Traditionally, the fried chicken from Kroger has not engendered the same sort of loyalty or ardor.
However, Kroger aims to challenge Publix’s poultry primacy.
The product promises to be “double breaded and hand-dipped, featuring 18 different spices.”
Photos: Kroger, Publix. Design: Eat This, Not That!
Popeyes vs. KFC: Which Has the Best Bone-In Fried Chicken?
Julio Hernandezcompleted the auspicious trio of judges.
Surti described a bird that was hot and crispy and definitely served on the bone.
Photo: Chris Chamberlain, Eat This, Not That!
He demands juicy meat seasoned well and spicy enough to draw attention.
Myint concurred that flavor and texture are equally crucial in his experience.
Hernandez prefers lighter breading but still has a nice crunch on the bite.
Photo: Chris Chamberlain, Eat This, Not That!
(Go figure.)
Surti noted the smaller drumsticks but also that they still looked crispy and crunchy and “always golden.”
On the first bite, all three chefs were pleased.
Photo: Chris Chamberlain, Eat This, Not That!
“I like this chicken,” gushed Hernandez.
“It’s crispy, and the black pepper in the seasoning gives it a kick!”
There was unanimous agreement that the salt and pepper was aggressive but not excessive.
Photo: Chris Chamberlain, Design: Jené Sena, Eat This, Not That!
I wonder what chemical do they add to keep it that way?"
It’s almost cheaper than buying raw chicken."
Hernandez admitted, “I never need to buy fried chicken from Publix, but I always do.
Today will be my first time trying Kroger fried chicken.”
All three were immediately impressed by the look of Kroger’s new bird.
“That’s pretty!”
“Maybe there’s a little paprika in the dredge to give it that nice reddish tint.”
Both Hernandez and Surti noticed that the individual pieces looked bigger than the Publix offering.
Surti surmised, “I bet this looks great in the deli case.
If I see this, I’m thinking, ‘Hell yeah!’
and diving in.”
The taste:The excitement for the new competitor quickly faded, though.
All you see is spots of seasoning on top, but nothing has any taste.
“This needs help.
I’d definitely be grabbing for some sauces if I brought this home.
I bet it tastes great on paper.”
The chef complimented the cooking, saying, “This one is dialed-in.
Somebody well-trained cooked this chicken.”
Hernandez offered a possible reason for the lack of seasoning.
But this tastes like no salt at all."
Another factor the chefs noticed was a doughy taste of uncooked flour in the dredge.
“Where’s the crunch?”
“The skin feels a little doughy, more like Shake-n-Bake,” referencing the once-popular chicken kitchen shortcut.
Publix scored an average of 8.5 on taste while Kroger lagged behind with scores between 5 and 6.
