Fried chicken shops hate to see me coming.
My love affair began with the Colonel in Kentucky - but I've played the field, sampling Chick-fil-A from Georgia, Popeyes from Louisiana and most recently Slim Chickens from Arkansas.
With three of these four having restaurants in Brighton, we're spoiled for choice.
But this is why I think the latter pips them to the post.
Its reputation is like the Five Guys of chicken shops: around £15 for a meal rather than £7.50, but also posh enough that you feel like you're a gourmet.
Whereas Five Guys' USP is the (admittedly dwindling) portion size and range of toppings on the burgers, Slim Chickens is known for its range of dips.
And this is where it comes into its own.
From the Slim sauce - creamy, tomatoey and peppery - to the BBQ options, to the spicier ones - Buffalo for me all the way - to your classic creamy numbers like ranch and the left-fielders like the cheesy garlic and gravy mayo, all your bases are covered.
Not only that, but you can also mix and match; the combination of the ranch and Buffalo is used to full effect in their mouth-watering chicken burger, for example.
The fast food gourmet's choice, a long and slender chicken tender is perfect for mopping up every last nook and cranny of the dip pots, in a way that a nugget (or as they call them here, a boneless bite) simply cannot compete.
I will admit, KFC's secret blend of 11 herbs and spices is the one to beat when it comes to the chicken itself.
But too often it comes out greasier than an unwitting seabird caught in a crude oil spill.
At Slim Chickens, the food is cooked to order - so no saggy, soggy thighs in sight.
My final argument in favour of this upstart is the quality of the sides.
Loaded fries and mac and cheese, do carbs get better?
The crispy fried shoestring onions? Pour them down my throat.
Yes, there is a slightly longer wait time - but it is worth every mouthful.
Looks like I'll be visiting Arkansas rather than Kentucky for the foreseeable.
