Ralphs is going upscale. I noticed a separate fried chicken area named The Chicken Co.
Instead of warming trays they have the chicken in a fancy new display.
You can order a meal or by the piece with the wing at 99 cents being the cheapest.
The container is the same cardboard container I get at KFC. I showed up a bit after 11am so the chicken was warm and fresh without being dried out.
Batter was crunchy and meat was moist. Nice fried flavor. Among the best grocery store chicken I’ve had. Stater Bros is my fav spot. I like the flavor a little better and it’s cheaper at 8 pieces for $5.99. Ralphs has done a good job with improving their fried chicken. I suspect they are using fresher oil.
Back in the old days when Ralphs was located across the street where Whole Foods is now I worked in the deli. In those days the oil was reused till there were pretty nasty odors which ended up giving the fried chicken a funky aftertaste. Chicken was pretty good if you happened to purchase it when the oil was fresh. I don’t miss those days when it was my turn cleaning out the bottom of the fryer.
Ralphs
8657 Villa La Jolla Dr
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 597-1550
That’s great you found a yummy fried chicken experience! Hopefully they change out the oil on a regular basis now before it becomes rancid.
Time will tell.