The best fried chicken in Chicago – in the least likely spot!

It may not be what our city is most famous for when it comes to food selections, but still, Chicago has a pretty awesome array of places to go when you are in the mood for some delicious fried chicken.

We know about the famous Harold’s Fried Chicken–legendary in Chicago and worthy of every bit of its hype–and of course there are longtime staples, like Popeyes and Church’s.

Raising Cane’s Fried Chicken is popular now, packed table to table, especially with the younger generation (think Millennial, Gen X). There is also Honey Butter and Chicken on Avondale, which has its legions of fans, as does Parson’s on Armitage.

Add to these multitude of poultry possibilities the many of our top local fancier sit-down restaurants which all have their own version of delicious fried chicken options.

So the competition is strong.

But (strategic pause), let our honorary food critic here tell you where truly the best fried chicken in the city is.

Are you sitting down? Good, because it is in the most unlikely of places.

Hands down the best fried chicken I have tasted is at House of Blues— downstairs at their restaurant and bar.

What say you?

You search the entire city for the best fried chicken, and you find it in a place known for blues music? How does that happen?

Don’t know and don’t care—all I know is their fried chicken dinner is off-the-charts good. I tried it once and was shocked…had to go back a second time just to make sure it wasn’t a lucky fluke day, and it was still right on target.

What makes it the best fried chicken?

As Elizabeth Barrett Browning might say, “let me count the ways.”

First and foremost is the taste. Absolutely mouth-watering with just a little kick. The chicken is moist and tender, and almost melts in your mouth.

Second, and this is key, is the fact that they give you two huge pieces of pure white meat chicken breast. Not on a bone like so many other fried chicken options, where you have to pick away at it and it gets messy and aggravating, because quite frankly often there is not enough actual chicken! Not here.

House of Blues serves it up in abundance with the chicken breast only flattened a bit so it is easy to cut, or if you want to, eat with your hands.  The portions, as mentioned, are generous to say the least, and again—pure chicken breast, all meat and all good.

Third, as with any good fried chicken (and, of course, pizza too)  the key is the crust. Here is where the music house really stands out. The crust is thin, not thick, and crispy, not greasy. The chicken is the star, and the light, thin crust plays a nice supporting role, not like many others where each bite is 40 percent greasy fried crust and 60 percent chicken.

Making it even better is the seasoning on the crust. It is to perfection.  A little kick, definitely a bit of a “ jumpity jump,” but not to the point where you’re looking for the nearest fire hydrant to cool off.

Fourth and final are the sides. A generous portion (getting a theme here?) of french fries is served, along with some of the best cole slaw I have tasted. Not the mayonnaise-saturated cole slaw of days gone by (and grocery stores today), but a more tart and vinegary flavor, which again goes perfectly in conjunction with the chicken

So, there you have it.  Fried chicken dinner to perfection, and all at the most unlikely of spots: The House of Blues Restaurant and Bar. You will leave with a “happy tummy,” guaranteed.

Bonus!  You get some free music to go with it on Wednesday through Sunday nights—which of course is what House of Blues is really known for.

If you are a fried chicken fan, don’t just take my word. Hop on over to 329 N. Dearborn St and check it out for yourself.

Information on both music and the restaurant is available at www.houseofblues.com.