Cluck Kitchen: Elevate Your Chicken Experience in Irvine

I got here at a decent hour especially during lunch rush. There's parking in the back of the businesses if the the main parking lot gets filled up. Everything is accessible. I came in at a good time. As soon as I was done ordering, a rush of people started to line up. This spot really is a gem. Again, I didn't have to wait too long for my order. I maybe waited about 10 min tops. I had order the Nashville chicken sandwich in the mold flavor. It still has a kick but not like making you feel burned. The flavors together just go together. It's clean inside and the employees there welcome you. It was a great atmosphere to be in.

If you're a fan of crispy, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned fried chicken, Cluck Kitchen in Irvine is an absolute must-visit. We've been here multiple times, experimenting with different heat levels, and every visit has been a hit. From the quality of the chicken to the consistency in crispiness--even when taken to go--Cluck Kitchen has nailed the art of hot chicken tenders. Clean & Modern Interior From the moment you step into Cluck Kitchen, it's clear that they take cleanliness seriously. The restaurant is bright, well-lit, and neatly maintained. Unlike some fast-food-style spots that can feel chaotic or greasy, Cluck Kitchen keeps its dining area tidy and inviting. The tables are wiped down frequently, the counters are spotless, and there's never a buildup of mess around the soda stations or condiment areas. If you're planning to eat in, you'll find that there's no overpowering grease smell--something that can be an issue at other fried chicken places. The ventilation keeps the air fresh, and the overall atmosphere feels clean and modern. Friendly and Efficient Staff Another standout aspect of Cluck Kitchen is its excellent customer service. The staff is friendly, helpful, and genuinely enthusiastic about their food. Whether it's your first time visiting or you're a regular, they're happy to explain the spice levels, recommend sauces, and ensure you get exactly what you're looking for. One thing we appreciate is that they don't rush you, even during busy hours. Some places can make you feel pressured when you're deciding on spice levels or sauces, but here, the employees are patient and willing to offer recommendations. They also double-check orders for accuracy--something that's really important when choosing different spice levels. The Order On this visit, we ordered two Tender Meals, which come with: Two Jumbo Chicken Tenders (choice of spice level) Waffle Fries White Bread Pickles One House-Made Sauce For variety, we opted for Light on one and Mild Hot on the other. Having previously tried their Medium, Hot, and Extra Hot, we've found that Mild and Medium strike the best balance between flavor and spice--bringing just enough kick without overpowering the taste buds. We haven't yet ventured into their Get Clucked level, but based on our experience, it's probably a fire-breathing challenge for the bravest spice lovers. Taste & Quality One of the standout aspects of Cluck Kitchen is their consistent texture and crispiness. Even when taken to-go, the chicken retains its crunch without getting soggy--a rare quality in hot chicken joints. The breading is light and crisp, while the inside remains juicy and tender. For those wondering about the darker-colored tender in one of the pictures--no, it's not burned. That's the spicy rub and oil, which coats the chicken and enhances the flavor. It's a deep, rich color that signals layers of spice and seasoning rather than overcooking. The waffle fries are another highlight. Perfectly cooked and well-seasoned, they have a great crispy outside while staying fluffy inside. They hold up well, even as leftovers, making them ideal for repurposing into a second meal (more on that later). The pickles and white bread are classic Southern-style additions, offering a fresh, tangy contrast to the spice-heavy chicken. Sauces & Heat Levels Cluck Kitchen's house-made sauces elevate the experience. We're big fans of the Cluck Sauce and the Comeback Sauce--both offer that creamy, tangy, slightly spicy balance that pairs beautifully with the crispy chicken. Regarding heat levels, here's what we've experienced so far: Light Hot - Very mild spice, great for those who want the flavor without much heat. Mild Hot - Our personal favorite, with just enough spice to keep things interesting. Medium Hot - A solid step up in heat, but still flavorful. Hot - Definitely spicy, but manageable for heat lovers. Extra Hot - This one packs a serious punch, requiring a drink on standby. Get Clucked - We haven't tried it yet, but based on the others, it's probably a serious challenge. Leftovers Turned Into Loaded Waffle Fries One of the best parts about Cluck Kitchen? Their food holds up well as leftovers. We took our extra tenders and fries and turned them into Loaded Waffle Fries (as seen in the third image). For this, we chopped up the chicken, layered it over the fries, and drizzled on sauce, added a little bit of bacon and cheese. The crispy fries, juicy chicken, gooey sauce, and fresh chives made for an insane snack--one we'd gladly eat again. Final Verdict Rating: (5/5) Cluck Kitchen continues to impress with quality, consistency, and bold flavors. Whether you're dining in or taking it to go, their hot chicken remains crispy, juicy, and full of spice. The portion sizes are generous, and the sauces complement the meal perfectly. If you're a hot chicken fan in Irvine, Cluck Kitchen is a spot you can't miss.

Their Nashville hot chicken sandwich is comparable to Dave's hot chicken... dare I say perhaps even better. Their slaw is so frickin' good, literally the best slaw I've ever had and I'm not even the biggest fan of slaw. I was about to get it on the side but I'm so glad I left it on the sandwich because the vinegar taste complimented the fried chicken so well. The fried chicken texture reminds me of Korean fried chicken where the outside is very crispy but the inside meat was soft and tender. The only con to this place is that it's rather on the pricey side but honestly... if I'm craving a fried chicken sandwich, I would definitely come back (bye bye Dave's).

Now they offer a Chicken Tenders meal that includes fries but no drink. It also only comes with 2 pieces. I need to pay extra to get a 3rd piece so I'm satisfied. I like getting the Comeback Sauce (spicy aioli) and the Ranch sauce. They give you about 4 packs of ketchup but I need 8 packs for my fries.

FAT AND HUGE NASHVILLE HOT CHICKEN SANDWICH. I wish I had a video or even a picture of my face seeing that sandwich. Jaw dropped at how massive this sandwich AND THE CHICKEN ITSELF was. I was so excited to shove it in my mouth. Crispy, flavorful, and overall well balanced ugh yes yes and yes. Freshly made because it was still hot and perfectly crispy. Not too thick of a batter and such a light easy bite. So I messed up and got extra hot spice level when I should've ordered the get clucked because the heat was light. Service was amazinggg. She was so friendly I loved her energy and so welcoming. I also ordered the beignets and I sadly was not a fan. I'm used to a light airy pillowy fluffed up rectangles of dough but this was one whole piece and chewy. I would work on that and maybe improve the slaw for more of a punch.

One of my favorites for Nashville hot chicken! The chicken tender pieces are big, crispy and the chicken is juicy. The spice levels are good and spicy but bearable for me. The ranch is my favorite dipping sauce here and goes well with the chicken. Customer service was good, attentive even when busy and all works were kind. Place is small but it was clean and plenty to eat inside or outside. Can't wait to come back and try the hottest level!

I was in the area hanging with some friends at the comic shop and decided to check this place out! I walk in and no line and browsed the menu. The girls upfront helping me were really nice and helpful as I placed my order for a chicken sandwich combo. The order took about 5 minutes to come out and decided to eat outside around the plaza. The plaza itself and the restaurant are pretty spacious with plenty of seating. I open the box and wow that's a big chicken sandwich along with some really delicious looking waffle fries. Now how did everything taste? Delicious! The chicken sandwich itself was crispy. Came with lettuce and some sauce but every bite was juicy. The sandwich itself is pretty big too. The fries were awesome! I opted to order a side of ranch and the ranch provided paired really well with the fries. I would argue it's a must order to get the ranch here! Absolutely delicious! I paid around $17 for the whole meal and I think you get a good values worth for what you pay for. The chicken sandwich is amazing, the ranch is delicious and the fries are savory. I hear it gets busy here during lunch hour but honestly, there was no one really around at the plaza so I'm sure you can order what you want in no time! Would highly recommend this place to get your chicken fix!

I ordered a mild nashville hot, mainly for the slaw, and there was barely any in my sandwich LOLL. The chicken itself was pretty good, really good size and not spicy at all so I could've done 1-2 levels higher and been at a comfortable level I feel Objectively, good sandwich but nothing special, and I feel like it's outrageously expensive for a chicken sandwich Pretty slow service and for the price, I wouldn't come back