Best I Ever Ate? Broaster Chicken at Fleetwood in Springfield, IL.
I love doing my own version of Cooking Channel’s “The Best Thing I Ever Ate”, because I don’t have to play by their rules and in this installment, I get to go back in time 40 years (and 300 plus miles), to a place that’s no longer around, but still makes me hungry for a food I tend to rail about. But I learned something stunning (to me) along the way.
Picture it, early 1980’s, and I’m starting out my career in Illnois’ state capital, Springfield. Out on the northeast side of town, along Dirksen Parkway, is the Fleetwood Restaurant. It’s far from fancy, but as with most of these kind of places, it’s got good food. And the Fleetwood’s specialty is “broasted” chicken. It’s moist, not greasy, seasoned just right. Darn near perfect; even the chicken breasts.
Now here’s where things get dicey for me. I’ve been railing for several years about how people get all excited to the point of making traffic jams for what is essentially just a piece of chicken on a bun, like at Chick-fil-A. But while doing my homework for this piece, I come to find out, a lot of these trendy chicken places are serving essentially broasted (or simply pressure-fried) chicken, like the chicken I loved at the Fleetwood..
“Pressure frying is also used by some of the larger food-service operations, such as KFC (formerly known as Kentucky Fried Chicken) and Chick-Fil-A. These companies do not use the term “broasted,” however, since it is trademarked by Broaster Company. Pressure frying can be attempted at home using special equipment.” – Encyclopedia.com
There are recipes on the interwebs for doing your own broasted chicken, though I read pressure cooker makers don’t want you doing it at home, for safety reasons. But, at the same time, apparently broasted uses less oil than fried chicken, so it’s probably healthier for you.
So back to Springfield. Springfield has some historic places still around from the legendary Route 66 era. “The Mother Road” went though Springfield. So there’s the Cozy Dog Drive-In selling batter-dipped corn dogs on a stick; and Sonrise Donuts, so it’s not health food we’re focusing on here.
I guess I need to rethink my complaining about chicken sandwiches, and focus on the traffic jams they create instead.
Read More: ‘Best I Ever Ate’? Broasted Chicken In Springfield, Illinois
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Not your typical smoker.🤤🔥🥩
The Smokaroma® Pressure Smoker helps operators create flavorful smoked menu items with less time and less hands-on labor than traditional smoking methods.
✅ Smoke up to 45 lbs. of ribs in under 90 minutes
✅ Hot smoke or cold smoke
✅ Reduce product shrinkage by up to 40%
✅ No basting, turning, or constant monitoring
From ribs and brisket to cheese and vegetables, the Smokaroma Pressure Smoker gives operators more ways to add unique smoked flavors to their menu. 🍖🧀🌽
Aug 3
Operator Spotlight: The Block Food + Drink🤩🧋🐾
Looking for the perfect spot to enjoy Genuine Broaster Chicken with friends, family, and even your four-legged companion? The Block Food + Drink in St. Louis Park is a local favorite, serving up upscale bar food, 36 taps, boozy shakes, and a year-round Pawtio, plus a famous dog menu for your pups.
When it comes to Genuine Broaster Chicken, guests can dig into a whole bird, half bird, or their popular 12-Piece Broasted Feast. Crispy, juicy, and pressure-fried to perfection every time. 🍗
📍 7007 Walker St, Saint Louis Park, MN 55426
Whether you`re stopping in for dinner, drinks, or a meal with your pup, @theblockslp is a must-visit destination in the Twin Cities area.
Jul 31
The secret isn’t complicated: Prep. Cook. Serve. 🍗✨
Become a Genuine Broaster Chicken® Trademark Operator today and give customers a reason to keep coming back.
Jul 30
It`s National Chicken Wing Day!🤤 🙌
Whether you`re a flats fan or a drums fan, one thing we can all agree on is that a perfectly cooked wing is hard to beat.
Team Flats or Team Drums? Let us know below 👇
Jul 29
We`re Hiring at Broaster Company!📢
We`re growing our team at our Beloit, Wisconsin headquarters and currently have openings for:
🔹 Food Safety & Quality Assurance Specialist
🔹 Grinder/Polisher
🔹 Ingredient Mixing Team Lead
Ready to join a company with a passion for quality, innovation, and great food?
Visit our careers page to learn more and apply.
www.broaster.com/careers
Jul 27
Enjoy a great meal. Support an even greater cause.🍗❤️
Join the @wayzatalegion for the 2nd Annual Cancer Chicken Dinner Fundraiser on Friday, July 31, benefiting the Randy Shaver Cancer Research & Community Fund. Enjoy a great Broasted Chicken meal, raffles, a silent auction, and an evening dedicated to supporting cancer research and patient care in Minnesota.
$20 per person includes:
• All-you-can-eat broasted chicken dinner
• Baked potato, house-made coleslaw & dinner roll
• Entry into prize giveaway drawings
📅 Friday, July 31
⏰ Dinner served 5:30–8:30 PM
Every ticket helps make a difference. Grab yours today and help support an incredible cause:
https://donorbox.org/events/945517/steps/choose_tickets
Jul 24
peak life experience🍽️🤩🍗
You haven’t lived until you’ve had Genuine Broaster Chicken®. Find your nearest location with our store locator today! broaster.com/store-locator
Jul 23
From fryer to plate, crispy never looked so good. 🥔🍟
Made from premium Idaho potatoes and coated in a savory pepper seasoning, our Savory Crunch Wedges deliver a crispy bite every time. Quick to cook and built to hold, they`re the perfect side for any busy operation.
Ready to add some crunch to your menu?
Jul 22
The perfect pair does exist.🌶️🥤
Nashville Hot Tenders with just the right amount of heat, paired with an ice-cold, crispy coke for the ultimate flavor combo. 🍗🔥
Who else is craving this duo?
Jul 21
A landmark of Broaster Company. 🏗️🤝
In 1997, ground was broken on what would become our administration and training facility. Today, nearly three decades later, this building remains the heart of our operations.✨💡
It`s home to our administrative team and our training kitchen, where operators from around the world come to learn the Broaster process firsthand. This facility stands as a reminder of our ongoing commitment to quality, training, and customer success.
Jul 18
Congratulations to our CEO Excellence Award Winners, Ron Kollasch and @sonjavaliulis ! 🏆🎉
The CEO Excellence Award recognizes team members who consistently go above and beyond their everyday responsibilities, making a meaningful impact on the success of Broaster Company. These individuals embody what we call being "On the Roof", going the extra mile, stepping up when needed, and contributing to the betterment of the company in exceptional ways.
👏 Ron Kollasch, Service Manager
👏 Sonja Valiulis, Food Scientist
Thank you both for your dedication, leadership, and commitment to excellence. Your hard work does not go unnoticed, and we are proud to celebrate your achievements!
Jul 16
The vision? 🙌🏻👀
A box full of Genuine Broaster Chicken🤩🍗
Jul 15
Some combinations just belong together. 🐔🥔
Crispy, juicy Genuine Broaster Chicken Tenders paired with our golden Savory Crunch Wedges creates a combo customers know and love. From the first bite to the last, it`s a meal that keeps them coming back for more.
Jul 14
Why do operators choose pressure frying? 🍗
✔️ More tender, juicy, and flavorful food
✔️ Less oil absorption and reduced overall oil usage
✔️ Greater food production per machine for a better return on investment
Broaster Pressure Fryers are designed to help operators deliver quality, consistency, and efficiency with every cook cycle.
That`s the power of pressure frying.
Jul 12
Turn up the heat with our Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks! 🔥🌶️🧀
Made with our signature Nashville Hot Dust seasoning, these crispy, cheesy mozzarella sticks deliver the perfect balance of bold flavor and satisfying crunch. They`re the ultimate appetizer, snack, or shareable side and the perfect new menu item to spice things up.
Ready to bring the heat to your menu? Contact your Broaster representative today to learn more!
Jul 10
Not to influence your next menu special, but… 👀✨
🌽 Pressure Fried Mexican Street Corn
🥔 Savory Crunch Wedge Nachos
With Broaster Foods & Equipment, the menu possibilities are endless. 🙌🏻
Ready to elevate your menu? Contact us today to learn more about our food programs!
Jul 9
