If you love chicken in all its forms, there’s a restaurant in Illinois you need to try. Located in the town of Sterling, this place is known for its unique fried chicken, and you need to try it for yourself.

Check out an Illinois invention that comes with some interesting history. Scroll on for more details.

Candlelight Inn has been in business since 1967. It is situated in a building that used to be a barn and which has two sister locations.
Google/rodney keefer
The other locations are in Rock Island as well as Clinton, Iowa.
Its main claim to fame is this unique fried chicken. Known as Chicken George, this dish is simple in that it's basically just boneless chicken that's been battered and fried, but locals go wild for it.
Facebook/Candlelight Inn Sterling
Legend has it that a customer came in asking for something different around the time the cook, George, was experimenting with battering and frying chicken pieces, and the rest is history.
Along with the chicken, guests enjoy a beautiful and spacious dining area that is both cozy and bright. No matter what you order, your meal will come with friendly service and a smile.
Facebook/Candlelight Inn Sterling

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Additional menu items include seafood platters, burgers, steaks, ribs, salads, and appetizers like mozzarella sticks, onion rings, crab cakes, potato skins, and much more.
Facebook/Candlelight Inn Sterling
When it comes to Chicken George, you can order the dish many different ways. Classically, the tenders come with a side of special sauce, but you can also choose to have them tossed in buffalo or sweet & sour sauce, served alongside spaghetti or atop mac and cheese, or even enjoy them grilled.
Facebook/Candlelight Inn Sterling
There's also a plethora of desserts to enjoy. Ask your server for what's best that day. Guests can also enjoy a full list of wines.
Facebook/Candlelight Inn Sterling

Hours of operation are Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Candlelight Inn is located at 2907 North Locust St., Sterling, IL 61081, and you can get more information on its website or Facebook page.

For more great places to eat, check out 11 restaurants in Illinois that are a paradise for meat lovers.

Have you ever had this unique fried chicken? If so, we’d love to hear from you. Please share with us your experiences and photos below in the comments.

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