Sherman's Food Adventures: Lee's Chicken

Lee's Chicken

On our way to Ah-Beetz, out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a Lee's Chicken. Yes, call it a 6th sense, "I can see restaurants!" I put forward the idea to Kim and Anita that we visit this Lee's after we eat pizza. The good thing about being with other foodies is that they are usually up for anything. Never pass up an opportunity to eat! So, despite being completely stuffed, we stopped at Lee's before getting back on the freeway. Initially, the other people waiting for their orders were quite perplexed at my picture-taking. At one point, I just had to tell the guy staring at me that, "I'm not Japanese". I explained what I was doing and everything seemed a bit more normal. It took a little while for our order; but we were not complaining. The reason is what makes Lee's Chicken so good is because they cook it to order, not like that "kept warm" chicken at KFC. This brings up an interesting story... The founder of Lee's Chicken was actually the nephew of Colonel Sanders and had helped run KFC. Another interesting fact is that LA Chicken used to be a Lee's Chicken. That probably explains the similarity between the two (down to the gravy).

I ended up getting half regular and half spicy. Kim and Anita dug into the regular and the skin was crispy and peppery. The tender, juicy meat billowed out steam since it was so freshly fried. This is how good fried chicken is supposed to be. Not like that shriveled up crap you get at KFC and the greasy, one-dimensional flavour you get at Churches (although I don't mind it). I ate a piece of spicy myself and honestly, it's not really all that spicy; but it's got a slight kick to it. Too bad there are no Lee's in Vancouver or Burnaby. The last one that's remotely close is in Port Coquitlam. It's probably for the best anyways, otherwise I'd be eating fried chicken everyday.

The Good:
- It's cooked fresh
- It tastes good with a good mix of spices and lots of pepper
- Ugly gravy, but it tastes good!

The Bad:
- None really near Vancouver
- You generally have to wait for your order, but it's worth it

Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken on Urbanspoon

17 comments:

Ben and Suanne said...

Hi Sherman:
I recall seeing one Lee's Chicken in Langley (on Fraser Hwy and 201A St). But that is so far away. There used to be one on Kingsway in Burnaby but they are now closed. We used to go to Lee's twice a month.
Ben

Sherman Chan said...

Hmmm... I think the closest one for me is still Pt Coquitlam. But thanks for the tip. Yes, I've eaten at the one that used to be on Kingsway. So sad... At least it's healthier that I can't get Lee's whenever I can!

Jonnek said...

There's an LA Chicken in Richmond.

Kevin said...

Oh the exact thought crossed my mind as we were heading back home.

Almost parked and got a piece, but we were all way too full from the 4 massive slices of pizza...

Anonymous said...

I live a few minutes away from L.A. chicken; is it still worth it to drive all the way to Lee's Chicken to try, or is it too similar to L.A. chicken for it to be worth it?

forumsglobe said...

I think the closest one for me is still Pt Coquitlam. But thanks for the tip. ........

Anonymous said...

oh... man, you keep eating! You're really the first adventurous foodie that I've ever met! I told my bf and mom that you ate more than 365 times a year! that's amazing how you did that! :)

Sherman Chan said...

Jonnek is right, LA Chicken is essentially Lee's since it was a Lee's before it switched over. If you really want official "Lee's", the closest for many is in Pt Coquitlam, unless you're near Surrey or Langley (you can go to the one Ben suggested).

Kevin, don't pass up an eating opportunity.

Hehe, over 365... I impress myself... LOL...

Unknown said...

ah! finally a post on Lee's Chicken in Abbotsford! Mr. & Mrs. Kang, who run this one go to my church..and serisouly, any church function there is if Lee's Chicken is not present it's not a party! I have to say, since the one in Langley and Abbotsford are run by different people I hear the chicken batter is different. I believe the Kang's use a special (?) blend for their 'spicy' chicken. dang, now i'm craving fried chicken *drool*...

Sherman Chan said...

Hi Jennifer, the batter is different? Hmm... I think this needs further investigation (ie. I go try the other one too!).

trisha said...

when i first moved to abby (a mere 3 months ago), this was the first place i saw after getting off the highway. i laughed because it looks scary from the outside. good to know it's not a front for something sinister! next time you make it out this way can you find me a good sushi joint? :P

Sherman Chan said...

Trisha, sushi joint... got it. I do have friends in Abby, so it will be on my list the next time I visit them!

Anonymous said...

There's a Lee's Chicken in Surrey! 72nd and 138th. By far the best fried chicken I've ever had :)

Sherman Chan said...

Thank you very much, now I can get more fried goodness more often!

holly said...

After reading Kim's blog about Ezell's today, I was really craving fried chicken so I finally made the trip to Lee's in Surrey.

While the chicken was not as fresh as you had at the Abbotsford location, it was pretty decent. Their regular fried chicken reminds me of what KFC used to taste like before they cooked it to death and their spicy/crispy chicken really reminded me of korean fried chicken.

Their fries were the usual frozen variety, but they were nice and hot and crispy.

I also liked their biscuit. It was light and flaky but not as greasy as Popeye's.

Now they just need some beans and sweet potato pie and I would be a happy camper.

Anonymous said...

I work at the lees chicken in Abby.. We take really good care of our chicken! Even though I work there i still crave it ! Best chicken ever, and our amazing recipes, home made gravy and coleslaw make it even more tasty! We don't get crazy busy but I think if it was in a nicer location it would look more presentable

Sherman Chan said...

Agreed Holly!

Yes, the location is in need of renos...

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