Picnic season is upon us, and fried chicken, that all-American staple, is here for it. Grab a bucket for your next July 4 shindig, outdoor concert or any old time you don’t feel like turning the oven on. Here are a few choice spots for crispy bone-in breasts, thighs, drumsticks and wings.
Side Chick
This Falls Church side hustle by chef Yuan Tang, co-owner of the adjoining (and award-winning) Ellie Bird, spins out one of the most delectable fried chickens around. Even a day later, after being microwaved, the crunchy skin released an audible snap that made this hired mouth smile. Half and whole birds ($18-$33) are cooked to four different spice levels, from plain to “insane hot.” Keep the fireworks rolling with a drizzle of tongue-teasing kimchi honey or a cucumber salad spiked with garlic and Fresno chilies. 125 Founder’s Ave., Falls Church
Charga
The quarter, half and whole fried chickens ($6-$22) at this no-frills carryout with locations on Columbia Pike and Langston Boulevard are cooked to order and worth the wait. The bird is plump and juicy inside with a crackling skin. Savory sides range from French fries seasoned with spicy masala and freshly baked garlic naan to curried chickpeas and zesty biryani rice. 3203 Columbia Pike and 5151 Langston Blvd., Arlington
Mo’s Fried Chicken
Tending to some retail therapy and need dinner lickety-split? This food court all-star at Tysons Corner Center—a spin-off of the food truck by the same name—cranks out lightly breaded, juicy halal chicken in portions for every appetite, from two pieces to a dozen ($9-$35). Just craving wings? Those come in bundles of four to 12 ($8.50 to $22). The house-made hot sauce has a plucky twang with a kick of heat, while a chunkier, creamier dunk veers into Russian dressing territory. 1961 Tysons Blvd., Tysons
The Falls
The fried chicken platter ($26) at this popular haunt in The Little City (a sister restaurant to The Liberty Tavern, Lyon Hall and Northside Social) includes four pieces of crispy poultry flecked with a mix of herbs and spices, plus hot honey and a zippy, remoulade-like dipping sauce. Pair your protein with globally influenced accompaniments such as smoky shishito peppers, Mexican street corn, beet salad with mint pesto, or sauteed cauliflower tossed with hoisin sauce, pickled Fresno chiles and chopped peanuts. 370 West Broad St., Falls Church
