1. Crafty Cow’s Fancy Chicken
$16 | THREE LOCATIONS
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. The plump, succulent breast in bronze, crackly-tender armor. The enhancing (not overwhelming) toppings, from the bitey chipotle mayo to the creamy kale-broccoli-
snap pea slaw. The light but strong brioche bun. An all-around hefty handheld.
2. Dairyland’s Deluxe
$12 | AT 3RD STREET MARKET HALL, 275 W. WISCONSIN AVE.
This beautiful specimen gets everything right: juicy breast meat, its batter coating golden, crunchy and not too heavy; cool, crisp shredded lettuce that isn’t messy; light slather of tangy mayo; sliced pickle releasing out a pungent bang; buttery toasted sesame seed bun bringing it all home.
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3. Company Brewing’s Fried Chicken
$10 | 735 E. CENTER ST.
Dark meat for the win! Tender? Yep. A battery exterior that’s springy, light and not too greasy? You bet. Plus, they doctor it up with melted American cheese, tangy “special sauce,” house-made pickles and buttery bibb lettuce, sliding it in front of you pretty as a picture inside its brioche bun.
4. Saint Bibiana’s Thing 2
$11 | 1327 E. BRADY ST.
The key to the breast’s dominant tenderness is its buttermilk marinade, the juices locked into the lightly seasoned, almost flaky batter. Thing 2 is devastatingly simple otherwise – just shredded lettuce, tomato, pickles, a zippy black pepper aioli and a fluffy, lightly toasted sesame seed bun.
5. Uncle Wolfie’s Breakfast Tavern’s Fried Chicken
$17 | 234 E. VINE ST.
Adorned a little differently here than your average thigh, with a po’boy-like cornmeal crust, puckery remoulade and tingly peach habanero hot sauce. It’s heaven on a brioche cushion.
