Fayetteville's Mike Culver is an aircraft router for Delta by profession and a chicken by choice. Known for about 10 years as the "Chicken Man," the character he developed as part of his comedy act, Culver will enter his award-winning Chicken Man's Chicken Chili Saturday in the Civitan's Chili Challenge. He claimed top honors two years ago for his entry, taking home the coveted copper chili pot. After a one-year slump, Culver is ready to take on all culinary comers.

Was it the chili's taste or Chicken Man's fowl personality which garnered him the First Place People's Choice award at the Chili Challenge's premier event? Neither, according to Culver. "I was begging them to vote for me," he joked.

This year, he'll be on hand to offer samples of his chicken chili and garnishes, including scallions and cheese. Culver had already begun his arduous chili-making process Sunday, in preparation for Saturday's cook-off.

"The secret is to make one pot at a time," he whispered.

Culver is no stranger around a stove and said he has been cooking for about 20 years. "I love to cook; I probably have over 200 cookbooks," he claimed. His specialties include seafood dishes, chicken entrees, gumbos and creoles, a natural connection to his Brunswick, Ga., roots.

The "Chicken Man" bit evolved from his days entertaining at Fayetteville's Lone Star Cafe. "Fred Poteet opened the Lone Star about 10 years ago. When he did, he asked me to entertain," Culver recalled. "I've been entertaining since the ripe old age of 8, and I'm 54 now," he said.

During that period, Culver was asked to perform for the Atlanta Falcons Booster Club.

"I needed an apropos song for the Falcons. I came up with a Ray Stevens song, 'In the Mood' by the Hen House Five," he said. "I found a chicken outfit and did the song for the Falcons; it was the last number I did," Culver said. It was the finale to his regular lip sync routine, which included a take-off on various character using hats and wigs as props. After the Falcons performance, everyone wanted the Chicken Man, Culver said. "It evolved from there."

The Lone Star went through some transitions and was eventually sold. Chicken Man's newest coop is the Charlie Horse Steak House in Sharpsburg. He performs every other weekend on Friday and Saturday nights. His next engagement will be the weekend of Oct. 9 and 10.

Can't wait to sample Chicken Man's Chicken Chili? Try it at home tonight.

2 med. onions, chopped

1 red or green bell pepper, diced

3 garlic cloves, minced

2 tsp. vegetable oil

1 1/2 -2 lbs. skinned, boned chicken breasts, seared on grill and cut in 1/2-inch pieces

2 cans (14 oz.) diced tomatoes, undrained

1 4 oz. can chopped green chilies

1 6 oz. can tomato paste

1 T. brown sugar

1 T. vinegar

1 can (16 oz.) kidney beans

1 can (16 oz. ) great northern beans, drained

1 can Ro-Tel tomatoes

2 T. chili powder

1 tsp. ground cumin

Sear chicken on grill (raw in middle) and cut into pieces. Saute first three ingredients in oil in large Dutch oven. Add chicken and saute. Add tomatoes and remaining ingredients. Bring to boil. Cover. Reduce heat and simmer 30 minutes.

Serve with grated cheddar cheese and sliced green onions.

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