Chikin Lickin: Waukee's crunchiest chicken

If you've been meaning to try Korean fried chicken, Waukee has made it easy. Chikin Lickin opened on SE University Avenue in 2024 and has been quietly building a following ever since, mostly by doing one thing really well: chicken that stays crunchy.

The trick is the double fry. Every piece goes into the oil twice, which gives it that thin, glassy crust Korean fried chicken is known for. Then it gets tossed in your choice of signature sauce, all made from scratch. The crust holds up under the sauce instead of going soggy, which is the whole point, and it's why people keep coming back.

What to order

Start with wings or tenders so you can taste the chicken on its own terms, and pick a sauce you wouldn't normally choose. If you want something you can eat with one hand, the Chikin Sammy is the move. From there, the menu branches out in fun directions: bulgogi waffle fries piled with marinated beef, bibimbap bowls, and bao with your pick of fillings. Kimchi on the side is never a bad call.

Bringing the whole crew

This is a good spot for a mixed group. There are real vegan and vegetarian options, not just a side salad, so nobody has to sit out. It works just as well for a quick weeknight pickup as it does for feeding a team, and they cater.

Good to know

Chikin Lickin is open every day from 11am to 9pm, and you can order ahead for pickup or delivery. If you live out west, it's an easy add to your regular rotation. If you don't, it's worth the drive.

Go: 1196 SE University Ave, Waukee · Open daily 11am to 9pm · 515-331-3070 · Pickup and delivery available