Editor’s Note:  Wish hard enough, and apparently anything can come true!  Zankou Chicken has announced that they’re coming to Santa Clarita in 2017…. this time for realsies.  (Click here for the story)

When Valencia lost El Pollo Loco, it was a sad loss for the neighborhood, but lucky for us Zankou Chicken has come to save us!

Zankou Chicken (and their famous garlic sauce) has quietly soft opened on Newhall Ranch in the same shopping center as The Habit, Pita Pit, and Fab Hot Dogs. Parking in this shopping center around lunch time can be difficult, but luckily I stopped by around 2pm and was able to avoid the crowds. The exact address can be found on the bag below.

The menu is typical of what you would find at all Zankou locations. I always opt for the family meal which comes with a big tub of hummus and rice. The chicken was perfectly moist!

I was worried that since the Valencia location just opened that they would still be finding their groove, but one of the employees told me that went through an intense training session prior to opening and it really shows!

For those that have never heard of Zankou, or are unfamiliar with the chain, The New York times once called it “one of Los Angeles’s most revered restaurants. It is a legend. Zankou is the greatest chicken ever.” I’m not one to disagree with the New York Times! Zankou is pretty incredible! Way better than Boston Market for sure. What they are truly known for is their amazing garlic sauce! I am a garlic sauce addict!

And although I am a chicken loyalist, I also love their tri tip shawarma plate!

Happy April Fools! Sadly you will still have to drive to Burbank to get your Zankou fix!

XoXo

Lady Ducayne, Todd and the staff of eatSCV!

PS – I didn’t think I would be able to top last year (street tacos) but I sure tried!