Long a family favorite, fried chicken has recently undergone a resurgence in popularity nationwide. Whether choosing from traditional buttermilk to Hawaiian- and Korean-influenced, Seattleites can’t get enough of the fried chicken revolution. Here are some places around town that we think rule the roost.
Capitol Hill’s Wandering Goose pulls from Southern roots, offering buttermilk-and-thyme-marinated chicken with some of Seattle’s finest biscuits. During Fried Chicken Friday Dinner, you can get a massive plate of three pieces of chicken, three sides, and a biscuit for $25 — more than enough for a few hungry kiddos to share. Want to try their recipe at home? Wandering Goose released a cookbook, Big Food Big Love, last year. 403 15th Ave. E, Seattle, thewanderinggoose.com
In 2016, former Skillet chef Brian O’Connor opened Bok a Bok Chicken, a quick-serve Korean fried chicken restaurant in the heart of White Center. O’Connor air-dries then double-fries his chicken, giving it a devastatingly crunchy, crisp coating cradling juicy, flavorful meat. It travels well, staying crispy long after you get home, making it a perfect choice for takeout or a picnic. Be sure to get some housemade ranch on the side. Spice lovers shouldn’t miss the zingy four-chili dipping sauce. 1521 SW 98th St., Seattle, bokabokchicken.com
Rachel’s Ginger Beer opened a new location in University Village this year, partnering with Ma’ono chef Mark Fuller to include a Nashville-style fried chicken sandwich counter. Spice levels range from extra-hot to “naked,” which Fuller promises will keep the kids happy. Be sure to treat the kiddos to one of Rachel’s killer ginger beer floats, and treat yourself to one of her excellent craft cocktails. Various locations; rachelsgingerbeer.com
For more than thirty years the name Ezell’s has been synonymous in Seattle with stellar fried chicken. After co-founder Ezell Stephens left and opened up Heaven Sent Fried Chicken, Seattle has been divided in a great debate over whose version of the original recipe is better. No matter which you choose, you’ll find deliciously moist chicken inside a perfectly seasoned crispy crust with pillowy rolls on the side. Both menus are very family friendly, and Heaven Sent has a “creative station” at each of their restaurants where kids can color on the walls. Various locations; ezellschicken.com, heavensentfriedchicken.com
