A information to the very best New York fried hen. Picture by: Yulia Reznikov
Whereas NYC is probably not the South, we do know our manner 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 chook. 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 motive), you may as well discover some distinctive and outdoors of the field variations of this traditional. Right here’s a information to a few of the greatest New York fried hen.
Should you’re craving Korean fried hen
Mad For Hen’s hen has a few of the flakiest pores and skin within the biz. Photograph courtesy of Mad For Hen
Mad For Hen
With a number of areas to select from, Mad for Hen has solidified itself as top-of-the-line Korean Fried Hen spots on the town. Ask anybody in Queens the place to get some good chook, 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 might take a bit of longer than different spots, however that first chew will make all of it price it.
Pelicana Hen has you coated with regards to selection. Photograph courtesy of Pelicana Hen
Pelicana Hen
Pelicana prides itself on being genuine KFC, based in South Korea in 1982. Providing a spread of choices from boneless to bone-in, wings to drumsticks, they have you ever coated with regards to selection. Should 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 might 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 among the standouts. Not solely is the inside decor cute and funky, however the meals is superb as nicely. The Charly’s Hen Sandwich options juicy fried hen on a potato bun, topped with bacon, cheese, pickles, and spicy mayo, with every chew 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 test, enjoying the very best bachata, hip-hop, and R&B music whilst 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 may not have been in your 2023 bingo card, however Sally’s Southern may change that. Holding the title of Staten Island’s solely Southern consolation restaurant, you’ll find the whole lot 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 could be washed down with any of the craft beers or cocktails they provide. Sally’s is the proper factor to fulfill you on the opposite facet of that ferry trip.
Once you’re craving soul meals
Charles Pan-Fried Hen is understood for its skillet cooked hen. Photograph courtesy of Charles Pan-Fried Hen
Charles Pan-Fried Hen
Charles Gabriel, a James Beard-nominated chef and the “Fried Hen King of Harlem,” has been meting out his well-liked pan-fried hen since 1990. After taking a short hiatus, he’s again and higher than ever with a revamped look and menu. There are Charles Pan-Fried Hen areas in each Harlem and the Higher West Aspect, each of that are slanging out scorching, crispy poultry that people journey to simply to attempt. Skillet cooked (a technique he attributes to his North Carolina childhood), this well-seasoned hen has the proper crunchy chew on the surface, adopted by juicy deliciousness inside.
Williamsburg’s Pies ‘n Thighs is understood for its fried hen, pies, and the butteriest biscuits you’ll ever attempt. 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 the whole lot you want with regards to homestyle fried hen, with the Williamsburg spot recognized for its fried hen, pies, and the butteriest biscuits you’ll ever attempt. If you’d like essentially the most bang on your buck, get a three-piece meal so you’ll be able to take pleasure in hen, biscuit, and considered one of their equally yummy sides. Then observe it up with a slice of banana cream pie or no matter dessert your coronary heart so chooses.
Should you’ve been eager to attempt vegan fried hen
VEGANHOOD’s model of fried hen may make you contemplate switching sides. Photograph courtesy of VEGANHOOD
VEGANHOOD
Situated in Harlem, VEGANHOOD goals to carry 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. Attempt their Fried Chicx’n and Waffles or go for the Saint Nick Fried Chicx’n with a facet of collard greens. Even when you don’t contemplate your self vegan, this model of fried hen may make you contemplate switching sides.
Ensure you get Hartbreakers vegan fried hen with a facet of waffle fries. Photograph courtesy of Hartbreakers
Hartbreakers
Don’t let the title idiot you — nothing about this vegan tackle consolation meals will break your coronary heart. Situated someplace between quick and informal eating, the ‘70s-themed Hartbreakers makes the whole lot besides their bread and cheese from scratch. That’s proper, all of the sauces are made proper in home. Take your choose between salads, sandwiches, and good ole-fashioned, bucket fried chik’n. Throw in some waffle fries and a facet of the jalapeño cilantro aioli if you wish to do it huge.
Should you’re on a price range
The most effective half about Bob White Counter is {that a} strong meal right here gained’t value typical Manhattan costs. Photograph courtesy of Bob White Counter
Bob White Counter
Inexpensive 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 on daily basis. And the very best half is {that a} strong meal right here gained’t value you typical Manhattan costs. You may get the favored Two Piece & A Biscuit Field for slightly below seven bucks. In case you are strapped much more for money however desire a fast chew, a fried thigh will solely value you $3.49.
Filipino fast-food chain Jollibee is nice for fast, low-cost hen. Photograph courtesy of Jollibee
Jollibee
With regards to fast-food hen, the primary title to return to thoughts for New Yorkers would understandably be Crown Fried Hen. However Jollibee is de facto the place it’s at. This Filipino fast-food chain is nice for fast, low-cost hen you can 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. The most effective half is you can make it a meal with a facet and drink for less than $10. In addition they have household meals with buckets of hen that may feed your entire crew for a fairly respectable worth. In case you have some spare change, attempt a few of their particular jolly spaghetti to spherical out your meal.
Should you’re seeking to attempt 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 go 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 ceaselessly 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 function. 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 go up.
Rowdy Rooster has discovered a approach to merge Southern fare with Indian delicacies in essentially the most good manner. Photograph courtesy of Rowdy Rooster
Rowdy Rooster
If Indian fried hen hasn’t been in your foodie bucket record, you might be significantly lacking out. Rowdy Rooster, the most recent joint from Chef Chintan Pandya and Restaurateur Roni Mazumdar, has discovered a approach to merge Southern fare with Indian delicacies in essentially the most good manner. Seize a Lil’ Rowdy hen sandwich if you need some spice and warmth, balanced off with cool mint and a yogurt dressing. In case you are simply on the lookout for a small chew to pop into your mouth, go for the boneless chili hen and watch your tastebuds attain new heights.
In case you have a bit of cash to spend
Pecking Home will value you, however their chili fried hen is price it. Photograph courtesy of Pecking Home
Pecking Home
From pop-up to brick-and-mortar, Pecking Home is among the newest locations to interrupt via 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 value 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 could find her consuming her manner via totally different nations and tending to her vegetation. You may observe alongside along with her journey foodie adventures on Instagram @_MissRobin.
