6 Best Chicken Restaurants in Winchester

“There's an unpretentious YouTube "channel" called "vafunseekers" which I've found useful for finding good restaurants and hotels in my travels, both near and far. Several months ago, they did a "road test" of popular franchised chicken sandwiches. Chick-Fil-A, Popeyes, and Zaxby's were the specimens. Since CFA was my "go to" when I was in a hurry before my departure from VA, I'd always considered it mid-grade because while at a good price and decent, it was on the small side. It was also close to my former residence and had a drive-thru. While Popeye's has a larger sandwich and a bolder taste, the overseers in the Town of Herndon would not allow it to have a drive-thru window. A definite downer for someone like me with impaired mobility.\n\nThe missing link was Zaxby's. I had not been to a Zaxby's in 30+ years! My then-wife and I tried the one in Aiken, SC and she didn't like it! I don't recall why all these years later, LOL. But, since I was in Winchester on business at lunchtime, I remembered the video and decided to give it a try.. The results are from A to Zed!\n\nThe Chicken Sandwich was an "A"! It was indeed hot and juicy. Generous portion size. The only negative were the unnecessarily spicy and thick pickle slices. If they changed the pickles to something like at CFA, I can see the sandwich getting an "A+".\n\nThe Fries were also an "A". Crinkle-Cut and no doubt cooked from frozen. They were likewise served hot. A seasoning not unlike Lawry's Seasoning Salt. I liked them.\n\nNow comes the "Zinger"! The Fried White Cheddar Bites. They get a "Z-"! If you're thinking "CookOut" or "Culver's" like I was, don't! Think school cafeteria! Not even the supplied ranch dressing could save them from their fried-in blandness! They are so bad that when I got home, I put them in my backyard. In the rural area I now call home, I have a variety of wildlife roaming or hunting in my backyard. And, the occasional "treats" I leave are usually gone in a manner of hours! Not so the Fried White Cheddar Bites. They were still there the next afternoon! (See photo!)\n\nSummary: Get the Chicken Sandwich and the Fries! Skip the Cheddar Bites. Recommended.“

“Always a great place to visit, friendly employees , great tasting food and very clean restaurant .“

“Always a great place to visit, friendly employees , great tasting food and very clean restaurant .“

“A huge thank you for the surprise delivery to Valley Health Urgent Care from our favorite Chick-fil-A during these trying times! You all sure do know how to make a clinics weekend!! We appreciate all that you do! 😊“

“Great staff ..the new General Manager has updated the place really got fresh chicken coming to the plate and awsume staff“

“DAMN! I have finally found the best fried chicken with 75 miles of Washington, DC. I have only been on this quest for, ohhhh, 15 years. Ever since Planet Earth's most renowned chicken fryer, Nancy Gravely Shank, my dear departed mama, took her chicken fryer to heaven with her one morning. Brook Store's fried chicken is hands-down the best store-bought fried chicken I have ever had since I was born back in 1865, under the surrender table at Appomattox Courthouse.Absolutely perfectly crunchy and tasty on the outside, and amazingly tender inside. Even the breast was still juicy and moist. This place has it all. Stop what you are doing, RIGHT NOW, and drive however far you have to, to get here and try this chicken! I mean it! It will make your day.“