. There was a wait time to receive the food which is understandable.
… more
… View more
