A State-by-State Guide to America's Favorite Fried Chicken

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© Crispy Gai

Maine: Crispy Gai

Up in Maine, a new player is thrilling taste buds: Crispy Gai in Portland, which puts a Thai spin on fried chicken. Tucked away in the Old Port, this small restaurant delivers big on flavor with its Southeast Asian street-food-inspired menu. The star is their Thai fried chicken, made from brined bone-in pieces that are fried until extra crispy and sprinkled with fried shallots for a lovely crunch and aroma. You can order the chicken classic style or go for their wings, which come tossed in bold flavors like red curry or Thai-Chinese Sichuan chili – perfect if you like your food spicy. A variety of dipping sauces are on hand too, from ginger-soy to a tangy sour garlic, allowing you to customize each bite. Customers love that every piece of chicken comes out so perfectly crispy and succulent, and the unique spice profiles really set this spot apart. In a state known for its seafood, Crispy Gai has proved that even landlubbers can find bliss – in this case, through phenomenally good Thai fried chicken that’s become a Maine favorite.