Summer is fried chicken season and supporters are celebrating as Thursday is National Fried Chicken Day. But, actually, every Sunday is a special day for lovers of the iconic dish. At the moment, there are some incredible Sunday fried chicken offerings across Houston, and we're doing our best to spend our weekends eating our way through all of them. Here are six just to start with:
Killen’s Barbecue
Celebs like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Texans star J.J Watt have stopped in at Killen’s Barbecue in Pearland for its tasty ‘cue. On Sundays, the casual joint also turns out epic fried chicken. A whopping half bird is bathed in brine for 24 hours and then spends another 24 marinating in buttermilk and seasoning for an insane flavor explosion. It hits the plate with mashed potatoes and green beans. (11 am-8 pm; $12)
3613 E Broadway St., Pearland; 281-485-2272
Kitchen 713
Laid-back Southern eatery Kitchen 713 on Washington Ave. features killer fried-to-order chicken. On the weekends, score eight pieces of buttermilk-battered fowl served with a duo of traditional down-home favorites like collard greens and mac and cheese. You also get two biscuits, good alone or smothered in gravy. (11 am-4 pm; $32)
4601 Washington Ave #130; 713-842-7114
Eloise Nichols Grill and Liquors
Score a half or whole fried chicken during Sunday supper at Eloise Nichols near River Oaks. The dish is presented with two side items, from mashed potatoes to braised greens, as well as housemade pickles and buttermilk biscuits, making this deal a slam dunk. (5 pm-9 pm; $18 for a half chicken and $32 for a whole chicken)
2400 Mid Ln.; 713-554-0136
Bosta Kitchen
You'll find serious, twice-fried buttermilk chicken at Bosta near the Museum District. The Sunday special here comes with either five or 10 flavorful pieces of juicy bird, along with sides like Brussels sprouts with bacon, mushroom mac and cheese, and elote, plus buttery biscuits. (5-10 pm; Five pieces, $21.99; 10 pieces, $39.99)
1801 Binz St #130; 713-533-9560
The Hay Merchant
At The Hay Merchant in Montrose, two succulent pieces of chicken are brined in buttermilk and then twice-fried. The Sunday night feast also boasts a freshly-baked roll and two accompanying sides, from mashed potatoes to macaroni salad. (5 pm until the kitchen runs out; $15)
1100 Westheimer Rd.; 713-528-9805
State of Grace
River Oaks neighborhood spot State of Grace slings crunchy, juicy birds worth adding to your list of comfort-food standbys. Three pieces are paired with biscuits, shaved country ham, a vegetable salad, dessert, and three sides (think squash and spring onion casserole and broccoli salad). (5 pm-9 pm; $29 per person)
3258 Westheimer Rd.; 832-942-5080
At The Hay Merchant, two succulent pieces of chicken are brined in buttermilk, and then twice-fried.
