Our Top 5 Things to Order at Lahaina Chicken Co.

(Sponsored) The fast-food chain is home to some of the Island’s best chicken, but there’s plenty of other good eats as well.

December 17, 2019

Site Staff,

photos: Marisa Heung

With just two locations at the Daniel K. Inouye Airport and Ala Moana Center Makai Food Court, it’s not surprising that plenty of locals have never eaten at Lahaina Chicken Co. Don’t be fooled by the fast-food chain veneer: This plate-lunch spot serves up quality eats that rival any sit-down restaurant. Here are five of our favorites.

Fried Chicken

The combo meal ($13.95) with macaroni and cheese, coleslaw and two pieces of fried chicken. Can also be bought in 8- and 16-piece orders for families.

If nothing else, order the fried chicken. Juicy, moist and with a crisp skin, Lahaina’s version is the perfect example of fried chicken done right. It’s so good, in fact, that it was ranked as Frolic Hawai‘i’s No. 1 best fried chicken. The chicken is minimally battered, the meat is loaded with flavor, and, thanks to the right cooking technique, it’s not as greasy as some other restaurant fried chicken.

Coleslaw

Not everyone is a fan of coleslaw, often because most restaurants tend to overload theirs with mayonnaise. Even if it’s not typically your thing, we suggest giving this version a try. Lahaina Chicken’s coleslaw is tangy with just the right amount of mayo, made with a fresh cabbage and carrots that give the salad a delightful crunch with each bite. The surprising addition of raisins adds a hint of sweetness that balances out the creamy flavor profile.

Roast Chicken

The combo meal ($12.95) with tossed salad, long rice and quarter-pound of roast chicken.

For a healthier choice, opt for the roast chicken, which is just as juicy, flavorful and delicious as its fried counterpart. Sold as whole chickens in addition to combo meals, these 5-pound birds are seasoned with secret spices, rotisserie-roasted and carved right in front of your eyes.

Prime Rib

Carved to order, the prime rib is the opposite of what you’d expect from a fast food restaurant. Neither dry nor overcooked, our prime rib plate ($15.95) came a thick slice of rare, juicy U.S. Choice beef plus sides of tomato salad, mixed veggies and mashed potatoes with gravy.

Mashed Potatoes

Who doesn’t like mashed potatoes? When done right, this starchy staple is a satisfying side to any plate lunch. Lahaina Chicken’s version is decadently creamy and savory with just the right amount of garlic to pack a gourmet punch. With or without the added gravy, this is a solid, must-have order.