One of the biggest food trends of the last few years is Nashville hot chicken. Legend has it that Andre Prince Jeffries added extra pepper to fried chicken as a way to punish her Uncle Thornton. The plan backfired entirely. Thornton ended up liking it so much that he adapted the recipe, and hot chicken was born. That trend has landed in Sedona with the opening of Jay Bird’s Chicken in West Sedona.
Overall, Jay Bird’s is fun. The space is light-filled and colorful – bright yellow chairs fill the dining room. You pick your spice level first. Levels range from plain jay to fire. We opted for medium. We decided to go with the classic Chicken Sandwich & Fries for lunch. Although the “hot” in hot chicken is what tends to get the most attention, what actually makes hot chicken great is the quality of the meat. Our chicken was tender, just spicy enough and literally fell off the bone. The pickles and coleslaw on the sandwich tasted fresh and added a nice crunch. The spicy crinkle cut fries were seasoned just right and accompanied by your choice of sauce including Comeback Sauce, Big Sexy Sauce, Buttermilk Ranch and Smoked Tomato Ketchup.
On our next visit, we just had to try the Mac Daddy & Fries. This seven-ounce chicken breast was topped with mac and cheese. This classic side is made with white cheddar and is one of the creamiest versions of the side we’ve ever had. This sandwich embodies what Jay Brid’s is all about: totally decadent and fun. Come hungry if you want to attempt to finish this colossal entrée. If you’d prefer another fun way to enjoy Jay Bird’s mac and cheese, try ordering the Blazin’ Fries. The signature crinkle cut fries are topped with the mac and cheese and one chopped tender spiced to your liking. This is a meal unto itself.
The menu is rounded out by chicken tenders, chicken and waffles and choice of sides including Spicy Fries, Loaded Potato Salad and Coleslaw. Whenever we exit Jay Bird’s, we leave feeling happy and full and grateful that this trend has arrived in town. − A Sedona Foodie
MORE SEDONA FOOD AND DRINK: Sedona’s best sandwiches, Sedona’s best vegetarian meals, Sedona’s best hot dogs, wine cellars 2014, wine tasting rooms, Sedona’s best pizza, pizza in Old Town Cottonwood, happy hours, barbecue restaurants, deserts, local beers, hamburgers, best Sedona cuisine, Sedona bars, clubs and nightlife, gourmet dining, Sedona restaurant listings, Sedona and Cottonwood chefs
