Though delicious on its own, fried chicken is the versatile, crispy star in many other entrees, from salads to sandwiches.
With or without bones, local menus dress it up in yummy costumes. Picture it wearing a biscuit hat, wrapped up in a tortilla blanket or even delicately laid upon a cushiony bed of lettuce.
No matter what variation of the crunchy classic you order, it’s sure to be finger-lickin’ good.
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Chicken and pancakes
Think of fried chicken for breakfast, and chicken and waffles might be the first dish to come to mind. But, what about the waffle’s pillowy cousin, the pancake? The sweet treat also makes an excellent companion for fried chicken. But who’s really surprised?
Where to get it:
Zeeland Street* (pictured here)
Chicken sandwiches
Remember how divided the nation was over Popeyes’ new fried chicken sandwich in the summer of 2019? People vocally chose sides about which fast food chain’s sandwich was best. Though tensions have died down, this tumultuous time proved people sure do love a fried chicken sandwich. And lucky for us, we can get an even better version at plenty of Baton Rouge eateries.
Where to get it: Curbside, Chicky Sandos, Overpass Merchant, Chicken Shack, Olive or Twist, The Chimes
Want to think outside the bun? Chicken wraps and even fried chicken po-boys are all over restaurant kitchens around town, too. Try a wrap at Mid City Beer Garden or a po-boy at Rocco’s New Orleans Style Po-boys & Cafe.
More mashups
Chicken-fried chicken
Similar to chicken fried steak, chicken is deep fried to get a crisp, golden crust. It’s often plated with a comforting side and splashed with gravy.
Where to get it: Willie’s Restaurant**, SoLou, Overpass Merchant**, P-Beau’s
Fried chicken and red beans 
Forget andouille. Try the Louisiana Monday-night classic with crispy fried chicken.
Where to get it: Elsie’s Plate & Pie, Mid City Beer Garden**
Fried chicken salads
Choosing a fried option doesn’t always mean a completely unhealthy meal. It’s all about balance, right?
Where to get it: The Chimes, TJ Ribs, Our Mom’s Restaurant and Bar
Chicken and waffles
Chicken piled high on top of fluffy waffles is the perfect combination of breakfast and lunch.
Where to get it: SoLou, Mason’s Grill, The Smiling Dog*, Olive or Twist, Willie’s Restaurant*, Portobello’s Grill*
Chicken and biscuits
Move over, bacon! Fried chicken also pairs well with a pillowy, savory biscuit for a crumbly breakfast sandwich or an elevated eggs Benedict.
Where to get it: Spoke & Hub, Tap 65*, Overpass Merchant*, Portobello’s Grill*, Elsie’s Plate & Pie*
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* Brunch only
** Only on certain days
This article was originally published in the April 2024 issue of 225 magazine.