Beaufort County SC Best Fried Chicken Taste Test Results
Fried chicken meals accompanied by chicken breasts from the two finalists for Best Fried Chicken in Beaufort County. Cahill’s Chicken Kitchen in Bluffton with macaroni and cheese and mashed potatoes with gravy, left, and Maryland Fried Chicken in Beaufort with fries and potato salad.
dmartin@islandpacket.com
With less than 24 hours to go until voting ends to name the best fried chicken in Beaufort County, our reporters wondered how each of the final two nominees would fare in a taste test.
So we made one!
The slice started with 33 contenders and was narrowed down by a series of votes to the final two restaurants in the running: Maryland Fried Chicken in Beaufort and Cahill’s Chicken Kitchen in Bluffton.
Both restaurants have a long history of providing their customers with delicious fried chicken and delicious Southern sides.
What we ordered
Maryland Fried Chicken Budget Box includes nine pieces of chicken with two sides and rolls for $23.22. We chose fries and potato salad, and they were out of buns when we picked up our order. We ordered online.
Cahill’s Chicken Kitchen Take-Out Special includes eight pieces of chicken with two large sides for $24.50. We chose mac and cheese and mashed potatoes with gravy. We ordered over the phone.
We picked up both orders around noon on Wednesday.
Sheet music
Six Island Packet and Beaufort Gazette reporters tried each restaurant’s fried chicken and rated both on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the best.
Cahill’s came in first with an average rating of 3.83. Journalists said the chicken had a “livelier” flavor overall and they liked the seasoning in the crust. It tasted fresh and was tender. (Although we haven’t marked the sides for this contest, we recommend readers order the mashed potatoes and gravy. It was amazing!)
Maryland Fried Chicken falls slightly short with an average rating of 3.16. Journalists said the chicken had a stronger chicken flavor, very crispy crunch, and was juicy all over. We liked the cheaper price for more chicken.
Depending on whether you are in North Broad or South Broad, we don’t think you can go wrong with either restaurant.
The main event
Let us know what you think of your official vote by clicking here.
Round 4 voting closes at noon on Friday, October 14.
Our polls aren’t meant to be scientific, but they’re great fun, and you’re sure to discover some great places to dine if you try these contenders.
