What Kind of Fish Does Hartz Chicken Serve?

Hartz Chicken is well known for its delicious fried chicken but did you know they also serve fish? If you’re wondering what type of fish is on the menu at Hartz Chicken keep reading to get all the details.

An Overview of Hartz Chicken

For those unfamiliar with Hartz Chicken, it’s a fast food chicken chain located primarily in the Southern United States Founded in 1987 in Mobile, Alabama, Hartz Chicken has grown to over 70 locations across Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Florida. They’re best known for their hand-breaded, made-to-order fried chicken meals and chicken tender baskets.

In addition to chicken, Hartz Chicken also serves up classic Southern sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, beans and rice. They offer meal combos, family packs for larger groups, and daily lunch buffets. While fried chicken is undoubtedly the star of the show, Hartz Chicken’s menu has a nice variety, including fried catfish.

The Fried Catfish Offering at Hartz Chicken

The fish served at Hartz Chicken restaurants is catfish. Specifically, they use farm-raised catfish fillets. Catfish is a popular fish in Southern cuisine, so it makes sense that Hartz Chicken would offer it as a lighter alternative to their fried chicken. The catfish is breaded in a seasoned batter and deep fried until golden and crispy.

The batter contains a blend of spices like garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. This gives the catfish a savory, mildly seasoned flavor profile. The fish comes out hot and juicy on the inside while maintaining a satisfying crunch on the outside. Dipping sauces like tartar sauce and cocktail sauce are available to complement the fried catfish.

Why Catfish Makes Sense for Hartz Chicken

There are several good reasons why Hartz Chicken opted to serve catfish on their menu:

• Popularity in the South – Catfish is synonymous with Southern cooking. It’s inexpensive, readily available, and has a mild, adaptable flavor. Fried catfish sandwiches and platters are menu staples across the Southern U.S.

• Provides a seafood option – While best known for chicken, adding catfish allows Hartz Chicken to appeal to those wanting a lighter or non-chicken meal.

• Economical and consistent – Using farm-raised frozen catfish fillets allows for a steady inventory and keeps costs down. This ensures availability across all locations.

• Mild, flaky texture – Catfish has a subtle, sweet flavor. The flesh is firm yet flaky. It lends itself well to frying and seasoning.

• Broader appeal – The mild taste and versatility of catfish makes it a good introductory fish for non-seafood lovers.

How the Catfish is Prepared and Served

As mentioned, Hartz Chicken deep fries their catfish in a seasoned breading. The fish arrives at locations frozen. Each fillet is hand-breaded then placed into fryers filled with hot oil. The catfish fries for a few minutes until the batter is crispy and the interior flakes apart.

The fish is available as a meal with classic Southern sides like fries, coleslaw, beans and rice. They also offer catfish in various basket and family pack sizes. Typically 2 or 3 fillets are served for individual meals while family packs may contain up to a dozen fillets.

Nutritional Value of Hartz Chicken’s Fried Catfish

Fried catfish contains less fat and calories compared to chicken when prepared in the same manner. A 3 oz serving of fried catfish has about 200 calories and 11 grams of fat. It’s an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. The breading does increase sodium, carbohydrates, and cholesterol levels compared to grilled or baked catfish. Overall, in moderation, it can be part of a balanced diet.

Other Important Questions About Hartz Chicken’s Catfish

Here are answers to some other frequently asked questions about the catfish at Hartz Chicken:

• Is it gluten-free? No, the seasoning batter contains gluten. Those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should avoid it.

• Can it be baked or grilled? Currently only the fried version is available. Special orders for baking or grilling are unlikely to be accommodated.

• Are there other fish options? Outside of limited-time specials, catfish is the only fish on the standard menu.

• What are the typical side dishes? Popular sides include french fries, coleslaw, green beans, corn, mashed potatoes, and rice.

• What dipping sauces can I get? Most locations offer tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, ranch and hot sauce for the catfish.

• Is the catfish sustainably sourced? It’s advised to check with individual locations and the corporate office regarding catfish sourcing practices.

The Takeaway on Hartz Chicken’s Fried Catfish

To summarize, Hartz Chicken primarily relies on farm-raised catfish for its seafood menu offerings. The catfish is breaded and fried, providing a crunchy exterior and moist, flaky interior. Side dishes like fries and coleslaw pair nicely. Though typically limited to fried catfish fillets, seafood specials may be sporadically available. Check with your local Hartz Chicken to confirm their current fish offerings. Overall, the catfish provides a tasty, wallet-friendly alternative to the chain’s signature fried chicken.