Just recently, I took a wag on the wild side and visited Southern-fried chicken haven, Chicken King. Now, I'm sure you've heard of this place, right? If not, let me enlighten you. This joint is open for both lunch and dinner servings and has made quite a reputation for itself due to its exceptional Southern-style fried chicken. For more details, have a look at their official website.
For those wondering, Chicken King is nestled in the US, with specific branches in Louisiana. And lucky for the Southern folks, there are two spots to choose from - Opelousas and Port Barre. I visited the Opelousas outlet, and it was quite an adventure!
What's special about Chicken King?
What really sets this place apart is its very essence. It's not just a fast food outlet but a family-friendly, locally owned spot. This adds a touch of authenticity to the Southern meal experience they provide, making it unique and unbeatable. And let's not forget the speed and quality of service here! The ingredients used are absolutely fresh, guaranteeing an unforgettable meal experience to every patron.
Is Chicken King's chicken actually spicy?
Now, as someone who leans more on the spicy side, I was curious to know just how fiery their chicken was. Interestingly, their menu doesn't explicitly advertise their chicken as spicy. But luckily, you can tweak it to your liking by asking your server to add extra spice or hold it back based on your preference.
At Chicken King, prepare yourself for a poultry party! The menu offers a vast variety of chicken-based plates such as chicken dinner plates, mixed chicken buckets, nuggets, party wing sets, combination meals, and solo orders. But it's not all about the chicken. There's also a delectable mix of barbecue lunch plates, salads, steaks, po-boys, biscuits, and significantly satisfying burgers. A word of advice - don't miss out on their side orders to complement your mains. There's even a selection of pies and cookies for a sweet finish. And what's a meal without a cold drink to wash it all down? Chicken King has sodas, teas, and juices on offer, all in various sizes to quench different thirst levels.
How does one order at Chicken King?
So, here is how it goes. You walk into one of several outlets, and you are then served by a friendly waiter. For my part, I had the pleasure of being served by a buoyant gentleman named Stan who did a rockstar job in ensuring prompt service. You place your order, get a number, and wait for your number to be called. Alternatively, if the vibe of online ordering is more to your taste, you can hop onto their official site and click "Order Now". Delivery is a cinch, too, which makes it perfect for lazy days at home.
What about vegetarian or vegan options and kid-friendly meals?
I happened to have a friend who joined me for this excursion, and as a full-time vegan, he was a bit skeptical. And rightly so, since it's a chicken house after all. But it was pleasantly surprising to see they had vegetarian-friendly sides such as coleslaw, potato salad, mashed potatoes, and onion rings. The vegan-friendly options were slightly limited. However, I suggest asking specifically whether any item is 100% vegan. And for those of you who have tiny human companions, there's a dedicated kid-friendly menu complete with southern chicken legs, nuggets, and even burgers.
Are dishes at Chicken King halal?
Now that's a question best left to your friendly local server, but many times, a restaurant will indicate halal offerings on their signs or printed menus. Chicken King did not explicitly indicate this during my visit, so it's best to ask.
When is Chicken King open?
Speaking of timings, Chicken King has flexible hours that range from early morning until late in the evening. The Port Barre branch is open every day from 10 AM to 8 PM, while the Opelousas branch (the one I visited) opens a bit earlier at 8 AM and also closes at 8 PM. Quite handy for those Sunday brunch cravings, I must say.
Do they deliver?
You bet they do. As mentioned already, you can place your order directly on their website.
Does Chicken King do catering?
Turns out, they do! I gleaned this bit of info by observing a lively group enjoying a catered meal during my visit. Catering details are available via their phone number, the official Facebook page, or if you're old school like me, a quick in-person visit should do.
Surprisingly, yes! Health-conscious folks aren't left out. I tried one of their salads the other day and let me tell you, it was quite a satisfying meal. Choices include grilled chicken, regular or popcorn shrimp, and even ham salads.
Can you take Chicken King home?
You certainly can, though it's not in a ready-to-cook format. Takeaway service or order it online, and you’ll be able to enjoy your favorite meal in the comfort of your home. I did this last week. Spectacular!
Simple answer - yes! I went a bit overboard and ordered ten extra pieces because who can resist, right?
Pros:
- Authentic Southern-style food
- Locally owned and family-friendly
- Extremely fresh ingredients
- Diverse menu, even for healthier choices
- Excellent service, both in-person and online
Cons:
- Limited vegan options
- Halal status not clearly mentioned
- No ready-to-cook takeaway
- Chicken might not be spicy enough for some