Chicken Moto: Something To Cluck About

Photo by Kathy Tran

I know what you're thinking: another chicken restaurant? But hang with me here, this one is different, I promise. In fact, their famous Not Your Mama's Fried Chicken recipe (they first served this at bbbop Seoul Kitchen) made my list of Delia Jo's 100 Best Bites in DFW in 2016. Chicken Moto is a full-service, Korean inspired fried chicken joint, so what you'll find on the menu is more than southern fried food, but a true fusion that actually plays very well.

Housed in what was once an auto repair shop (thus, moto), Chicken Moto obviously underwent a full overhaul.  Owned by husband and wife/chef duo Sandy and Greg Bussey, Steve Shin and Sam Osee (all of bbbop Seoul Kitchen), Chicken Moto is their interpretation of Texas Southern comfort meets South Korean Seoul food.

I was actually one of the very first to try out Chicken Moto, as my husband and I happened to drive by on their soft opening night, so we were their second customers ever! Even on a crazy opening day, the service and food left us satisfied, and that was no different when we returned a second time for a media visit.

To start your meal, order the Chicken Cracklin' and Elotes Corn on the Cob (topped with Korean pepper aioli, cotija cheese, cilantro, and lime).  The Chicken is crispy and addictive, and the elotes, while very messy, are delicious, and I could probably drink that aioli, but I'll try and contain myself.

Photo by Kathy Tran

Photo by Kathy Tran

The Korean fried chicken is truly the star of the menu at Chicken Moto, as it was in fact a large motivation for opening the restaurant in the first place. The Not Your Mama's Fried Chicken is offered as full bird, half bird or quarter (dark or light meat) with the choice of two glaze options being Soy Ginger or Sweet and Spicy Chili, served with your choice of sides. Both are tasty, but I think for me the Sweet and Spicy Chili glaze holds the slight edge (because, duh, spicy). The chicken is perfectly crisp on the outside while still tender and juicy on the inside.

If you're not as "saucy" as I am, you can also opt to order your fried chicken "naked", with no glaze. Some other menu items include gluten-free wings, a sesame Caesar salad, Kale salad, and fried chicken sandwich.

Co-owner Osee explains, “I love motorcycles, beers and fried chicken. These are perhaps the pure joys of my life outside of faith and family. Why not have great fried chicken and drink some cold beer in a place that feels comfortable and inviting.”

The bar at Chicken Moto offers a mixture of craft and classic beers plus a short list of affordable wines by the glass.

Chicken Moto is open daily from 11am – 10pm.

Chicken Moto

2069 N. Central Expressway Suite 200 

Richardson, TX 75080

469-248-0092

Photo by Kathy Tran