National Fried Chicken Day is July 6
Everyone needs a morale pick-me-up when plunging back into the work world after the Fourth of July weekend.
Thankfully, Monday is National Fried Chicken Day. All across the country, people will be eating fried chicken and enjoying it just a little bit more than usual.
This crispy, moist and addictive preparation of chicken relies on a heavy dose of well-spiced batter and a fatty frying.
While preferred recipes and cooking methods depend on who you ask (pan, deep or pressure frying all count), the desired result is the same.
Before being popularized by fast-food chains like Popeyes and KFC, fried chicken was an iconic Southern dish, a combination of West African battering techniques and Scottish fat frying.
For this year’s National Fried Chicken Day, the following local spots and chain outlets are available for some finger-licking food:
Chicken-N-More
Downtown’s Chicken-N-More is a beacon of Southern food in the Northwest. Founded by Bob Hemphill – a Texan turned Spokanite – 28 years ago, this place is the real deal. The fried chicken is said by many to be the best around, and the rest of the menu will not disappoint. Stop by at 414 ½ W. Sprague Ave. for takeout (strongly encouraged) or dine-in.
Ezell’s Famous Chicken
A Northwest staple, Ezell’s Famous Chicken began as a family business in Seattle. The business has been a smashing success, owing in part to the family’s Texas culinary roots and chicken quality. A few innovations (larger chickens, larger pieces of chicken, high-quality sides) also put Ezell’s on top of its chicken game. Takeout is available at 4919 S. Regal St.
Honey Eatery & Social Club
Coeur d’Alene’s contribution to fried chicken is Honey Eatery. Although not a dedicated fried chicken restaurant, Honey’s take on it, Honey Double Fried Chicken (twice the fried, twice the crisp?), is a popular menu item. The restaurant is a full-fledged eatery from chef Adam Hegsted. Honey’s is at 317 E. Sherman Ave.
KFC
The Colonel does not relent. For more than 70 years, KFC has been serving fried chicken all over the world. From one man and his secret mixture of 11 spices and herbs, a franchise of thousands of locations has grown. And did you know there is a combo meal with doughnuts? There are several locations in the Spokane area, and here are three: 2819 E. 29th St., 1812 W. Northwest Blvd. and the recently renovated location at 9229 N. Division St.
PopeyesOriginating in New Orleans, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen has surged in popularity recently due to its chicken sandwich, which is a perfectly valid way to celebrate fried chicken day. Popeyes has been around for nearly 50 years, so it has some experience frying chicken. Plus, the biscuits are a solid way to accompany the chicken. The nearest Popeyes, sadly, is in Post Falls at 767 N. Neufeld Lane.
Caroline’s Southern Kitchen
Blink and you missed this short-lived takeout service from Montvale Event Center during the pandemic to benefit the Bing Crosby Theater. It’s a shame, too, because features editor Don Chareunsy ordered from Caroline’s and raved about the fried chicken, jalapeno cheddar grits, braised rainbow chard and brisket chili. And there were leftovers for days from the family meal . Let’s hope owner Jerry Dicker features some of these dishes at his new restaurant Osprey at Ruby River Hotel at 700 N. Division St., if he hasn’t already.