**** Krispy Krunchy Chicken is now a location of Cluck n Sip
While I'd been keeping an eye on the opening of the new 99 Ranch Market on Balboa, I never really made it until a couple of weeks ago. They opened while we were out of the country and when I got back, my schedule was a mess for a while. So, I finally made it over when I needed to pick up something on the way home from work. Krispy Krunchy Chicken is located in the food court on the east side of the building along with Saigon 5 and a location of Shanxi Magic Kitchen (those posts are coming up). I decided to grab something to go and the folks at KKC were really friendly...insisting I sample their chicken tenders.
So, I placed an order for 10 wings....which are currently on special for $7.99. I was told it would be 10 minutes for my chicken, which was perfect as it gave me a chance to dash over and make my purchases in the market.
I got the basic fried chicken wings.
These were indeed (C)Krispy, (C)Krunchy, hot, and very moist, probably since this was made to order. In spite of being fairly hefty sized wings, I thought the batter to meat ratio was quite nice. Both the Missus and I thought a more aggressive Cajun seasoning would make this a bit better. Much like Kirbie, I couldn't help but make the comparison to Popeye's. While you're at it; check out Jinxi's post as well.
I'm glad I didn't get the "Buffalo" version since I saw that it was simply doused with hot sauce.......the chicken would have been soggy by the time I got home. Both the Missus and I used a good amount of Crystal Hot Sauce to add a little kick to the rather mildly seasoned wings. Still these were not bad.
During this visit; I learned that KKC opened at 930am, which made it a perfect spot for a bite between meetings. Curious that the place makes Ramen; albeit a definite Chinese Style (Wuji) ramen; I thought I'd give it a try. So I ordered the Tonkotsu Ramen and was given a free chicken tender.
This had been sitting so while being fairly crisp, had dried out a bit and was quite bland.
The ramen was also mediocre.
The broth is thin, yet has a greasy mouthfeel. The flavor is slightly "tinny". The worst thing was that the broth was served almost lukewarm and was more salty than anything else. The chashu, while well flavored is fairly tough. The noodles were overcooked. The egg was nice and softboiled and might be; other than the very cheerful young Chinese kids manning the booth the best thing about this bowl of ramen.
A few days later, I needed to grab something before a 11am conference call so I dropped by and got a three piece meal with potato wedges.
Unlike my wings, this wasn't cooked to order and it suffered a bit. Especially the breast which was really dry and bland with the batter falling off. The color was also darker than the chicken on my previous visits. The potato wedges were also dry.
If I return, I'll probably go with the wings and hope they make them to order. And while the chicken here is larger than Popeye's, I enjoy the flavor at P's better. Like I said you can't help but make a comparison. Popeye's was founded in New Orleans in 1972; KKC, in Lafayette in 1989 and uses an injectable flavor/brine....which I think they need to use more aggressively.
I really liked the young people working here; they are very friendly, and always giving out samples. I believe they also have a location in the East Village.
Krispy Krunchy Chicken
5950 Balboa Ave (Inside 99 Ranch Market)
San Diego, CA 92111
Hmmm... I'm gonna ask if they will make me chicken wings to order. They sound good when fresh!
Posted by: Soo @ hungryones | Monday, 12 December 2016 at 09:19 AM
Definitely much better when fresh Soo.
Posted by: Kirk | Monday, 12 December 2016 at 10:09 AM
KKC's East Village location is inside Park Blvd. Express, the fast food-steam table Chinese place on Park and Market by the trolley stop. I've avoided getting the fried chicken there because it looks like the chicken just sits around under a heat lamp there, likely similar to the tender and three-piece meal.
Posted by: Derric | Monday, 12 December 2016 at 10:15 AM
Yes Derric - This doesn't seem to do so well after sitting under those heat lamps.
Posted by: Kirk | Monday, 12 December 2016 at 06:12 PM
I also saw ramen on the menu but was too skeptical. You are a true culinary warrior!
Posted by: Junichi | Thursday, 15 December 2016 at 01:02 PM
Or just crazy enough to try it Junichi....
Posted by: Kirk | Thursday, 15 December 2016 at 01:55 PM
You were brave enough to try the ramen! I was very curious but also very skeptical.
Posted by: Kirbie | Friday, 16 December 2016 at 11:10 AM
Well, it lived up to expectations Kirbie!
Posted by: Kirk | Friday, 16 December 2016 at 11:22 AM