Fried chicken and doughnuts?! The best combo.
Alvernon Donuts isn’t the kind of place that holds Instagram campaigns or buzzworthy events with stylish people wearing photographable hats.
The old school doughnut shop has been holding it down for decades, out there on a quiet restaurant strip near Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. Owner Neang Pheng and her husband Poe Kem bought the place in 2003, decorating the funky old building with leafy plants and pictures of their native Cambodia, which they escaped as refugees to avoid the Khmer Rouge.
After all these years of hard work frying doughnuts at wee hours of the morning, a sign has emerged … two of them actually, posted prominently next to the front door: “Always fresh, tender and juicy. Genuine Broaster chicken. It’s incomparable!”
What’s “Broaster chicken,” you may ask? (Not out loud, but silently in your mind.) It’s actually a very common style of fried chicken, most notably used by fast-food giant KFC. The chicken is fried in a sealed pressure cooker, which results in less grease and is said to be healthier than your typical fried chicken. More importantly, it helps keep the chicken moist and gives the crust that indefinably wonderful, addicting, crispy crackle.
But KFC actually isn’t allowed to call their chicken “broasted,” because that name is trademarked by the inventor of the machine … a Wisonsin-based company that just happened to make this very special sign. You’ve probably never heard of this company, aptly called Broaster, but they license their products out to more than 5,000 businesses across the U.S., and are also very popular in the Middle East and South America.
With encouragement from her younger sister, Neang decided to bring back the broasted chicken in January after a several-year hiatus. “It’s really popular,” she says. Neang prepares a large batch of chicken every morning so that it’s ready to go by 10 a.m., using a special marinade and batter provided to them by Broaster. (She’s also experimenting with new recipes that combine the chicken tenders and doughnuts into one sweet sandwich, so feel free to ask about that too.)
Photo: Andi Berlin
When I inquired about the chicken, she brought out two large pieces of computer paper with all the possible combinations: 4 pc breast, wing, leg, thigh; 2 pc thigh/wing, 12 pc chicken tenders, macaroni, potato salad, etc. You can definitely make a meal out of chicken and various sides, but I decided to pair the savory with the sweet. In addition to my leg and thigh, I ordered a glazed doughnut with pink frosting for the ‘gram, and a blueberry cake doughnut for myself. I went wild on the honey mustard, barbecue and hot sauce, forgetting to even touch the Sriracha.
After trying it IRL for the first time, I now understand why chicken and doughnuts have achieved social media stardom. When the world got hip to Southern chicken and waffles in the ’00s, a portal opened leading us to a new flavor dimension. I would like to call this dimension “salty sugar crackle,” but the physics of it are still in their theoretical stages.
Photo: Andi Berlin
Chicken and doughnuts takes us further down this wormhole, leading to a delicious utopian fantasyland where maple syrup ceases to exist. In this new, uncharted universe, your mouth can pilot through a juicy chicken thigh encased in a salty crunch of fried skin and then sail through a nebula of soft sweet dough … and nothing gets soggy. It is, in fact, one of mankind’s greatest discoveries.
But there are actually two places in Tucson that serve this Broaster chicken and doughnuts dream team. The other one is Queen Donuts in the far southwest side community of Old Tucson Estates, where people ride golf carts around shopping centers pierced with red rock mountain buttes.
Photo: Andi Berlin
Not to be confused with the former Queen Donuts on St. Mary’s Road, this little shop is run by Neang’s brother Sar Oum and his wife Sue Kan. They’ve been serving Broaster fried chicken since they started 18 years ago. During my recent lunchtime visit, the place was packed with groups of people talking and ripping into their chickens. I watched Sue bring out a fresh batch of breasts straight from the broaster, piled high.
I paired my thigh and leg with a buttermilk bar, which also kind of looked like a chicken … but tasted like sweet breakfast cake. An older man sitting in the booth next to me started to chat and asked if I needed a dentist. That’s probably a good idea at this point, I thought. He gave me his card in the parking lot, and we shook hands, sealing the deal with sugar and fried chicken grease. But in an awkward twist, his hands were clean because he washed them before he left the shop. Sorry man! Chicken-handed again …
#BetterBeBroaster
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
Celebrating 2 Years with Broaster! 🎉🐔🥳
Today we`re recognizing TJ and thanking him for two years of dedication, teamwork, and commitment to our customers and fellow employees.
When asked about his favorite memory at Broaster, TJ reflected on the incredible teamwork that goes into meeting customer needs:
"My favorite memory so far is the teamwork put in to meet customer requests on time! We really pull together to take care of our customers."
And his favorite part of the job?
"Being a contributor within the organization and helping others succeed in what they do. When one of us succeeds, we all succeed." #OnTheRoof
TJ`s team-first attitude and willingness to support those around him embody what makes Broaster special. Thank you for all you do, TJ. We appreciate your contributions and are excited to celebrate this milestone with you!
Join us in congratulating TJ on his 2-year anniversary!🌟👏
Jul 8
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
