Barberton Chicken's Secret

Step aside, Kentucky Fried Chicken. There's a lesser-known, but just as secret, fried chicken recipe phenomenon brewing in Barberton, Ohio. Actually, it's been brewing for decades, as some sources date the origins of Barberton chicken back to the 1930s. But no matter which legend people believe or which chicken house they choose to visit, one thing is certain: you can't get chicken quite like this anywhere else.

Barberton, located just outside Akron in Summit County, Ohio, has even been dubbed the "Chicken Capital of the World," as well as the "Fried Chicken Capital of America." But how did it all begin? Most agree the recipe was first made by Serbian immigrants who opened Belgrade Gardens in 1933. The restaurant also served freshly cut french fries, an oil-based cole slaw and "hot sauce," a tomato-based rice side dish with hot peppers.

From Belgrade Gardens emerged other "chicken houses," including Hopocan Gardens in 1946, White House Chicken in 1950 and Milich's Village Inn in 1955. These original four restaurants still remain as dining fixtures in Barberton today.

The recipe is simple, yet distinctive, setting the chicken apart from the overspiced, oversauced varieties found in other restaurants today. Coated with eggs, flour, plain bread crumbs, salt and pepper, the pieces are fried in lard. The restaurants promise they only use fresh - never frozen - locally grown chicken.

And chances are you've never been served a piece of fried chicken back outside Barberton, Ohio. A meal can be made up of any combination of sides, types and number of chicken pieces. Diners can choose from the wing, drumette, leg, thigh, breast and back of the chicken. According to White House's Web site, this method of cutting and serving all available parts of chicken meat dates back to the Great Depression, when families cut the chickens to yield the most pieces without any waste.

The chicken's flavor is simple, yet unmatched. With the minimalist seasoning, what you end up with can only be described as "chicken for chicken's sake." And while locals and regular Barberton visitors each have their own favorite chicken house, it's up to you to decide for yourself which restaurant is tops. Regulars can point out the slight nuances that differentiate each restaurant's recipe, but there is no clear-cut "winner" when it comes to attracting the most business.

If you ever find yourself near Akron, Ohio, make the trip out to Barberton, just minutes away. And be sure to opt for a dine-in experience at White House, Milich's Village Inn, Hopocan Gardens or Belgrade Gardens, as it's like a time warp when you enter the dining rooms. If you're feeling adventurous (and your stomach willing), do a taste test of all four!