The people of Springdale, Arkansas have been going to AQ Chicken House since 1947 to get fried chicken and traditional Southern sides. This iconic Arkansas spot temporarily shut down earlier this year, but it will open again in 2025 under new local ownership. Fans can’t wait for AQ to come back, so let’s look at what made their menu so great for more than 75 years.
A Variety of Appetizers To Kick Things Off
AQ Chicken House offered a nice selection of appetizers to whet your appetite before the main course Their crispy fried “Pickle O’s” dill pickles were a fan favorite. You could also get batter-dipped onion rings, mushrooms, and chicken livers. Other starters included chicken quesadillas, chicken tenders, and an appetizer sampler platter with a little bit of everything
Soups, Salads, and More To Start Your Meal
The menu at AQ Chicken House had a lot of soups and salads as well as fried appetizers. On a bed of fresh greens, their “House Special” salad had grilled or fried chicken breast, bacon bits, cheese, and croutons. You could also get a Caesar salad or a chicken salad that has been made black. The soup of the day was made from scratch every day, and you could eat it with a baked potato or salad. Chicken and dumplings was another classic soup choice.
Smoked Meats and Grilled Favorites Hot Off the Grill
Of course, AQ Chicken House was best known for its crispy, juicy fried chicken. But they also offered several smoked and grilled entrees cooked up on their backyard smoker and grill. You could get a hickory smoked ribeye steak or rack of ribs with your choice of two side dishes. A boneless chicken breast glazed with AQ’s homemade barbecue sauce was called the “Redbird Sandwich.” Other smoked meat options included brisket and chicken fried steak smothered in country gravy.
A Range of Sandwiches for Lunch or Dinner
In addition to plated entrees, AQ Chicken House had a big selection of sandwiches that could be ordered with fries or onion rings. Their brisket sandwich came with tender smoked beef piled high and drizzled with barbecue sauce. You could also get fried or grilled chicken sandwiches in styles like BLT, blackened, or “Chicken Parm” with homemade marinara sauce and melted cheese. Their “Super Bird” sandwich featured a giant breaded chicken breast with all the classic toppings.
Southern-Style Entrees and Comfort Foods
Some of AQ Chicken House’s most beloved menu items were Southern-style home cooking and comfort food entrees. Their chicken fried chicken had that crispy fried outside and tender, juicy meat inside. Chicken livers and dumplings was a true Arkansas classic. Spaghetti with meaty marinara sauce, chicken Alfredo, and chicken Parmesan all hit the spot. Hawaiian chicken featured a sweet and tangy teriyaki glaze. They really did make all your comfort food cravings come true.
Classic Sides Like Mom’s Cooking
No great Southern meal is complete without sides like buttery mashed potatoes, baked beans, and creamy coleslaw. AQ Chicken House had all the classic side dishes you would expect. Options included green beans, smokey baked beans, creamed spinach, fried okra, sweet potato casserole, mac and cheese, cinnamon apples, and much more. You could get two sides with most entree platters.
Save Room for Dessert!
After polishing off your fried chicken and sides, AQ Chicken House offered a nice selection of homey desserts. Their hot blackberry and peach cobblers with ice cream were local favorites. You could also get chocolate cobbler, apple dumplings, bread pudding, or fried peach slices. A sweet ending to a great Southern meal!
Something For Everyone Under One Roof
What made AQ Chicken House so special was that they served all the Southern and comfort food favorites people crave under one roof. From crispy fried starters and smoked meats to classic sides, sandwiches, and dessert, they truly had something to satisfy every appetite. After being closed for most of 2022, AQ Chicken House is now planning to reopen at a new location in Springdale in 2025. Judging by their menu, it’s sure to once again be a gathering place for friends, families, and food lovers of all ages. We can’t wait to see this Arkansas legend come back to life!
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AQ Chicken House reopening
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