All Our Favorite Ways to Eat Chicken at a Restaurant

Ever heard the phrase “winner, winner, chicken dinner”? We completely agree! In the pecking order of versatile proteins, chicken rules the roost. Why? It can be healthy or decadent, simple or gourmet. Eat it as finger food or as a fancy dish with a whole lineup of forks beside the plate. Enjoy it while tailgating, picnicking, or dining at a chic restaurant. Prepare it with down-home goodness or exciting international flavors. Chicken can do it all!

We’re here to give you a mouthwatering rundown of all our favorite ways to eat chicken at a restaurant, whether it’s a diner, family restaurant, fast-casual chain, gastropub, five-star restaurant, or sports bar. The possibilities are endless, but we’ve narrowed it down to the best of the best to give you a brand-new appreciation for this delicious meat.

Just Wingin’ It

On game day, you want something easy to eat and share with friends so you can focus on the gameplay, but you also don’t want to be bored. You don’t have to sacrifice taste for convenience when you choose the G.O.A.T. of appetizers: chicken wings.

Although chicken wings are probably best known for tangy buffalo sauce, in recent years, restaurants have expanded customers’ taste experiences to include various other dry rubs and sauces, like garlic parmesan, lemon pepper, honey barbeque, teriyaki, and spicy Korean barbeque.

Are boneless wings a lie? While some people have very strong feelings about boneless wings versus bone-in wings, we think it’s really the taste that matters. Next time you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, order the wings. Just don’t forget the ranch, bleu cheese, celery, carrots, and extra napkins!

Love Me Tender

Next up, chicken tenders. Crispy. Juicy. Irresistible. Chicken tenders are a favorite among kids and adults alike and can be found on almost any menu in America. Real chicken tenders are made from the most tender part of the chicken, the tenderloin. Huey Magoo’s Chicken Tenders calls them The Filet Mignon of Chicken®. They are a classic comfort food that is easy to eat and goes great with fries, coleslaw, chips, or Texas toast.

While they are delicious on their own, of course, chicken tenders also make a great jumping-off point for a wide range of dipping sauces—honey mustard, ranch, barbeque, and bleu cheese come to mind. They are also excellent when added to sandwiches, wraps, and salads, providing a burst of flavor and added protein.

Some Nuggets of Wisdom

Bite-sized and addictive, chicken nuggets aren’t just for kids, especially when you consider how many dipping sauces are out there. Their smaller size makes them a great snacking option, and they’re perfect for meals on the go. You could even make them more adult-friendly by creating a flight of sauces to choose from.

A Global Sensation

People everywhere love chicken, as evidenced by the fact that there are delightful chicken dishes in every cuisine. Here are some favorites to consider when ordering chicken at a restaurant that serves your favorite global fare:

Chicken Cordon Bleu

Moist chicken, salty ham, and melty cheese all wrapped in a satisfyingly crunchy outer layer? Yes, please. Chicken cordon bleu sounds fancy, but it’s actually a very accessible dish, even for picky eaters, and makes an excellent choice for a night out on the town.

Indian Butter Chicken

Although many Indian dishes tend to be spicy (we’re looking at you, curry!), Indian butter chicken is a mild but flavorful, creamy chicken dish that features a tomato-based sauce with warm spices, like garam masala and turmeric, that are exciting without being overpowering.

Chicken Marsala

If you’re going Italian and want to branch out from chicken parmesan, check the menu to see if they have chicken marsala. Pan-fried, breaded chicken cutlets in a savory, creamy sauce made with mushrooms, Marsala wine, chicken broth, and sometimes cream, chicken marsala has all the nutty, earthy flavors you didn’t know you needed.

Kung Pao Chicken

For a walk on the spicy side, kung pao chicken is the way to go. Stir-fried chicken with peanuts, spicy chili peppers, and vegetables, kung pao chicken packs some heat with its bold sauce.

No Matter How You Slice It

One of the best things about chicken is its versatility. It’s a lean, healthy protein that serves as a terrific blank canvas for a multitude of flavor profiles. Plus, there are so many ways to prepare it. You can grill it, smoke it, fry it, bread it, bake it, roast it, deep-fry it, sauté it, or stir-fry it. Anything goes! There is truly an option for every palate and style.

Part of chicken’s versatility is also in the presentation. We’ve already talked about tenders and nuggets, but how about:

Chicken Sandwiches

Grilled or fried, with sauce or without, chicken sandwiches are convenient, portable pieces of heaven that deserve to be celebrated. Would you like fries with that? Of course you would.

Chicken in Salads

When you want to eat healthy without being sad, add some chicken to your salad. Not only will your salad have a little extra pizzazz, but it will also have the added benefit of protein that helps you stay satisfied and full. Many restaurants offer classics like grilled chicken for your Caesar salad or crispy chicken for your farm fresh salad, but you can also just ask if it’s possible to add chicken to whatever salad is on the menu.

Chicken Bowls and Wraps

Because chicken goes with everything, many restaurants offer customizable options for chicken bowls and wraps. Choose a base of rice, noodles, or greens; add grilled, breaded, roasted, or blackened chicken; and top it off with veggies and sauces, all in a neat little bowl or tortilla. Build-your-own meals are fantastic for trying new flavor combinations and keeping things fresh.

When in Doubt, Order the Chicken

So, what’s your favorite way to eat chicken at a restaurant? There’s no wrong answer because chicken is amazing. Are you a picky eater? A foodie? A health guru? Chicken has something for everyone.

Whether you like to keep it classic or want to go on a taste adventure, chicken is there as your faithful companion. Next time you go out to eat and don’t know what to get, order the chicken. You won’t be sorry.