A information to the very best New York fried hen. Picture by: Yulia Reznikov
Whereas NYC might not be the South, we do know our means round some fried hen. It’s no secret that New York is a melting pot of cultures and tastes, and with that comes a plethora of “scorching” takes on that scrumptious, crispy, crunchy hen. Whether or not you’re a wing particular person, a boneless bandit, or choose a pleasant fried hen sandwich, this metropolis has obtained you coated. And what’s nice is that if typical fried hen isn’t your factor (for some odd, unexplainable purpose), you too can discover some distinctive and outdoors of the field variations of this basic. Right here’s a information to a few of the finest New York fried hen.
In the event you’re craving Korean fried hen
Mad For Rooster’s hen has a few of the flakiest pores and skin within the biz. Photograph courtesy of Mad For Rooster
Mad For Rooster
With a number of places to select from, Mad for Chicken has solidified itself as among the finest Korean Fried Rooster spots on the town. Ask anybody in Queens the place to get some good hen, and MFC will inevitably come up. Their hen has a few of the flakiest pores and skin within the biz, coming in flavors like soy garlic, kickin’ barbeque, and serrano chili. Different menu favorites embody kimchi fries and their crispy hen bowls. Every batch of wings is made to order so it could take just a little longer than different spots, however that first chunk will make all of it price it.
Pelicana Rooster has you coated in terms of selection. Photograph courtesy of Pelicana Rooster
Pelicana Rooster
Pelicana prides itself on being genuine KFC, based in South Korea in 1982. Providing a variety of choices from boneless to bone-in, wings to drumsticks, they have you ever coated in terms of selection. In the event you’re seeking to elevate the hen much more, contemplate tossing it in considered one of their signature sauces, together with flavors like honey garlic, candy and spicy lvl 3 (very spicy), or spicy barbeque. The hen is the apparent star of the present, however it will be remiss of you to not add their mochi donut cheese balls to your order.
For the sandwich lovers
Beatstro, a hip-hop-inspired restaurant and bar within the Bronx, is a standout. Photograph courtesy of Beatstro
Beatstro
The Bronx’s meals scene has continued to surge in recent times, and hip-hop-inspired restaurant and bar Beatstro is likely one of the standouts. Not solely is the inside decor cute and funky, however the meals is wonderful as properly. The Charly’s Rooster Sandwich options juicy fried hen on a potato bun, topped with bacon, cheese, pickles, and spicy mayo, with every chunk equal components crunchy and flavorful. In case you are extra of a brunch particular person, the fried hen and waffles with pickled strawberries will knock your socks off. And don’t simply go for the meals — Beatstro has the vibes on verify, taking part in the very best bachata, hip-hop, and R&B music when you dine.
Sally’s Southern holds the title of Staten Island’s solely Southern consolation restaurant. Photograph courtesy of Sally’s Southern
Sally’s Southern
Going to Staten Island for Southern meals won’t have been in your 2023 bingo card, however Sally’s Southern would possibly change that. Holding the title of Staten Island’s solely Southern consolation restaurant, you will discover every part from fried hen and catfish to babyback ribs and meatloaf. The fried hen biscuit is a crispy hen thigh, coleslaw and aioli on a buttermilk biscuit, which may be washed down with any of the craft beers or cocktails they provide. Sally’s is the proper factor to satisfy you on the opposite aspect of that ferry experience.
While you’re craving soul meals
Charles Pan-Fried Rooster is thought for its skillet cooked hen. Photograph courtesy of Charles Pan-Fried Rooster
Charles Pan-Fried Rooster
Charles Gabriel, a James Beard-nominated chef and the “Fried Chicken King of Harlem,” has been meting out his widespread pan-fried hen since 1990. After taking a quick hiatus, he’s again and higher than ever with a revamped look and menu. There are Charles Pan-Fried Chicken places in each Harlem and the Higher West Aspect, each of that are slanging out scorching, crispy poultry that folk journey to simply to strive. Skillet cooked (a technique he attributes to his North Carolina childhood), this well-seasoned hen has the proper crunchy chunk on the skin, adopted by juicy deliciousness inside.
Williamsburg’s Pies ‘n Thighs is thought for its fried hen, pies, and the butteriest biscuits you’ll ever strive. Photograph courtesy of Pies ‘n Thighs
Pies ‘n Thighs
Delectable fried hen paired with sweet-tooth satisfying pies and donuts? Signal me up! Pies ‘n Thighs represents every part you want in terms of homestyle fried hen, with the Williamsburg spot identified for its fried hen, pies, and the butteriest biscuits you’ll ever strive. If you need probably the most bang in your buck, get a three-piece meal so you possibly can take pleasure in hen, biscuit, and considered one of their equally yummy sides. Then comply with it up with a slice of banana cream pie or no matter dessert your coronary heart so chooses.
In the event you’ve been desirous to strive vegan fried hen
VEGANHOOD’s model of fried hen would possibly make you contemplate switching sides. Photograph courtesy of VEGANHOOD
VEGANHOOD
Positioned in Harlem, VEGANHOOD goals to deliver vegan goodness straight to the hood. Merging acquainted flavors and dishes with plant-based options, they provide one thing for the long-time vegans and people simply seeking to dabble. Strive their Fried Chicx’n and Waffles or go for the Saint Nick Fried Chicx’n with a aspect of collard greens. Even should you don’t contemplate your self vegan, this model of fried hen would possibly make you contemplate switching sides.
Be sure to get Hartbreakers vegan fried hen with a aspect of waffle fries. Photograph courtesy of Hartbreakers
Hartbreakers
Don’t let the identify idiot you — nothing about this vegan tackle consolation meals will break your coronary heart. Positioned someplace between quick and informal eating, the ‘70s-themed Hartbreakers makes every part besides their bread and cheese from scratch. That’s proper, all of the sauces are made proper in home. Take your decide between salads, sandwiches, and good ole-fashioned, bucket fried chik’n. Throw in some waffle fries and a aspect of the jalapeño cilantro aioli if you wish to do it massive.
In the event you’re on a price range
One of the best half about Bob White Counter is {that a} strong meal right here gained’t price typical Manhattan costs. Photograph courtesy of Bob White Counter
Bob White Counter
Reasonably priced doesn’t equal an absence in high quality, and Bob White Counter is proof of that. It’s an Alphabet Metropolis staple serving easy, completely fried hen daily. And the very best half is {that a} strong meal right here gained’t price you typical Manhattan costs. You will get the favored Two Piece & A Biscuit Field for just below seven bucks. In case you are strapped much more for money however need a fast chunk, a fried thigh will solely price you $3.49.
Filipino fast-food chain Jollibee is nice for fast, low cost hen. Photograph courtesy of Jollibee
Jollibee
Relating to fast-food hen, the primary identify to come back to thoughts for New Yorkers would understandably be Crown Fried Rooster. However Jollibee is basically the place it’s at. This Filipino fast-food chain is nice for fast, low cost hen which you could seize and tackle the go. Over time, Jollibee has garnered fairly a following and their loyal followers swear by the Chickenjoy, their signature, hand-breaded hen. One of the best half is which you could make it a meal with a aspect and drink for under $10. In addition they have household meals with buckets of hen that may feed your complete crew for a reasonably first rate worth. When you’ve got some spare change, strive a few of their particular jolly spaghetti to spherical out your meal.
In the event you’re seeking to strive one thing new
If a bahn mi sandwich with fried hen isn’t your factor, 5ive spice additionally provides rooster wings which can be too good to move up. Photograph courtesy of 5ive Spice
5ive Spice
The pattern of incorporating crispy fried hen into the Vietnamese banh mi sandwich is one which we’re eternally grateful for. 5ive Spice does it proper with beer battered fried hen, topped with the anticipated banh mi substances: pickled carrots, daikon, cilantro, cucumber, and mayo. It delivers the proper mix of flavors multi functional. If banh mi isn’t your factor, their rooster wings are deep fried and coated in a garlic chili sauce that’s too good to move up.
Rowdy Rooster has discovered a approach to merge Southern fare with Indian delicacies in probably the most good means. Photograph courtesy of Rowdy Rooster
Rowdy Rooster
If Indian fried hen hasn’t been in your foodie bucket checklist, you’re critically lacking out. Rowdy Rooster, the latest joint from Chef Chintan Pandya and Restaurateur Roni Mazumdar, has discovered a approach to merge Southern fare with Indian delicacies in probably the most good means. Seize a Lil’ Rowdy hen sandwich if you would like some spice and warmth, balanced off with cool mint and a yogurt dressing. In case you are simply in search of a small chunk to pop into your mouth, go for the boneless chili hen and watch your tastebuds attain new heights.
When you’ve got just a little cash to spend
Pecking Home will price you, however their chili fried hen is price it. Photograph courtesy of Pecking Home
Pecking Home
From pop-up to brick-and-mortar, Pecking House is likely one of the newest locations to interrupt by the NYC hen scene. Their spicy, sichuan-seasoned hen packs a punch within the warmth division and within the taste division. A 3-piece meal will price you near $30, however with it you’ll get a combo of darkish and chicken together with two sides. As a bonus, they’ve ample choices for the non-meat eaters to get in on the motion too, whether or not that be cauliflower wings or an oyster mushroom po-boy.
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Robin D. Thomas is a brunch loving, college social employee who was born and raised in NYC. When she’s not writing about all issues wellness, leisure and love, you’ll find her consuming her means by completely different international locations and tending to her vegetation. You possibly can comply with alongside along with her journey foodie adventures on Instagram @_MissRobin.