Haven Hot Chicken – The Best Halal Chicken Spot in Storrs, CT

If you’re looking for delicious halal chicken in Storrs, CT, look no further than Haven Hot Chicken. This fast-casual restaurant specializes in Nashville hot chicken, offering spicy fried chicken sandwiches and tenders with various heat levels to satisfy anyone’s palate. I discovered this place recently and want to share my experience in hopes that other UConn students and Storrs residents will check it out!

Overview of Haven Hot Chicken

Haven Hot Chicken opened a business in Storrs in 2022, adding to their other locations in Connecticut. They make their own bread and cook halal chicken to order. The chicken is always fresh, never frozen. They serve chicken with or without bones, and you can get sides like fries, coleslaw, mac and cheese, and more. They also have alternatives for vegetarians and vegans, such as cauliflower wings and “not chicken” made from textured vegetable protein.

The star of the show is definitely the Nashville hot chicken. You choose your preferred spice level, ranging from no heat to extra hot. The chicken gets tossed in a spicy oil for the perfect amount of burn. I’m not great with very spicy food, so I stick to medium heat, but daring customers can try to conquer the reaper-infused extra hot! A selection of dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, and HavBQue (a honey bbq sauce) help balance the heat.

My Experiences at Haven Hot Chicken Storrs

I’ve been to Haven Hot Chicken a few times now and have had an excellent experience each visit. Here are some highlights:

• Convenient online ordering – You can order ahead on their website or app and pick up your food without waiting in line. Super quick and easy for busy college students!

• Friendly staff—The staff is friendly and willing to help you decide what to order if you’re not sure. Shout out to Sara who has great customer service!.

• Chicken tenders – I’m obsessed with their chicken tenders which taste amazingly juicy and flavorful after being double breaded in seasoned flour. I get the medium spice level and the hints of chili flavor without being overwhelmingly hot are perfect.

• Dipping sauces – The havBQ sauce is my new obsession! Sweet and tangy with a hint of heat. I could drink this stuff. Ranch and honey mustard are great too.

• Loaded fries – A must try side. Spicy chicken, havBQ sauce, ranch, and crispy onions on top of crispy fries. The perfect combo of flavors and textures in one bowl.

• Banana pudding – An ideal sweet treat to cool your taste buds after spicy chicken. Creamy banana pudding with fresh banana slices and vanilla wafers. Simply delicious!

Menu Highlights

Here are some of my favorite menu items that are must tries:

• The Sandwich Combo – Your choice of spicy chicken sandwich with a side of loaded fries or mac and cheese

• Chicken and Waffles – A soul food classic done right with spicy chicken tenders served over belgian waffles

• The Not Chicken Sandwich – Plant-based sandwich with crispy textured veggie protein for non-meat eaters

• This dish is called Sweet Heat Mac Bowl. It has elbow macaroni in a sweet and spicy cheese sauce with spicy chicken on top.

• Regular Banana Pudding – Cool, creamy banana pudding with fresh bananas and vanilla wafers

They also have meal combos, chicken by the dozen, boneless wings, salads and more to suit any appetite.

Why Haven Hot Chicken Stands Out

What I love about this place is how they reinvent classic comfort foods with a halal, Nashville hot chicken twist. You don’t often find this flavor profile in Storrs, so it’s really unique. The chicken has that ultra crispy, craggy breading that stays super crunchy even when doused in sauce. It never tastes greasy or soggy.

Another thing that makes Haven Hot Chicken special is their hospitality. They truly want you to have an enjoyable experience. I’ve seen the manager Sara come out multiple times to check on customers and make sure everyone is happy with their food. It’s the little things like that which stick with you.

And of course, the fact that all their chicken is certified halal sets them apart. It accommodates the needs of Muslim students and others who follow halal dietary rules. As a halal establishment, they also offer prayer mats and a secluded area for praying!

Prices – Budget Friendly Eats

Considering the generous portions and product quality, their prices are very fair in my opinion. Sandwiches, tenders and meals range from $6-$15. Sides are around $3-5 and desserts $4-6. For college students on a budget, you can easily get a filling meal for under $15 per person. I’d consider it very reasonably priced for the Storrs area.

It’s cheaper than getting takeout from Wings Over or fetching delivery from various chicken chains. While the prices are cheap, the food still feels high quality, which is always a win as a broke college kid!

Location Details

Haven Hot Chicken is located at 1206 Storrs Road, conveniently situated right off Route 195 near UConn in the village area of Storrs. There is a large parking area in front of the restaurant.

Hours of operation:

• Wednesday & Thursday: 12pm – 8pm
• Friday & Saturday: 12pm – 10pm
• Sunday: 12pm – 8pm
• Monday & Tuesday: Closed

You can reach them by phone at (860) 477-2028 but they don’t take orders over the phone – online ordering only!

Final Thoughts

I highly recommend Haven Hot Chicken to all UConn students, Storrs locals or anyone in the area craving halal hot chicken. Their hand breaded fresh chicken totally hits the spot. Beyond the rave-worthy food, their hospitality goes a long way and keeps me coming back. I’m excited to see this local business grow!

Next time you’re debating the best chicken spots, choose Haven Hot Chicken Storrs for a spicy fried chicken sandwich with some kick or some juicy, crispy tenders. Order online for quick pickup or delivery and customize your heat level and sides. Don’t sleep on adding some loaded fries, mac and cheese, or banana pudding to your order!