I'm reluctantly leaving this message cause I realize no business ever wants a review like this but I must be honest my fellow patrons I feel it's important to share my experience. I ordered early today approx 4:30 pm, I was the only patron in the service area so it's not like they were buried in orders or swamped with business at the time. The coleslaw was totally fine, the fries and gravy were okay but the corn fritters were over cooked more than I've ever experienced before but they were edible. The chicken strips were a disaster, they were terribly over cooked, it was to say the least like chewing rubber, some parts edible and some not. I know it'll be a long time before I visit this location again. The lady at the till was pleasant and helpful, the cook was also friendly and pleasant but I suggest she asks for help when it comes to cooking the chicken. It's the foundation of the restaurant, as even the restaurant name suggests. I hate to see anyone loose their job during these depressed Covid-19 times but honestly, management REALLY NEEDS to get a handle on it. Maybe the regular chicken is different but I know the strips suck. Thanks for reading, I wish you the best, with no plans of my own to visit anytime soon. STAY SAFE EH!

Worst customer service last night. Me and my husband went in at 1045 after calling to see when they where open till (which was 11) got to the till and was told there was no chicken? My husband asked there is no chicken we just called she snapped at him and pointed to the clock and said we close at 11no there is no chicken. I said just get fries she then said we are closed. We left I went back in to get her name at this point she was serving a customer and said there was chicken strips. Another gentlemen behind me wanted to buy a pop and she said no we are closed. you could tell she new the people who she was serving. I called this morning to talk to the manager she lied and said there was no manager after she figured out who I was. When I told her I was calling the district manager she said go for it b**ch and hung up.. I called the Kensington location and yes there is a manger at all locations and she gave me the district mangers number. They really should make sure there staff have customer service !

Hands down the best fried chicken in town and the best prices too! Lots of meal options for individuals, couples or the family. If your thinking of going to KFC stop and go here instead. Always fresh and they have the absolute best non processed fries made from real potatoes on site. Corn fritters are out of this world ... I know some people that stop in just for the fritters. Gravy is second to none (I dont even like gravy normally). Coleslaw is consistently decent and way better then your getting anywhere else. The franchise has a pretty cool history in town here and I never get a bad meal. I will suggest that you confirm your order before they wrap it as I have gotten the wrong order at this location before (never once had a problem at the Kensington one)

I have now had 2 bad experiences at this location since the new owners took over. I stopped in on my way home from work at 5 and was told there would be s 15 minute wait on chicken I know this can sometimes happen but during dinner hours they didnt even have any cooking. I came back 20 minutes later after I ran a quick errand and I was told it was still going to be a 15 minute wait. Anyway I did wait another 15 minutes which turned into 25. After all that the food was fresh and hot that's why I gave them the 2 stars...for the food not the service
Service
Take out
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 4
Service: 2
Atmosphere: 2

Have not ordered from Chicken on the Way for a long time. We ordered 4 meals to share with friends. I have never had chicken prepared so badly in my life. The chicken itself was overcooked. It appeared they had fried up some chicken to prepare for a rush and then refried it again when orders came in. The larger pieces that were not burnt crispy, still had moist chicken on the inside but it had absolutely no taste. Wet tasteless meat. The fries were burnt - again they appeared to have been cooked once and reheated. The corn bread was fine only in the small tiny section in the middle, the outside was totally burnt. One star for the gravy which was not burnt.

Wonderful food, generous portions, & lovely, kind & cheerful employees! I’ve gotten chicken etc there for years & the Forest L restaurant is vastly superior over other COTW locations & definitely other brands. A nice perk, on your birthday, with gov ID you get a FREE “snack pack” but it’s a really big portion of chicken, fries & fritters. A meal not a snack. I even got a chorus of jolly HappyB-days from all the staff. Such a nice way to treat customers & I wish more companies emulated this but few do.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$1–10

I love love love Chicken on the Way, and while the 17th ave location isn't my normal stop, the service and food are always exceptional! When we stopped, I was gushing to my friend who's never had this before, and Gary made sure we left with extra corn fritters and fries! It definitely made my night, as we live quite far out of Calgary and this is a rare treat for me!
Service
Take out
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
French Fries, Hungry Man Dinner with Fried Chicken

This was the chicken from my childhood. The original Kensington location. I seek out fried chicken everywhere I go. I can get the franchises everywhere and one is one of my favorites. However you have to go find the local hangout and suport it. This is Calgary's fried chicken place. Their chicken is good. They always give you lots of fries. The corn fritters are a speciality and I would recommend the coleslaw. Still using the yellow boxes and brown paper. Bonus points for nostalgia.

Ordered for first time heard nothing but good things but what a lie they got order wrong between having it read back to me and being delivered. Driver kept receipt they refused to fix their mistake and did not take return or refund driver just drove away. NEVER ORDER FROM AGAIN and will tell others the same. See why they only take cash so they get money regardless. And being hung up on by employees while trying to straighten out the problem because they don’t want to deal with it.

Our family favourite spot. Fries are the best! Fresh pressed potatoes, flash fried and finished before you purchase. Corn bread you can take it or leave it. Fish is really good here, my wife loves it. Chicken is great! Gravy isn’t anything to write home about. I would love to Smash Popeyes and Chicken on the Way together...lol both are the best on 17th ave as far as fried chicken goes. Lots of parking No public washrooms Walk in only, no dine in option. Very fast.

Thought we would give chicken on the way a try again. Big mistake. The French fries had so much dirt on them that you couldn't eat them. There was chicken feathers on the chicken. The drumstick was so small I thought it was a chicken wing. Chicken on the way it used to be very good but it sure went down hill. If they can't peel the potatoes they should at least wash them. Anyway unless it gets back to the way it used to be I don't recommend chicken on the way.

Of all the locations thru out the city this is the best place of them all. I actually live within walking distance of 1 location but prefer to get in my car and drive to this location for my order. Lately I chosen to eat the fried fish with corn fritters instead of the fried chicken. Every time I show up both cooks recognize me and know my order before the cashier rings it up. Also I keep returning to this location for the quality and price of the food.

What a fantastic poutine that I just add. Mmmdelicous, lots of curds, cheese, fresh cut fries, and the gravy is a mix that I will buy and buy again. I would highly recommend Chicken on the Way for your tummy needs. ♥️
Service
Take out
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
4 Piece Chicken Combo, French Fries, Hungry Man Dinner with Fried Chicken

Still the best fried chicken in Calgary. Travelling through the city for the first time in years, I knew what I wanted for lunch right away. Calgary has changed but this chicken has not. Still hot, fresh, crispy and affordable, with real chicken under the batter and real potato fries. One warning, eat it ASAP as when it gets cold, the fries get all limp unlike the overprocessed fries you get at other chicken places. Cannot be reheated.

Went to chicken on the way Forest Lawn and it was absolutely the worst chicken ever. I’ve been eating Chicken on the Way for 60 years and I swear the chicken was bad or the grease was rancid. Don’t go through this one. You will probably get sick. I called an told them I was calling the health department and the Chinese lady said no problem. Wow!!! I can’t get the awful taste out of mouth. Praying I don’t get sick today.

Best chicken and the best corn fritters in the world. Better then cornbread or homemade. My favorite location. The staff are so nice. 10/10 would eat again.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
French Fries, Hungry Man Dinner with Fried Chicken, Corn Fritters
Kid-friendliness
Kids would love.

I actually enjoyed this, the fries are dark which is actually how they are supposed to be, that's what makes Montreal poutine famous! The gravy was much better then the new KFC gravy, and the chicken was juicy and tasted great! Add an option for dark meat only please without any weird Up charges, it costs less why charge more? I understand it messes up your counts, but sometimes people like what they like!

Been going to the Kensington location for almost 3 decades, and the 17th Ave spot lives up to the original. Staff are fantastic, food is fresh and crispy, everything you want out of Calgary's best fried chicken joint. AND you get a free snack pack on your birthday!
Service
Take out
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$1–10
Recommended dishes
Hungry Man Dinner with Fried Chicken

I do have good experience and always order their fish and chips with corn fritters. However on their website they say they close at 11pm but when I call at even 10pm they don't answer March 7, I also drove there on a snowy night which was really bad out and got there at 10:25pm just to find out they are closed this happened a couple weeks ago. So if you aren't open till 11pm change it on your website.

I placed an order through skip-the-dishes at the 17 Avenue S.E. location. The restaurant called me immediately to say their was an error in pricing. The large box of chicken was not the price listed. I could have only 3 pieces of chicken for the same price. If I wanted more it would cost almost double. No, acknowledgement that it was their error. The order was canceled. Avoid that location

Usually good but not today.. got ripped off for starters.. order and pay for 2pc snack pack and one thigh and a small gravy.. got one piece of chicken and the thigh, fries and fritter soaked in oil, could change oil in your car. I threw everything in garbage except the chicken. Keep it up Popeye's and Jolibee will continue taking customers from you. Big disappointment today yup.

Umm, Atmosphere? It's a counter where you order your food. You see the cook cooking. Guys, it's a fast food place. You want Atmosphere, go to a fancy restaurant! Here you simply get great food!
Service
Take out
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 1
Recommended dishes
4 Piece Chicken Combo

The chicken was dry and the skin and fries were greasy. The food was extremely dark and it seems like the oil hasn’t been changed in over a month. This is the worst fried chicken I’ve ever tasted. Even the ones at grocery store concessions taste better. Take the extra trip to KFC or Popeyes.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–30

I was there at the open in1958 has always been the best . I Was one of there best costumer ,But lately they don’t care it’s nasty , never thought I would say that. Had fish&chips the grease was dripping from the box made a mess in my car the fish was all crust no fish and on other visit the chicken wings were the same all unusable hard crust .They don’t care anymore

Awesome experience! We were compensated for our previous order a month ago. We were suppose to get 5 pieces of chicken, we received 3. They gave us seven pieces with an apology. We just wanted to let them know, and we were not expecting anything extra this visit!!
Service
Take out
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20

Mediocre. It is fresh and proper portions serving that you’d pay for but other than that I’d evaluate all options regarding chicken before I select here. Not that there’s anything wrong with this joint but I’ll decide a better place with better seasoning, breading, crispiness amongst other. Fries are trash no doubt. Corn fritters are good.

Nice and friendly staff. The food was excellent. The chicken is THE BEST! and the corn fritters are to live for ("to die for" is a silly saying) . The location was clean and inviting and it was only a very short wait for my order (which was exactly what I asked for.) Will definitely be back here the next time I have a craving for chicken!

A great place to go for lunch. Food is always great and staff are great. Fast and always friendly. Stop by today grab some "Chicken On The Way" home.
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
French Fries, Hungry Man Dinner with Fried Chicken

Have been going since they opened. It just gets worse and worse. Complete garbage (fish&chips) these people don’t know how to cook! Soggy, greasy fries, fish dripping grease and they forgot my coleslaw. Never again. If I could give 0 stars I would
Service
Take out
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20

My husband eats this all the time. I try to eat it. No matter how many times I ask, the dang fries are never cooked longer. Not sure who likes soggy fries that drip oil. Not this girl. Corn fritters are the only thing that's good. Wondering if there is any way to cut the greasey greasy chicken to just a normal greasy.

Gary was on top of things. Chicken crisp and cooked perfectly. Lots of fries, and who can get out of there without some corn fritters. Place was clean. Good fried chicken here
Service
Take out
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

Employees at this location are not very pleasant and are unhelpful in general. The food is excellent and delicious but I am not sure that is enough to make up for bad customer service. If you have the choice, go to the Kensington location instead. You will get much better service as well as fantastic food.

we have eaten here since they open on 17 ave se but the last two time the fish and chips we received were not good the fish was so oily like when its been cooked then put back in the fryer to heat it up and the fish is so thin now that some of it was to hard to chew will not be going back any more

Best chicken in town! Staff are awesome and so sweet.
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
French Fries, Hungry Man Dinner with Fried Chicken
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot

Everything is usually pretty great here. Love the corn fritters always! But the gravy was not hot and a little lumpy this time, and also, the large box of fries was full of small or broken fries. I will be back, because I know it not always like that, but thought it was worth a mention.

Amazing service here with GARY holding it down. Great person to chat with while waiting for your order. Come meet him while getting your chicken!
Service
Take out
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Recommended dishes
Hungry Man Dinner with Fried Chicken

Unfortunately this location has gone downhill with new owners chicken was fine. But both fries & fritters were way undone! Soggy white fries & underdone soggy fritter Fries should be golden & crisp! Not white & soft
Food: 1
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 3

The weekly sale was for 3 piece bonus packs at $10.50. We asked for three bonus orders (three pieces each), and they gave us three two piece snack packs, and charged extra for the three sides. Our fault for not paying attention to the amount when tapping, but still a rip off.

The costumer service is the best! They make their fries fresh every time too! My brother from another mother that I met yesterday
Service
Take out
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30
Recommended dishes
French Fries, Gravy, Corn Fritters

Gary and the whole team at this chicken on the way are amazing staff that provide great service.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Chicken 3pcs

Chicken was really good. The service was quick but the lady o could understand the menu was confusing should have got more chicken but couldn't tell exactly what I was getting the food was very good for a good price and the had corn fritters. I love corn fritters.

The worst chicken EVER. Thought I'd give them another chance but has gotten even worse. How I miss Kennsintons but to far away.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 1
Service: 2
Atmosphere: 2

I hate to say it but I was disappointed in the chicken and fish we ordered today. It all was over-done and crisper than I expected. It seemed like they may have prefried the items and then refried them when we ordered. It was edible but I won't be going back.

Ordered fish and chips and chicken. I am of opinion considering the price point the food was good. Excellent service. Forgot a part of my order, and the car chased me down the parking lot to make sure a got my forgotten order....which I appreciated very much

What an amazing taste of Hot and Fresh fried chicken I had after such a long period of time. Great Quality and friendly staff made my meal extra ordinary. Thank you for the service and will highly recommend this location for your perfect meal....Cheers

Disappointed with the taste. The chicken was filled with oil. The skin was slippery. And the taste of the chicken wasn’t comforting. The fries and the corn breads are good.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30

Excellent service by Gary. Food was fresh and delicious.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Hungry Man Dinner with Fried Chicken

Chicken was dark brown and greassy like the fryier oil hadn't changed in months the fries were under cooked and the the shrimp sauce was disgusting. I'd give it zero stars but thats not an option . Worst chicken I've ever had and was expensive .

Fresh chicken and taste are great! We love it!
Service
Take out
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4
Parking options
Free parking lot
Parking
It's good

Absolutely outstanding food and service. Gary rocks! The best!
Service
Take out
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
4 Piece Chicken Combo

The driver was late, my order was missing items, food was cold, driver was so rude, and took my money and would Not give me my change. He drove off with my $5. The restaurant didn’t care, worst customer service! And hung up on me. Terrible!

Terrible quality and lousy portion sizes. Gross greasy chicken with burnt oil taste. yuk. And the wings and drumsticks are so tiny now. What a shame because Chicken on the Way used to be great until they franchised it. Won't return...ever.

Love there chicken . Lately been hit & miss, sometimes the chicken is a little dry, but still edible
Service
Take out
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 3
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 2

BEST CHICKEN & CUSTOMER SERVICE i've had in Calgary EVER!!! KFC, Mary Browns & Popeye's are all REALLY OVER RATED!! Chicken On The Way is THE BEST!!!
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Parking
Lots of parking!!!

Bought the 8 piece Family Meal January 27/22. Hot, fresh and nicely cooked. Fresh fries and yummy fritters. Very pleasant staff and clean store. AHS Protocols followed. Will be back soon.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Lunch

My husband and I have been going to this location for some time and have never been dissapointed! They are always super friendly, kind and generous. Eat here! Highly recommended!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Gary and Emily were so friendly and welcoming. The food is great here so we keep coming back. Hats off to this crew and their fantastic food. Thank you!
Service
Take out
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$30–40

I've grown up with chicken on the way since I was a kid in the eighties at this time there was only one in Kensington finding this 1 and 1 and 1 on mclaugh trail have made it so much easier to get their famous corn fritters.

I bought there 4 pieces of chicken deal, it comes with fries and friters. But the quality is not as good as the Kensington location. The picture below is Kensington location chicken, fries and friters was so good and fresh.

I don't usually order from here but today I forgot my lunch. Unfortunately, all I got was over cooked, burnt chicken strips and what seems like left over fries . I only have a limited time frame for lunch so I couldn't

We went for the first time in a long time yesterday June 10/18 and we ordered some chicken strips, they were so dry that we could not swallow them so they ended up in the garbage. Wont be going back unfortunatly Tammy

Soggy fries, bland fried chicken, and gross gravy. If you like greasy food, try it.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 1
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 2

I ordered chicken from here and my thigh contained chicken brain and spine.I have never seen this before with chicken and it concerns me as I am currently 10 weeks pregnant. Will not be ordering from them ever again.

Thank you Mr. Garry took order & Look after me. Really Good Crispy Chicken & Chips Definitely will come again. Cheers.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$50–60

Stopped by today with my mom and Gary was so welcoming and friendly! The food we got was delicious and fresh and we will definitely be back again!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Absolutely foul the fish was burnt and so were the fries it was absolutely disgusting will never order from there again
Service
Delivery
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30

Gary provided wonderful service and was very quick to complete my order. He took time to chat and made mr feel welcome.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20

Honestly every Chicken on the way is the same . Price thats more affordable than KFC or Popeyes. Chicken is okay. If you are okay with reused oil taste and greasy fries this is the place to go.

Just tried their chicken yesterday and it was sooo delicious. The staff was so nice and polite, gary took my order and he was so helpful. Best chicken I’ve ever tasted.
Service
Take out

Gary made my day. He is SUPER friendly and gave me hot, fresh lovely chicken in my order. Good Man, Well done!!!
Service
Take out
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$10–20

Very good service Garry Ur champ
Service
Take out
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes

The only reason I'm giving 2 stars is because the food is pretty good. The service however is absolutely horrible. There are not words to describe how badly you are treated as a customer.

Good ppl and good food, love it
Service
Dine in
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4
Recommended dishes
Chips, Corn Fritters

I keep on giving a chance to chicken on the way because they used to be so good ... but not anymore ... salty food and re cooked chicken... one star for the gravy like Margaret ⬇️said

Fast service. Short 10 min wait for chicken... but it's freshly cooked. Very tasty. Spicy available. Prices as good or better than the competition. And the corn fritters..... Perfect

Finally this place find the best costumer service ever food is amazing friendly person strongly recommend to stop by this place
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

tasty tender pieces of chicken with coleslaw and fries, my kid loves eating here whenever we are in the same neighbourhood. friendly staff with great service. I recommend highly :)

Classic and good chicken, fires, and gravy!!!! The free range chicken was nice and moist with good batter coating it while the fries had a nice bite and were perfectly cooked.

Dame it might be the best chicken in Calgary for the price .and do a great customer service if something is wrong
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

NEVER ORDER HERE! WORST QUALITY OF THE FOOD, OBVIOUSLY LOOKS THEY DON'T CHANGE COOKING OIL.. SEE IN THE PHOTOS.. YOU DEFINITELY LOSE APPETITE!
Service
Delivery

Top Notch Service! Welcoming Staff. Delicious Crispy Chicken. Thank you Mr. Gary, Way to go Champion. Cheers
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Fried chicken is good, the French fries however can be often soggy and slightly uncooked. They are cut and prepared in house so maybe it's a volume to quality issue.

Gave me raw fritters and Uber won't refund even though I couldn't even eat them. It was super gross to bite into a raw doughball I have pics don't know how to load

This is my favourite place to grab chicken on the way to home , I love to eat it with my couple scotch pegs , friendly staff , very good taste , recommended …

Have been going to this location for years and it's been going down ever since, today is the last straw, found a hair in my chicken thigh.
Service
Take out

At the end of the day it's one of the best fast food chicken places around. Good homemade fries. Corn fritters. What more can you ask for? All at a decent price.

Must be new owners. Anyway each time I come to this location at least one thing is under cooked, this time the fries were way under cooked, time for a change.

Thank you Mr. Garry for fresh & crispy check I recommend everyone, please visit the COTW Calgary. 17th Ave 3235 SE Forest Lawn Calgary Ab. …

Thank you So Much Garry Brother always look after me with best chicken in Calgary, definitely I will Come back. THANK YOU!! LEGEND.
Service
Take out

Had a 4 piece tonight, was amazing! Such good juicy chicken with a nice crisp coating. Only regret was not buying even more corn fritters aha! Great place.

I was saddened to hear that they stopped making spicy chicken anymore. And we had some communication issues with the staff ...
Service
Take out

Not super happy with my last order. The fritters were old and not fresh at all. The gravy tasted like it had sat on the counter instead of being hot.

Love this place. The food is awesome and very reasonably priced. The place is always nice and clean and the staff are always so pleasant and helpful.

Chicken and gravy are great. The give big chicken pieces unlike KFC. But don't like the fries that much, find them greasy and a weird dark color.

Usually good fries from here but the ones I got yesterday were under cooked. Was not happy. The cooking staff should pay more attention to this.

Great products, service. Staff is always friendly and helpful. Food is piping hot. Take out only.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Lunch

Very good staff always friendly and food is always well done
Service
Take out
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20

Best chicken Calgary hands down. Fad & trends places don't hold a candle to CotW. Real chicken, zero artificiality. Sauces exempt on this.

I've been eating chicken on the way my whole life and love it but this location has gone to the birds. Could not eat it, greasy and burnt.

Poutine?!?! FTW! This may have been the most unhealthy best tasting poutine I may have ever eaten!
Food: 5
Service: 5