Killen's is hosting a pre-opening fried chicken and chicken fried steak pop-up at its newest location. Credit: Photo by Robert Jacob Lerma

Best Fried Chicken: Killen’s Barbecue

Chef Ronnie Killen pumps enviably craggly, juicy chicken in true granny style (for real, the recipe is based on Killen’s grandma’s). Formerly a Sunday-only special, you can now get your hands messy with the fried bird during Killen’s Barbecue’s upgraded dinner service (which launched in May of 2018). The magic starts with a 24-hour brine and finishes with you literally licking your fingers. Get it served as a half-bird with mashed taters and green beans or your choice of two sides (we vote for the oh-so silky creamed corn).

3613 East Broadway, Pearland
281-485-2272
killensbarbecue.com

Readers’ Choice: Frenchy’s Chicken (Various locations)
10414 Richmond Avenue, Houston
713-784-2117
frenchyschicken.com

The Houston Press is a nationally award-winning, 34-year-old publication ruled by endless curiosity, a certain amount of irreverence, the desire to get to the truth and to point out the absurd as well...