Each year Fried Chicken Day celebrates what has become a universal favorite: sumptuous, crunchy, and flavorful fried chicken! From the Bavarian Inn in Frankenmuth, Michigan to Florida’s Der Dutchman Restaurant—whose “broasted chicken” earned its accolades as the best buffet in country by USA TODAY—and Desi’s Downtown Restaurant of Crestview, whose legendary fried chicken dates back to 1950, traditional, original recipes are honored each year on Fried Chicken Day.
Fried Chicken Day is a time to celebrate the culinary delight that this beloved dish has brought over the years. It is widely accepted that fried chicken originated centuries ago, though its exact origins remain unknown. What is certain, however, is that fried chicken has become a staple in many cultures and cuisines all over the world. From the Bavarian Inn and Zehnder’s in Frankenmuth, Michigan to restaurants in Florida, it’s clear that fried chicken is as popular as ever. Let’s take a moment to celebrate the deliciousness of fried chicken!
Celebrating Amish and Mennonite Cuisine
Der Dutchman Restaurant in Sarasota, Florida, is widely renowned for its marinated, breaded, and pressure-cooked fried chicken. The restaurant’s long-standing tradition of celebrating Amish and Mennonite cuisine has been delighting guests since 1985, and their signature “broasted chicken” is now a celebrated staple on the lunch and dinner buffets. In fact, it was recently honored as the best buffet in the country by USA TODAY! With its crunchy exterior and moist interior, Der Dutchman’s fried chicken is sure to satisfy cravings for National Fried Chicken Day and every day of the year.
Enjoy Delicious Fried Chicken at Desi’s Downtown Restaurant
Nestled in the heart of downtown Crestview, Desi’s Downtown Restaurant is an iconic family-run establishment that has been delighting customers with its legendary fried chicken since 1950. Lovingly crafted from fresh ingredients and never frozen poultry, their signature dish is a must-try for locals and visitors alike. On Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, diners can enjoy a delicious lunch buffet featuring the beloved fried chicken, as well as made-from-scratch sides like mashed potatoes and gravy, black-eyed peas, and dessert such as banana pudding and bread pudding.
Stan the Man’s Famous Fried Chicken
Stan the Man’s Famous Fried Chicken is a classic Southern favorite at Front Porch Restaurant & Pie Shop. Enjoy crunchy, golden-brown fried chicken served in quarter or half portions with two delicious sides including collard greens, zucchini and tomatoes, and mashed potatoes. Fresh-baked rolls and cornbread are also available to complete your meal. With over a century of experience, you can be sure that your fried chicken experience at Front Porch will be unforgettable.
Front Porch Restaurant & Pie Shop has been serving up traditional Southern recipes to its loyal patrons since it opened in the early 1900s. The star of the show is “Stan the Man’s Famous Fried Chicken”, a mouth-watering dish that features crunchy, golden-brown fried chicken served in quarter or half portions with two delicious sides – such as collard greens, zucchini and tomatoes, and mashed potatoes. Fresh-baked rolls and cornbread are also offered while you wait for your made-to-order meal. With over a century of experience, Front Porch Restaurant & Pie Shop knows how to make an unforgettable fried chicken experience.
Mouthwatering Fried Chicken Plate and Decadent Fried Chicken & Waffle
Metro Diner is a beloved hometown favorite that has been delighting diners since its opening in 1992. With dozens of locations across the South and beyond, it’s no wonder why Metro Diner is renowned for its mouthwatering Fried Chicken Plate and its decadent Fried Chicken & Waffle, which is served with a heavenly strawberry butter and spicy-sweet sauce. Even Guy Fieri from “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives” recommends this delicious dish!
Kenny Gilbert’s Signature Dishes
Kenny Gilbert’s Silkie’s Chicken and Champagne Bar is the talk of the town, having recently been featured in Oprah’s New Year’s Day Brunch with his signature dish, the Flavor Bomb. Diners can experience the delectable fried chicken dishes for themselves, from the Smokey Fried Chicken Thigh to the FL/GA Boy, Half a Bird, and Silkie’s Spring Chicken + Biscuits. With 23-hour brined chicken and unique accompaniments like truffle gouda drop biscuits and Alaga cane syrup butter, it’s no surprise that Chef Gilbert has been hailed as one of the top celebrity chefs in the country.
A Sarasota Tradition: Yoder’s Restaurant & Amish Village
Yoder’s Restaurant & Amish Village is a Sarasota tradition that dates back to 1975 and has been situated in the Amish and Mennonite community of Pinecraft since 1984. Boasting some of the juiciest fried chicken around, Yoder’s has earned a reputation as one of the most iconic restaurants in the region. This was confirmed when Adam Richman from “Man vs. Food” stopped by to sample their delicious pies and pressure-fried chicken. His enthusiastic reaction spoke volumes about the quality of food at Yoder’s – insisting it was among the best he had ever tasted. For anyone seeking a true taste of Sarasota, a visit to Yoder’s is an absolute must.
Mrs. Nishiyama’s Delicious Fried Chicken Karaage
Mrs. Nishiyama, the host mother of a foreign exchange student in Sendai, Japan, was known for her delicious fried chicken karaage for bento-box lunches. The traditional preparation involved marinating chicken thighs overnight in a garlicky soy-ginger sauce before dusting them with potato starch and frying them. Yoko San Ramen’s chefs have taken this dish to the next level, using tempura batter for a fantastic result. Their $14 lunch bowl includes the bird, bok choy, carrots, tsukemono (bits of pickled red pepper and Japanese cucumber) and jasmine rice, all drizzled with house aioli and spicy chili sauce. Pro tip: ask for sauces on the side for an even better experience!
Taste the Deliciousness of Kinfolks’ Chicken & Waffles
Kinfolks Southern Kitchen is proud to present customers with the restaurant’s signature dish, Chicken & Waffles. Willie Roundtree, owner of the Treasure Coast soul food restaurants, has perfected the recipe for his fried chicken, and customers should expect only the best in taste and quality. Roundtree utilizes a secret process with precise timing for his fried chicken, which is served fresh and has no greasy aftertaste. He does not use buttermilk in this special recipe. So come on down and experience the amazing flavor of Kinfolks Southern Kitchen’s Chicken & Waffles!
Fort Pierce native, [Name], successfully brought his fried chicken to his hometown with the opening of Kinfolk Southern Eats and Treats in 2018. In 2021, he continued his journey of expansion with the opening of Chicken & Waffles at Kinfolk, north of Fort Pierce. Despite high rent forcing him to close the original location in June, he achieved his goal of furthering his culinary reach across the Treasure Coast with the opening of Kinfolks Southern Kitchen in Stuart by December.
Celebrating the deliciousness of fried chicken and its worldwide appeal, it’s clear that this humble dish has been elevating mealtime for centuries. From traditional eateries like Desi’s Downtown Restaurant as well as upscale buffet-style fare from Der Dutchman Restaurant in Sarasota, it’s easy to see why National Fried Chicken Day continues to grow in popularity and recognition each year. Whether you prefer crunchy or moist, there isn’t any denying that fried chicken is an integral part of cuisines all over the world, coming together in a truly classic pairing of sustenance and culinary delight – one worthy of a standing ovation!
