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The restaurant offers open seating with a shaded, outdoor cafeteria-style dining area. The fries were much thicker than they appeared in the advertised photos, which wasn't quite what I was expecting. The chicken wings were massive, with excellent crispy breading! I highly recommend pairing them with the chili oil and spices served on the side, as the wings themselves can taste a little bland without them. The classic chicken sandwich was delicious, but the sauce and bun had an overwhelmingly buttery flavor. It was a bit too rich for our taste and made the sandwich feel quite heavy. Overall, we had a good experience, and the owner was genuinely kind, welcoming, and friendly. This is definitely a spot for those who enjoy rich, indulgent comfort food, especially when you're in the mood for an occasional cheat meal or a satisfying stress-eating treat. It's not necessarily somewhere we'd eat regularly, but it's worth trying when you're craving something hearty!
I really hope Bao Chick takes this review into serious consideration because there was a lot I actually enjoyed about the meal. I ordered the chicken sandwich with a thigh and fries. The fries were great, the bun was excellent, and the sauce on the sandwich was really good. The issue was the chicken. The piece was absolutely ginormous, honestly the biggest piece of chicken I've ever seen in a sandwich. At first I thought that was a great thing, but unfortunately, the chicken was extremely stringy and difficult to eat to the point where I couldn't finish it. What really stood out is that I was with a party of three, and all three of us ordered the same meal and had the exact same experience with the chicken. I'd seriously recommend reevaluating the size and, more importantly, the quality of the chicken. Smaller, more tender pieces would make a huge difference. I genuinely wish Bao Chick the best and hope they take this feedback seriously because the rest of the sandwich had a lot of potential
This place is SO GOOD! I just had it for the first time and it's now my new favorite chicken sandwich! "Bao Chick number 1!" On top of that, the service was incredible because the FREE SAMPLES on chicken! They are located in the back of a food court so there's plenty of seating, and dogs are allowed I believe! Plenty of sun and lovely patio-like ambiance. I'll be back once a week, see y'all there!
"No 1 chicken!" The owner (i presume) called out to me when I tarried to give the menu a look. Then he made the hard sell. "No 1 dumpling, no 1 chicken sandwich, no 1 everything!" A nod and a smile from me as I politely indicated I wanted to browse the other offerings but who am I kidding? He had me. Committed to the bit i made a half-assed round of the other offerings before coming back for "no 1 chicken." I was offered a dumpling sample which i accepted. It was good but hot enough to burn my mouth. Worth it! Anyway, i got the beijing wrap and it came with chilli powder and chilli oil (this shop owner is my kind of no 1 guy) and a rather generous wrap, filled with chicken at a reasonable price. The wrap was yummy. The fried chicken well executed and the service was memorable. This place is my number one, no 1 chicken place ;)
This was on our list to try since we saw it on IG. Glad we did today. It is located in like an outdoor dining hall in a corporate area hence we see lots of workers as customer. Maybe because that is their main client ale hence food was done quickly. First off as we approaching the place, they hand out chicken sample as well as dumpling sample. The owner (I'm assuming) introduce us the menu as #1, very enthusiastic, give out friendly vibe. In term of food, everything was delicious. The chicken sandwich was actually filled with two piece of thigh. The wing was very crispy and moist. It is still hot and crispy after 10 mins in a hot humid lunch day. The popcorn chicken portion is big. However, it deserve 4 out of 5 because the pieces are inconsistent. They also give you chili oil in case you want to spill it on your chicken. We would definitely comeback.
In a situation... where I'm craving Chinese food, but my husband wants fried chicken. Then suddenly, you get a sample. And...it turns into a full meal. Started off with this fully stuffed grilled bao. The soul? This house-made chili oil. It pairs surprisingly well with their crispy fried chicken. And their chicken wings too! A multipurpose chili oil! This is a giant "Number One" Chicken Burger that the owner is very proud of. Somehow they nailed both Chinese food and American fried chicken. Oops... almost forgot their xiao long bao! Juicy and comforting! To end this unexpected feast? A bowl of lamb soup, which I personally think pairs surprisingly well with their fried chicken sandwiches! No wonder the owner--and even some customers I interviewed kept saying, "This is number one!!!" Ig: socalhkfoodies
The chicken sandwich was crispy hot and tender. It was also a decent portion for the price. You can order through the kiosk or the person. A sample was also given for you to try while you decide.
10/10 every time. We've been here at least 6 times and the chicken sandwich is always so fresh and tasty. It's a huge portion!
Must order the chicken sandwich when you come to Bao Chick. It is perfectly seasoned and the portion size is ridiculous. Stopped by during the lunch hour after seeing social media posts about this hidden gem. I order the double chicken sandwich and although in the pricey side ($20) it is a must try. The chicken is crispy and flaky on the outside and juicy and tender on the inside. I've had plenty of chicken sandwiches in my day and this is top 3, no question. Ordering was quick and I was able to score some sample dumplings from the cashier while I waited. This is in a food court so the eating area is shared with other eateries. Get here early during lunch time if want to get a parking spot. It gets crowded.
5/5 (based on the xiaolongbao only, didn't get to try anything else) Located in a semi-outdoors food hall, with a casual vibe, this place is counter service only and you order on the kiosk. Got the shrimp and pork and the spicy pork xiaolongbao, both were delicious. Spicy pork ones came stacked with soup, almost more than you'd expect. Shrimp and pork had more filling, less broth, but still juicy. Skin was right too, not thick enough to feel doughy, not so thin it tears before it hits your mouth. If you're in Irvine and craving dumplings, this one's worth the stop.
I consistently find the food here to be exceptionally fresh. I particularly enjoy the fried chicken special for $10. The meal includes white rice, coleslaw, seaweed, and pickles.
1 year ago
Holy shit. This. Place. Was. Fricking. Amazing!!!! I got their original chicken sandwich and it blew all my expectations out the window. At first glance, my Fiance and I were flabbergasted by the size of the chicken. It was 2x bigger than the bun. The first bite was soooo moist and juicy. I chose chicken breast and I was shooked at how bouncy the chicken was. The whole time eating, the chicken was hot temperature wise. The season was a blend of schezuan and Nashville style. The umami was so unique that my tastebuds were having a glorious bath in boa chick's flavors. I will definitely be coming back and trying more of their menu. Thank you Bao chick! read more
8 months ago
I get lunch here all the time and the food here is really generous in portion and sooo tasty. The cashier/owner(?) doesn't speak a ton of English but that's what the computer kiosk is for, don't be intimidated! read more
3 months ago
Don't usually leave reviews ever but the owner at Bao Chick is super cool and spontaneous. The food portion sizes are so good for the price. read more
Very very impressive!! Chicken is Asian style with panko crust and not traditional fried chicken. They have some decadent sauces, be sure try all. We came for their chicken tenders and chicken strips. We ended up ordering two orders of the chicken tenders (12), Nashville chicken sandwich and Beer Battered fries. Everything had a nice crisp and crunch. Their chicken was super juicy!! The slaw for the Nashville sandwich was a great compliment. The man at the counter was KIND!! Service was fast. It's located inside of "food court" so it would be great with beer or boba milk tea. read more
I stopped by here and the Xiao Long bao is well presented . Very kind and friendly service . Does take about 15 min for the bao to be ready as they must steam it fresh , cost is $10 which is reasonable I got the $12 one which has shrimp added to it .. I do recommend this place. And it's all in a lovely shaded outdoor food court . A nice breeze is usually goes through the area to keep it cool read more
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the man at the counter is my favorite person in irvine. he is incredibly passionate and seems to only know how to say "chicken number one" but despite that he is an incredible salesman. the chicken bao dumplings will BLOW YOUR MIND! CHICKEN NUMBER ONEEEEEEEE!!!!! read more
I wasn't planning on getting any food here but I was suckered in by the sweetest man emphatically giving out samples of juicy dumplings. He was raving the people passing by about their special chili oil and crispy chicken so I placed an order for the chicken wings. They were incredible! Super crispy and flakey and the mayo sauce that went with them was delicious as well. There were huge pieces of fried chicken in one order; a great deal. I had enough leftover for later and they heated and crisped up nicely in the toaster oven. I am so glad I ended up trying this place and it's always nice to support a business with such kind hard working people behind it. read more
This review is only for the Pork Bao Buns as pictured, but they were pretty good! I don't know many good dumplings restaurants nearby. It wasn't the best dumpling I ever tasted, but it was still tasty. The dumplings were ready fairly quickly. I was impressed because when we ordered it was a pretty busy time but they were still about to keep up with the orders. I would most likely order from here again. The price is fair and there are nice dessert options around if you want to make more of an outing when visiting this location. Plan for parking to be a challenge, though, if you come here for lunch time. read more
8 months ago
4 months ago
A guy waved us over happily and offered us a free sample. As I was deciding what i should order he offered a tender to try as well! The chicken sandwich was top notch(get the thighs) and perfectly breaded. As you can see for the tenders there's not just 12 it's a MOUND and the dipping sides pair amazingly. Definitely try it out if you want some good chicken! read more
4 months ago
2 years ago
One of my favorite spots to eat during lunch! The man that works there is super nice. He isn't fluent in English but he's always so friendly and welcoming. Occasionally he will give out samples of the grilled bao dumplings to try! That's actually what hooked me to this place first. Between the two grilled bao options (chicken&mushroom versus pork) I like the pork the most! It's super flavorful and hits just right. The chicken&mushrooms is also good as well, so definitely give it a try to see which you like more. Don't sleep on their chicken sandwiches either. They're MASSIVE. I was shocked! It comes our piping hot, it's juicy and has a nice crunch! Tip is to ask for extra lettuce and some chilling oil to spice things up. read more
9 months ago
This can recommended to my husband by our teenage daughter and he loved it. Double cooked fries and the sandwich is massive so come hungry. It's in an eatery area with several choices so your family could all get what the want read more
2 years ago
OVERALL : I was in the Trade Marketplace for another shop but ended up walking by this storefront and trying out a sample of their dumplings with chili oil. The man handing out the samples (perhaps the owner?) was super enthusiastic and friendly. I ended up browsing through the menu at their self-order kiosk and chose the chicken tenders solely based on the photo! The fry / batter on the tenders looked SO crispy and I just knew they would be good. For the price, it seemed like a good amount of chicken! After ordering they give you a little pager and you can just sit in the shared tables near all the other vendors and wait for your food. PARKING : Located in the Trade Marketplace with a lot of other food vendors in the outdoor food hall area. Parking can be tight during peak hours in the lot. FOOD/DRINKS : Chicken Tenders - The chicken came out nice and hot. It was surprisingly a great portion size, enough to share -- AND the tenders were huge! You won't find any of those 3 inch tiny chicken tenders some other places try to serve nowadays at this place! The order came with a side of chili seasoning powder for spice + some mayo sauce for dipping. The crunch on these tenders are so satisfying and the batter felt really light and airy (not greasy and heavy). My only gripe is that I wanted some more flavor to them bc it started getting one-note after eating for a while. I wish it came in a spicy version / a more flavorful batter, or perhaps if they provided more of the chili powder so we can sprinkle on! I see that they have this chicken in a sandwich form, so I def think I need to try that next time because the components of the sandwich should def add more flavor in. read more
2 years ago
TDLR: The best chicken sandwich that I've ever had paired with the most mid soup dumplings ever. The only season why I came here is because a friend wanted friend chicken and Chinese food. Boom. I was not disappointed Xiao long bao: It's bland. The skin was super thin, the bao didn't burst during the drive, there was a good amount of soup in the dumpling, and it stayed hot in the packaging. Problem is that the bite was so flat. You get a hint of soup dumpling taste and it falls off the moment you get excited. A staff member did tell me that they specialized in pan fried dumplings which I was kindly given a sample of. It was better. Original chicken sandwich: It's the best chicken sandwich because of how they battered the chicken. The meat itself being juicy, the bread being toasted well, the cabbage being a good vegetable compliment, and the mayonnaise being ever present is already a given. What makes this special is how the batter is different from every single fried chicken or chicken sandwich spot. I don't know how to describe it, but I will eat this again. Bonus: They also sell chicken tenders and wings. I won't be surprised if they're as good. Service: 10-15 min prep time for my order. Not too bad. The staff member was all too excited to give us a dumpling sample. Bonus points there. Ambiance: It's a stall in a food court. There are a lot of good restaurants in the area so parking will be an issue. read more
1 year ago
First time at Bao Chick, and it was a delightful detour from my usual burger and pizza weekends. Nestled in a charming little plaza in Irvine, surrounded by other culinary gems, this spot is a must-visit for anyone with an empty stomach and a craving for something special. The area's got variety, but Bao Chick stands out--especially after meeting the owner, the ultimate hype man. His energy is infectious, and even though English isn't his first language, his proud declaration that his dishes are "Number One!" says it all. Spoiler: he's not wrong. I ordered the Pan-Fried Chicken Dumplings, and they were nothing short of perfection. Each dumpling was a crispy, golden pocket of joy--crunchy on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside. The chicken filling was seasoned to perfection, with just the right balance of savory flavors that made every bite feel like a little celebration. They were so good, I almost forgot I was supposed to be sharing. Then came the Chicken Wings, and wow, they were a revelation. Each wing was coated in a unique blend of flavors that hit different notes with every bite--think crispy, savory, with a subtle kick that kept me coming back for more. They came with extra seasoning on the side, but honestly, they didn't need it. The wings were already packed with so much flavor, the seasoning felt like overkill (in the best way). Crispy skin, tender meat, and a taste that lingers long after the last bite. Bao Chick has earned a permanent spot on my must-visit list. I'm already planning my next trip to try the rest of their dumplings and the highly acclaimed Fried Chicken Sandwich that everyone's talking about. If you're in Irvine and looking for a place that combines top-notch food with a welcoming, down-to-earth vibe, this is it. And if you see the owner, ask him about his "Number One" dishes--you won't be disappointed. Bring an appetite and maybe a friend (or don't, because you might not want to share). read more
2 months ago
4 months ago
First time in the area and was browsing the food options. Thanks to previous instagram posts I went with Bao Chick's chicken sandwich. The cashier was also serving samples to anyone walking by. I tried a sample and patiently waited for my chicken sandwich. A unique, quality, delicious choice. I highly recommend. read more
1 year ago
Honestly top 3 chicken sandwich I've had in my life So flaky, tasty x100 Ordered level HOT. Its was perfect read more
This place used to be called Chicciety, but now it's called Bao Chick. However it's still the Chicciety menu. I'm not sure what's going on there. Anyway they've got and interesting variety of food... dumplings (including XLB), chicken sandwiches and chicken wings. I like it that you can choose a boneless chicken thigh for your sandwich. You can get regular or Nashville Hot Chicken. They use an incredibly light crunchy coating reminiscent of Tempura Crunch. It's a little bit over the top. But the chicken sandwich was delicious. Next time I'll specify extra mayo in the special instructions when ordering at the kiosk. Nevertheless they offer sides of ranch and also a mild red chili sauce with a hint of cumin/curry. You can get a combo with fries and the fries are nice and crisp and seasoned. read more
First time trying this place and it won't be the last. When they say they have the best chicken sandwich, they aren't kidding. Seriously the best I've had. The portions are huge so j ended up saving half for dinner. Crunchy and tender blend in the most perfect way. The fries are equally delicious. The server was friendly and offered us samples since we weren't sure what to order. read more
Wings 5/5 : These came out fresh from the fryer. The batter is so crisp and the meat is JUICY. Be careful when eating as it can be very hot. Chicken & Mushroom Dumplings 4/5: The filling is very flavorful and the dumpling is pan fried. It's not a stand-out item, but it's a great small bite. This is served with their chili oil. Xiao Long Bao 5/5: Just like their wings, their XLBs are JUICY! So much soup was in each one. The skin was also very thin. Garlic Parmesan Fries 5/5: These came out crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside. They were well covered in the seasoning as well. A solid side. Service: We were greeted by a kind gentleman at the front. He didn't speak much English, but he was very kind. He offered us samples of the dumplings and suggested several items on the menu. There were two kiosks you can order and pay from at the front. Parking: From experience, this plaza can get very packed on weekdays given how close it is to many corporate buildings. We went on the weekend and we were able to find parking easily. read more
A fun place to order food from near the John Wayne airport. There is a good amount of outdoor seating available and you order through a screen. There was a man working there who spoke mostly in Chinese but was very friendly. Both the xiao long bao and the pan fried dumplings were just okay. They lacked some flavor and the dough was a little bit on the overcooked/softer side. The soy milk tasted fresh and is always fun to eat with youtiao. The steamed egg was very well seasoned and made a good addition to the meal. While we were ordering, the man who was working made a joke about how we shouldn't try the chicken wings because the last people that tried said that they were so good that they cried. This of course made us want to try them even more. They were perfectly crispy and the chicken was very juicy on the inside. The man that was working also recommended the carrot balls to us. He was talking about how he always wants to recommend it to people but doesn't know how to describe it accurately in English. They're fried mochi balls with carrot used for sweetness. I've only ever seen them with pumpkin or sweet potato in other restaurants, so this was a new experience for me and I loved it. They're perfectly crispy on the outside and the mochi has a good chew on the inside. I would definitely go back for more of those. read more
5 months ago
2 years ago
This spot is located on the premises of the Trade Food Hall as well as seven or so other food spots and a bar. There are quite a few chairs but it does get busy and packed, especially during weekends. Parking can be hard to find due to all the business in the area but thankfully the times I've been here I've found at least one available parking spot. I had a chicken breast sandwich with a side of fries. The chicken breast in my sandwich was huge and did not expect it to be that big. I'm used to getting tiny chicken breast pieces so this was a great surprise. The breading was nice and crunchy, and the ingredients in the sandwich worked perfectly along with the mayo sauce they provided on the side. You get to choose between a breast or a thigh. The chicken sandwich was larger than an average chicken sandwich. It was not greasy, the chicken itself was nicely cooked and flavorful. It was one of the best-tasting chicken breast sandwiches I've had this far. 5/5 The fries were so good, they were made and seasoned to perfection. The outside of the fries was crispy and the inside was soft. 5/5 Customer service was decent, the young lady who took the order answered the questions I asked and appeared to be nice about it and didn't appear bothered. The man who brought out the food was nice and provided napkins. read more
9 months ago
I always go for this restaurant when i come to jhon wayne airport. For me this is the best fried chicken ever. So delicious thank you guys ..lu is the working at front, he is so friendly .. read more
3 months ago
Bao Chick (formerly Chicciety), which looks to have recently rebranded and expanded its menu, is located in the bustling Trade Food Hall in Irvine, and it's a hidden gem for delicious XLBs! Despite the name change, they still offer the fantastic fried chicken sandwich options from their Chicciety days. But now, they've added some more variety with items like xiao long bao and grilled dumplings (you can see them making the baos right behind the counter, ensuring everything is homemade and fresh) As other reviews have mentioned, the owner is incredibly nice and welcoming. As you walk by, he'll often offer you a sample of one of his baos and even let you taste his chili oil. On my most recent visit I ordered the xiao long bao (XLB), which is $10 for 6. The XLBs are a bit larger than what you'd find at Din Tai Fung, but they're packed with great soup and the pork filling is absolutely delicious. If you're in the area, make sure to stop by and give Bao Chick a try. You won't be disappointed! FYI, even though they seem to go by the name of Bao Chick now, their bright yellow digital menu still says Chicciety, so look for that if you have trouble finding it! read more
2 years ago
Bao Chick is my absolute favorite chicken sandwich in SoCal. The chicken is always fresh, extremely juicy, well seasoned and the breading is light and tasty as well. The breading isn't your typical breading. It's somewhere between typical and tempura (sorry I'm not a food critic or chef and don't know what it's called). It's light, airy, and always super crispy. I ordered the insane chicken sandwich because it's a deal. It's $17.99 but it includes 2x huge 6" fillets (I eat the 2nd fillet separately for a 2nd meal). They give you an option of thigh or breast (which you'll only find at OG Asian chops like Savoy Hainan chicken). It is NOT extra for thigh like Savoy though! Of course I get the thigh. The sandwich literally comes out steaming hot. The owner is super nice and always handing out free samples. It's a tiny shop in a small food court--I hope they stay in business for a long time. read more
1 year ago
11 months ago
They lured me in with a free sample of their fried chicken. This might be the best fried chicken I've ever had. Huge fan excited to try more food here. read more
1 year ago
More info about Bao Chick
2222 Michelson Dr
Irvine, CA 92612
Directions
(949) 418-8203
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http://baochick.com
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Ask the Community - Bao Chick
Are you open for the 4th of July? What hours if you are?
open from 10:30am to 8:00pm
Do you still have the regular chicken nuggets?
I notice that there are no descriptions of the different sandwices. Would you kindly add that to the menu? Thank you!
Thank you for your advice! We will consider to add the descriptions on the menu at the new version!
Do you serve bone in wings? Dry rub flavors at all?
Yes. All of our wings are bone in. Most of them are crispy crunch style. Also we have teriyaki and buffalos wings are grill style.
Do you plan to serving strips/fingers/tenders?
Hello! We do serve chicken strips in store. It’s our hand crafted chicken strips.
Is this inside a business complex?
Yes! It’s in the food hall area of the plaza.
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