Chikin Lickin — Restaurant in Waukee

Chickin lickin Waukee: A Culinary Adventure! ⭐⭐⭐½**

So, I decided to spend my afternoon at the new Chicken Lickin in Waukee, a place that promises accordion- korean fried chicken (which, let’s be real, sounds like a chicken that plays polka music).

The counter guy looked like he was still in training, which was great because so was I—training for a culinary scavenger hunt! I asked about this mysterious white milky drink, and he gave me a description that was about as clear as mud. “It’s like horchata,” he said, and I thought, “Great! So it’s rice milk with a side of confusion!”

I ordered chicken wings and a medley of sides: kimchi cucumber salad, fried rice, and some kind of magical sauce selection. They had samples of the sauces out, but instead of giving you tiny cups, they just handed you a lid and said, “Go ahead, taste it like a true chicken connoisseur!” So there I was, tasting sauces straight from the lid like an awkward chicken-flavored finger painting session. A toothpick would’ve been nice, but hey, who doesn’t like a little drama in their dining experience?

There was a hiccup with the POS system, which seemed to have more issues than I did trying to read the cluttered menu. They didn’t have one of the items I ordered, so the trainee had to call the owner, who was probably wrestling with the computer like it was a greasy chicken wing. Meanwhile, I just told him to adjust the price and throw in some extra sides—because who doesn’t love a good chicken negotiation?

Now, the chicken wings? They were surprisingly good—tender, not greasy, and definitely better than my attempts at frying chicken at home (let’s just say the smoke alarm and I have a complicated relationship). The kimchi could’ve used a bit more spice, and the cucumber salad was about as exciting as watching paint dry. The fried rice? Decent, but I’ve had more flavorful conversations with my houseplant.

And let’s talk about the sauce—$0.75 for a side? I thought Chicken Licking was all about the free sauce experience! I mean, if I wanted to pay for sauce, I’d just order a side of regret instead.

Overall, I’d give this place a solid 3.5 stars. They’re like a band that’s still tuning their instruments but has the potential to rock out once they find their rhythm. I’ll definitely give it another shot once they figure out the whole “running a restaurant” thing. Until then, I’ll just keep practicing my sauce-tasting...

I've been here twice now. The first time was better than the second. Chicken wings were large so it was fairly priced and the Bulgogi Beef Fries were also pretty tasty. Gochujang sauce was just okay. I'd definitely try a different flavor next time. Ordered in store and it wasn't busy at all. Probably got the order in under 10 minutes.

I just went again today - called in my order for pickup. I ordered a couple Bao Buns and a side of Bulgogi Fried Rice for a friend and I as a very late lunch/small snack. The buns seemed like they were frozen, definitely not fresh. Part of it was hard, like it was microwaved too long or something. I was also disappointed to see there was only pork belly and pickled cucumbers (not pickles) in there, no sauce or any other vegetable. The menu on their site says "Meat-Candy (Pork Belly) Bao" which had me thinking it was candied pork, kind of like candied bacon. That was not the case. Definitely wouldn't get these again. The Bulgogi Fried Rice was kind of salty, I wouldn't get that again either.

I was charged $16.05 but the total was, according to their pricing on their website, a total of $13.96 ($3.75x2 + $5.55 + 7%) tax included. It's only a couple of dollars more but it's the principal of it all. I'm confused as to what the other $2 was for. Too bad I was in a hurry and pressed no receipt and only thought about it later. Overall it isn't a huge deal but if their pricing is different online than it is in store, I'd double check. Not sure when I'll be back as both times were just okay and underwhelming on the latter visit.

Edited: Bumped up a star for the courteous reply. I forgot about the egg because there wasn't an egg on top/I didn't see one when I opened it, but maybe it was cooked in there? Whatever the case, no refund needed. I shall stop by again when things are all settled and...

First time there and will be going back! Arrived somewhere between 3:00pm-3:30pm. Promptly greeted at the counter. Was asked if first time here. Said yes. Person took the time to fully explain the menu options and said it was a good time to come, as it gets busier later, which it did. They have 8 different sauces that you can sample. I ordered the 10 piece wings, with the kimchi side. There are 3 sides that you can choose one to compliment the wings. I got the second to hottest sauce. A nice slow heat, not burning hot. Wins were huge and crispy. Wife ordered the chicken sandwich which consisted of 3 nice size tenders (not a chicken breast) with a side of waffle fries, which were great btw! She said chicken was nice and crispy and tender. My next experience here I need to share. The owner/GM came around and asked with a big smile how we liked it and even pointed out a sink, where one can wash their hands! Trust me if you get the wings, you'll need it!! He also proceeded to check in with other diners. His attentiveness to the operations of the business, was impeccable. I could tell he was making sure things were going right. Not micro-managing but just attention to details. All in all, we will be going back to try other items. Prices were reasonable and would highly recommend giving this place your business! Forgot to add earlier, they have a nice selection of tap beer and pop and also a great selection of Korean based bottled beer, which is 12% alcohol by volume!! Have 3 or 4 of those babies, you better have someone else...