It’s been 45 years since the first Frenchy’s Chicken, located on Scott Street at the corner of Wheeler Avenue, opened its doors. Frenchy’s was once a sandwich shop, but the owner, New Orleans native Percy “Frenchy” Creuzot, added chicken to the menu shortly after opening. Creuzot’s son said his father would start selling chicken after the Church’s down the street closed for the night and would continue all night, even to 5 a.m.

Frenchy’s Chicken is now a Houston landmark. Frenchy’s has been mentioned in a plethora of songs by Houston artists such as Beyoncé, Devin the Dude, Fat Tony and Chingo Bing. Frenchy’s even became a franchise, but now all but three locations have closed.

Frenchy’s chicken is Creole, seasoned and simple. The crust is crunchy, thin and salty. The underlining hunk of meat is juicy and a bit greasy. Every order includes a pickled jalapeño pepper and either a fluffy and sweet biscuit or cornbread muffin.

Creole seasoning is sprinkled on the fries, which gives them a kick. The other sides have just as colorful flavors as well. They include collard greens, dirty rice, gumbo, jambalaya and red beans and rice.

The downside about the sides is that they are so small it’s hard not to want more once they’re gone. They come in small white containers that probably hold a spoonful or two.

Nevertheless, the sides are seasoned just as well as the chicken. The collard greens, for example, come in a warm greenish base with bacon bits sprouting a hint of meaty grease on the leaf. Also, the gumbo is a treat if one is looking for more heat to accompany the flare of the chicken.

Also, Frenchy’s offers chicken tenders, boudin and a selection of desserts. The dessert menu consists of bread pudding, chocolate cake, lemon cake, peach cobbler and sweet potato pie.

Topping it off, Frenchy’s prices fit well into a college student’s budget. The menu offers several meals under $7, one being their Mini Meal, which includes two chicken pieces of one’s choice, a side, pepper, biscuit or cornbread. Another affordable meal would be the Fry Cook Delight: three chicken tenders, fries and a small drink. Also, Frenchy’s has daily specials, like 25-cent any-size drinks on Mondays.

Frenchy’s is located at 3919 Scott St. It’s open from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 3 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

arts@thedailycougar.com

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“Local eats: Frenchy’s Chicken” was originally posted on The Daily Cougar