When I was a kid I had a choice of Pioneer Chicken, Picnic N Chicken, and Kentucky Fried Chicken. Pioneer Chicken had this crunchy and spicy chicken I loved when I wanted to be a rebel. Picnic N Chicken was like KFC original recipe except I thought it had a smoother flavor and maybe fried in better quality oil. Sadly KFC is the last of the big 3 left in town. I tried the extra crispy version and while I like how crunchy it is the flavor is not as intense as original recipe. Original recipe has more spices and flavor. Chicken seems smaller now than when I was a kid but it’s still as tender and juicy with that delicious southern flavor.
Biscuit was just like the old days. Crunchy shell with a slightly buttery flavor. This is one of my fav biscuits.
Chocolate chip cookie was lacking in fresh baked flavor. There was sweetness and chocolate flavor.
Wedge fries looked sad like they were sitting around too long. Flavor was mostly salty. Red Robin version has better potato flavor.
Chicken pot pie was a bit small for a full dinner. Crust was crunchy and had a nice mild flavor. Chicken, gravy, and carrots had a mild savory flavor which I liked. The crust is almost as tasty as my fav pie at the Chicken Pie Shop. The flavor of the filling isn’t as rich though. This is the best chicken pot pie I’ve ever had at a fast food joint though.
Popeyes on Tuesday is my fav spot to get fast food fried chicken now as it’s hot, fresh, and full of flavor at a good price. I still come to KFC once in awhile when they mail me a good coupon though.
7180 Miramar Rd
San Diego, CA 92121
(858) 271-8559
San Diego, CA 92121
Great comparison and description of the big chicken franchise’s. Makes me want to go out and get a chicken pot pie. ?
Thanks! You should go get a chicken pot pie!
Was Picnic N Chicken San Diego-based? Even though I never ate there I would hear about it on TV. My dad had a friend that when we met up with him close to our home his youngest daughter had a box from Picnic N Chicken. But if we ate chicken it was at KFC in which I loved their original recipe(and still do) and that they used to serve rolls until they were later replaced by biscuits. Growing up as a child in San Diego there was a few other things that I remember then in San Diego such as the Padres, Jack in the Box and PSA. I went to Padres games, PSA was promoted at the stadium and went to eat at Jack in the Box. But when I moved to Texas there was no Jack in the Boxes in the area where I lived at until after I moved to another area of Texas. But when we visited San Diego again in 1984 Picnic N Chicken was gone we saw what used to be a Picnic N Chicken. Sadly PSA is gone like Picnic N Chicken. The problem is that there is lack of information about Picnic N Chicken in the worldwide web.
Yes. There is a San Diego Magazine article about the founder:
https://www.sandiegomagazine.com/San-Diego-Magazine/August-2003/Whatever-Happened-To/index.php?cparticle=4&siarticle=3t
I still eat KFC and I like Popeye’s, and Church’s chicken. It’s good having variety. There is one Picnic N Chicken left in Las Vegas renamed Farm Basket:
https://www.yelp.com/biz/farm-basket-las-vegas
Another cool San Diego institution I love is San Diego Comic Con.
I miss Picnic N Chicken. I preferred it over KFC. Sigh
Picnic n Chicken was so much better than Kentucky Fried.
Had one in LA Mesa across from the Toys R Us and there was an A&W nearby too.
The food in the 70’s was awesome.
Duane,
Those were the good old days. There is one Picnic n Chicken left in Las Vegas I’m going to write about. Glad you were able to eat some Picnic N Chicken before they closed up in California. I miss the Pioneer Chicken too.
Soo
Soo,
I was just a boy then. But I remember.
I wasn’t too keen on Pioneer. I remember it making me dizzy every time I ate it.
Thanks for the 411 on the Vegas chicken outlet. If I ever get through there again, I’ll be sure to try it out.
Duane,
Back then Pioneer was my least favorite but I did like it once in awhile as it was different from all the other fried chicken spots.
You are welcome! I’ll post about the last Picnic N Chicken sometime this month. Been trying to highlight small local spots lately.
Soo