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
#BetterBeBroaster
Celebrating Our August Work Anniversaries! 🎉
This month, we`re recognizing several team members who are celebrating work anniversaries at Broaster Company. Their hard work, dedication, and contributions help make Broaster what it is today, and we`re grateful to have them on our team.
👏 Sean Spors – Engineering Tech – 12 Years
👏 Chris Klapper – Service Support Tech – 13 Years
👏 Brad Kotarba – Welder – 1 Year
👏 Terry Basye – Final Tester – 9 Years
👏 Mark Krueger – VP of Finance – 8 Years
Thank you for your commitment, expertise, and the positive impact you make every day. We appreciate everything you do and are proud to celebrate these milestones with you! 🎊🏆
Join us in congratulating Sean, Chris, Brad, Terry, and Mark on their work anniversaries! 👏🎉
Aug 17
This or That? 🌶️🍗
Are you sticking with the classic favorite, or turning up the heat with a little Nashville Hot flavor?
Cast your vote below!
Aug 14
Throwing it back to the 2026 @nationalrestaurantshow ! 🎥🍗
Chef Ken chatted with @calibbqmedia about Broaster Equipment and some of the delicious food items we showcased at the show. From equipment to menu solutions, the conversation highlights how Broaster Company helps operators serve quality food with confidence.
A big thank you to @calibbqmedia for creating this video and helping share our story!
And next up… the NACS Show! 🎉 Join us October 7–9 in Las Vegas and come visit us at Booth C4875. We’d love to see you there!
Aug 13
Myth vs. Fact
❌ Myth: Pressure frying makes food greasy.
✅ Fact: Pressure frying can actually reduce oil absorption compared to traditional frying.
By cooking under pressure, food retains moisture while developing the crispy texture customers love. Less oil absorption.
More flavor. That`s the power of pressure frying. 🔥🍗
Aug 11
A leader who helped shape Broaster Company into what it is today. 🤝⭐
Since becoming President & CEO in 2005, Jay Cipra has helped guide Broaster Company through years of growth, innovation, and success. Building on the foundation established in 1954, Broaster continues to expand its global market presence, strengthen foodservice partnerships, grow relationships with regional and national chain operators, and introduce new products and programs to support operators around the world.
Under Jay’s leadership, Broaster has expanded its equipment portfolio with innovations like the E-Series 24 Pressure Fryer, launched branded food programs including Broaster Express® and Rock County Smokehouse®, and invested in manufacturing automation to support continued growth.
Today, Broaster continues to build on its legacy of quality and innovation. Thank you, Jay, for your leadership, vision, and commitment to helping move the company, and the Broaster Brand, forward. 🍗
Aug 10
Sweet corn season is here, which means it`s the perfect time for fresh menu inspiration.🔥🌽✨
Pressure Fried Mexican Street Corn takes a seasonal staple and turns it into a unique menu feature that`s crispy, flavorful, and perfect for summer.
With Broaster Equipment, the menu possibilities are endless.
Aug 8
They say admitting it is the first step…
but we’d rather say we’re just dedicated to supporting local operators daily. 😋🍗
Aug 6
What makes Genuine Broaster Chicken® different?🍗
It starts with a process that`s been perfected for over 70 years. Genuine Broaster Chicken is prepared using proprietary marinades and coatings, then pressure fried in a Broaster® Pressure Fryer to create the crispy texture and juicy flavor customers know and love. It`s this unique combination of ingredients, equipment, and preparation that makes Genuine Broaster Chicken one of a kind.
That`s why there`s only one Genuine Broaster Chicken. 🙌
Aug 5
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
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
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
