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

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© Double Front Cafe

Nebraska: Dirty Birds 

Omaha’s vibrant food scene hides a gem for fried chicken aficionados: Dirty Birds, a local joint that has taken an inventive approach to flavor. The chefs at Dirty Birds do something special before frying – they brine the chicken for two days in a liquid used for pickling green beans and cucumbers. It sounds unconventional, but that pickling brine imparts a tangy depth and keeps the meat ultra moist. After the lengthy brine, the chicken is coated in batter and fried to a perfect golden brown, emerging with a crispy, salty exterior and tender meat inside that customers adore. You can have the chicken plain or tossed in your choice of sauce, from classic Nashville hot to a garlicky honey glaze. Each order is served with pickles, a side (like waffle fries or slaw), and a biscuit, or you can opt to enjoy the chicken tucked in a brioche bun as a sandwich. Omaha locals have quickly embraced Dirty Birds for its creative spin on fried chicken and the explosive flavor that comes with it. It’s comfort food with a twist, and that twist has made all the difference in securing Dirty Birds’ spot as Nebraska’s favorite fried chicken haunt.