WE headed down to one of the first venues to open in the multi-million-pound Northern Gateway project - Slim Chickens - to see if it lives up to its claim of life-changing chicken. 

Hailing from Arkansas, the brand specialises in southern-American dishes and offers an impressive array of 14 sauces for diners to enjoy.

Renowned for its chicken tenders, the neon signs fixed to the windows offered some highlights of the restaurant: ‘hand-spun shakes’, ‘hot wings’, and ‘chicken sandwiches’.

With high tables and stools, regular tables, and plush padded booths, the space was large and decorated with brightly coloured wall art.

The most notable piece is a guitar which features the Colchester United FC badge, Colchester Castle, and a rhino and giraffe from Colchester Zoo, which celebrates this restaurant as both Colchester and Essex’s first Slim Chickens.

Inside- A snap of the wall art in Slim Chickens. Inside- A snap of the wall art in Slim Chickens. (Image: Claudia Bradley)

Slim Chickens has brought the American restaurant experience to Colchester, with the refillable soft drinks station and the food served in little baskets, topped off with the ‘Restroom’ sign in the back corner.

Settled into a booth near the large TV screen mounted to the wall displaying various sports, I listened to the tones of country music and relaxed beats while waiting for my food.

Each table has a kitchen roll to wipe your hands with, and a QR code to order more food and drink.

Tasty- Slim Chickens buffalo wrap meal and popular chicken tenders. Tasty- Slim Chickens buffalo wrap meal and popular chicken tenders (Image: Claudia Bradley)

When my three chicken tenders arrived, with fries and a slice of Texas toast, it was obvious right away why Slim Chickens is known for its slim chicken tenders.

Marinated in buttermilk, the crispy batter held chicken that was delightfully soft and full of flavour.

The fries were enjoyably seasoned, the buffalo wrap bursting with spice, and the Texas toast was surprisingly delicate despite the well-cooked taste.

The Korean BBQ dip was so tasty, we finished two pots of it.

Milkshakes- Slim Chickens Oreo and popcorn milkshakes. Milkshakes - Slim Chickens Oreo and popcorn milkshakes. (Image: Claudia Bradley)

Another standout was the Oreo and popcorn milkshakes we ordered. The popcorn shake did indeed taste like popcorn, to our shock and delight.

Despite ordering on the screen, we enjoyed a smiling server coming to check everything was alright with our meal a few minutes later.

I would recommend Slim Chickens to anyone who enjoys a classic southern-fry.

The relaxed atmosphere, along with the sports broadcast, will appeal to chicken lovers everywhere.