Crispy-crunchy-savory perfection on the outside, succulently juicy goodness on the inside. That’s what makes fried chicken the official best food of all time. I’m obsessed with it, and my awesome chicken quest will never end. Here are my favorite local versions of the greatest comfort dish ever to exist.
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Blue Ribbon
Believe the hype. The Bromberg brothers’ beloved, matzo meal and paprika-coated poultry masterpiece is uniquely addictive. The fact that fried chicken is a standout dish on a menu of pristine sashimi platters, surf-and-turf combos and king crab fried rice proves how famously delicious it is. $26. Cosmopolitan, 736-0808. Sunday-Thursday, 5 p.m.-1 a.m.; Friday & Saturday, 5 p.m.-2 a.m.
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Hank’s Fine Steaks
The recent closing of Meat & Three on Eastern Avenue marked the death of some the homiest, most crunch-tastic bird I’ve ever chomped. Now the best fried chicken in Henderson is—surprise!—at this cool casino steakhouse, where it gets an overnight bath in buttermilk for creamy tenderness and a final kiss of decadent sage gravy. $31. Green Valley Ranch Resort, 617-7075. Sunday-Thursday, 5-10 p.m.; Friday & Saturday, 5-11 p.m.
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Soyo
Korean fried chicken is a big-ass deal in trendier food cities. In Vegas, we’ve got Soyo, a snack stop supreme, where you can get a whole bird lacquered with caramelized garlic or, my preference, crispy wings drenched in a fire-red, spicy and sticky-sweet sauce. $12. 7775 S. Rainbow Blvd. #105, 897-7696. Monday-Thursday, 11:30 a.m.-3 a.m.; Friday & Saturday, 11:30 a.m.-4 a.m.; Sunday, 11:30 a.m.-2 a.m.
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Citizens Kitchen & Bar
This newcomer caught me off guard—an all-purpose casino cafeteria with serious Southern fried yardbird? It comes in a basket, four giant pieces coated in well-seasoned crunch with jalapeño honey for dipping bliss. $23.50. Mandalay Bay, 832-9200. 24/7.
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Shoku Ramen-ya
This ramen joint’s karaage wings were my favorites, with savory, crunchy outer bits almost like peanut brittle. But Shoku has switched it up to boneless bites of moist meat, still quite tasty. $6. 470 E. Windmill Lane #110, 897-0978. Sunday-Thursday, noon-10 p.m.; Friday & Saturday, noon-11 p.m.
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