National *Gas Station* Fried Chicken Day

In honor of National Fried Chicken Day, we’ve got news for you: some of the nation’s best fried chicken is found at gas stations.

And don’t just take our word for it: these mouth-watering reviews from food writers and local fried chicken connoisseurs will make you want to drive to your nearest station for a fried chicken fix!

Fun fact: Did you know that KFC originally started out as a gas station that also sold chicken dinners in the 1940s and 50s? These gas stations didn’t do well after the interstate highway system was built, so Colonel Sanders decided to go into franchising his chicken restaurant instead.

1. 1. Krispy Krunchy Chicken – 2,200 locations in 41 states
      “Krispy Krunchy Chicken’s perfectly seasoned and juicy pieces might be the most underrated item in fast food today…expertly balanced with the right amount of garlic, paprika, and black pepper. The golden exoskeleton has an airy flakiness and a sturdy architecture that never crumbles, all thanks to the aforementioned spice blend.” – Ryan Joseph, Thrillist

1. 1. Nic’s Pic Kwik (North Carolina)
      “To me, there’s something wildly nostalgic about grabbing a box of chicken and taters while simultaneously paying for gas. Maybe it’s the unpretentious setting that adds to the flavor, but I can attest that is honestly some of the best tasting chicken in North Carolina.”
      – Jenn Rice, Food & Wine Magazine

1. 1. Exxon in Crozet, Va.
      “Nobody was willing to reveal anything about their recipe, but we can tell you that the red-gold crust, fairly glowing with spice, is egg-wash thin, not batter-thick; and as our teeth made it crack and break, we knew instantly that we were in the presence of world-class chicken.” – Jane & Michael Stern, Daily Beast
      
      Editor’s Note: This article states that the gas station is a Shell station. It has since changed to an Exxon station. Still serves delicious fried chicken.

1. 1. Shell in Seattle, Wash.
      “With a satisfying crunch and a deliciously addicting saltiness, the fried chicken here isn’t just good for a gas station, it’s actually pretty darn tasty. And the sides–which include mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese with ham, and jojos–are surprisingly decent.”
      – Chason Gordon, Seattle Magazine

1. 1. Royal Farms (Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, Pennsylvania)
      “If you live in Maryland, Delaware, Virginia or Pennsylvania, you have the distinct privilege of enjoying some of the best fast-food fried chicken à la gas station in the form of Royal Farms. This Southern gas station chain is famous for their crispy fried chicken, flaky dinner rolls and breaded potato wedges known as “western fries.” – Hillary Eaton, Food & Wine Magazine

1. Orleans Discount in New Orleans, La.
   “The spice level is low, but the chicken has a flaky-crisp texture. It held up well too, which is an important consideration for parade route chicken. Sampled again four hours after purchase, there was still a crunchy ridge on the surface.”
   – Ian McNulty, New Orleans Advocate