How Chickitha started - an air fryer with a notebook saying 'How We Started'

Our Story

How Chickitha revolutionized fried chicken with air-frying technology.

How It All Started

Chickitha was born from a simple idea: What if we could make fried chicken that's both delicious and better for you? Our founder, Chef Maria Rodriguez, had always loved fried chicken but was concerned about the health implications of traditional deep-frying methods.

In 2018, after years of experimenting with air-frying technology and perfecting her spice blends, Maria opened the first Chickitha location in downtown. The response was overwhelming – customers couldn't believe that chicken this crispy and flavorful could be made with significantly less oil.

Today, Chickitha has grown to multiple locations, but our commitment to quality, flavor, and healthier cooking methods remains unchanged.

Chickitha chef preparing food in our modern kitchen

Our Mission

At Chickitha, we're on a mission to revolutionize fast food by proving that convenience doesn't have to compromise health or flavor.

Better For You

We're committed to using air-frying technology that reduces fat content by up to 80% compared to traditional frying methods.

Better For Taste

We never compromise on flavor. Our special blends of herbs and spices ensure every bite is packed with deliciousness.

Better For Community

We source ingredients locally when possible and actively participate in community initiatives and sustainability efforts.

Air fryer with crispy chicken pieces and fresh herbs

Why Air-Fried?

Air-frying is a cooking method that uses rapid air circulation to create the crispy exterior that makes fried chicken so irresistible, but with a fraction of the oil used in traditional deep-frying.

The benefits are numerous:

  • Up to 80% less fat than traditional fried chicken
  • Fewer calories without sacrificing taste
  • No greasy aftertaste
  • Crispy exterior, juicy interior
  • Reduced acrylamide formation (a potentially harmful compound formed when frying at high temperatures)

At Chickitha, we've perfected the air-frying process to ensure our chicken is always crispy, flavorful, and cooked to perfection.

Why We're Different

At Chickitha, we've reimagined fast food with a health-first approach that never compromises on flavor.

Air-Fried, Not Deep-Fried

We use air fryers instead of deep fryers to eliminate excess oil while maintaining that perfect crunch you crave. Our chicken has up to 80% less fat than traditional fried chicken without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Probiotic-Rich Sauces

All our sauces are made from probiotic-rich yogurt, avoiding mayonnaise and preservatives. Our house-made sauces not only taste amazing but also support gut health with beneficial bacteria.

Fiber-Balanced Salads

Each meal includes a fiber-balanced salad, carefully tailored to complement the protein content of the chicken. We use a variety of fresh vegetables and greens to ensure you get a nutritionally complete meal.

No Sodas, Just Sparkle

We do not serve any sodas or colas. Instead, we offer all-natural, flavored sparkling waters in refreshing varieties like lime, blueberry, and raspberry. Zero sugar, zero artificial sweeteners, just pure refreshment.

Smart Carbs

Our carb sides are not traditional French fries but air-fried baby potatoes that are first boiled, then lightly crushed and crisped. This preparation method maintains more nutrients and results in a lower glycemic index while still delivering that satisfying crunch.

Calorie-Conscious Transparency

Like Dunkin' and other responsible QSRs, we provide a full nutritional breakdown for every item on our menu—including Calories, Carbs, Protein, Fats, and Fiber content. We believe in empowering our customers with the information they need to make informed and healthy choices that align with their dietary goals.

Meet Our Team

The passionate people behind Chickitha's success.

Maria Rodriguez

Maria Rodriguez

Founder & Head Chef

David Chen

David Chen

Operations Director

Join the Chickitha Family

We're always looking for passionate people to join our team. Check out our current openings or visit us for a taste of what makes Chickitha special.