Chicken Express, New In My Town

[James Cristinian]

Got a new one in town and it's a bit of drive, but I'm willing to drive for good fried chicken. The couple of reviews I've seen raved about the tenders, and while I love tenders, I'm a breast guy and my wife can dismantle a wing in record time. Seems like they're from Mineral Wells and have been around Texas and some surrounding staes since the late 80's. I'd like all opinions, even though we're sure to take a drive to check it out and form our own opinions. I also read some good reviews on a couple of sides and the iced tea.

http://www.chickene.com/index.html

I like the idea of fresh, not frozen bird.

[amazinc]

The most extraordinary event happened here in Kerrville...the KFC CLOSED!! and Chicken Express is going into the space. While we've had Churches for some time, now we are getting a CE as well as a Popeye's. I like Churches, but will try the others just for comparison. Agree with James about the "sides". Most are just fillers, but I seem to remember Popeye's having killer red beans and rice. I think I had CE once, maybe somewhere on my way to Tyler, but it must not have been worth remembering, as I can't.

[HollyDolly]

Ate some ages ago, but can't recall how good it was.The two that are nearest to me are in New Braunfels and Seguin.Here in Schertz we have Bush's Fried Chicken, plus KFC-Taco Bell, and Bill Miller's BBQ, a local chain sells fried chicken.We are getting a Raising Cane Chicken Tenders ,which they are building across from the Walmart on 3009.
All they do according to their website is chicken tenders period. And if if that's not enough chicken places, across the street on the Walmart side is a Wingstop too boot!

[foiegras]

My very first real job had slim food offerings nearby, and I'd go to Chicken Express on a regular basis. Since this location was kind of a truck stop, I billed it to my coworkers as a 'cultural experience' ;) I always got the chicken tenders ... it is critical to eat them fresh and hot. Don't let them sit ... that kills the Chicken Express goodness.

[James Cristinian]

I've read great things about the tenders, and when I go, I will go if it ever cools off ( a bit of a drive), I will insist on freshly fried tenders along with a breast for me and wings for the wife.

[jinet12]

Greasy and fast food tasting. Popeyes much
better tenders.

[twinwillow]

+1 for Popeye's.

[shanagain]

Eh, it is (wait for it, you know it's coming) what it is - fast food fried chicken. Nothing remarkable in any way, though I hear their tea is worth buying by the gallon. (A concept which offends my thrifty, Luzianne-loving nature.)

If you have a Babe's, I'd stick to that if you're in the mood for no-brainer fried chicken.

[James Cristinian]

Yes, but fast food chicken can be good if you hit it at the right time. No Babe's here in Houston, but we have at least three local places that are good and deserve the twenty to fifty minute drives required to reach them.

[Perilagu Khan]

I agree, James. Fast food chicken is often better than homemade or the stuff you get in sit down restos. I love Popeye's spicy, KFC original and Golden Chick. And I really liked Grandy's too, before it went belly up.

[shanagain]

I'd say where CE falls short is on their sides - IIRC their okra wasn't to my liking, but I prefer the flour battered version over the bread crumb type which is hard to find, anyway.

[James Cristinian]

Ahhh. There is hope. Sides, for me at a chicken place, are like sides at a BBQ place. The main ingredient is the star, sides can't save bad BBQ or chicken, but good chicken and BBQ do not need sides.

[shanagain]

My fingers are crossed for you, then!

[James Cristinian]

Thank yew.

[Perilagu Khan]

There are a few CEs in Lubbock. Went to one a few years ago and came away unimpressed.

[James Cristinian]

Your mission, should you decide to accept it, is to take one for the team (ok me), go back and report, or not. I'll be going in October when the weather sometimes cools off and I have some vacation. Ah, October, less than two months away. Can you say, cold front?

[randyjl]

I went to the one near me Friday. The tenders were good as usual, but the sides sucked; the biscuit was still frozen; even the Dr. Pepper was weak!

[Perilagu Khan]

I imagine I can do that for you. Don't need much of an excuse to eat fried chicken, dontchaknow.

And October can't arrive soon enough for me. These days I'm out on the fields, covering football practices. Not much fun in triple-digit temps.

[James Cristinian]

'preciate it.