Chicken Inn - Don't Chicken Out

On another thread, someone asked me if I had ever been to Chicken Inn. The truth is that I had been there, but the last time was probably 30 years ago, so in order to say yes, I paid a return visit today.

Chicken Inn - Same as it Ever Was


The 'ole place looks much the same as it ever did, showing a few signs of wear around the edges. The menu is simple. You can get chicken and you can get ribs (but you shouldn't). There are frozen shrimp and perch that they'll put in the fryer. They'll also whip up a burger, but I have never seen one served.

How Would You like Your Fried Chicken?


I would put this chicken in the pretty darned good category, but a step or two below those two Evanston fried chicken stalwarts, Evanston Chicken Shack and Hecky's. The breading was seasoned, but not quite enough and the oil might be a day or so away from being used up, but I enjoyed the chicken. I didn't see an "official" broasted chicken logo, but they have a facsimile of one printed on the to go menu.

Chicken Inn Broasted Chicken


So now, besides traveling to Evanston, I've got another fried chicken alternative on the Northwest side where Edison Park meets Niles.

Chicken Inn
7536 N. Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL
773-763-3962
Open 7 Days

stevez wrote:So now, besides traveling to Evanston, I've got another fried chicken alternative on the Northwest side where Edison Park meets Niles.

Steve,

Damn tasty looking chicken, and even closer to my house than Evanston Chicken Shack. Both I and my cardiologist thank you.

Enjoy,
Gary

I was once a frequent visitor to Chicken Inn when I worked in the area. Actually it was on my way home and I'd stop often. But then I changed jobs and didn't get back there for quite a while, until I got a coupon in the mail a few years ago. So packed up the wife and drove over there.

It was nothing compared to what I remembered. The chicken itself was much blander than I remembered it. The broasted potatoes were undercooked. The slaw, which I always like, was awful And the worst part was the packaging. We got a box of maybe 10 pieces, maybe more, I don't remember at this point. But every piece was put into the box skin side down. By the time we got it home there was no crisp left to the skin. It was the consistency of KFC original recipe.

There's a place closer to me called Chicken Bowl over on North Ave. in Melrose Park. I always liked Chicken Inn better until the last time I was there. Maybe it was an off day, I don't know. But I don't think I'd go out of my way again to go there. And if I'm in that neighborhood I'll go a little further and just go to Booby's.

midas wrote:And if I'm in that neighborhood I'll go a little further and just go to Booby's.

For chicken?

In my former life, when I was married to nutjob, we lived not far from Chicken Inn and had chicken from there quite often, or as often as nutjob would allow me to order out (not cook). We also had them cater a few parties and they did an excellent job of that....everything was included - plates, napkins, flatware (plastic), salt, pepper, etc.

I still live fairly close to Chicken Inn, now that I'm divorced from nutjob and married to the best man on the planet, and I recently retired. I got a hankering for Chicken Inn for lunch a few weeks ago and went over there only to find out that they open at 4 PM on weekdays. So, my question SteveZ, are they now open for lunch?

Judy wrote: I got a hankering for Chicken Inn for lunch a few weeks ago and went over there only to find out that they open at 4 PM on weekdays. So, my question SteveZ, are they now open for lunch?

They might be open for lunch on the weekends, but open at 4:00 during the week. I got there a little before 3:15 and, although they weren't actually open yet, they were happy to cook up some chicken for me right then.

Thank you Steve. I've noted this place for years and never somehow bothered, most uncharacteristic of me. I will bother soon. I'm not sure if the ancient signage lures me or scares me away. Reminds me somehow of the Fish Keg.

-ramon

Ramon wrote: Reminds me somehow of the Fish Keg.

And that's a good thing or a bad thing in your book?

This thread reminded me of an abandoned former eatery just down Harlem close to Touhy. It looks like it was some kind of fast food joint, but its last use before abandonment was as a discount tobacco store. The sign in front hangs from what's supposed to be a giant closed umbrella that extends horizontally from the main pole. I thought maybe it was an Arthur Treacher's, but their signage doesn't seem to include such a feature. If you can't picture it, but are so inclined to get a look at what I am talking about, it's at about 7236 N Harlem in Niles and can be found on Google Street View -- which has really expanded its Chicago presence since last I looked at it. Any idea what this place used to be?

stevez wrote:

midas wrote:And if I'm in that neighborhood I'll go a little further and just go to Booby's.

For chicken?

Actually, I have had the chicken at Booby's.

I've made a lot of mistakes in my lifetime.

haven't tried the Chicken Inn but have tried the now defunct Chicken Inn II in Palatine. What a let down that was. I'm assuming it was their second location.

tarte tatin wrote:

Ramon wrote: Reminds me somehow of the Fish Keg.

And that's a good thing or a bad thing in your book?

I believe I was referring to the ancient signage, which I have some effection for, not the food. I have not eaten at the Fish Keg for 15 years, but remember liking it and my dad being nuts about their chicken: "bring me chicken in a bag." I did not even know the place was still open until I googled it:
http://www.thefishkeg.com/

The signage isn't really similar so what reminded me specifically is a mystery.

I'll have to stop by next time I'm in that neighborhood, but it is more likely that I will try Chicken Inn first, but that is mostly a matter of geography.

-ramon

Ramon wrote:I did not even know the place was still open until I googled it:

Not only is it still open, but you can still get chicken in a bag.

Chicago Style™ wrote:This thread reminded me of an abandoned former eatery just down Harlem close to Touhy. It looks like it was some kind of fast food joint, but its last use before abandonment was as a discount tobacco store. The sign in front hangs from what's supposed to be a giant closed umbrella that extends horizontally from the main pole. I thought maybe it was an Arthur Treacher's, but their signage doesn't seem to include such a feature. If you can't picture it, but are so inclined to get a look at what I am talking about, it's at about 7236 N Harlem in Niles and can be found on Google Street View -- which has really expanded its Chicago presence since last I looked at it. Any idea what this place used to be?

I am 32 years old and my whole life it was called The Cigarette Depot.

Chicago Style™ wrote:This thread reminded me of an abandoned former eatery just down Harlem close to Touhy. It looks like it was some kind of fast food joint, but its last use before abandonment was as a discount tobacco store. The sign in front hangs from what's supposed to be a giant closed umbrella that extends horizontally from the main pole. I thought maybe it was an Arthur Treacher's, but their signage doesn't seem to include such a feature. If you can't picture it, but are so inclined to get a look at what I am talking about, it's at about 7236 N Harlem in Niles and can be found on Google Street View -- which has really expanded its Chicago presence since last I looked at it. Any idea what this place used to be?

That's what I remember too, and I hover fairly close to 32.

Thanks for the tip, Stevez! Currently I could really go for a gyros. But very soon I'll pack up the boyfriend and try Chicken Inn.

PS - That made me wonder...In singular form, is it gyros or gyro? If gyros is singular, is the plural gyroses or gyri?

midas wrote:And if I'm in that neighborhood I'll go a little further and just go to Booby's.

Midas,

I realize there is a lot of love for Booby's, but in 5-6 meals over the years I really don't see the attraction, aside from the catchy name. Some who seem to appreciate Booby's have mentioned the condiment bar, open to all for customizing sandwiches. No condiment bar has ever been in evidence, further I find the burgers, dogs etc to be fine, though nothing special.

For those who had their first Booby encounter in High School, or earlier, I am sure nostalgia plays a big part of their unabashed enthusiasm. Seeing as I went to Nicolet High School my rose colored glasses are reserved for Kopp's

Enjoy,
Gary

G Wiv wrote:

midas wrote:And if I'm in that neighborhood I'll go a little further and just go to Booby's.

Midas,

I realize there is a lot of love for Booby's, but in 5-6 meals over the years I really don't see the attraction, aside from the catchy name. Some who seem to appreciate Booby's have mentioned the condiment bar, open to all for customizing sandwiches. No condiment bar has ever been in evidence, further I find the burgers, dogs etc to be fine, though nothing special.

For those who had their first Booby encounter in High School, or earlier, I am sure nostalgia plays a big part of their unabashed enthusiasm. Seeing as I went to Nicolet High School my rose colored glasses are reserved for Kopp's

Well this is probably a discussion that should be in another thread, but since it was specifically addressed to me I will respond.

First, anyone that mentions the condiment bar hasn't been there for a long long time. I don't believe that's been there since they reopened after the big fire. That's at least 10 years ago. Even then, it was actually a salad bar.

And you go to Booby's for the steak sandwich. My old friend Andy Martello said it best in his Christmas Miracle article that you can read here:

http://www.riverwalkjournal.org/vol2iss ... racle.html

Not to hijack but Booby's is tasty! It is our go-to place!
Of course the steak sammie is awesome, but we also love the Big Boob, the chicken kabob sammie, chicken breast sammie and the 1/2 bbq chicken dinner!

midas wrote:Well this is probably a discussion that should be in another thread, but since it was specifically addressed to me I will respond.

Midas,

Didn't mean it to seem I was calling you out, was more a general comment on Booby's.

If the steak sandwich is the thing to get, next time it's a steak sandwich for me.

Enjoy,
Gary

G Wiv wrote:Midas,

Didn't mean it to seem I was calling you out, was more a general comment on Booby's.

If the steak sandwich is the thing to get, next time it's a steak sandwich for me.

Rest assured, I didn't take it personally. And frankly, having tried a few of the other items on the menu, I wouldn't consider any of them destination food. Chicken Inn was once destination food for me. A Booby's steak sandwich still is. If Chicken Inn is good again, I'll give that another try too.

And that's what makes this place so great. I find new places like Burt's and Honey 1, that have now become favorites, but I also hear about old places maybe making a comeback.

BTW, maybe another threads needed on this, but what exactly is the deal with broasted chicken? I know there is a company that has a trademark on the process. Yet neither Chicken Inn or Chicken Bowl seem to be associated with them. The Broaster.com website lists a bunch of local places, and yet most people aren't even familiar with the term or process.

midas wrote:BTW, maybe another threads needed on this, but what exactly is the deal with broasted chicken? I know there is a company that has a trademark on the process. Yet neither Chicken Inn or Chicken Bowl seem to be associated with them. The Broaster.com website lists a bunch of local places, and yet most people aren't even familiar with the term or process.

Broasting is a pressure frying process, but the Broaster company also requires those who use their equipment and display the logo to also buy their brine and breading mix from them; making real Broasted chicken more or less the same wherever you get it.

If you want to sell Broaster chicken, you have to follow the company's preparation instructions and sign an agreement that you will cook chicken only in a Broaster Co.-manufactured pressure fryer and only using Broaster's Chickite marinade and Slo-Bro seasoning. Only then can you call your chicken Broaster.

Of course, the reality is that it varies widely based on the skill of the cook, age of the oil, size of the chicken, etc. It also appears that Chicken Inn might be a renegade operation because they don't display the official logo.

Speaking of Boobie's, is it just me or has anyone else noticed that Hank Hill bears an uncanny resemblance to "Boobie"?

gp60004 wrote:haven't tried the Chicken Inn but have tried the now defunct Chicken Inn II in Palatine. What a let down that was. I'm assuming it was their second location.

. . or their eleventh. .

Could this be the magic weekend? Pie Dude is off on a boys' weekend and leaving me to my own devices. Perhaps I'll muster up my courage, take a long walk over and try this fabu-chicken. Perhaps I'll share it with my kitty friend. That sounds like a plan. French films, Bible documentaries, and greasy fried chicken with various alcoholic beverages.

Thanks, stevez, for the review! I've always been wary of The Inn, but you've made me want to try it more and more. But do they have biscuits, and if so, did you try them this time and how do they score?

No biscuits. Just standard chicken and fries. Nothing earth shattering but certainly good enough.

They serve King's Hawaiian Dinner Rolls.

stevez wrote:I didn't see an "official" broasted chicken logo, but they have a facsimile of one printed on the to go menu.

I asked if the chicken was broasted, answer "simply fried" Either way Chicken Inn was off their game today, greasy, even for me, with a slight old oil flavor. Chicken was cheap, thigh and wing just over three bucks, and the counter help were friendly, but it's going to be quite a while before I hit Chicken Inn again.

Enjoy,
Gary

A carryout order from Chicken Inn tonight was very good. Fresh oil, crispy chicken and a smiling staff.

I have a group of 45 people in town from Ireland to see the Irish exhibit at the Art Institute and they'er coming to my house for Memorial Day. I decided it was too many people to grill for, I thought I'd get fried chicken and make the sides. Unfortunately all my go to places like Evanston Chicken Shack and Harlod's, are closed for the holiday. I remembered cheffjeff looking for a similar place for last Christmas Day and SteveZ recommending Chicken Inn.

cheffjeff wrote:BINGO! Not only is the CHICKEN INN open xmas day, they deliver too! My Mom is very happy. Her original idea was to get Popeyes on xmas eve and reheat on xmas day for a crown of 45 people. Naturally, I was appalled at this option. This will go well with her Pasta Fresh rigatoni & eggplant parm.

SteveZ, you're my hero....

I called and they can do it although they can't deliver to me as I'm too far. LTH, SteveZ and cheffjeff to the rescue! Thanks guys.