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
National Fried Chicken Day calls for the best. 🍗
For generations, Genuine Broaster Chicken has delivered the crispy texture, juicy flavor, and quality that customers keep coming back for. Today, we’re celebrating the chicken that started it all.
Happy National Fried Chicken Day from Broaster Company!
Jul 6
Happy Fourth of July from Broaster Company!❤️🤍💙
Today, we’re celebrating freedom, family, and the food that brings people together. Whether you’re gathering for a backyard barbecue, community event, or holiday meal, we’re honored to be part of your tradition.
To find where you can purchase Genuine Broaster Chicken, use our store locator: https://broaster.com/store-locator/
Wishing you a safe and happy Independence Day filled with great food and great company!
Jul 4
"There`s nothing better than a trip to the lake and some crispy Broaster Chicken." 🌊☀️🏖️
Operator Spotlight: @thelodgesouthhaven – South Haven, Michigan
Since 1940, The Lodge has been a staple in South Haven. Originally known as The Curve Inn, the restaurant was purchased by its current owners in 2019 and completely renovated before reopening in 2021. While the space was transformed, their commitment to serving Genuine Broaster Chicken® never changed.
Today, The Lodge is a scratch kitchen in the heart of Michigan`s blueberry country, serving homemade favorites alongside hand-breaded Genuine Broaster Chicken. They put a local twist on their menu with favorites like the Spicy Blueberry Chicken Sandwich. Their love for Broaster Chicken runs so deep that they even top their famous Loaded Lodge Bloody Mary with a Genuine Broaster Chicken tender. The combination of tradition, local flavor, and quality ingredients has made them a destination for both locals and visitors alike.
📍 10336 Blue Star Memorial Highway, South Haven, MI 49090
🌐 www.thelodgesouthhavenmi.com
Next time you`re visiting Southwest Michigan, stop in and experience a South Haven tradition for yourself.
Jul 2
Leftover Genuine Broaster Chicken? Turn it into tomorrow`s lunch! 🥗
Shred up your leftover chicken and add it to your favorite salad for a quick, delicious protein boost. Fresh, flavorful, and a great way to make every bite count.
How do you use your leftover Genuine Broaster Chicken? Let us know in the comments! 🍗
Jun 29
Why do operators love the Broaster Equipment? 🔧🍗
Built for performance, consistency, and safety, the Broaster pressure fryers help operators deliver high-quality food day after day. With programmable cooking profiles, automatic time adjustments, and an integrated filtration system, it’s designed to maximize efficiency while maintaining the quality customers expect.
Reliable. Efficient. Trusted by operators everywhere.
Jun 26
This or That? 👀
Are you choosing the classic crowd-pleaser or turning up the heat?
🍗 Jumbo Popcorn Chicken – made with delicious whole white meat chicken and perfect for sharing.
🌶️ Jumbo Cajun Popcorn Chicken – all the quality you love with a bold Louisiana-style kick.
Which one is a top seller at your location? We would love to hear!
Jun 25
Your customers will thank you. 🙌🏻🐔
When you add the Genuine Broaster Chicken® food program to your menu, you’re serving more than just fried chicken. You’re serving the flavor, quality, and reputation people keep coming back for.
Jun 23
Happy National Onion Ring Day!🧅✨
Our Beer Battered Onion Rings start with whole slices of sweet Spanish onions and finish with a crispy, golden beer batter coating that keeps customers coming back for more.
Reach out to us today to learn more about our frozen foods!
Jun 22
Operator Highlight @fattscafe 🌟
Serving up Genuine Broaster Chicken® along with smash burgers, paninis, pizza, wings, shrimp, cheese curds, and more, Fat T`s Cafe is a must-visit in Cresco, Iowa! 🍗🍔🍕
Stop in for great food and enjoy a selection of beers, seltzers, and Frisky Fox wines. 🍺🍷
📍 128 N Elm St, Cresco, IA
📞 (563) 547-1060
Have you tried Fat T`s Cafe? Let us know your favorite menu item! ⬇️
Jun 17
Let`s start at the beginning.🍗💡🕰️
Before Broaster® became a trusted name in foodservice, there was L.A.M. Phelan, an inventor driven by innovation. In 1954, he introduced the Broaster® Pressure Fryer, pioneering a cooking method that delivered crispy, juicy chicken while improving efficiency in the kitchen.
More than 70 years later, his invention is still helping operators serve great food every day. Innovation starts with an idea.
Jun 15
MYTH: Frozen food means lower quality.❌
FACT: High-quality frozen products help ensure consistency, reduce waste, and simplify kitchen operations. Starting with a ready-to-cook program doesn`t mean sacrificing quality, it means serving great food with greater efficiency.✅
Broaster Express® is the perfect example, delivering the taste, quality, and convenience operators need to keep customers coming back for more.🍗
Less waste. More consistency. Happy customers.
Jun 12
At some point, you’ve just got to let the chicken do the talking. 🍗✨
The crispy coating. The juicy chicken. The flavor.
Ready to see what the hype is about? Visit our website to find Genuine Broaster Chicken® near you.
Jun 11
Happy National Herbs & Spices Day! 🌶️
When people think of Broaster®, they often think of chicken—but our seasonings bring bold flavor to so much more.
Turn up the heat with Nashville Hot. With the perfect balance of flavor and spice, it`s an easy way to add a fiery kick to chicken, sandwiches, wedges, fries, and more.
What would you try with Nashville Hot Spice? 🔥👇
Jun 10
Did You Know? 🤔🍗
Pressure frying does more than cook chicken, it helps seal in moisture!
By cooking under pressure in a sealed environment, natural juices stay locked inside the chicken instead of escaping during the cooking process. The result? Chicken that`s juicier, more tender, and packed with flavor in every bite. 😋
Ready to elevate your operation with pressure frying? Reach out to us today to learn more about our Broaster® Pressure Fryers.🍗
Jun 8
Celebrating 5 Years at Broaster Company! 🎉
Please join us in congratulating Sam B., IT Manager, and Melinda N., FSQA Specialist, on reaching their 5-year anniversaries with Broaster Company.
We are fortunate to have such dedicated team members whose hard work and commitment help drive our success every day.
Congratulations, Sam and Melinda, on this exciting milestone. We appreciate all that you do! 👏
Jun 5
In Wisconsin, National Cheese Day calls for Battered Cheddar Curds 🧀🍺
Dipped in batter infused with craft beer straight from the keg and par-fried to crispy perfection, these golden bites are the ultimate way to celebrate America’s Dairyland.
Add these crowd-pleasing curds to your menu today!
Jun 4
