CHiKN offers spicy fowl

Don’t Be Chicken: New restaurant offers spicy fowl favorite

The weather isn’t the only thing heating up in Cranberry.

A new restaurant is bringing the heat with their twist on a southern favorite.

CHiKN opened its doors at 20018 Route 19 just south of the Pennsylvania Turnpike in January 2021. Since then, there hasn’t been a slow day, according to Nick Pagano, Marketing Manager for Mero Restaurant Group.

Part of that success was due to the success of other CHiKN locations, as well as social media hype in the buildup to the grand opening. The first location in Oakland has become a staple for University of Pittsburgh students, and Pagano said word of mouth – both in person and online – helped build a demand.

Using sister restaurant Stack’d, CHiKN pop-ups flew into Wexford and Hampton last year, with the spicy chicken continuing to be a customer favorite. The Cranberry location continued that trend, as Pagano said there are already several regulars who frequently return for a chicken fix.

So what is it about the chicken?

In the style of Nashville staples like Hattie B’s Hot Chicken, CHiKN offers a sandwich, tenders or nuggets tossed in levels of heat: mild, medium, hot and “damn hot,” which the menu boasts as “insane.” For those feeling less adventurous, CHiKN also offers a southern, no heat style sauce, as well a plethora of delicious sides like crinkle cut fries, homemade mac n cheese, coleslaw, fruit, and waffles. 

Pagano said more than a year was spent developing recipes and cooking methods to deliver a unique, authentic product.

With a successful opening under its belt, Pagano said warmer weather will allow CHiKN to expand outdoor patio dining. Additionally, CHiKN offers catering for events or office lunches.

It promises to be a hot summer in the Township for CHiKN, and the delicious chatter certainly looks to continue… Cluck Cluck Cluck. 

Check it out, at: https://www.hotchikn.com/cranberry