Chicken Insider
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First of all, let me start with the smell -- because that's what's going to get you. This spot is fairly new in the neighborhood, literally right across the street from me, and ever since they opened I've been saying the same thing: the smell of that chicken will pull you in every single time. That Korean fried chicken seasoning hits the air and just wraps around you. It's warm, it's crispy, it's savory, and it makes you stop mid-walk like, "Yeah... I need that." So when my mom came to visit, I said, you know what? Let's finally try the place across the street. And I'm so glad we did because it did not disappoint. We went for a 10-piece wing and split the flavors -- honey tangy barbecue and Korean sweet chili. When I tell you that chicken was juicy and crispy at the same time? Perfect crunch on the outside, tender inside. Exactly what Korean fried chicken is supposed to be. And the fries. Listen. I love a good fry. But my son? He is a French fry connoisseur. That child knows fries. If he approves, you know it's legit. He loved them. So that alone tells you everything. Crispy, seasoned just right -- not soggy, not bland, not overly salty. Just good fries. Of course we got extra sauce on the side because if you're doing it, do it right. A little dip, a little drizzle -- options matter. We also tried the rice cake skewers -- two per order, so we did two each. So good. I love a good rice cake, and these hit. I've been blessed to experience different cultures and cuisines, and Korean food is absolutely up my alley when it's authentic and done right -- and this was done right. They've got options too. Parmesan fries, cheese fries, mozzarella sticks, mac and cheese, salads. There's a little Korean section with the pickled radish and kimchi -- yes and yes. The coleslaw? Also everything. It balanced the meal perfectly. You can do boneless or bone-in, but let me be clear: I'm bone-in all the way. It's not a wing if it doesn't have a bone. No disrespect to the boneless crowd -- sometimes it has its place -- but bone-in is elite. And because clearly I couldn't stop there, I recently went back and tried the chicken sandwich with the sweet potato fries. Loved it. Just as good. Crispy, flavorful, satisfying. But I'm telling you now -- the smell alone is going to get you through the door. And once you go in? You're not going to regret it. Highly recommend.
My first time trying Chicken Insider but this spot has been on my list to try for a long time now! I was just waiting for a craving to kick in! And it was more than what I expected. First, we ordered the 10 chicken wings, it was $15 so definitely pricey for what it is. Each wing was perfectly dunked and it did not feel super heavy, which is a huge plus! It was crispy and juicy. The only issue is that I did not order with any sauces, and this was a mistake as the chicken wings really did not have any salt or sauces on it. So note to self, next time get a sauce! Overall, while I enjoyed the wings, the price is definitely steep. Regardless, I will likely go back and try again and get a sauce with my wings next time!
Got as delivery and was very impressed with the size and flavoring of the meat. I went once in person and wasn't super impressed, however when I ordered again it was much better. I would recommend getting some naked wings with the fried ones to help balance out the heaviness
This was my go-to chicken spot since it's so reliably delicious with lots of options for everyone! It's a pretty small restaurant, so most people were getting take out. However, I think the chicken is yummiest eaten fresh, and I haven't had difficulty getting a seat. The boneless chicken is incredible! I really loved how juicy the dark meat is, and each individual piece is still pretty big. I also like getting two sauces on the side so that I can dip and mix them however I want! I really like the spicy Korean sweet chili, but my favorite is to get the the tteokboki to dip the chicken into that sauce (since it's spicier and has more umami flavor). The pork tonkatsu meal is fried beautifully, and it's the perfect portion size. The cajun fries were also top tier! I would definitely come back, especially for one of their lunch specials :)
Best fried chicken in the area by far. The chicken is perfectly crispy and lots of flavors to pick from. I enjoyed the Thai spice! Cajun fries were good too. Good lunch special.
A true hidden gem, chicken insider is the best KFC I've had in my entire life, let alone in NYC. Their chicken sandwhich is so juicy and crispy, coated with the right amount of sauce while maintaining the perfect crunch - dare I say the best in the city! Their also bone in chicken wings are literally a piece of heaven on earth. Light, crispy, and not oily, you must get the soy garlic. RUN don't walk to this establishment before they get too popular and you'll need to wait in line (always worth the wait). Oh, also they even have a bomb lunch deal. Come now!
I'm a huge fan of Korean fried chicken and I think I tried most places in NYC. It was my first time trying Chicken Insider and I wasn't disappointed. I loved how flavorful the chicken was with the coating and the generous portions. The fries were crispy and delicious as well. Everything was enough for two people and I loved how fast / efficient the service was. Not sure about ambiance because we ordered takeout, but we are overall happy with our experience with this chicken joint. Food: 4/5 Service: 4/5 Ambiance: N/A
Lunch deal was really affordable. $13 for 6 wings and fries plus a salad. The wings were decent, not something I will crave over and over again. But since the deal I can 100% seeing myself come back at some point. Spicy Korean chili sauce was good. The people working here are so kind and nice! Enjoyable to sit down and have a nice lunch!
Fried chicken connoisseurs saying this is the best no frills "chickin" on the UES, wished they didn't charge for the sauces on the side though.
2 months ago
I was craving Korean fried chicken and finally decided to give Chicken Insider a visit. I came for a late-ish lunch on a Friday afternoon. The shop, which is small with limited seating, was empty, save for one other patron. I ordered at the kiosk and waited for about 10 minutes for my dish to arrive. Throughout my time dining, there was a consistent flow of deliverymen coming in and out to pick up meals. It was clear that although this place was empty, it was a popular spot for delivery. I ordered their lunch special, which I found to be a great bargain. The meal was only $11.99, which came with five pieces of bone-in wings, rice, and salad. I ate my lunch heartily. For my main dish, I ordered the soy garlic fried chicken. While it was delicious, I found the sauce to lean more on the sweet side, with less of the soy and garlic coming through. It reminded me of a sweet-and-sour sauce and didn't taste the way a sauce like this normally does. Still, I enjoyed my meal for the crispness of the chicken skin, the juiciness of the meat, the softness of the rice, and the overall value. I will certainly come here again. read more
3 days ago
First of all, let me start with the smell -- because that's what's going to get you. This spot is fairly new in the neighborhood, literally right across the street from me, and ever since they opened I've been saying the same thing: the smell of that chicken will pull you in every single time. That Korean fried chicken seasoning hits the air and just wraps around you. It's warm, it's crispy, it's savory, and it makes you stop mid-walk like, "Yeah... I need that." So when my mom came to visit, I said, you know what? Let's finally try the place across the street. And I'm so glad we did because it did not disappoint. We went for a 10-piece wing and split the flavors -- honey tangy barbecue and Korean sweet chili. When I tell you that chicken was juicy and crispy at the same time? Perfect crunch on the outside, tender inside. Exactly what Korean fried chicken is supposed to be. And the fries. Listen. I love a good fry. But my son? He is a French fry connoisseur. That child knows fries. If he approves, you know it's legit. He loved them. So that alone tells you everything. Crispy, seasoned just right -- not soggy, not bland, not overly salty. Just good fries. Of course we got extra sauce on the side because if you're doing it, do it right. A little dip, a little drizzle -- options matter. We also tried the rice cake skewers -- two per order, so we did two each. So good. I love a good rice cake, and these hit. I've been blessed to experience different cultures and cuisines, and Korean food is absolutely up my alley when it's authentic and done right -- and this was done right. They've got options too. Parmesan fries, cheese fries, mozzarella sticks, mac and cheese, salads. There's a little Korean section with the pickled radish and kimchi -- yes and yes. The coleslaw? Also everything. It balanced the meal perfectly. You can do boneless or bone-in, but let me be clear: I'm bone-in all the way. It's not a wing if it doesn't have a bone. No disrespect to the boneless crowd -- sometimes it has its place -- but bone-in is elite. And because clearly I couldn't stop there, I recently went back and tried the chicken sandwich with the sweet potato fries. Loved it. Just as good. Crispy, flavorful, satisfying. But I'm telling you now -- the smell alone is going to get you through the door. And once you go in? You're not going to regret it. Highly recommend. read more
My first time trying Chicken Insider but this spot has been on my list to try for a long time now! I was just waiting for a craving to kick in! And it was more than what I expected. First, we ordered the 10 chicken wings, it was $15 so definitely pricey for what it is. Each wing was perfectly dunked and it did not feel super heavy, which is a huge plus! It was crispy and juicy. The only issue is that I did not order with any sauces, and this was a mistake as the chicken wings really did not have any salt or sauces on it. So note to self, next time get a sauce! Overall, while I enjoyed the wings, the price is definitely steep. Regardless, I will likely go back and try again and get a sauce with my wings next time! read more
5 months ago
Got as delivery and was very impressed with the size and flavoring of the meat. I went once in person and wasn't super impressed, however when I ordered again it was much better. I would recommend getting some naked wings with the fried ones to help balance out the heaviness read more
This was my go-to chicken spot since it's so reliably delicious with lots of options for everyone! It's a pretty small restaurant, so most people were getting take out. However, I think the chicken is yummiest eaten fresh, and I haven't had difficulty getting a seat. The boneless chicken is incredible! I really loved how juicy the dark meat is, and each individual piece is still pretty big. I also like getting two sauces on the side so that I can dip and mix them however I want! I really like the spicy Korean sweet chili, but my favorite is to get the the tteokboki to dip the chicken into that sauce (since it's spicier and has more umami flavor). The pork tonkatsu meal is fried beautifully, and it's the perfect portion size. The cajun fries were also top tier! I would definitely come back, especially for one of their lunch specials :) read more
2 years ago
Best fried chicken in the area by far. The chicken is perfectly crispy and lots of flavors to pick from. I enjoyed the Thai spice! Cajun fries were good too. Good lunch special. read more
8 months ago
A true hidden gem, chicken insider is the best KFC I've had in my entire life, let alone in NYC. Their chicken sandwhich is so juicy and crispy, coated with the right amount of sauce while maintaining the perfect crunch - dare I say the best in the city! Their also bone in chicken wings are literally a piece of heaven on earth. Light, crispy, and not oily, you must get the soy garlic. RUN don't walk to this establishment before they get too popular and you'll need to wait in line (always worth the wait). Oh, also they even have a bomb lunch deal. Come now! read more
1 year ago
2 years ago
I'm a huge fan of Korean fried chicken and I think I tried most places in NYC. It was my first time trying Chicken Insider and I wasn't disappointed. I loved how flavorful the chicken was with the coating and the generous portions. The fries were crispy and delicious as well. Everything was enough for two people and I loved how fast / efficient the service was. Not sure about ambiance because we ordered takeout, but we are overall happy with our experience with this chicken joint. Food: 4/5 Service: 4/5 Ambiance: N/A read more
Lunch deal was really affordable. $13 for 6 wings and fries plus a salad. The wings were decent, not something I will crave over and over again. But since the deal I can 100% seeing myself come back at some point. Spicy Korean chili sauce was good. The people working here are so kind and nice! Enjoyable to sit down and have a nice lunch! read more
2 years ago
Chicken Insider is the type of place you develop a long term relationship! My relationship started before the pandemic during the pandemic, and is continuing as we are reopening. The food is just so rich and flavorful, that I am constantly finding myself fighting the urge to order delivery or pick up (close to my apartments). The chicken to use it just so moist. I always order their hash brown chicken sandwich - it has been my go to. I also love ordering their crispy fried chicken and choosing a variety of different sauces with them. They're sides are all great. In terms of their options for fries, I'd suggest going with the truffle Parmesan fries. They are truly the best. I am not wild about their Cajun fries. They are quite popular and sometimes don't have delivery available on certain apps or are temporary closed because they're at capacity in terms of orders. So that is something to be mindful of. A little pricey, but definitely worth it to me. read more
3 years ago
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4 years ago
I really enjoyed this restaurant! There's very small seating inside, maybe 4 two-person tables and then some tables against the wall but it's a narrow shop. Was able to grab a table with my boyfriend and the service was friendly given how overwhelming it was with pickup and delivery orders. The Korean fried chicken with the Thai chili sauce (mild) was SO good that I couldn't stop raving about it. We also got the Cajun fries which were decent too. I already want to come back here to try the soy garlic chicken next or even get the Thai chili again! read more
5 years ago
Chicken Insider is only a couple blocks from my apartment. When I saw sweet potato fries on the menu I knew I was in! I decided to return for the Boneless Chicken Lunch Special with salad and sweet potato fries. It's $13.05 with the tax. I waited outside for my food to be prepared. It was warm in there. The friendly employees were great. They put it in a cute bag which I took home to eat. It's packed so I didn't have to do anything but unwrap and dig in. It was a lot of chicken for me so I saved half. It's dark meat, moist inside and just the right crunch outside. The salad with Ranch Dressing was so delicious. The sweet potato fries did not disappoint. It was the perfect portion for a meal and the price is right. I'll definitely return! read more
It was ok. Sorry, but I'm not drinking the kool aid on this one. Huge disappointment in that they only serve dark meat here. Even though I follow.a mainly Pescatarian diet I will make an exception a few times a year. Since this is close by me we tried it out not too long ago. I have to admit the fried chicken sandwich here is huge and is more than a meal. Very crispy and juicy. My gal enjoyed it. I just can't get past the taste of dark meat chicken. I think it's nasty. The onion rings were delicious. Not greasy at all. Fairly priced for what you get. About $9 for a sandwich and one sauce. About $6 for onion rings. Tiny place that's basically just for pickup. Friendly service. If this is your kind of thing you'll love it. It's just not for me. read more
OMG! Korean fried chicken in my hood? Yes yes yeasss! Thank you Chicken Insider. Your K-fried chicken is legit! I had the pleasure of trying out the Korean fried chicken at chicken Insider. The chicken was crispy and juicy, with a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors. Although, I believe they cater the the UES crowd on their spice level (moderate spice at most). They do have a long list of unique sauces, but I stayed with the traditional- soy garlic and spicy Korean sweet chili mixed in with the crispy fried chicken both of which reminded me of my time in Korea (their soy garlic is AMAZING BTW). I would love to try the other flavors however, you are unable to do a "half half" order like similar Korean Fired Chicken House. Even when the sauces were mixed in, the chicken remained crispy and temperature HOT. The other dishes were nothing to rave about, so I highly recommended sticking to the chicken. They had a special serving traditional Korean street food and they were not good! Flavor was completely off and certain spices were overwhelming; nothing like Korea. Sadly, no pickled radishes served with the chicken, and kimchi comes with a surcharge. Regardless, the service was fast and the staff were friendly. I loved how they have a large big screen streaming KPOP music videos all day- which makes it quite fun to dine in (if you can find space). Their lunch special is quite nice and filling! Overall, I highly recommend Chicken Insider for anyone looking for a delicious and authentic Korean fried chicken experience in the UES! read more
This is my favorite place for Korean Fried Chicken in Manhattan. I have tried different part of the chicken wing & boneless (FYI it's DARK meat which I LOVE), truffle fries (Seasoned so well that I don't even use any ketchup), tteokbokki (spicy rice cake dish that fits to my spicy level, COULD be spicier for others), fried cheese curd (even better next day in air fryer), spicy chicken tacos (tacos are thick), coleslaw (thumbs up), cabbage corn salad (it tastes similar to coleslaw but with corn added), picked radish (homemade). I have tried all of the sauces that goes with the chicken and I personally like the insider sauce (spicy ranch) and Korean sweet chili (spicy) sauce, both sauces are homemade. The restaurant is small, they have 2 tables and bar seatings. It is located in upper east and I highly recommend if you are in the area or able to get it delivered! read more
1 year ago
Back when my partner still lived in the Upper East Side pre-covid, Chicken Insider was our neighborhood fried chicken spot. They were a great spot for us to always grab quick bite before returning home. It was one of the few restaurants that we missed when we moved to Astoria. Recently we went back for a quick snack and unfortunately it seems that my memories were better. On our most recent visit, my partner and I ordered a 10 piece crispy fried wings with an order of truffle fries. Although the chicken was perfectly crispy and well cooked it seemed to be devoid of any flavor or salt. It was tasteless to the point where I had to go back inside just to buy a dipping sauce for an extra $2. I would have assumed for the 16$ price tag, it would be able to stand on it's own flavor wise. If not, at least include a small sauce option, otherwise people would just be eating corn flaked chicken with no salt. I also remember the fries being a bit better in the past. I feel as if they would have included more truffle oil and some more Parmesan cheese. It's possible that my memories of Chicken Insider are a bit skewed but I can't deny that Chicken Insider had some flaws in my recent visit. For the price point of fries and a ten piece (30$) I would expect just a bit of salt with my food. If Chicken Insider fixes these issues, they can go back to being one of the greats in the neighborhood but until then they're just a bit lackluster. read more
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Jenny Y.
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Boneless dark meat wings slathered in sauce. Need I say more? A small menu with something for every one with new Korean inspired items such as rice cake skewers and sauces as well! It's a very small space with limited seating with lots of take out and deliveries. Service is simple at the counter and food is brought out shortly after ordering. read more
4 years ago
Stumbled on this gem while on a lunch break and I was so content. Small chicken spot in yorkville. There's about 3 tables and a counter with 3 stools for seating. I got the southern chicken sandwich it consists of lettuce, Cajun seasoned fried chicken breast, special sauce on a brioche bun. I paired it with fries and a Stella. The sandwich was fresh and hot. I enjoyed every bite. The fries were basic but good. The service was great she was very attentive and friendly. Like I mentioned earlier is a small spot for a quick but they have a wide variety of chicken dishes, and they also serve beer and wine. I'll definitely be back read more
3 years ago
400th review, LFG. Walked in and got takeout, the 10 wings takeout order. You pay a small fee for each sauce you pick on the wing, FYI. Got the soy garlic which was elite and the mild Korean sauce which was good not great. Highly recommend the soy garlic. Service was efficient and extremely kind. Nice ambience and very fair prices. Recommend. read more
4 years ago
Must try: Original Chicken Sandwich and Original Crispy Wings! Why: If you like Chick-Fil-A and Fuku, you'll LOVE this place! The Original Chicken Sandwich was huge and super tasty (larger than Fuku). Chicken was perfectly crispy on outside with dark meat that was juicy and tender. The Insider Sauce was really good also and the bun was soft. I also added on Cajun Fries and Max & Cheese, which we're both fantastic sides. I couldn't resist from ordering the Original Crispy Wings with the Soy Garlic Sauce, and just like the sandwich the chicken was delicious. Notes: So glad this popped up on my Yelp Delivery. Food came quickly. I will definitely be ordering again when craving Korean Fried Chicken. Great addition to the UES! read more
6 years ago
Been ordering delivery here for a month now during Corona. Each time the delivery man comes with my order, its like Santa Claus coming down the chimney for me. Where to start? The Seoul chicken sandwich is a MUST - think you like Chick-fil-a or Popeyes's? Wait till you try this beast of a sandwich. Chicken thigh fried to a tender crisp, a fresh sprinkling of spinach, a dab of sweet gojuchang (red sweet-ish sauce), in between two pieces of fluffy sandwich bread. This fried chicken sandwich is insanely tastey, juicy, and flavorful! I wish I can show you my order history as that's like the only thing I've been consistently ordering from this place. Sides - I've tried their onion rings, french fries, and cajun french fries. Personal favorite was the regular french fries - Very crispy, airy, and seasoned incredibly well. But if you aren't feeling regular fries their other sides are also not too shabby as well. I'm counting the days when I have to order delivery again and this'll be my Christmas gift during the midst of a global pandemic. read more
I've been to most Korean fried chicken placed in NYC--used to be a regular at Boka on St. Marks, and been to BBQ Olive Chicken / Pelicana / Bon Chon in KTown. However, Chicken Insider is the best Korean fried chicken place that I've been to in NYC, and ironically, it is on the Upper East Side. The chicken is always juicy and fresh, unlike the quality of other chicken places where it feels like it's been left out in the open and re-fried when ordered, but still has an amazing crispiness to the battered skin as well. Highly recommend if you are in the area and craving Korean fried chicken. Disclaimer that all the side dishes in the picture do not come with the chicken, but you can order the white Pickled Radish on the side! read more
2 years ago
I ate here with a small group of friends back in February. We all really loved this place! There aren't too many options for Korean fried chicken in the UES, and Chicken Insider definitely satiates the craving. My friends and I shared a few sandwiches and a box of the crispy boneless chicken. The chicken is perfectly breaded and fried, with a beautifully crispy crust on the outside and moist chicken on the inside. You also don't get the oily/heavy feeling that you sometimes encounter at other fried chicken places. We also had the opportunity to try a variety of different sauces. Each one was really unique and tasty -- try the spicy thai chili for something a bit different. The staff members were all courteous and helpful. They were extremely patient with us even though we came in shortly before they were supposed to close on a Sunday night. Highly recommended for those in need of a Korean fried chicken fix on the UES! read more
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1752 2nd Ave
New York, NY 10128
Yorkville, Upper East Side
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(646) 864-0034
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https://chickeninsidernyc.com
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