Northwest Arkansas is home to a variety of restaurants for every taste, but Slim Chickens is a particularly beloved chain here in Arkansas. So many people have told me I needed to go and check out Slim Chickens for myself, and I finally did!
Slim Chickens is an international franchise that originated here in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Slim differentiates itself with a focus on fresh food and sauces in a casual, modern atmosphere.
Let me tell you about the menu and locations of Slim Chickens in Northwest Arkansas, as well as the franchise’s history in the area.
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A Northwest Arkansas Native
Although Slim Chickens has grown into an international franchise, it all started right here in Northwest Arkansas. The first Slim Chickens restaurant opened in 2003 on College Avenue in Fayetteville in the building of an old sushi restaurant.
The goal was to become a local chain, but the overwhelming customer response convinced them to expand nationwide, becoming the best-known restaurant chain based in Arkansas. Now, Slim Chickens can be found all around the world, including the Kuwait International Airport.
This worldwide expansion has not caused Slim to forget its roots, though. With ten locations in Northwest Arkansas, they are still a local favorite.
Another locally-owned restaurant that is amazing is Hail Fellow Well Met, located in Johnson. Although this place isn’t a fast food chain, it’s owned by the same people who started Onyx Coffee, a coffee chain that began in NWA. To learn more about Hail Fellow Well Met, check out my article, where I’ll give you the restaurant’s background story and some highlights from the menu.
Menu
Without a doubt, chicken is Slim’s claim to fame, and it is the focus of every meal. I was impressed by their menu, and I think you will be as well.
Fresh, Not Frozen
Unlike other popular chicken chains, Slim Chickens always uses fresh chicken in their meals. Their chicken is never frozen and is prepared daily. The same is true of their famous sauces, which are made in-house.
Main Meals
Slim Chickens offers the following meals:
- Chicken and Waffles
- Chicken Sandwiches
- Chicken Wings
- Chicken Wraps
- Salad with Chicken Tenders
Slim Chickens also offers two different kid’s meals, chicken tenders, and mac and cheese. They both come with a drink and toast, and the chicken tender meal also comes with fries or applesauce and dipping sauce.
Sides
Meals come with one side of your choice, although you can always get more!
The sides at Slim Chickens are:
- Coleslaw
- Fried Mushrooms
- Fried Okra
- Fried Pickles
- Fries
- Mac and Cheese
- Potato Salad
- Side Salad
Sauces
I can’t talk about Slim Chickens without talking about their sauces. Made fresh in-house, they have 17 sauce options to choose from, and meals come with two dipping sauces of your choice.
With options from sweet to spicy, creamy Ranch to the very spicy Inferno, I was impressed with the variety. Their special Slim Sauce is not very spicy and can be enjoyed by children and adults alike.
Also, I have a 3-day itinerary that can help you decide what activities to do if you’re overwhelmed by everything Northwest Arkansas has to offer.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a foodie, a sports person, a sightseer, or want to spend quality time with your kids; I have something for you. Check out the link below to learn more:
https://www.allthingsnwa.com/3-day-itinerary-northwest-arkansas
Dessert
Slim Chickens is known for their jar desserts. Follow them on social media to learn about limited-time specials.
Slim Chickens offers many desserts:
- Strawberry Milkshake
- Oreo Milkshake
- Chocolate Brownie Pudding Jar Dessert
- Strawberry Cheesecake Jar Dessert
- Oreo Cheesecake Jar Dessert
- Chocolate Chip Brownie
Dietary Restrictions
Slim Chickens provides nutritional information for all of their meals to help accommodate allergies and dietary restrictions. However, you will find that the menu at Slim has something to offer most customers.
- Gluten-free: Slim does not have gluten-free options for their sandwiches and wraps, but the Grilled Tenders and most of the Wings are gluten-free. Several of their sauces do contain wheat, however.
- Peanut allergy: Slim does not use any peanut products, using soybean oil for frying instead.
- Vegetarian: The only vegetarian entree option is the salad without the chicken. However, you could make a meal out of several sides, all of which are vegetarian.
- Vegan: Slim Chickens is not a very vegan-friendly restaurant. For a snack, french fries, applesauce, and potato chips are your options. Not all of the sauces are vegan, so make sure to ask before you order!
Atmosphere
Slim Chickens offers a fast-casual dining experience. A bit more upscale than a fast-food restaurant, it still offers counter service and a seat-yourself dining room. The light, modern farmhouse design creates a welcoming atmosphere.
Another thing that impressed me about Slims was how clean it was. In fact, Slims Chicken restaurants around the world get consistently positive reviews for both atmosphere and cleanliness.
Rewards Program
Slim Chickens has a great Slimthusiast rewards program through the Slim Chickens app. You can earn a free chicken sandwich just by downloading the app. From then, you can earn points on all your orders to get discounts.
They also give you a free dessert every year on your birthday!
Locations
Slim Chickens has many locations in Northern Arkansas:
Bentonville
- 1000 SW Regional Airport Blvd.
- 1400 SE Eagle Way
Fayetteville
- 1050 W Dickson St.
- 1855 MLK Jr. Blvd
- 2120 N College Ave.
- 3562 W Wedington Dr.
- 637 Joyve Blvd. Ste. 20A
Rogers
- 2002 S. Promenade Blvd.
Springdale
- 401 S Thompson St.
- 5240 W Sunset Ave.
If you don’t feel like going out, you’re in luck! Slim Chickens is partnered with DoorDash to provide delivery in the area. Make sure to order through the Slim Chickens app to get reward points.
While You’re in Town
While you are in Northwest Arkansas, take the time to take advantage of the other attractions we have to offer. Whether you are new to the area, or just stopping by, take a look at my article, “My Perfect Weekend in Fayetteville, Arkansas” for inspiration.
If you’re after some fresh air, take a look at my other article, “What To Do: 5 Outdoor Things NOT Hiking and Biking (Northwest Arkansas, Bentonville, and Fayetteville)”. There are so many opportunities, whether you are staying a week or just an afternoon.
Final Thoughts
I was very impressed with my visit to Slim Chickens, and would highly recommend it to everyone in the Northwest Arkansas area.
Slim features modern farmhouse decor and a fresh, casual atmosphere. The food is always fresh and prepared in-house.
Though chicken is their main focus, their extensive menu provides options to accommodate many dietary restrictions. They have an impressive variety of sauces and a variety of sides.
If you want to give them a try, use the Slim Chickens app to receive your first sandwich free.