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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#FAQFRYday - How do I find a local service agent for my Broaster Equipment? 🔧
The quickest way to find a Service Agent who can work on your Broaster Equipment is to enter your zip code into our Distributor locator. The Distributor for your area along with their contact info will be displayed. Most Broaster Distributors have an in-house service department. If they don`t have one, they will have local service agencies that they use regularly and can refer you to. Click here to get started: https://broaster.com/distribution/
Oct 24
This week`s ✨ Operator Spotlight ✨ goes to Eleventh Street Creamery! 🍦 Yes, even ice cream shops are serving up our Genuine Broaster Chicken! From root beer floats and strawberry cheesecake ice cream to chili dogs, pulled pork, and our signature chicken, this Nebraska City, NE gem serves up joy in every bite. 😋
Thanks for being such a loyal customer! 💛
Oct 21
Meet the Broaster 1600 Pressure Fryer 🔥
The ultimate medium-capacity fryer with the smallest footprint and biggest efficiency. Compact, reliable, and easy to use, it fits in just 3.2 sq. ft. of kitchen space.
Why operators love it:
- High Capacity: Fry up to 16 pieces per load in ~10 minutes
- Smart Controls: Pre-program up to 10 cook cycles
- Hassle-Free Maintenance: Built-in filtration system
Compact, efficient, and designed for busy kitchens—perfect fried chicken, every time. Contact your local distributor for more information.
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Oct 20
Crispy outside, melty inside. 🧀 Broaster Battered Cheddar Curds are the perfect addition to your menu. Ready to cook, made with real Wisconsin cheddar. Now available nationwide through @dotfoodsofficial
Oct 13
Don`t just take our word for it—try some for yourself! 🍗❤️ #BetterBeBroaster
Oct 11
#FAQFRYday - Why should I choose Broaster over competitors? 💡
We deliver more than just the best pressure fryers in the game—we’re your one-stop shop for foodservice success. 🔥 The Best Pressure Fryers: Built tough, made in the USA, and backed with a 10-year cooking well warranty (most competitors only offer 1–2 years). Designed for consistency, efficiency, and unmatched flavor.
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Oct 10
Have you ordered your new best-selling side: Savory Crunch Potato Wedges 🥔🔥
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Golden. Crispy. Operator-approved. Now available nationwide through Dot Foods.
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Oct 8
Revolutionize your kitchen with the Smokaroma® Pressure Smoker 🔥
Why operators love it:
✅ Smoke 45 lbs of ribs in under 90 minutes
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👉 Ready to add smoked foods to your menu? Contact your distributor or request a quote today.
Oct 7
Today is #NationalDoSomethingNiceDay ❤️
Be nice. Bring chicken. Everyone wins. 😉 Get yours here: https://ow.ly/VYlB50X5UaM
Oct 5
#FAQFRYday - I want to serve Genuine Broaster Chicken at my location, but I do not live in the United States. Can I do this?
YES! We have tons of trademark operators outside of the U.S. As long as you are following the trademark agreement with the program requirements, we are happy to help you get started! Learn more at broaster.com
Oct 3
Thanks for playing along this month as we celebrated #NationalChickenMonth. Use this last day to go find your favorite Broaster Chicken! 👉 Find the store locator in the link in our bio.
Sep 30
Last one chicken fans, we need your opinion! 🍗 Regular or Extra Crispy? #NationalChickenMonth
Sep 28
Just when you thought you picked the right sauce, two more entered the chat. Which one are you choosing to dip between BBQ or Buffalo? #NationalChickenMonth
Sep 25
We`ve got our chicken preferences down…but what about sauces? Which one are you choosing to dip between Ranch or Honey mustard? #NationalChickenMonth
Sep 23
💡 Menu must-have: Broaster Chicken Tenders 🍗
Made from 100% breast tenderloin (never formed or processed), these tenders deliver the quality customers notice. Marinated in our exclusive blend and lightly breaded for consistency, flavor, and moisture every time.
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Upgrade your menu with a proven favorite! 🙌 Now available Nationwide through @dotfoodsofficial
Sep 22
