DISH OF THE WEEK: Chick’n Bites at SHAKE SHACK INNOVATION KITCHEN

Every week, I document another dish that impressed and satiated me during my food adventures around New York City

I don’t regularly eat at Shake Shack. The homegrown burger joint has blossomed into a massive fast food chain with locations all of the world. I really don’t get why New Yorkers still line up at the latest Shake Shack opening.

And that was what I thought when I walked by one of the first days at the newest location on Varick Street in the West Village. People waiting in the cold to be the first to try the latest concrete or whatever.

But I guess I’m a reluctant sheep because I was eager to try the latest and greatest. I just won’t stand in line for it.

And this Shake Shack is a little different because it’s not your usual location, but rather an “Innovation Kitchen”. Which is actually pretty cool. Here the chefs who help shape the worldwide menus are experimenting with different items that could be the next Shack sensation.

So when I walked by again and there was no line, I figured I’d at least check it out.

In addition to unique experiments like a hot dog with pumpkin mustard, bacon, sage, and cranberries and a pancake bacon frozen custard, the most noteworthy new item are Shake Shack’s first foray into chicken nuggets.

I was a fan of their peppery fried chicken sandwich and I have to say I’m a fan of these too. Another corporate fast food chain comes to mind when I received the six piece pack with dipping sauce. And while I don’t eat at Chick-Fil-A anymore for political reasons, I do miss their tender nugs.

Shake Shack’s policies are more in line with my beliefs and I’m pleased to say their nuggets are as good as any I’ve tasted at a fast food restaurant.

The breading is light enough to not overwhelm or get in the way of the protein. They’re fried to a precise crispness that easily gives way to juicy, tender meat. And it tastes like real chicken – not processed or mixed with filler. I also liked the honey mustard dipping sauce which had a subtle amount of heat and sweetness.

I don’t usually stop into Shake Shack, but these chicken nuggets make it more difficult to resist. Maybe I’ll order them the next time I wait for the lines to die down when the newest Shack creation is announced. Price: $4.39/$6.39