Ask anyone about Long John Silver’s and they will tell you about the fish. But a new look at the chain’s menu says the real star may be something that was not even in the original name.
Tasting Table has named the chain’s chicken strips, often called Chicken Planks, one of the best fast food hidden gems of 2026.
The verdict appears in an October 29 piece on Tasting Table, backed by comments from fans on Reddit.
A Seafood Chain With A Chicken Secret
The planks are made with 100% white chicken meat and battered much like the chain’s seafood. They can be ordered individually or in two- to three-piece meals with fries and hushpuppies.
In 2025, the chain changed its classic logo to feature a chicken, with the tagline “Chicken + Seafood.” Fish remains on its website, but the message is clear: chicken is now a headliner.
A Critic Says They Beat The Popular Nuggets
The Tasting Table critic wrote that the chicken definitely beats popular fast food nuggets, and that the combination platter is absolutely worth the money.
In the publication’s ranking of Long John Silver’s meals, the three-piece chicken meal placed highly. The critic described the chicken as tender and juicy, with breading that is thick and crunchy.
That kind of praise is rare for a chain known for other foods.
What Reddit Fans Are Saying
Customers on Reddit are even more enthusiastic. One poster wrote that LJS chicken planks are the best fast food chicken.
Another said the batter makes their chicken the best tenders around, and one poster suggested asking for extra crumbs.
Fans debated which accompaniments pair best with the chicken, and one suggested malt vinegar. Then came the funniest confession of all: “My only issue is I always need a nap after I eat there.”
The Mystery Of The Recipe
The precise recipe is a closely held secret. Copycat recipes online suggest the chicken may be brined or marinated, and the batter seasoning may include onion powder, garlic powder, paprika and MSG.
Home cooks have been experimenting for years, trying to reproduce that thick, crunchy coating.
How To Order Like A Regular
If you want to try the planks, a few tips will help. Order a combo so you get fries and hushpuppies, which are a classic pairing.
- Ask for extra crumbs if you like a crunchier bite, as one fan suggested.
- Try malt vinegar for a tangy kick on the chicken.
- Eat them while hot. Batter loses its crispness as it sits.
- Check the price at your location, since prices can differ by region.
Make Chicken Planks At Home
If you like the idea of a thick, crunchy coating, you can build a version at home. Cut chicken breast into strips and soak them in buttermilk with a little salt and pepper for a few hours.
Dredge them in a mix of flour, paprika, garlic powder and onion powder, then dip them back in the buttermilk and into the flour again for a thicker crust.
Fry in hot oil, around 350 degrees Fahrenheit, until golden and cooked through to 165 degrees. Drain on a wire rack and serve with hushpuppies and a wedge of lemon.
Why Hidden Gems Matter
Every chain has a menu item that gets overshadowed by its famous product. Finding those items is one of the small joys of eating out.
If you have a favorite chain, try ordering something you have never had. You might discover your own hidden gem.
And if it leaves you ready for a nap, well, you will be in good company.
Seafood Chains And Their Second Acts
Chains often discover that their side items become the draw. Long John Silver’s has always been known for fish, but its chicken and hushpuppies earn loyal followings.
That is not unusual in the restaurant world. Pizza places become famous for wings, and burger spots win over fans with their shakes.
The change at Long John Silver’s, with a chicken on its logo and a tagline that puts chicken first, shows that the company noticed what customers were ordering.
Tips For Eating Out On A Budget
If you are watching your wallet, combination meals are often a better value than ordering items separately. A combo with chicken, fries and hushpuppies fills the plate for a set price.
Check the app or the menu board for family meals if you are feeding several people. Splitting a large order is usually cheaper per person.
Ask about drink refills and side swaps. Small choices add up, and a polite question can save a dollar or two.
Whatever you order, eat it hot. A fresh chicken plank is crunchy and juicy, while one that has been sitting in a bag turns soft within minutes.
One last thought for fans of a good fry. Pair the chicken with a simple slaw or a side of green beans if you want to balance a heavy plate. Small tweaks like that let you enjoy a favorite without feeling weighed down afterward.
And if you try the planks and love them, tell a friend. Hidden gems stay hidden until someone talks about them.
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