Mia Patel
Gas station food has come a long way, and today, some gas stations serve meals so good that people are seeking them out as foodie pit stops. From Mediterranean grills to Indian food, gas stations are offering a wide variety of cuisines. Fried chicken is a nationwide trend, and Thrillist has named Krispy Krunchy Chicken, a Lafayette, Louisiana company, as the best fried chicken in the country. Other notable mentions include Royal Farms, Wawa, 7-Eleven, and Rutter's.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of Gas Station | Royal Farms |
| Location | Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania |
| Type of Food | Fast-food fried chicken, flaky dinner rolls, and breaded potato wedges |
| Other Notable Mentions | Krispy Krunchy Chicken, Wawa, Rutter's, 7-Eleven, Mr. Kabob, Pig Trail Bypass Country Café, Whoa Nellie Deli, Rudy's Country Store & BBQ, El Carajo, Royal Chef Indian |
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What You'll Learn
Gas station chicken is a nationwide trend
Krispy Krunchy Chicken, a Lafayette, Louisiana-based company, has been credited with revolutionizing gas station food in Southern Louisiana in 1989. With over 2,600 locations across 47 states, the brand has tapped into the popularity of Cajun-style fried chicken. Each piece of chicken is marinated in a proprietary blend of mild Cajun spices, hand-breaded, and fried to a golden crisp.
Other gas stations have also elevated their food offerings to include unique and delicious menu items. For example, the Pig Trail Bypass Country Café in Arkansas serves the Hooshburger, a simple yet mouthwatering burger seasoned with Iranian spices. In Michigan, Mr. Kabob is a family-owned Mediterranean grill that serves dishes like babaganoush, chicken kafta, and crispy falafel from a gas station in Berkeley, Michigan, with four locations across the state.
Royal Farms, a gas station chain in the mid-Atlantic U.S., has been named a gas station restaurant worth a detour by Food & Wine magazine. The chain, with locations in Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania, is known for its "fresh, never frozen" pressure-cooked chicken that's hand-breaded in a signature spice blend. Another popular item is their "western fries," breaded and fried potato wedges.
Whether it's a large chain or a hidden gem, gas station fried chicken has become a go-to option for travellers and locals alike, offering convenient and tasty meals beyond the typical snacks and treats found at convenience stores.
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Royal Farms: the best gas station chicken in the mid-Atlantic
Royal Farms, a gas station chain in the mid-Atlantic region of the US, serves what many consider to be the best gas station chicken in the country. With locations in Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania, the chain is famous for its fresh, never-frozen, pressure-cooked chicken, which is hand-breaded in a signature spice blend. The chicken is so good that Food & Wine magazine named Royal Farms a gas station restaurant worth a detour.
Indeed, Royal Farms' chicken has gained a reputation beyond the mid-Atlantic, with some even claiming that it rivals that of famous fast-food chains. The chain's chicken is always fresh, never frozen, and pressure-cooked to perfection. It is then hand-breaded in a signature spice blend, resulting in a crispy exterior that gives way to juicy, flavorful meat. In addition to its famous chicken, Royal Farms also offers flaky dinner rolls and breaded potato wedges, known as "western fries," which have become a popular menu item.
The success of Royal Farms can be attributed to its focus on food quality and customer satisfaction. The chain understands that food is just as important as the gas it sells, and this commitment to culinary excellence has paid off. Royal Farms locations see thousands of customers during lunch alone, and the chain has expanded to at least 178 stores in the US.
While Royal Farms may be the reigning champion of gas station chicken in the mid-Atlantic, other regions have their own contenders. Krispy Krunchy Chicken, a Louisiana-based franchise, has developed a cult-like following for its Cajun-style fried chicken. With over 2,600 locations across 47 states, Krispy Krunchy Chicken is a serious contender for the title of best gas station chicken in the country.
Ultimately, the judgment of "best" gas station chicken is subjective and depends on individual taste preferences. However, with its fresh, never-frozen chicken and signature spice blend, Royal Farms has certainly earned its place in the debate, and for many, it is the undisputed champion of gas station chicken in the mid-Atlantic and beyond.
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Rutter's: farm-fresh fried chicken
Rutter's is a gas station that sells farm products alongside typical gas station items. The brand began as a farm and expanded into opening gas stations. Food has always been a priority for this agricultural brand, so it is no surprise that Rutter's hot food menu is extensive and impressive.
Among these options is delicious crispy fried chicken. Delectable chicken tenders, crunchy boneless wings, jumbo wings, and a fried chicken slider can all be found on the menu. It also includes a wide range of sauce options, some of which are made in-house. For example, the classic R' sauce is a kimchi aioli with a smoky taste, creamy texture, and a hint of spice. Meanwhile, Rutter's Bada Bing sauce is like a sweet Buffalo sauce. The typical assortment of condiment options are also available to order on the side, like BBQ, Buffalo, spicy, and Chesapeake.
Truckers love taking a stop at Rutter's on their long treks across the country, sharing their passion for the store's delicious food with other fans online. Rutter's fried chicken is definitely worth a try!
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Wawa: fried chicken sandwiches and hoagies
Wawa is a popular convenience store and gas station chain located across the East Coast of the United States. It has gained a reputation for its fried chicken, which has been described as being able to compete with more well-known fast-food fried chicken restaurants.
Wawa's fried chicken sandwiches are made with fresh ingredients and tasty sauces, and are served on brioche buns. Customers can choose from a variety of house recipes, including classic, spicy, hot honey, and Parmesan. The sandwiches are also customisable, allowing for a personalised experience.
In addition to its fried chicken sandwiches, Wawa offers chicken strips, which can be added to their signature hoagies. The hoagies come in two styles: Buffalo, which includes Buffalo sauce and American cheese, and barbecue, which tops the cutlets with barbecue sauce.
Wawa's chicken has become a favourite among travellers and locals alike, with many praising its crispy texture and juicy flavour. The convenience of being able to fill up one's tank and enjoy a delicious meal at the same time has also added to its popularity.
While Wawa has received much acclaim for its fried chicken offerings, there are other gas station chicken options that have also gained recognition. Krispy Krunchy Chicken, for example, has been hailed by some as the ultimate fast-food chicken. With over 2,600 locations across 47 states, this Louisiana-based franchise has built a cult-like following for its Cajun-style, hand-breaded fried chicken.
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7-Eleven: fried chicken tenders, patties, breasts, thighs, and drums
Gas stations across the United States are increasingly offering snacks that are worth stopping for. From Indian food in Philadelphia to a Michelin-starred chef's roadside breakfast sandwich in Walla Walla, Washington, travellers can find a variety of delicious food options at gas stations. One such option is 7-Eleven's fried chicken, which includes tenders, patties, breasts, thighs, and drums.
The 7-Eleven hot food menu features a wide range of fried chicken options. For those who prefer white meat, the chicken strips and patties are made with all white meat chicken breast. The chicken strips are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and can be added to hoagies or enjoyed on their own. The chicken patties are served on brioche buns with toppings such as pickles and spicy mayo.
For dark meat lovers, 7-Eleven offers fried chicken thighs and drums. These options provide a heartier bite and a different flavour profile. In addition to these classic choices, 7-Eleven also offers chicken wings and chicken skewers for commuters looking for a smaller bite on the go. The wings come in a variety of crave-worthy flavours, including Buffalo hot and Thai chilli.
Redditors have even claimed that 7-Eleven's fried chicken is better than that of popular fried chicken chains like Popeyes or KFC. With its variety of options, crispy texture, and juicy flavour, 7-Eleven's fried chicken is definitely worth considering the next time you're on the go and craving a delicious snack.
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Frequently asked questions
Thrillist gave the title of best gas station fried chicken in the country to Krispy Krunchy Chicken, a Lafayette, Louisiana-based franchise that has been around since 1990. Other notable mentions include Royal Farms, Chester's, Kanku's Chicken & Hot Deep Fried Shack, and Mr. Kabob.
Krispy Krunchy Chicken serves heavily-breaded, spicy, and super-crunchy “Cajun” chicken. All Krispy Krunchy fried items (chicken pieces, wings, tenders) are hand-breaded and freshly fried in-store. The chicken is sourced from Tyson and is treated with Krispy Krunchy's own marinade.
Royal Farms is a gas station chain with locations in Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. They are best known for their "fresh, never frozen" pressure-cooked chicken that’s hand-breaded in a signature spice blend.
