The chicken smells funny, but tastes amazing… I’m not sure how that’s possible, but somehow it is. The food I’d give 5 stars, but I have to dock a couple for the customer service. The hubs and I walked in on a Sunday night craving some yummy chicken, and the lady at the counter took one look at us and turned away. ??? I don’t know if it was because we were Asian or not, but she very sweetly helped out a nice looking older white lady who had come in after us before finally taking our order. No sweetness for us, though. After waiting over half an hour for our food to come out and watching as several other customers(none Asian, btw) waltzed in, placed their orders, held nice little conversations with the lady behind the counter, got their food, and walked out, we finally got our chicken handed off to us and got the heck out of dodge… again with no smile, thank you come again, goodbye, nothing. Being a sensitive soul(though I seem thick skinned), I was really upset, and may have even cried a little. But the food… that food. I would brave another visit just for another bite of that scrumdiddlyumptious chicken. I’ll be sure to call in my order and sound as American as possible beforehand, though. Luckily, I was born and raised here and have an impeccable Californian accent, so we’ll see how it goes.
Jade V.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Baldwin Park, CA
Original review for 3÷24÷14 Been craving for some chicken the last few days and decided to give Chicken Box a visit. This is only my second time eating their chicken, and man… It’s been way too long! The chicken here is far superior to any other chicken place I’ve ever been to — super crispy skin(which I love), and juicy, tender meat! I ordered a broasted chicken dinner for pick-up, and had no issues ordering, even though I didn’t know what was on the menu. I use a walker, and when I got there, Charles was nice and courteous enough to carry my take-out to the car! I ordered 2 chicken pieces with broasted potatoes, but when I got home, he gave me 3 chicken pieces and the potatoes were huge! I normally feel sick to my stomach if I eat more than one piece of fried chicken, but I ate 2 pieces, the bread, and some of the potatoes, and I didn’t feel like my arteries clogged up with fat! Another plus! I really wanted to get a to-go menu, so I could see what meal I want to order next, but they didn’t have one :(No reason to knock this place down though — the food speaks for itself. Will definitely be going back for my chicken fix and other items on the menu. Chicken Box has a new satisfied customer! ***Update *** 4÷1÷14 Went there for lunch to try and get a broasted chicken fix, only to find the place boarded up. Booo! There was a sign at the door indicating that the store had been sold. :(Now I don’t know where to go to get good broasted chicken near my area. So sad!
Steve S.
Rating des Ortes: 1 Pasadena, CA
Made a special, first time trip, to Chicken Box only to find that they were closed(around 3:00PM.) Looked through the window and the place had that«out of business» look.
Grace S.
Rating des Ortes: 5 West Covina, CA
This place ROCKS! My fiancé and I used to live around the corner from here and would always go on Mondays for their family special. The chicken is soooo flavorful and juicy and the skin(I know it’s bad for you) is soo crunchy and good… makes me want to drive there now and have some! Anyway, the wait can be long at times, but as other reviewers would tell you, it is definitely worth the wait!
Daneen N.
Rating des Ortes: 4 West Covina, CA
I had fried red snapper french fries and fried shrimp. It was delicious and season very well. All food is made to order so allow 15 to 20 min. I highly recommend this place. Under new ownership, Now called Big C’s Seafood and Chicken Box. They also have bbq ribs.
Stephanie K.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Covina, CA
This place is delicious. There’s another broasted chicken place that I’ve tried where the prices and amount of food you get get is much more, but I like the flavor of the chicken at Chicken Box. It’s much tastier and crispier. There is usually a long wait for food, but it is well worth it.
A S.
Rating des Ortes: 1 Downey, CA
I was here about a week ago, and this place is ok… the food has to much MSG, no public restrooms for a sit down establishment(as I was told to go a few doors down to another eatery to use the restroom), a bad suggestion from the employee, as I decided to order my food from the establishment I went into to use the restroom. The desserts are not homemade, as the employees claim they are, and I was not fond of the styrofoam take out container as my plate for a dine-in order. This establishment lacks employee’s, so pertinent aspects are overlooked(dirty tables, unsweaped floors, greasy finger prints on the soda cooler, and dessert case. My biggest pet peeve was hearing the employees in the back arguing over the orders going out, and foul language used. I didn’t care for the owner sitting out in the dining area with customers that were clearly friends, as they talked, laughed, and the owner ignored the other customers dining in. I was also disquested with the cheap lack of napkins that are given to clean your hands from the meal. The owner is genuinely nice, but rough around the edges, he could use a people skills class to iron out the wrinkles. The menu has changed, the to go menus are no longer, and it takes a really long time to get your food whether it is phoned in, or you walk in(expect a minimum of a 30 minute wait on all orders, guaranteed). Maybe things need to change in the near future, but for now the first impression was not a good one, and I’m all about first impressions, as they are lasting in my book. I won’t be recommending this eatery to friends and family any time soon, serious changes need to be made for me to walk back into this establishment…
Eli O.
Rating des Ortes: 2 Covina, CA
Went last night for dinner, the chicken was blah, we got old rolls and potatoe wedges were not cooked through. I won’t be going back
Danny C.
Rating des Ortes: 1 Fontana, CA
I’ve been going to chicken box since the early 80’s and have taken and referrerd many of my family and friends there. Everybody loved it till the new owners took over the chicken has not been the same nor has the service. today was the last straw I always call ahead so I don’t have to wait so long and each time of late I still have to wait longer and longer each time so i called today as usual went to pick up my order and they tried to charge me $ 4.00 more than they told me over the phone(the price they gave me over the phone is what came up on the register when i gave her my name and she changed it) after i complained she gave me the price from the phone. She then had another girl help me and they did not even start to make my order and told me it would be another 20mins or so. CHICKENBOXYOUJUSTLOST A VERYLOYAL30PLUSYEARCUSTOMERANDHISFRIENDSANDFAMILY
Minda w.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Rowland Heights, CA
After a failed attempt to go to two furnitures stores that were permanently closed, I needed something to eat. Queue Unilocal and the nearest place to assuage my stomach and hurt feelings. The nearest place is Chicken Box. Less than a minute later I am in front of a mom and pop shop. The menu is pretty simple: chicken, ribs, sides. I opted for the lunch special: $ 4.99 for a chicken leg/thigh + soda + 2 sides. I ask for to go and wait my 15 minutes. How was it? The chicken is pretty good. The sides are so so. Potato salad, Macaroni salad, and potato wedges were recommended by the cashier. I opted for potato salad and macaroni salad. Please pass on the macaroni salad. It’s just a load of bland mayo pasta pieces. The potato salad was better. It’s a lot of sauce but there was some flavor. It went pretty well with the chicken. Now the chicken is fatty and oily but it has a fantastic skin. The meat is pretty juicy and moist too.
Mindy W.
Rating des Ortes: 1 Boynton Beach, FL
This is no longer BROASTED Chicken!!! Do not be fooled. They have changed all the signage to read BROSTED Chicken(removing the A), because they no longer produce Broasted chicken as it should be. My husband and I are HUGE fans of the immense flavor and quality of Broaster products. So much so that we researched it a while back and found that the only way to make it is by becoming a Broaster Trademark operator that uses only a Broaster manufactured pressure fryer, their proprietary seasonings, and their cooking methods. One taste of «brOsted» chicken told us that they were no longer using this process. We got chicken strips, which SHOULDBE heavily seasoned, slightly crispy, and moist(from the Broaster seasonings and process). Instead, we got a soggy, battered, chicken tender that had no seasoning and was dry in the middle(seemed frozen). Broaster potatoes SHOULDBE moist and somewhat fluffy(like a baked potato). We received mushy, greasy potatoes with skins that were hard to chew through. The coleslaw was tasteless. The one redeeming factor of this experience was that, since they use cheaper methods and products, our lunch fiasco only cost us about $ 13.00(real Broaster chicken is more expensive). I would be less upset about this willful deception if I did not know a little of the history of Chicken Box. My husband and I have been coming to this Chicken Box since it was owned by the venerable«Chickie Ed.» So moved was I by his food, the passion he had for his business, and his signature framed puzzles, that I dedicated an entire blog to this establishment a little over 10 years ago. The last I heard, the Chicken Box in La Habra was still owned by his daughter and is using Broaster methods & products. I hope that the poor quality of the West Covina Chicken Box does not inadvertently affect the La Habra location. It is sad to me to know that the history of this West Covina landmark is being maligned by new owners that have chosen to steal the success that was built on honesty, integrity, passion, and quality food. While it is true that they are not lying about the fact that they no longer make broAsted chicken, the fact remains that they are only modifying existing signage, menus, etc. It is doubtful that the average consumer will note this difference and they know this. It is my hope that they change their name and their sign so that more patrons are not deceived. Finally, for REAL Broaster Chicken in West Covina, go to Old World Deli, where they do it the way it should be!
Daryl I.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Rancho Cucamonga, CA
It’s been ages since I’ve had broasted chicken, so coming here was a nice change of pace from the usual fast-food fare rut I’ve been in. Yea, the chicken was good, as were the potato wedges(which are gargantuan, by the way). The only criticism that I’m going to lay down on this place is this: When a customer asks for a recommendation about a side dish, don’t say«everything is good». That question allows for you to step up and tout something specific on your menu. Instead, that answer left us no better off than before we asked the question and it didn’t leave a very good impression.
Catalina T.
Rating des Ortes: 1 Azusa, CA
Came here cause we had a coupon from the Entertainment coupon book and we had read some good reviews about this place. Was looking forward to some yummy chicken for dinner but to my surprise they didn’t honor the coupon. The place wasn’t busy which makes me assume that they don’t have a lot of customers. I would think they would honor it and make that exception being that we were there already and have one customer rather than one that will not come back anymore. Sorry, you’ve lost a customer. PS coupon wasn’t expired, they just stopped accepting them We also saw that there is a sign near the register charging you if you use their bottles of hot sauce. they sell tapatio and tabasco but if you dine in and you use the bottles, they charge you about 99 cents to use it… that’s ridiculous! Oh and they have this door bell ringing thing that wouldn’t stop ringing the whole 10 minutes we were in there. DINGDONGDINGDONGDINGDONG
Brian W.
Rating des Ortes: 2 Los Angeles, CA
I hate to give this place 2 stars, but it just wasn’t that great to be honest. Maybe I got too excited seeing the reviews on Unilocal. My friends all got the lunch special, which I suppose is somewhat worth it. It’s around $ 5 and you get either two pieces of broasted chicken or three chicken strips and two sides. The chicken is good, it’s juicy and it seems pretty fresh and it’s HOT. However, the skin isn’t really that tasty, which is disappointing to me because I love seasoned chicken skin, however gross that sounds lol. For sides, I’d definitely recommend the broasted potatoes. They are HUGE, and they’re not something you find somewhere else! I’m really glad I chose to get them with my meal(I got the Chicken Snack, which is two pieces of broasted chicken, coleslaw, honey and roll, broasted potatoes and comes with a drink with a Unilocal check-in). They really don’t give you too much of the other sides to be honest, so it’s a little disappointing if you expected a mountain of fried zucchini or something. I think my friend got four. It’s really not a service place. I think they might have checked on us once, or not at all, now that I think of it… This is probably the saddest part, because it’s what really sets apart small, local places like these in the first place. I was about to give them 3 stars until I remembered that there was basically zero service. :( Came here expecting to experience a hidden local gem, and left disappointed and still slightly hungry. Maybe I’ll try again, since I can’t believe Unilocal was so wrong, but for now, not the best.
Christine K.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Alhambra, CA
I am a big fan of fried chicken and this place did not disappoint! It is a family owned business that has the best fried chicken I’ve had in a long time. I ordered the 4 piece meal that included chicken, 3 potato wedges, coleslaw and a bread roll. I could tell the chicken had just been prepared because it was too hot to eat at first. The steam was rising off it. It was crispy and the meat was very juicy. The wedges were huge, similar to KFC but thrice as big. The owner was really kind and get asking us if everything was okay. I would definitely come here again. It’s located in a plaza behind the movie theater, a hidden treasure.
Philippe G.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Chino, CA
Broasted chicken… I only used to see this at the Fair… but all evidence to the contrary. So nestled in a little strip mall behind Edwards Theater is Chicken Box. More to the point, on Mondays they have a great special $ 11.99 for ten pieces with fries. The chicken is juicy on the inside… I said juicy on the inside… rare for most fried chicken anywhere… and crispy on the outside. Lightly seasoned and juicy… great stuff… The fries are actually pretty delicious too… I can’t speak for anything else on the menu as I have not sampled anything else. But based on the chicken alone… it warrants the rating…
Vince V.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Pico Rivera, CA
Broasted chicken is not gone, Chicken Box does a great job of representing for broasted chicken fans like myself. I took pictures of the meal I purchased for under $ 5, lunch special. I received three large chicken strips, not dry, just crunchy enough, moderate seasoning. I had 3 potato wedges which had as much potato as 2 bakes potatos, not as salty as a mojo potato but not lacking flavor either. I asked for onion rings and they delivered in every sense of the word. The thick, dense, well flavored, crunchy yet moist crust was memorable. I waited for a little over fifteen minutes but it was well worth it. The parking was ok, very quiet area with tons of parking. The man was friendly enough, they do not have public restrooms, lunch specials are exceptional and seating was decent(44-person tables). They are closed on Wednesdays, please remember this, I will. Being accidently denied left me feening for this chicken even more, and I was so happy when I had the chance to finally taste the Chicken Box in West Covina. Song Parody of Lloyd Bank’s 2005 hit song«Karma» I was accidently denied On Wednesday you are closed, I tried But I’m all right I had to follow my guide Saw a pie shop and went inside Cause my hunger don’t hide Chicken is what I demand I will take it broasted if I can Cause I am a fan I’ll pay for whatever its worth Just remember I came her first I can’t keep my eyes off ya I can tell why the Unilocal foodies want ya Just like fried but a little softer A review is what I offer Similarities and characters Haven’t ya heard the word around town How I chow down? Eat like a Bissell Cause they all Unilocal official And that chicken of yours Makes me write like an Epistle Put strips on top Cause my hunger takes of like a missile And since its fresh I will wait here with no issue Please be so kind, so I can take some home to momma The chicken bliss is like a nirvana Valuable like its Prada Broasted fresh, always hotta Always big style like an impala Put a bib on my collar Ya had me feeling like a fool when I holla’d Trying to eat here but not like a balla Under $ 5 sweeter Soon as I realize that I’m an eater I am in a rush to get this chicken, oh so eager I was accidently denied On Wednesday you are closed, I tried But I’m allright I had to follow my guide Saw a pie shop and went inside Cause my hunger don’t hide Chicken is what I demand I will take it broasted if I can Cause I am a fan I’ll pay for whatever its worth Just remember I came her first I just want to honor you Cause your chicken skin is remarkable U make a Foodie wanna picnic in the park with you There ain’t no telling what kinda things that I’m’a start to do If I get wrapped up on your chicken to fast You can tell I feel this way cause I laugh when they ask So I leave this review as a hint, put in my math I imagine your prolly twice as good as pork fat But I’m buggin Cause I can see smell the fryer when I pass I don’t eat stable cause lunch goes too fast But you can be the one I eat before I dash And I admit I been the type to try n split But you can blame me for some of eateries I be messing with Cause Most of these places just serve the modern shish Till they get unique, than be satisfied with a few visits And if they are not worth it then that’s all they get I am not gonna blame them I’m gonna blame all I bet Cause I was accidently denied On Wednesday you are closed, I tried But I’m allright I had to follow my guide Saw a pie shop and went inside Cause my hunger don’t hide Chicken is what I demand I will take it broasted if I can Cause I am a fan I’ll pay for whatever its worth Just remember I came her first It seems like my attitude Only appears when I’m hungry dude In several situations occur n that includes When good food is far searching the Unilocal avenues As soon as I get here its chicken and wedges too You know my fantasies and I’m eating things at lightning speed And Pioneer making strips for me I like the bold flavor poultry Cause I come from the hood where the flavor be I eat fast better keep pace But keep broasting chicken before I eat up all your place Broasting your chicken like this Gonna make me blow like a bottle of Cris And I don’t know a better broasted than this You got my temperature risin’ from your legs to your thighs an That glare in your fries that brighten up my horizon It comes naturally when I try em It’s easy as… 1, 2, 3 n I buy em I was accidently denied On Wednesday you are closed, I tried But I’m allright I had to follow my guide Saw a pie shop and went inside Cause my hunger don’t hide Chicken is what I demand I will take it broasted if I can Cause I am a fan I’ll pay for whatever its worth Just remember I came her first
Maggie C.
Rating des Ortes: 2 Los Angeles, CA
I wouldn’t know this place existed if it wasn’t because of Unilocal. Ordered chicken & rib meal for two. Chicken & rib meal for two($ 19.99): 2 pcs breasts and 2 ¼ slab of ribs, fries or wedges, BBQ sauce, coleslaw and 2 rolls with honey. Substituted breasts with 2 thighs. Chicken: juicy, crispy but bland. Ribs: dry, bland and lack the tenderness. Potato wedges: huge and tasteless. Coleslaw: fresh, crunchy but tasteless. Place is small but workers are friendly. 2 stars Chicken Box is not yummylicious!
Wendy C.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Walnut, CA
I have yet to stumble upon a place that fries their chicken as well as chicken box. Their method of broasting really does seal in those juices unlike any normal fried chicken. Even their fried chicken breast is extremely juicy! Everything is fresh and made to order so it does take a little bit of time for the food, but it is completely worth it. A little fact that might be useful: This place has about 5 tables in total for dine-in so if you are planning on bringing a big group, you might run into a little trouble. But since this place is catering more towards to-go orders, finding seating is usually never a problem.
Jenny T.
Rating des Ortes: 4 West Covina, CA
Chicken Box is located behind the Edwards West Covina Stadium 18 in one of the small strip malls. It’s a small little hole in the wall place run by a nice couple. I took the kids to watch Transformers 3 and we couldn’t get any seats, so we had to wait for the next showing. While walking around waiting, we stumbled upon this place and decided to try it. OMG… what yummy deliciousness! Who invented broasted chicken, and why was I never informed about it? It’s like a crispy chicken humped a juicy chicken and had a baby, except the baby wasn’t greasy. I mean, this is great chicken. Go get it. NOW. Pros: — Monday special — $ 11.99 for a 10 pc. meal with either broasted potatoes or reg. fries. Other days it’s $ 16.99. I recommend the potatoes. — Very nice couple. My son has asthma and because it was stuffy inside, they moved a table outside for us to sit and eat outdoors. — Good prices if you get the sale. Definitely worth the money. — Chicken Heaven. ‘Nuff said. Cons: — Very small place. Four tables and no outdoors seating. — No A/C, so it’s really stuffy in there, especially during the summer. — It takes 15 – 20 min. to get your order cooked. Chicken may get soggy after awhile, so if you can stand it, eat it there to fully enjoy an orgasm in your mouth. — Some may think the chicken pieces are a bit small, but I think if they were any larger, the chicken wouldn’t come out so perfect.