Discovering the Best Fried Chicken in Los Angeles
Dining at a gourmet restaurant can be a delightful experience, but sometimes the most unexpected places serve the most mouth-watering food. One such hidden gem that I used to frequent was the now-closed Krispy Krunchy Chicken, located inside a liquor store in Alhambra. The unassuming exterior belied the crispy, tender, and juicy fried chicken that awaited customers inside.
Krispy Krunchy Chicken was a chain with locations in gas stations and small retail spaces, but none of them compared to the Alhambra outpost. The combination of crispy exterior and juicy interior, all at a reasonable price, made it a standout. Unfortunately, it’s no longer in operation, leaving fans like me to search for alternative fried chicken destinations.
Ranking the Best Fried Chicken in Los Angeles Grocery Stores
Luckily, Food columnist Jenn Harris recently compiled a list of the top 10 fried chicken spots in Los Angeles grocery stores. The rankings offer a comprehensive guide for those seeking the perfect fried chicken fix. Let’s take a look at some of the top contenders.
Evaluating the Top Contenders
Ralph’s market ranked 8th on the list, with its feathery coating and powdery surface. However, the chicken beneath was bone-dry and tasteless, making it a disappointing choice. In contrast, Gelson’s market ranked 6th, with its perfectly cooked chicken and crunchy exterior. Although it lacked flavor, the overall quality of the chicken made it a solid option.
Stater Bros. and Pavilions: Top-Notch Fried Chicken
Stater Bros. ranked 4th, with its Cleo & Leo chicken boasting a beautifully crisp exterior and fragile, rough skin. Although the meat had a soft, almost artificial texture, the overall experience was enjoyable. Pavilions, on the other hand, ranked 2nd, with its multi-layered crunch and plump, tender chicken. The only drawback was the lack of flavor, which could be easily remedied with a sprinkle of black pepper.
