Readers Respond: Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner – Your Way!
by Lisa Keosouphanh
Aug 26, 2025
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Coconut Joe’s Café’s Chicken Sourdough Sandwich. PHOTO COURTESY JOE COUGHLIN
Cluck Yeah, Kern County! September is National Chicken Month, and we’re not winging it when we say Kern County knows how to serve up the goods. We asked our readers: What’s your go-to chicken spot in town? Let’s give them a shoutout! The answers came pouring in, full of flavor and hometown pride. Whether you like it grilled, fried, or smothered in sauce—Kern County’s chicken game is strong, and it’s only getting crispier. Let’s dig into the spots that make Kern County cluck.


“Texas Roadhouse has thee best fried chicken!” – Jessica Childress

“We love Salty’s BBQ that’s definitely our go to place for chicken! Best seasoned chicken.” – Valerie Ledesma

“Bucky's. I love their lemon pepper chicken sando!” – Sabrina De La Cruz

“Hodel's fried chicken is the best.” – Vicki Kramer

“For a special "sometimes" treat - Raising Cane's!!!  YUM! YUM! YUM!” – Susan Holland-Hewitt

“The new Dave’s Hot Chicken on Gosford. If you like hot, it’s hot!” – Peggy Abrego


Local Favorites & Must-Try Ideas:

Baked, Grilled & BBQ Chicken:
  • Angry Barnyard BBQ: Must-Try: Big Hoss Sandwich (brisket, pimento cheese, pickles)
  • Bakersfield Barbecue Co.: Must-Try: Brisket sandwich with garlic fries
  • Coconut Joe’s: Must-Try: Sourdough Chicken Sandwich that’s juicy, beachy, and packed with flavor
  • Prime Time BBQ: Must-Try: Smoked BBQ braised brisket
  • Salty's BBQ: Must-Try: Oak-grilled tri-tip & chicken combo


Fast Chicken:

  • Chick-fil-A: Must-Try: Classic Chicken Sandwich with Waffle Fries
  • El Pollo Loco: Must-Try: Citrus-marinated fire-grilled chicken
  • Kentucky Fried Chicken: Must-Try: Original Recipe Chicken Bucket
  • Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers: Must-Try: Chicken Finger Combo with Cane’s Sauce


Hot Chicken:

  • Angry Chickz: Must-Try: Angry Mac – chopped tenders over fries with mac & cheese and secret sauce
  • Bucky’s Hot Chicken: Must-Try: “Sando” – spicy chicken sandwich with slaw and cukes
  • Dave's Hot Chicken: Must-Try: The Reaper Tender (extreme heat)
  • Houston Hot Chicken: Must-Try: “Houston We Have a Problem” spicy chicken sandwich


  • Lean, Mean, Nutrient Machine



    It’s packed with immunity-boosting B vitamins and essential minerals like phosphorus. Grilled or baked, it’s hearthealthy, versatile, and delicious. So why not try a new chicken dish tonight?



    5 Nutritional Facts About Chicken



    source: USDA, NIH, Harvard Health
    1. High in Protein A 3.5 oz (100g) serving of skinless chicken breast contains about 31g of protein—great for muscle repair and satiety.
    2. Low in Fat (Especially Breast Meat) Skinless chicken breast has only about 3.6g of fat per serving, making it one of the leanest animal proteins.
    3. Rich in B Vitamins Chicken is a strong source of niacin (B3) and vitamin B6, which help convert food into energy and support brain health.
    4. Contains Essential Minerals Chicken provides phosphorus for bone health and selenium for immune function and antioxidant support.
    5. Versatile for Healthy Diets Chicken fits into low-carb, keto, paleo, and heart-healthy diets—especially when grilled, baked, or boiled without added fats.


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