Picture finding a little takeaway counter in Oregon where you can point at literally anything on the menu and know it won’t make you sick. For anyone with celiac disease, that kind of freedom is rare and honestly kind of emotional.
The crispy, juicy tenders coming out of this place taste so good you’d never guess they were made with your safety in mind. Come hungry, because once you know about this one, you’ll want to keep it in your back pocket for every craving.
A Tucked-Away Counter in Beaverton
Hidden inside the Xplore space on NW Twin Oaks Drive in Beaverton, this fried chicken counter is the kind of spot you’d walk right past if a friend hadn’t tipped you off. It sits in a corner of the Portland metro’s western suburbs, away from the flashier food carts everyone already flocks to.
Your Side Chicks isn’t trying to be loud or trendy. It’s a fried chicken takeaway with a simple setup, plenty of seating, and food that does all the talking.
What sets it apart is a single, huge detail: the entire menu is gluten-free. No asterisks, no cross-contamination worries, no quizzing the staff about hidden flour.
For folks who’ve spent years reading ingredient labels, walking in and ordering anything feels almost too good to be true.
Why an All Gluten-Free Kitchen Matters
Most people don’t realize how stressful eating out can be when gluten isn’t an option. A shared fryer, a dusting of flour, a stray crumb – any of it can ruin a celiac diner’s day.
Here, that anxiety just disappears. Because the whole kitchen is dedicated gluten-free, there’s no guessing involved and no negotiating with the cook.
Regulars with celiac mention how rare and reassuring it is to find breaded tenders and nuggets they can actually eat safely.
One visitor summed up the feeling many share: being gluten-free isn’t a trendy choice for everyone, it’s a real medical need. Having a place that treats it seriously means they finally get to enjoy a meal like anyone else.
That thoughtfulness is baked into everything that leaves the fryer.
The Tenders That Started All the Buzz
Bite into one of these tenders and you’ll understand the fuss immediately. The coating shatters with a crisp snap while the chicken inside stays shockingly juicy and moist.
People keep coming back for them, and the tenders are far and away the most talked-about item on the menu. Several diners call them some of the best they’ve ever had, gluten-free or not.
There’s a little magic in the technique, too. Fans say the crunch somehow holds up hours later, which anyone who’s suffered soggy leftover fried chicken knows is no small feat.
These are old-school, real chicken strips, not mystery-meat nuggets pressed into shape.
A Wall of Seasonings to Work Through
Half the fun here is deciding which flavor to chase next. The dry rubs and seasonings turn a simple order of tenders into a mini adventure.
Lemon pepper draws a loyal crowd, especially on the wings, where fans rave about how juicy and bright they come out every single time. Buffalo brings the heat, while truffle parmesan leans rich and unexpected for a chicken spot.
Regulars talk about slowly making their way through the whole lineup, ticking off flavors visit by visit. With so many options, it’s easy to see why people treat repeat trips like a checklist rather than a chore.
Sauces Worth Their Own Fan Club
Don’t skip the sauces, because they’ve earned near-legendary status among the regulars. The secret special sauce in particular gets showered with praise for how perfectly it pairs with the crispy chicken.
Diners mention they haven’t hit a dud yet, which is high praise when a menu offers this many dipping choices. Each one seems designed to play off the seasonings rather than compete with them.
One gentle heads-up from a fellow parent: the mild sauce packs more of a kick than its name suggests. A little goes a long way, so maybe don’t let a kid mistake it for ketchup.
Sides That Refuse to Play Backup
Fries at a lot of places feel like an afterthought, but not here. Customers describe them as some of the crispiest, most delicious fries around, and they get the same care as the chicken.
You can even season the fries, with spicy garlic earning a shout-out from one happy diner who paired it with buffalo tenders. It’s a combination that turns a side order into a highlight.
Then there are the fried pickles, which one regular flat-out called the best they’ve ever had. When even the sides are inspiring exclamation points, you know the whole operation is dialed in.
Portions Built for Sharing and Leftovers
Bring your appetite, but maybe don’t overorder on your first visit. The serving sizes here run big, and people are genuinely surprised by how much food they get for the price.
One couple grabbed an 8-piece to share and still had plenty left for the next day. Others recommend starting with the two-piece combo, warning that it’s larger than it looks on paper.
At a price range of roughly $10 to $20, diners feel like they’re getting real value. It’s the kind of meal that feeds two people or sets you up nicely for a lazy leftover lunch.
Friendly Faces Behind the Counter
Great food only gets you so far without people who care, and that’s another thing this spot nails. Chef Daniel gets named again and again as one of the nicest people around, happy to chat and clearly proud of what he serves.
Staff like Sean have earned praise too, whipping up fresh orders quickly and serving them with a genuine smile. Diners note how knowledgeable the team is when it comes to dietary questions.
For celiac guests especially, that willingness to talk openly about ingredients and safety makes a huge difference. You leave feeling looked after, not just fed.
An Easygoing Spot to Land
The vibe here is refreshingly low-key. It’s clean, simple, and unpretentious, without the packed-food-cart chaos that fills so much of the Beaverton and Hillsboro scene.
Getting there is painless, with a parking lot plus street parking available, so you’re not circling the block. There’s plenty of seating if you want to stay, though the food travels beautifully for takeout too.
Locals who’ve watched the area’s food culture grow expect this quiet newcomer to catch on with time. For now, it still feels like a bit of a neighborhood secret, which is exactly the charm.
Planning Your Visit
Ready to go? You’ll find Your Side Chicks at 16365 NW Twin Oaks Dr #16, Beaverton, OR 97006, open every day of the week from 11:30 AM to 8 PM.
That daily schedule makes it an easy call whether you’re grabbing a weekday lunch or a weekend dinner. Give them a ring at 971-430-0960 or check yoursidechicks.com if you want to peek at the menu first.
For any Oregonian navigating celiac disease, or just anyone who loves seriously crispy chicken, this tucked-away Beaverton counter is worth the trip. Bring a friend, work your way through the seasonings, and enjoy the rare gift of ordering absolutely anything you want.
Share this story
