Planet of the Chicks
The other day when I was at the office, I had a hankering for some good old fashioned fried chicken for lunch but hated the idea of settling for the classic fast food places like KFC or Popeye’s. So, I set off on a little solo lunch adventure to a place I have frequented before in the heart of the Loop — Chicken Planet.
Chicken Planet is a small store front only about 15 feet wide, and half of the width is set with behind the counter space, which consists of fire pit grill roasting whole split chickens. They are just sitting there on the heat, waiting for you to eat them.
Upon entering you are squeezed into a narrow waiting/ordering/walkway with high counters. You pick from the wall of choices, which they don’t offer too many of (quarter chicken, half chicken, whole chicken, light meat, dark meat, etc.) The young girl behind the counter takes your order quickly, and the guy behind the register, rings you up. I got the quarter chicken meal, mixed, light and dark, with coleslaw as my side, and a regular sized fountain drink, with two quarter slices of pita bread. The great thing about this meal, is not only the chicken, but the price. That lunch meal that I ordered, was a few cents short of five dollars.
Back to the meal. They hook you up with a number and you wait to be called. You can do one of two things at this point. Scope out the small seating section and hop on the first available table that clears up, or you can sit around and watch the cooks chop whole chickens, splitting thing with giant chopping knives. Once you seen a chicken get chopped in half once you’ve basically seen them all, so I usually jump on finding a table. It does get cramped in there.
The chicken is so tasty and wonderful. It is marinated and grilled for the perfect amount of time, and seasoned, chopped and served. So tender, and easy to pick off the bone. I should add they use only hearty, meaty chickens as well. Lots of meat. They offer a cold mild salsa sauce to go with your chicken, and I usually treat it as a chicken dipping sauce. They don’t skimp out either. First time I was here, I thought I would be bold and get the half chicken meal. I learned from that trip, and decided to only go with quarter chickens from then on. The meal is more than filling for anyone who loves food. The coleslaw is nothing to write Lois about, but its good in its own way. One day I may switch it up on my self and get the potato salad, but I don’t know if I’m ready for that kind of commitment. The pita is the bomb, and I love when chicken places serve pita quarters with their chicken (The Chicken Hut at Broadway & Belmont also does this).
Chicken Planet is by far one of my favorite places to stop in and grab a quick, cheap lunch in downtown Chicago. It’s located at 21 W. Jackson Blvd (between State St & Wabash Ave). Check this place out, it’s wonderful!
