Of comfort foods, fried chicken is, perhaps, one of the most beloved. It has been imagined and reimagined by chefs and cultures across the world—usually as a lunch or dinner offering, but sometimes appearing as a delicious compliment to waffles for breakfast. So what makes it such a popular dish? Here are some considerations.

Why Is Fried Chicken So Delicious?

1. Crispy Outer Layer

One of the biggest draws of fried chicken is the crispiness of the outer layer. Feeling and hearing the crunch at the same time you’re smelling and tasting the rich flavors gets all senses engaged at once and positively reacting to the meal at hand. The crunch may also be appealing to us because we interpret it to mean the food is fresh or of quality.

2. Flavor Burst

Fried chicken offers a complex flavor profile, mixing strong seasonings, crispy skin, and juicy meat—a combination most can’t help but love. In fact, science has shown that traditional “comfort foods” activate reward centers in our brain that make us feel happier. Additionally, if fried chicken was a staple of your childhood home or other good memories, the taste is often enough to take you back to those warm times.

3. Science

Battered chicken set in a bath of fresh oil creates the perfect environment for the meat and skin to reach optimal tastiness. The frying process activates a process known as “convection,” where the rapid movement of molecules causes hot oil to the top and cold oil to the bottom. At the same time, water releases from the meat as steam bubbles that keep the chicken crispy.

For the best fried chicken in Lincoln, NE, head over to Lee’s Chicken Restaurant. They perfected their recipe all the way back in 1945 and to this day, generations of families return to this establishment to enjoy the deliciousness. Stop by for lunch or dinner or request catering for your next party or corporate event. Besides chicken, they offer other hearty menu options such as macaroni and cheese, steak, burgers, and seafood. Visit their website for their full menu or call (402) 477-4339 to place an order.