Harlem's 'Fried Chicken King' to Open Second Location

HARLEM, NY — A man dubbed the "Fried Chicken King" of Harlem is getting ready to open up a second location in the neighborhood.

Legendary Harlem spot Charles’ Country Pan Fried Chicken will open another outpost soon on Frederick Douglass Boulevard and 132nd Street, reported neighborhood blog Harlem Bespoke. A sign reading "Charles Pan Fried Chicken coming soon" was spotted on an empty storefront that used to house a juice bar, according to the report.

Charles’ Country Pan Fried Chicken is owned and operated by Charles Gabriel, who was awarded the title "Friend Chicken King" by the New Yorker in a 2o14 profile. What makes Gabriel's chicken special is the preparation. Instead of dumping chicken pieces into a deep fryer Gabriel uses a pan, which requires more attention and energy from the cook, reported the New Yorker.

"When you have chicken in a deep fryer, you cook the flavor out of it,” Gabriel told the New Yorker as he was pan frying chicken. "This here? It can breathe."

The original Charles’ Country Pan Fried Chicken is located up on Frederick Douglass Boulevard near 151st Street.

Photo: Google Maps street view circa November 2012.