Tucked away at 275 S Union Blvd in Lakewood, Colorado, Kickin Chicken is the kind of spot that makes you wonder why you ever ate anywhere else. With a 4.7-star rating from nearly 2,000 customers, this humble counter-serve restaurant has built a loyal following through seriously good fried chicken and hearty meals.
The menu is simple, the portions are massive, and every single dish comes out hot and fresh. If you haven’t tried it yet, here are 13 reasons why Kickin Chicken deserves a top spot on your must-eat list.
The Legendary Chicken Tenders That Are Absolutely Massive
Some chicken tenders make you feel cheated. These are not those tenders.
At Kickin Chicken, the tenders are so large that even hungry adults report needing only two of three to feel completely full.
The breading is thin and crispy, almost like a fish rub, which lets the juicy, moist chicken shine through without being weighed down. Customers rave about the texture and how consistently good every single order is.
One reviewer put it simply: the tenders are huge, great quality meat, and the experience is always spot on. Whether you go mild, medium, or spicy, these tenders deliver serious flavor and satisfaction.
They are easily one of the best values for fried chicken in the entire Denver metro area, and once you try them, it is hard to go back to ordinary tenders anywhere else.
Chicken Katsu Platter That Turns Into Two Full Meals
Chicken katsu might not be what you expect from a Colorado fried chicken spot, but Kickin Chicken pulls it off in the most impressive way. The katsu platter comes loaded with your choice of sides, and the portion is so generous that customers regularly get two full meals out of one order.
One reviewer shared that their friend ordered the chicken katsu platter with fried rice, mac salad, and Mexican corn for under $20 and was blown away by the flavor and sheer amount of food. That kind of value is genuinely rare these days.
The katsu itself has a satisfying crunch on the outside with tender, juicy chicken inside. If you are visiting for the first time and can not decide what to order, the katsu platter is a safe and delicious bet that will leave you more than happy.
Chicken and Jalapeño Waffles That Surprise Everyone
At first glance, jalapeño waffles sound like a risky choice. But at Kickin Chicken, that combo turns out to be one of the most talked-about items on the menu.
Reviewers who were skeptical ended up completely won over after just one bite.
The waffle itself is described as fluffy and unlike anything else, with just the right amount of heat from the jalapeños to balance out the savory chicken. One customer wrote that they were not sure about the jalapeño waffle but ended up really enjoying it alongside the spicy chicken.
Another longtime fan called the waffle a unique and delicious treat after a long weekend hike. It is the kind of dish that sounds quirky but delivers on every level.
If you tend to play it safe with your food orders, this is the one time to be adventurous.
The Chicken Caesar Wrap You Almost Cannot Find on the Menu
Here is a fun secret about Kickin Chicken: one of their best items is not always visible on the in-store menu board. The chicken Caesar wrap is available through their online ordering system, and those who have discovered it say it is absolutely phenomenal.
One reviewer ordered it spicy and described the kick as bold and satisfying, with the sauce-to-chicken ratio completely on point. Even the medium heat level was enough to surprise someone who does not usually handle spice well.
For around $9.50, the wrap is filling, flavorful, and loaded with chicken.
The fact that something this good is almost hidden makes finding it feel like a reward. Next time you order from Kickin Chicken online, scroll through the full menu and look for this wrap.
It is the kind of happy discovery that makes you want to tell everyone you know about this little Lakewood gem.
Mexican Street Corn Side That Keeps People Coming Back
Street corn, also called elote, is not something you expect to find at a fried chicken counter-serve spot. Yet at Kickin Chicken, it has become one of the most beloved side dishes on the menu and a reason many customers return again and again.
Reviewers describe it as delicious, with one first-timer saying it was their very first time having street corn and they absolutely loved it. Another customer called it straight-up fire, pairing it perfectly with a spicy chicken sandwich.
The corn is seasoned and dressed with the bold flavors you want from a good elote. Some reviewers did note they wished for a bit more seasoning, so it is worth asking the staff if any customizations are available.
Overall, though, this side is a crowd-pleaser that adds a fun, flavorful twist to an already satisfying meal at this Lakewood favorite.
Vietnamese Coleslaw That Breaks the Boring Slaw Mold
Most coleslaw at fast-casual restaurants is drowning in heavy sauce and leaves you feeling like you made a bad choice. The Vietnamese coleslaw at Kickin Chicken is a completely different story, and it has developed a loyal fan base all on its own.
Customers specifically call out how light and refreshing the flavor is compared to traditional coleslaw. One reviewer said the slaw had a nice, light flavor unlike most that drench theirs in sauce, and they paired it perfectly with the massive chicken tenders.
The freshness of the vegetables combined with the subtle tangy dressing makes it a smart, craveable side that balances out the richness of the fried chicken. It is a small detail that shows Kickin Chicken puts real thought into their entire menu, not just the main dishes.
If you are a coleslaw skeptic, this one just might change your mind completely.
The Fried Rice Side Dish That Hits Different
Fried rice as a side at a fried chicken spot is a bold move, and Kickin Chicken backs it up with a version that keeps customers choosing it over and over. It is hearty, satisfying, and pairs naturally with every main dish on the menu.
One reviewer who visited after a long hike called the fried rice spectacular, describing it as a perfect complement to the chicken tenders and sauces. Another customer said it was the right choice as a side, noting it was good and filling without being greasy or bland.
Not every reviewer has given it perfect marks, with a couple noting it could use a bit more flavor punch. But the majority agree it is a solid, comforting option.
When you are building your meal at Kickin Chicken, the fried rice is a dependable side that adds substance and a satisfying, savory touch to your order.
Mac Salad That Perfectly Balances Every Meal
Macaroni salad sounds simple, but when done right, it can be the unsung hero of any fried chicken meal. At Kickin Chicken, the mac salad has earned genuine praise from customers who were not expecting much and ended up completely impressed.
One reviewer described it as having the perfect balance of flavors and textures, calling it a great complement to the spicy chicken. Another long-time fan said the mac salad was delicious and consistently good across multiple visits, which is saying something for a side dish.
The creaminess is there without being heavy, and the seasoning is balanced without being overpowering. It is the kind of side that you keep going back to between bites of chicken without even thinking about it.
For anyone who loves classic comfort food done well, the mac salad at Kickin Chicken is a must-add to your order every single time you visit.
Spice Levels That Actually Mean Business
Not every restaurant that claims to serve spicy food actually delivers real heat. At Kickin Chicken, the spice levels are taken seriously enough that even self-described spice lovers have been caught off guard by the hot option.
One reviewer who loves spice admitted that the hot sandwich sauce was actually very hot for them, and they still powered through it with a thumbs up. Another customer who ordered the spicy chicken Caesar wrap said the kick was bold and satisfying from the very first bite.
The menu offers multiple heat levels, so you can ease into it with mild or medium before committing to the full heat experience. A few reviewers have mentioned they wanted even more fire at the highest level, so your experience may vary.
Either way, Kickin Chicken gives you real options and real heat, which is exactly what spice fans deserve from a fried chicken restaurant.
Unbeatable Value for the Amount of Food You Get
Great food at a fair price is harder to find than people think. Kickin Chicken manages to deliver both without cutting corners on quality or portion size, which is a big reason why so many customers keep returning.
Most meals on the menu are priced around $12, and reviewers consistently describe feeling more than full after eating. One customer noted that all the meals they photographed were under $12 and super filling, calling it one of the best values for fast-casual chicken in the city.
Another reviewer pointed out that the chicken katsu platter alone could easily feed two people for under $20. When you factor in the massive portions, the quality ingredients, and the care put into every order, Kickin Chicken is genuinely hard to beat on value.
It is the kind of place that makes you feel good about where you spent your money, every single visit.
Friendly Staff That Makes First-Timers Feel Right at Home
Walking into a new restaurant for the first time can feel a little uncertain, especially when the menu is unfamiliar. At Kickin Chicken, the staff has a reputation for making that experience easy and welcoming, which shows up repeatedly in customer reviews.
One reviewer specifically called out a team member named Brian, saying he went above and beyond to make them feel welcome on their first visit and that they would come back just because of his service. Another first-timer said the lady at the counter was super polite and smiling throughout the entire interaction.
Good food is important, but good service is what turns a one-time visitor into a regular. Kickin Chicken seems to understand that balance well.
The staff is described as friendly, hardworking, and helpful, making the whole experience feel comfortable and enjoyable from the moment you walk through the door.
Made-to-Order Freshness That Beats Every Fast Food Chain
Fast food often means food that has been sitting under a heat lamp for who knows how long. Kickin Chicken operates on a completely different standard, making every order fresh when you place it and getting it to you hot and ready in about ten minutes.
Reviewers consistently mention that the food arrives hot, fresh, and full of flavor. One longtime customer noted that across multiple visits and different orders, the quality was always spot on and the consistency was impressive, especially for a small restaurant.
Another reviewer highlighted that to-go orders are always packaged with care and come out hot every time. That kind of reliability is rare, and it is one of the biggest reasons Kickin Chicken has earned such a loyal customer base in the Lakewood area.
When you want real food made with real care, this little spot delivers every single time without fail.
A Hole-in-the-Wall Atmosphere With Big Restaurant Energy
There is something special about a restaurant that does not try too hard to impress you with its looks but completely blows you away with its food. Kickin Chicken is exactly that kind of place, and its regulars would not have it any other way.
From the outside, it looks unassuming and easy to drive right past. But step inside, place your order at the counter, and within minutes you are holding a meal that rivals anything you would pay twice the price for at a fancier spot across town.
Reviewers call it a hole-in-the-wall with amazing food, a culinary gem, and a must-try destination. The indoor seating runs along a corridor past the register, simple and no-frills.
There is ample parking and a relaxed vibe that makes every visit feel casual and easy. Sometimes the best meals come from the most unexpected places, and Kickin Chicken proves that every single day.
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