by Adrian Banks
July 6 is National Fried Chicken Day and Carroll County has no shortage of restaurants to help you celebrate. If you want to explore beyond the staple franchises like Popeyes, KFC, Chick-fil-A, Raising Cane’s and Buffalo Wild Wings, here are a few local finds worth sampling. From crispy tenders to spicy wings and golden-fried masterpieces, Carroll restaurants are serving chicken in ways that’ll make you ditch your dinner plans and fly the coop to enjoy some new flavors.
New Franchises
Chicken Salad Chick
Ready to enjoy a summer favorite any time of the year? Chicken Salad Chick launched in 2008 in Auburn, Alabama, and earlier this year, the first Chicken Salad Chick in Maryland opened in Westminster. As the name suggests, Chicken Salad Chick’s primary draw is the delicious chicken salad. It comes in just about any form: as a sandwich (like the bacon cheddar melt), on a salad or by itself. Flavor mixes include “Barbie-Q” (hickory-smoked barbecue), Classic Carol (classic chicken salad), Olivia’s Old South (a Southern recipe combining sweet pickles and egg) and many others. Make a meal from it and add a soup like loaded potato or poblano chicken. You can also pair your chicken salad with sides like broccoli salad, fruit, mac and cheese or various potato chips.
255 Baltimore Blvd., Westminster • 410-861-6401 • ChickenSaladChick.com
Crimson Coward
The Nashville hot chicken phenomenon is in Carroll County. Originating in California in 2018, the restaurant chain Crimson Coward has exploded in popularity and opened an Eldersburg location earlier this year. With locations in five states, Crimson Coward prides itself on using premium, all-natural, non-GMO chicken free of hormones and antibiotics. You can enjoy various chicken options, including tenders, wings, sandwiches and specialties like chicken and waffles. Don’t forget the sides: Fries, mac and cheese, and potato salad are a few options.
5959 Exchange Drive, Suite 106, Eldersburg • 443-609-3904 • CrimsonCoward.com
Hangry Joe’s Hot Chicken & Wings
The establishment claims to take the Nashville hot chicken sandwich up a notch. Offering various spice levels, Hangry Joe’s requires customers to complete a waiver before tasting its hottest “Angry Hot” options. The menu offers chicken tender meals, sandwiches, wraps and some specialties such as loaded mac and cheese and loaded fries. Currently open in Sykesville and coming soon to Westminster.
6400 B Ridge Road, Sykesville • 443-328-0521 • HangryJoesEldersburg.com
Only in Carroll County
Bullock’s Restaurant
Bullock’s, a Carroll County staple, has been serving delicious food since 1969. Matthew Culotta and Julian Jasper took over as owners in 2023, expanding the menu and offerings, but the fried chicken still ranks as a favorite. While fried chicken is on the menu for those who choose to dine in, many opt to pick up chicken and sides to take to picnics and barbecues. Sides include potato salad, Western fries, baked or mashed potatoes, onion rings, coleslaw and macaroni salad.
2020 Sykesville Road, Westminster • 410-857-3563 • BullocksRestaurant.net
Harvest Chicken
Woodbine’s Harvest Chicken opened its doors in 2006, and in 2022, a longtime employee took over ownership. Harvest is known for its delicious fried chicken, available by the piece or as a platter with two sides and a roll. Harvest uses its signature chicken to make its popular chicken salad, and it prepares its coleslaw, another customer favorite, in-house.
710 Lisbon Center Drive, Woodbine • 443-266-7474 • TheHarvestChicken.com
Mr. Jack Peruvian Chicken
The can’t-miss dish here is the Peruvian Rotisserie Chicken, marinated in olive oil, lime, chiles and a special combination of spices devised by the owner’s grandfather, Jack. The chicken comes in quarters, halves or whole and can be eaten with Brussel sprouts, black beans, arroz chaufa (fried rice with egg, veggies and chicken), cheesy potatoes and cornbread. The menu goes far beyond the rotisserie chicken and includes Latin bites, sandwiches, specialty dishes and salads. Have a hankering for tacos? You can get them here for $3 each, with your choice of meat, including chicken.
1330 A Liberty Road, Eldersburg • 443-609-6294 • MrJackChicken.com
