Bagel Express Offers Top-Notch Rotisserie Chicken

Bagel Express (Lexington Ave. btw. 39th+40th) has been my go-to bagel place since I started working in Midtown, but I had never thought of going there for lunch until last week, when I noticed a sign advertising rotisserie chicken. I’m a big fan of rotisserie chicken. There’s just no better way to ensure a moist, and flavorful bird. I ordered the quarter chicken with two sides for $5.99, although I’m sure most Lunchers will want to go for the half chicken meal, which still costs only $7.99. As far as the sides go, you can choose from an assortment of mixed vegetables, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, rice, and plantains. I went for the mac and cheese and roasted summer squash with bell peppers.

Bagel Express marinates their chicken in citrus juices, spices, and garlic. I wasn’t really able to pick up on those, but the chicken was still fantastic. I got a leg and thigh (because everyone knows dark meat is the only way to go) and was glad I did. The skin was salty and delicious, and the outside of the leg has that slightly overcooked chewiness that I love. It was flavorful and juicy, and a few of my coworkers commented on how good it smelled from across the room.

I was surprised to see how good the macaroni and cheese looked, with strings of cheese falling from each bite. Those looks were a bit deceiving though, as it didn’t taste particularly cheesy. If anything, it was buttery. There are worse things in the world, and I found myself going back to the mac and cheese again and again.

The squash, on the other hand, was a complete miss. It lacked flavor and needed salt. Still, I can appreciate that the pieces of squash were still crunchy and fresh after being kept warm in a chafing dish. The chunks of red, yellow, and green bell peppers that came along with the squash were much better, but still not enough to save it from being the least successful side dish.

Overall, I was surprised that a bagel place could make such good rotisserie chicken. And for the price, I would certainly recommend trying it out. I, for one, will be going back soon, and not just for the bagels.

Bagel Express, 347 Lexington Ave (btw. 39th+40th St.), (212) 286-8887

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