BOX Chicken Serving Japanese Soul Food

Who doesn’t love a good bento box? And who doesn’t love good fried chicken? Well, combine the two and you get the magic of BOX Chicken and its wonderful chicken tendies hybrid meal.

Call it a family affair because Chef Noah Clark and family are introducing L.A. to its fast-casual concept featuring their signature Japanese American Chicken Tendie, a mouth-watering, delicious fusion of Japanese American flavors.

Founded by Los Angeles native Maggie Antoine more than four decades ago, BOX Chicken began as a modest Bento Box operation serving Japanese tour groups and the film industry. Her signature Japanese American chicken tender, crafted from her Japanese heritage, became a city favorite, winning hearts across Los Angeles and beyond. In the late 1990s, Maggie and her sister, Reiko Clark, took their success to Atlanta and launched a successful, award-winning franchise. Now, led by Maggie’s nephew and Reiko’s son, Executive Chef Noah Clark, BOX Chicken has returned to the City of Angels to launch an entirely reinvented concept, bringing Angelenos their legendary Chicken Tendie that started it all.

“I grew up in Atlanta as a multi-ethnic kid of an African-American father and a Japanese-American mom,” Chef Noah explains. “My siblings and I referred to ourselves as ‘Blackanese,’ raised on California Rolls and collard greens. It’s no wonder we call our cuisine Japanese Soul food.”

Currently operating out of Westside Eats cloud kitchen, BOX Chicken is ready to make its mark in Greater Los Angeles, with plans to expand through ghost kitchens across the city, leading to a highly anticipated flagship store.

BOX Chicken’s uniquely flavored Chicken Tendies has five flavor levels: Original, Mild, Spicy, Hot, and Crazy Hot. The menu ranges from à la carte options to satisfying meal boxes, including the signature “BOX Meal” featuring Chicken Tendies with a choice of two sides—Japanese Rice, Potato Salad, Green Beans with Shoyu Dip, House Pickles, or Side Salad. And every meal comes with crowd-favorite G.O.A.T. Ranch.

During our recent experience, we enjoyed BOX Meals with three chicken tendies, including G.O.A.T. Ranch, served over Japanese rice. We had one with original tendies and one served spicy. Both were terrifically tasty but I really like the Original as you can then spice it to your liking. Consider the gluten-free Japanese Rice a must-have. And I really enjoyed the potato salad as well las the house pickles. You can’t go wrong with either.

The chicken tendies are the star here and the sauce over the rice is just delicious.

And don’t sleep on the Salad here with your choice of protein (chicken tendies, shredded chicken or tofu nuggies) along with romaine and spring mix, red cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes and wanton crisps with your choice of dressing. This is like Chinese Chicken Salad minus the mandarin oranges. It’s a crowd pleaser for sure.

BOX Chicken is open every Monday through Wednesday from 11am to 9pm, every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 11am to midnight, and every Sunday from 1pm to 8pm. Located at Westside Eats at 2352 S. Sepulveda Blvd. In addition to its Signature Menu, BOX Chicken also offers Catering Services, Corporate BOX Meals, and Trays for events and gatherings. Call (213) 255-5727.

Photo Credit: Nicholas Gingold | Craft Media Solutions