Peter Genovese | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
By Peter Genovese I NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Originally published on September 10, 2018
This may come as a shock, but fried chicken brings in more bucks than burgers in the fast food business. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, says Business Insider, fried chicken was widely considered unhealthy. That changed about two years ago, when consumers started regarding fried chicken as somewhat healthy.
Whether it's good or bad for you, there's no disputing fried chicken - crispy, crunchy, juicy - is one of comfort food's greatest, and guiltiest, pleasures. And with a four-piece (breast, wing, thigh, drumstick) usually costing $6-7, it's dinner at the right price.
We've done a list of N.J.'s best wing joints, and now it's time to give fried chicken its due, during National Chicken Month. I spent a week driving all over the state eating fried chicken at restaurants, storefronts, stands, even at farmers markets. Here is a list, based on that journey and prior experience, of the state's best fried chicken spots. They are not ranked. And it's Southern fried chicken only, not Korean or any other kind.
Treesy's Southern Cuisine, Turnersville
Scriptural and inspirational passages and sayings line the wall at Treesy's; there's even a copy of the Bible in the restroom. "Treesy'' comes from the owner's name, Teresa, and dishes are named after friends and customers - Sheila's Fish Tacos, Marion's Yellow Rice, Kristin's Okra Corn and Tomatoes, and Dajah's Cole Slaw, among others.
Peter Genovese | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Treesy's was one fried chicken with discernible seasoning/spice; the crispy skin only added to its charm. Wash it down with some of Linna's Famous Iced Tea. I'm not sure how famous it actually is, but it sure is one refreshingly sweet treat.
Peter Genovese | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Chicken Galore, Woodbridge
Chicken Galore ("If There's a Better Piece of Chicken, the Rooster Got It!") is located next to the former Cookie Jar in downtown Woodbridge, and as you can see by the above photo it's charmingly divey. Opened in 1967, Chicken Galore offers the bird several ways - fried, roasted, BBQ, regular wings, buffalo wings, chicken tenders, chicken nuggets.
Peter Genovese | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
The best fried chicken spots on this journey made their chicken to order, as opposed to chicken languishing under heat lamps. Cooking to order takes about 20 minutes, but the wait is so worth it. The fried chicken at Chicken Galore was one of the two or three juiciest on this mission, and the thin crackly skin was a delight.
Jameson's Southern Cooking, Neptune
Robert Jameson, owner of Jameson's, opened a Southern/soul food restaurant in Long Branch in 1990, re-locating to Neptune in 1998. He's catered for B.B. King, Patti LaBelle and other celebs, and the Neptune restaurant is small, cozy and homey.
Peter Genovese | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Lightly fried, super skin, good and juicy: Jameson's makes stellar fried chicken.
Peter Genovese | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Chicken Delight, Hillsdale
"Don't Cook Tonight - Call Chicken Delight!'' is the motto at this mini-chain, with locations in Jersey City, North Bergen, Hillsdale and elsewhere. The first one opened in 1952 in Illinois. The Hillsdale Chicken Delight location has been open 44 years; a four-piece costs $6.99.
Peter Genovese | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Chicken Delight was one of the more singular skins on this mission, with a slightly spicy, slightly honey-ish flavor. Other fried chicken on this list boasted crunchier, crispier crusts, but I'd order this again in a second.
Peter Genovese | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Chicken Coop, Columbus Farmers Market, Columbus
Editors who shall go unnamed laughed when I suggested a story on great flea/farmer market food. They really should get out more. The Columbus Farmers Market, one of the three biggest in the state, features two top-flight pizzerias - Kate & Al's and Pete's - and the Chicken Coop. Grab a ticket and wait for your number to be called.
Peter Genovese | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
It's breasts and wings only at the Chicken Coop, and I certainly wasn't going to quibble because those are my favorites in the traditional four-piece anyway. Great crunch and tender meat add up to five-star fried chicken.
Ms. Nancy's Place, Merchantville
Ms. Nancy is Nancy Miller, who offers a healthy take on traditional soul food (no sugar, salt or butter, for one). Merchantville made my list of N.J.'s best under-the-radar dining destinations.
Peter Genovese | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Fried chicken with two sides at Ms. Nancy's Place is a bit pricey ($12 for dark meat, $13 for white), but it's worth it. Tenderly fried, good and crispy, and the sweet potatoes and mac n cheese (in photo) are excellent.
Hoagitos, Belmar/Asbury Park
I've been singing the praises of Hoagitos for years, and this sandwich joint, with a stand on the Asbury Park boardwalk and a storefront in Belmar, has turned the Shore sandwich scene upside down with its mini-subs, distinguished by creative toppings and dressings.
Peter Genovese | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
There are five fried chicken sandwiches on the Hoagitos menu; the Forbidden Chicken ranked high on my list of the Jersey Shore's best boardwalk eats. The Finger Licker (in photo), a buttermilk-dredged thigh with honey butter glaze, lettuce, pickles and roasted garlic mayo, is even better.
Peter Genovese | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Chicken Kitchen, Shrewsbury
The Chicken Kitchen made my list of the state's best wing joints, and it's no surprise it ended up on the best fried chicken list, too. Open since 1983, it's a simple, spare space, but delivers the goods.
Peter Genovese | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Simple, classic, unfussy - the fried chicken at Chicken Kitchen reflects the atmosphere. Lightly fried on the outside, nice and juicy on the inside.
Peter Genovese | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Chicken Magician, Hackensack
I don't know if the Chicken Magician can turn a chicken into, say, an ice cream cone, but this is good fried chicken in a town slowly gaining a dining identity.
Peter Genovese | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Peppery undertones and a light, crackly crust - it may not be magic, but it makes for standout fried chicken at the Chicken Magician.
Magnolia Room, Chalfonte Hotel, Cape May
Dorothy "Dot'' Burton passed away in 2015, but her famous fried chicken lives on at the Chalfonte Hotel's Magnolia Room in Cape May. Dot and her sister Lucille Thompson were longtime employees at the hotel; Dot would cook the chicken in a black cast-iron skillet. The Magnolia Room is open from May through September, so you'd better get there soon.
Forget the deep fryer; the fried chicken at the Magnolia Room is special because of that skillet and hot, spattering, crackling oil. It's not cheap - a half chicken with corn bread and pan-seared Brussels sprouts cost $30 - but this is one of the more acclaimed restaurants in Cape May.
Simply Southern, Belmar
The last time I saw Rasheed Simmons, he and his mom were running My Two Sons Savannah Style Seafood in the Englishtown Auction Sales. I didn't realize the former New York Giants football player had opened Simply Southern with his mom, Rita, until he came bounding out of the kitchen to say hi as I awaited my takeout order.
Peter Genovese | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
The fried chicken at Simply Southern (marinated in buttermilk and drizzled with honey): good. The mac n cheese and sweet potatoes: better. The fried catfish sandwich: the best I've had in years. Yeah, I know, this is supposed to be all about fried chicken, but I couldn't resist.
ShopRite, Williamstown
Not all ShopRite - or supermarket - fried chicken is created alike. Stores within a chain may use different recipes and cooking methods. The ShopRite in Williamstown is one of seven South Jersey ShopRites owned by Zallie Supermarkets Inc.
Peter Genovese | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
I didn't see any packaged fried chicken in this ShopRite's food area, so they cooked an eight-piece for me on the spot (as with all missions of this type, I never identify myself). Dang, was this chicken juicy. Just looking at it, you know you're in for something special. I wish the chicken at my local supermarket was half this good.
Peter Genovese | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Chicken Town, Toms River
Another of those plain-Jane chicken joints that every other town in Jersey seems to have, Chicken Town (another location is in Brick) has been open 25-plus years. "Come & savor the flavor'' is the motto.
Peter Genovese | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
With a few exceptions, all the cooked-to-order chicken places delivered the golden fried goods. Chicken Town may have been the greasiest chicken of all, but it was of a pleasing, drippy-good variety. I wouldn't advise eating this chicken in your car, unless you own a seriously old car.
Kelsey & Kim's Southern Cafe, Atlantic City
Kelsey and Kimberly Jackson have come a long way since opening a bare-bones BBQ/soul food storefront in Pleasantville. They now own two resturants in Atlantic City, Kelsey's and Kelsey & Kim's Southern Cafe, and have appeared on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.
Peter Genovese | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
This is all I wrote in my notebook after my visit to Kelsey & Kim's Southern Cafe: "This chicken has serious wonderful crunch.'' What more needs to be said?
At the Table, Asbury Park
Janice Brooks opened At the Table in 2009; previously she had worked as a cook at Delta's in New Brunswick. Some of the recipes at her restaurant are from her mother and grandmother; others are her own. Menu standards include smothered turkey wings, herb roasted chicken, salmon cakes and beet and black eyed pea salad.
Peter Genovese | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
At the Table's chicken is lightly fried, nice and crispy, and thoroughly enjoyable. Good sides, too, especially the candied yams.
Peter Genovese | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Henri's Hotts, Folsom
Look for the big ole smoker by the side of the road, or the sign that says "This is not fast food! If you want fast food, go to McDonald's.'' You've arrived at Henri's Hotts, run by Doug Henri, a retired law enforcement officer.
Peter Genovese | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Henri's Hotts is a BBQ joint, but don't sleep on the fried chicken. In fact, it may even be better than the ribs, brisket or pulled pork. It boasts some major crackly crunch. There's little in the way of seasoning, but it doesn't need any. This is fried chicken at its primal best.
Robert Sciarrino I The Star-Ledger
Vonda's Kitchen, Newark
Vonda McPherson started with a spare BBQ joint next to a bail bondsman in downtown Elizabeth. (The bail bondsman was her dad.) Now she runs the big, bright Vonda's Kitchen, on the ground floor of the City View Landing senior residences in Newark. She was one of the caterers for the official VIP NFL tailgate party at Super Bowl XLVIII at MetLife Stadium.
Robert Sciarrino I The Star-Ledger
The fried chicken at Vonda's Kitchen comes in the form of quarters (you can also get them baked, barbecued or blackened). The fried chicken is lightly breaded and perfectly cooked.
Hot Rods BBQ, Wharton
Anthony and Toby Sibona started Hot Rods on Main Street in Wharton, in a smallish space once occupied by a tattoo parlor. The restaurant now calls home a sprawling brick-walled complex along the Rockaway River.
Peter Genovese | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Hot Rods is known for wings and BBQ, and its fried chicken is practically hidden on the lengthy menu, under the Good Stuff. (You won't find it on the takeout menu.) "Honey stung fried chicken'' sounds delectable, and it is.
Dale's Market, Culver Lake
At the top of New Jersey is Dale's Market, one of those country markets you thought had been rendered extinct by super convenience stores and gleaming modern supermarkets. Well, Dale's, open since 1971, is alive and well, thank you very much.
Peter Genovese | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
A four-piece at Dale's is just $4.99. The chicken is not made to order, but the heat lamp issue is more than compensated for by the slightly spicy, thoroughly enjoyable seasoning.
Peter Genovese | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
4 Brothers, Warren
Pocket-sized restaurant in a mini-mall with excellent food options: Silk Road (Afghan), Spice Isle (Caribbean) and Ye's (Vietnamese/Chinese). The motto at 4 Brothers is "Down home Southern comfort'' food, using handpicked vegetables from Jersey farms.
Peter Genovese | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
The three-piece Chicken Basket at 4 Brothers (in photo) features a leg, wing and thigh, light and eminently crispy, plus first-rate fries.
Peter Genovese | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Jefferson's Cafe, Montclair
Dining room in back, counter and stools in front, and don't go looking for a website or official Facebook page; there are none. Soul food standards on the menu, plus burgers and grilled cheese.
Peter Genovese | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
My four piece all-white meat at Jefferson's Cafe (photo) was no-frills and unfussy, and pretty close to perfect chicken.
Blitz's Market, Sea Isle City
Blitz's Market, with locations in Sea Isle and North Wildwood, is both market and deli, with salads, hoagies, steak sandwiches, burgers and homemade hot roast pork sandwiches on the menu.
Peter Genovese | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
At Blitz's, fried chicken is available in 12- and 20-piece buckets only. It's surprisingly good, pleasantly greasy, with thick, sturdy, crackly skin.
Peter Genovese | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Sam's Place, West Orange
No, not Sam's Club, Sam's Place, a cozy little cafe/luncheonette that's much nicer inside than outside. Motto: "The Ultimate Fried & Grilled Food.''
Peter Genovese | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
The fried chicken at Sam's Place is nice and juicy, and you sure can't beat the price: A 4-piece is just $5.95.
The Wooden Spoon, Bloomfield
Donald Erickson worked as a butcher, commercial fisherman and farm hand before a stint as executive chef at the Stage House in Somerset. He opened the Wooden Spoon, a "Southern Kitchen & Saloon,'' in July 2017.
Peter Genovese | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
The Wooden Spoon's fried chicken may have been the juiciest of all those I sampled on this mission; the juices oozed lazily, lusciously on first bite. Good biscuit, too. You can get regular fried chicken, or Nashville-style hot chicken, with house hot sauce.
Chicken Holiday, Dunellen
There are about a dozen Chicken Holiday locations around New Jersey; the Dunellen Chicken Holiday has been family-owned and operated since 1991. "We are a family of five,'' according to the website. "Therefore, there is always one family member in the restaurant at all times.''
Peter Genovese | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
The breast seemed to have been cooked differently than the other pieces (see photo), but no matter: this is darned good chicken, one that held up well after being re-heated several days later. (All fried chicken on this mission was sampled immediately.)
Cathy Miller
What's your favorite fried chicken place?
We didn't hit every fried chicken joint in the state (it just seemed that way). Who did we miss? What's your favorite fried chicken place?
Peter Genovese | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
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