Finger Lickin’ Good:

Where to Find the Best Fried Chicken in Woodland Hills

While mentioning “fried chicken” immediately conjures up images of the rural American south, the delicacy actually boasts a rather complex history. The Scots fried their chicken, unlike their European counterparts who baked or boiled them, and their ancestors were certainly part of the group who emigrated to the U.S. – however, with that being said, when talking about American Southern fried chicken, the situation becomes a little more complicated; it has been established that it’s more likely an origin that began with those who came from Western Africa who also had a tradition of frying foods, bringing and introducing their methods to the kitchens of the American South.

Regardless of which origin story is “closer to fact,” anyone with the recipe would end up adding the spices and other flavors they liked, which is why there’s really no one definitive fried chicken recipe, only basic guidelines. For most, buttermilk and cayenne or hot sauce are pretty much standard, but for the rest of it, it seems anything goes. If you have been wondering where to find the best fried chicken in Woodland Hills, we’re going to help by suggesting five of the most finger lickin’ good spots in town.

Cables Restaurant  is more akin to a classic, throwback old-school diner than your typical Woodland Hills eatery that’s ordinarily situated on sassy Ventura Boulevard. This casual fan favorite spot has become renowned for its freshly-fried chicken, which the myriad of Cables fans say is totally worth the wait, but an all-encompassing menu waits as well, featuring everything from appetizers, soups and chili dishes to salads, breakfast, burgers, sandwiches and much more.

Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que, now with a location at The Village at Westfield Topanga, answers the question of where to find the best fried chicken in Woodland Hills by beckoning patrons with a delectable take on the classic. Chicken breasts dipped in buttermilk are breaded and deep-fried, served with “grandpa’s pan gravy,” garlic mashed potatoes and fresh vegetables, making for an irresistible dinner plate that will have you coming back for more. Lucille’s is also known for its legendary barbecued items, so if fried chicken isn’t on the agenda, or you’re traveling with someone who prefers the tangy zest of perfectly barbecued meats and fish, this place won’t disappoint.

Tender Greens offers farm-to-fork organic classics along with chef-driven daily specials highlighting the best of seasonal ingredients, local farms and artisans. The Woodland Hills location, situated at The Village of Westfield Topanga, offers a plethora of taste bud-awakening menu items, including a fan-favorite fried chicken which includes white and dark meat, prepared with buttermilk, rosemary and thyme. Select from a host of salads, soups and sides to create a truly spectacular downhome meal.

Henri’s offers great portions, value-oriented prices and exquisite service – but most fans of this down-to-Earth eatery in Woodland Hills come for the outrageously delicious honey-dipped fried chicken, which is also available on Henri’s breakfast menu in Chicken Fried Steak and Eggs guise. Many of Henri’s return customers have been coming since the 1980s, readily returning for the breakfast portions, super-friendly wait staff, awesome French Toast and home fries, French Dip and Turkey BLT sandwiches and even the Fish and Chips.

It’s not every day you see a fried chicken sandwich – but at The Local Peasant on Ventura Boulevard in Woodland Hills, such a creation is all the rage. Officially known as the “Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich,” this treat that Local Peasant fans come back for time and time again includes heirloom tomato, red wine vinegar lettuce and jalapeno dill spread on a jalapeno cheddar pretzel bread bun – made all the more scrumptious by adding the optional fries or onion rings. Founded for the Woodland Hills neighborhood it serves, The Local Peasant provides chef-driven comfort food prepared daily with mostly locally-sourced ingredients, and remains a California staple that beckons patrons to come in for great local craft beer, craft cocktails made from scratch by expert bartenders and local wine. Of course, most folks stay for the restaurant’s American bistro-style plates, such as the to-die-for Fried Chicken Sandwich.

There’s no question about it – figuring out where to find the best fried chicken in Woodland Hills becomes a whole lot easier with the help of Woodland Hills Magazine.