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
#FAQFRYday How long does it take to smoke ribs in the #Smokaroma? LESS THAN AN HOUR! Yeah, you heard that right. With our pressure smoking technique, you will have the juiciest, flavor packed ribs in about 45 minutes.
Learn more online at broaster.com/equipment/smokaroma
Jun 13
Check out how @thelodgesouthhaven took our Genuine Broaster Chicken tenders 🍗 and turned it into an interesting, delicious appetizer! They start by skewering Genuine Broaster Chicken tenders with their sweet Belgium waffles. 🧇 Then, the dish is drizzled with farm-fresh blueberry jam. 🫐 It is served with 100% pure Michigan maple syrup for dipping.
We love to see how you use your own creativity with our #GenuineBroasterChicken!
Jun 12
What do we hear all the time about our Genuine Broaster Chicken®? BEST. CHICKEN. EVER. What do you think? 😉 #BetterBeBroaster #GenuineBroasterChicken
Jun 10
#FAQFryDay: How do I clean my Broaster Ventless Fryer?
** Allow the unit to cool completely before cleaning or serious burns could occur.
1. Turn power off, disconnect from main power supply & remove access door
2. Remove the food basket & basket lift platform for easy cleaning.
3. Unlatch filter tray & pull tray out with your free hand under the tray & swing tray down 45º. With both hands, pull the tray out towards you.
4. Remove air filter & grease filter from filter tray; set air filter aside so it will not get wet while cleaning other parts. NOTE: The air filter has steam passing through it during the cooking process, let the air filter dry out overnight before reinstalling it into the filter tray.
5. Raise element by placing element arm above element retainer & allow oil to drip from it for a few minutes.
6. Carefully remove cooking pot, pour oil through strainer & filter paper or discard used oil properly. The cooking pot can be cleaned in the sink or dishwasher. When changing oil, soak cooking pot, food basket, & basket lift platform in Broaster’s Cooking Well Cleaner (99500) for a minimum of 15min to a maximum of 12hrs.
7. Remove splash tray for easy cleaning.
8. Wipe element guard & interior of chamber with clean cloth or paper towel to remove any crumbs. Clean walls, floor & ceiling of cooking chamber.
9. Completely clean outside panels with non-abrasive stainless steel cleaner & polish.
10. Product door, food basket, lift platform, cooking pot, filter tray, grease filter, and splash tray can be removed & placed in the dishwasher. If using a dishwasher or soap, you will need to neutralize parts with a vinegar & water solution. *There is no need to neutralize parts when cleaning with Broaster’s Cooking Well Cleaner (99500).
11. Place splash tray & reassembled filter tray back into unit. BE SURE magnet end of grease filter is on the right side of filter tray when in place. Return filtered oil or add fresh oil to Cold Oil Level Line. Replace cooking pot, lower the element into the cooking pot, replace basket lift platform & food basket. Unit is ready to operate.
Jun 6
🔥 Meet the brand that’s changing convenience food – Broaster Express®! From crispy meals to snack-time favorites, our turnkey foodservice solution brings flavor, speed, and branding power to your store.
Being a Broaster Express® trademark operator is simple. Here are the requirements:
- Prepare Broaster Express ready-to-cook menu items.
- Cook in a Broaster Pressure Fryer or Broaster Ventless Fryer.
- Have a signed, licensed trademark operator agreement
We make it even easier to get started by including a FREE marketing package valued over $1,200!
💡 Ready to boost sales and add the highest quality ready-to-cook menu? Let’s talk Broaster: https://ow.ly/xiKn50W1QrC
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Jun 4
🍗 Premium Quality. Unmatched Flavor. Quick & Easy.
Our Frozen Chicken Tenders are the real deal — made from 100% closely trimmed breast tenderloin (never formed or processed!).
✔️ Marinated with our exclusive blend
✔️ Lightly breaded for perfect crisp & flavor
✔️ Frozen & ready to cook in no time
Perfect for grab ‘n go menus or back-of-house speed.
👉 Learn more here: https://ow.ly/qqlH50W3jcn
Now available Nationwide through @dotfoodsofficial #BroasterChicken #FrozenFavorites #ChickenTenders
Jun 3
This week`s Operator Spotlight goes to Cozy Diner Chico`s in Chico, California! ☀️ Beyond the signature chicken, the diner`s extensive menu boasts a variety of comfort foods, including chicken fried steak, hearty burgers, and classic breakfast items served all day. 🍗🍔🍳 At Cozy Diner Chico`s, there`s something for everyone 🍽️ The Broaster Chicken & Waffles are a MUST TRY!
Thank you for being a Genuine Broaster Chicken Operator! #BetterBeBroaster
Jun 2
#FAQFRYday
How do I know what equipment is right for my location?
Get in touch with a distributor 😊 Our trained, knowledgeable distributors can walk you through your goals and how our equipment can help you achieve those goals. Get in contact with your area`s distributor by visiting broaster.com/distribution
May 30
This week’s Operator Spotlight goes to @stlgyros 🔥
St. Louis Gyros is the proud home of some of the best gyros in St. Louis, Missouri! With Zabihah Halal Meats, fresh locally sourced produce, and house-made sauces. They offer dine in, delivery, catering, and takeout every day.
Their extensive menu offers gyros, rice bowls, loaded fries, salads, dessert, Genuine Broaster Chicken, and more! With three convenient locations to serve you, check out St. Louis Gyros! Thank you for being a Genuine Broaster Chicken operator!
#BetterBeBroaster #GenuineBroasterChicken
May 29
Happy National Hamburger Day! 🍔 Today’s the day to celebrate America’s favorite sandwich — and what better way than with a burger that’s hot, juicy, and ready in under a minute?
🔥 The Instant Burger® from Broaster uses innovative Direct Energy Transfer to cook two fresh burgers fast — no flipping, no grease, no mess. Perfect for high-volume or front-of-house grilling on the fly.
Whether you`re serving up classics or getting creative, make every burger count today. #NationalHamburgerDay #InstantBurger #BetterBeBroaster #BurgerGoals
May 28
Today we remember and honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom 🇺🇸
May 26
#FAQFryDay: I`m craving Genuine Broaster Chicken! ✨🍗 Where can I get it?
We’ve got you covered—find the closest spot serving up your favorite fried chicken here 👉 broaster.com/store-locator
May 23
Day 3 at the @nationalrestaurantshow 🎉 We are having so much fun talking to everyone & showcasing our chicken & equipment. Stop by & listen in on some of our public demos 🎤 #2025RestaurantShow #BetterBeBroaster #BroastBroastBaby
May 19
Day 2 at the @nationalrestaurantshow 🤩 Visit us at Booth #4062!
May 18
Day 1 of @nationalrestaurantshow we delivered some Genuine Broaster Chicken to our friends at @cocacola ♥️🍗 #BetterBeBroaster #2025RestaurantShow #BroastBroastBaby
May 18
We’re here at the @nationalrestaurantshow at Booth #4062! 🎉🍗 Stop by & visit us!
May 17
