Chicken Express Menu With Prices: The Complete 2026 Guide to Every Item Worth Ordering
There’s a reason Chicken Express has quietly built a loyal following across Texas and the Southern United States without much national fanfare. It doesn’t try to be everything. Since opening its first location in Benbrook, Texas in 1988, the chain has stuck to a focused playbook — fresh, never-frozen chicken, hand-breaded daily, paired with Southern sides and sweet tea brewed in-house. No gimmicks, no rotating celebrity collabs, just dependable food at prices that still make sense for everyday eating.
If you’re looking at the Chicken Express menu with prices for the first time, or you just want to know where the real value sits before you pull up to the window, this is the guide you need. Every section is covered — combos, family meals, fish, sides, extras, drinks, and desserts — with current 2026 pricing and honest assessments of what’s worth your money.
Background: What Makes Chicken Express Different
Before getting into the Chicken Express menu with prices, it helps to understand what separates this chain from the usual fried chicken suspects. Chicken Express uses fresh, not frozen chicken — something most fast-food competitors quietly abandoned decades ago. The chicken is marinated, dipped in a proprietary batter, and cooked to order, which is why regulars will tell you the texture on the tenders is distinctly different from what you’d get at a national chain. The crust has real bite, the interior stays juicy, and the flavor doesn’t rely on aggressive seasoning to mask mediocre protein.
The chain operates over 250 locations across the United States, concentrated heavily in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and surrounding Southern states. Each store is independently owned and operated, which means pricing can vary slightly by location — something worth knowing before you drive across town for a deal you saw listed elsewhere.
Hours are generally 10:30 AM to 10:00 PM daily, though weekend and location-specific variations apply.
Chicken Express Combo Meals With Prices
Combos are the core of what most customers order, and the Chicken Express menu with prices keeps these structured simply: your protein, sides, a roll, gravy, and a 32 oz. drink included. No guessing at what’s bundled in.
| Combo | Price |
|---|---|
| #1 – 4 Express Tender Combo | $13.99 |
| #2 – 7 Express Tender Combo | $19.99 |
| #3 – 3PC Mixed Chicken (Your Choice) | $14.49 |
| #4 – 2PC Mixed Chicken (Your Choice) | $12.99 |
| #5 – Liver/Gizzard Combo | $12.99 |
| 2 Piece Fish Combo | $12.99 |
| 3 Piece Fish Combo | $14.99 |
The #1 – 4 Express Tender Combo at $13.99 is the single most popular order in the building on any given day. Four hand-breaded tenders, a side, a roll, gravy, and a drink. If you’ve never been before, this is where to start. The tenders are meaty and the crust holds up well, which isn’t something you can say about tenders that have been sitting under a heat lamp.
The #2 – 7 Express Tender Combo at $19.99 makes more sense as a two-person meal than a solo order — seven tenders with sides and a drink is a lot of food, and the per-tender price drops meaningfully at this volume. If you’re sharing with someone or planning on leftovers, it’s the better buy.
The 3PC Mixed Chicken Combo at $14.49 lets you choose your pieces, which matters. Chicken Express bone-in chicken comes in legs, wings, thighs, and breasts — if you prefer white meat, specify it here rather than going “restaurant’s choice,” which tends to skew toward dark.
The Fish Combos ($12.99 and $14.99) are a genuine menu highlight that tends to fly under the radar. Chicken Express fries catfish fillets the same way they handle the chicken — fresh, battered, cooked hot — and the result is a Southern-style catfish experience that competes with spots dedicated entirely to seafood. The 3 Piece Fish Combo at $14.99 is a strong value if fish is what you’re after.
The Liver/Gizzard Combo at $12.99 is a Southern classic that most national chains won’t touch. If you grew up eating gizzards in the South, you already know. If you haven’t tried them, they’re an acquired taste — dense, chewy, heavily seasoned — but loyal customers treat it like a cornerstone of the menu.
Family Meals: Where the Real Value Lives
If there’s one section of the Chicken Express menu with prices that tends to surprise people, it’s the family meals. The per-piece and per-tender cost drops significantly when you scale up, and these orders come loaded with sides, rolls, and gravy.
Chicken Family Meals
| Meal | Price |
|---|---|
| 8PC Chicken Family Meal | $30.99 |
| 12PC Chicken Family Meal | $39.99 |
| 16PC Chicken Family Meal | $49.99 |
Each chicken family meal comes with gravy, family-sized sides, and rolls. The 8PC at $30.99 feeds a family of three to four comfortably. The 16PC at $49.99 works for six to eight people depending on how hungry everyone is — that’s under $6.25 per person before you factor in the sides and rolls included.
Express Tender Family Meals
| Meal | Price |
|---|---|
| 20PC Express Tender Family Meal | $49.99 |
| 25PC Express Tender Family Meal | $59.99 |
| 30PC Express Tender Family Meal | $79.99 |
The tender family meals scale for larger gatherings. At $49.99 for 20 tenders with sides and drinks, you’re looking at roughly $2.50 per tender — considerably less than the combo pricing. The 30PC at $79.99 is a party-level order that some locations also pair with a gallon of sweet tea, jumbo gravy, and 12 rolls or biscuits. For any gathering above six people where fried chicken is on the agenda, this is the most efficient way to order off the Chicken Express menu with prices.
Some Houston-area locations offer extended catering packs — 40 and 50 tenders with multiple family sides and gallons of tea — for large events. Worth calling ahead if you’re feeding a crowd.
Sides: Every Option, Regular and Family Sizes
Sides at Chicken Express come in two sizes: regular ($2.99) and family ($5.99). The jump in portion size between the two is significant enough that a family-sized side genuinely serves four people, making the price-per-serving ratio one of the better deals on the board.
| Side | Regular | Family |
|---|---|---|
| Fries | $2.99 | $5.99 |
| Okra | $2.99 | $5.99 |
| Coleslaw | $2.99 | $5.99 |
| Green Beans | $2.99 | $5.99 |
| Mashed Potatoes (with gravy) | $2.99 | $5.99 |
| Mashed Potatoes (no gravy) | $2.99 | $5.99 |
| Corn on the Cob (1 piece) | $2.99 | $5.99 (4 pcs) |
| Macaroni & Cheese | $2.99 | $5.99 |
| Poppers (3 pcs) | $2.99 | $5.99 (9 pcs) |
| Cheese Sticks (3 pcs) | $2.99 | $5.99 (9 pcs) |
| Corn Nuggets (8 pcs) | $2.99 | $5.99 (24 pcs) |
| Fried Pickles (8 pcs) | $2.99 | $5.99 (24 pcs) |
A few sides worth calling out specifically:
Fried Okra is arguably the best side on the menu. Southern fried okra done right — not slimy, not over-battered — is one of those things that separates real Southern cooking from imitation, and Chicken Express gets it right. At $2.99 for a regular order, it’s the side most out-of-town visitors discover and immediately regret not having tried sooner.
Corn Nuggets at $2.99 for 8 pieces are a Chicken Express staple. If you haven’t had them — they’re sweet corn filling inside a crispy fried shell, somewhere between a hush puppy and a corn fritter. They’re popular with kids and adults equally, and the 24-piece family order at $5.99 disappears fast.
Fried Pickles (8 for $2.99) have become a go-to add-on, particularly in Texas locations. Thin-sliced, battered, fried hot. They pair well with ranch or jalapeño ranch and are one of those items that tips a good order into a great one.
Macaroni & Cheese (280 calories per serving, $2.99) is a consistent performer — creamy, not gummy, served hot. It’s a better version than what you’d expect at this price range.
For anyone wanting vegetarian options, the side menu covers that ground reasonably well: mashed potatoes, coleslaw, green beans, corn on the cob, macaroni and cheese, and okra are all meat-free.
Extras, Rolls, Biscuits & Sauces
This section of the Chicken Express menu with prices is easy to overlook but worth understanding, particularly for large orders.
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 Roll | $0.99 |
| 6 Rolls | $5.99 |
| 1 Biscuit | $0.99 |
| 6 Biscuits | $5.99 |
| 3 Rolls + 3 Biscuits | $5.99 |
| 6oz Gravy | $0.99 |
| 16oz Gravy | $1.99 |
| 1 Jalapeño | $0.99 |
| 6 Jalapeños | $2.99 |
| Ranch | $0.75 |
| Honey Mustard | $0.75 |
| BBQ Sauce | $0.75 |
| Jalapeño Ranch | $0.75 |
| Tartar Sauce | $0.75 |
| Cocktail Sauce | $0.75 |
| Hot Sauce | Free |
| Ketchup | Free |
| Honey | Free |
| Butter | Free |
| 5 Sauces | $3.50 |
| 10 Sauces | $7.00 |
Gravy is a recurring theme at Chicken Express — it ships with most combos and family meals, but if you want extra, the $0.99 for a 6oz portion and $1.99 for 16oz are both reasonable. The gravy here is savory and thick, not the gelatinous packaged version you sometimes encounter.
The Jalapeño Ranch at $0.75 is one of the more requested sauces. It has enough heat to be interesting without overwhelming the chicken, and it works particularly well with tenders and cheese sticks.
If you’re ordering for a group and want a sauce assortment, the 5 Sauces for $3.50 and 10 Sauces for $7.00 bundles make the math simple.
Drinks: The Sweet Tea Story
Drinks are where Chicken Express develops its most devoted fans. The sweet tea here isn’t an afterthought — it’s freshly brewed, properly sweetened, and served at the right temperature. It’s the kind of sweet tea that Southern food spots build reputations on.
Individual Drinks
| Size | Tea (Sweet/Unsweet/Half & Half) | Sodas/Lemonade/Powerade |
|---|---|---|
| 16 oz | $0.89 | $1.29 |
| 32 oz | $1.39 | $1.69 |
| 44 oz | $1.59 | $1.99 |
Sodas include Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Dr Pepper, Diet Dr Pepper, Lemonade, and Powerade. The Arnold Palmer options (half sweet tea, half lemonade) are also available across all sizes for $1.29–$1.99 depending on size.
Gallons
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Gallon Sweet Tea | $5.49 |
| Gallon Unsweet Tea | $5.49 |
| Gallon Half & Half Tea | $5.49 |
| Bottled Water (16.9 oz) | $1.69 |
The gallon sweet tea at $5.49 is one of the chain’s signature offerings, and it’s not hard to see why. For a family of four or five, one gallon handles everyone’s drinks for a meal at a fraction of what four individual large teas would cost. Some locations carry two-gallon packages for larger family orders.
Desserts
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 Apple Pie | $1.39 |
| 4 Apple Pies | $5.49 |
| 1 Cherry Pie | $1.39 |
| 4 Cherry Pies | $5.49 |
| 2 Apple + 2 Cherry Pies | (similar bundle pricing) |
| 1 Chocolate Chip Cookie | $1.39 |
| 6 Chocolate Chip Cookies | $6.99 |
| 13 Chocolate Chip Cookies | $13.49 |
The dessert menu is short and intentional. Apple and cherry pies are the classic Southern fast-food dessert format — pastry crust, warm fruit filling, not pretentious — and at $1.39 each they’re a natural add-on rather than a commitment. Buying four pies at $5.49 saves you a dollar over individual pricing.
The Chocolate Chip Cookies are made fresh daily at most locations. At $1.39 for one or $6.99 for six, they’re among the most reasonably priced fresh-baked cookies you’ll find at any fast-food chain. The 13-cookie box at $13.49 is worth knowing about if you’re feeding a group and want something sweet at the end.
How the Numbers Stack Up: Value Assessment
Looking at the full Chicken Express menu with prices, the pricing structure rewards quantity in a very deliberate way. Here’s how it breaks down in practical terms:
- A single 4-tender combo runs $13.99 — solid individual value with a side and drink included
- The 7-tender combo at $19.99 drops the per-tender cost and effectively makes it a two-person meal
- Family chicken meals run $30.99–$49.99, covering 4–8 people with sides — under $6.25 per head at the 16-piece level
- Sides are uniformly $2.99 regular / $5.99 family — consistent and easy to plan around
- Drinks are genuinely inexpensive, especially tea, with gallon options representing some of the best per-ounce value in fast food
The average menu item across the full 104-item catalog sits at $6.74, which positions Chicken Express as cheaper than roughly 56% of tracked U.S. restaurant chains. For fresh, hand-breaded chicken that competes with sit-down Southern cooking, that number holds up.
One caveat worth repeating: since every Chicken Express location is independently owned and operated, prices are not uniform across all stores. A 4-tender combo priced at $13.99 in one Texas city might be $14.49 in another. The prices in this guide reflect current averages from verified menu sources, but local variation is real.
Quick Ordering Tips
If you’re navigating the Chicken Express menu with prices for the first time, a few practical notes:
- Specify your chicken pieces. “Restaurant’s choice” on bone-in chicken leans toward dark meat. If you want breasts, ask for “Your Choice” and specify.
- The tender combos are the safer bet for first-timers. They’re the most consistent item across all locations and the thing the kitchen does most.
- Order the fried okra. Every visitor who skips it regrets it later.
- Gallon tea for groups. Don’t order individual large drinks for four people when a gallon costs $5.49.
- The fish is better than you expect. If catfish is familiar to you, the 3 Piece Fish Combo is one of the best items on the menu.
Chicken Express Hours and How to Order
Most Chicken Express locations operate from 10:30 AM to 10:00 PM, seven days a week. Some stores extend to 10:30 PM on weekends.
Orders can be placed in-store, through the drive-thru, via the official website at chickene.com, or through third-party delivery platforms including DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub. Delivery availability varies by location.
FAQ: Chicken Express Menu With Prices
Q: What is the most popular item on the Chicken Express menu?
The 4 Express Tender Combo is the top seller across most locations. Chicken tenders and mixed chicken combos are consistently the highest-volume orders, with sweet tea as the dominant drink.
Q: Does Chicken Express use fresh or frozen chicken?
Chicken Express uses fresh, never-frozen chicken. The chicken is marinated, hand-breaded in a proprietary batter, and cooked to order at each location. This is one of the primary differentiators from larger national chains.
Q: Are prices the same at every Chicken Express location?
No. Because each Chicken Express is independently owned and operated, prices can vary by location, city, and state. The prices in this guide reflect verified averages, but your local store may charge slightly more or less.
Q: What sides come with a combo meal?
Combos generally come with one regular side, a roll, gravy, and a 32 oz. drink. The specific sides available include fries, okra, coleslaw, green beans, mashed potatoes (with or without gravy), corn on the cob, and macaroni and cheese, among others.
Q: Does Chicken Express have vegetarian options?
Yes. While the restaurant is chicken-focused, the sides menu includes several meat-free options: mashed potatoes, coleslaw, green beans, corn on the cob, macaroni and cheese, fried okra, corn nuggets, fried pickles, cheese sticks, and poppers.
Q: Can I get a gallon of sweet tea at Chicken Express?
Yes. Gallon sweet tea, unsweet tea, and half-and-half tea are available at most locations for approximately $5.49. Some locations also offer two-gallon packages for larger gatherings.
Q: Does Chicken Express offer catering?
Yes. Chicken Express provides catering options for parties and events at most locations. Extended family meal packs with 40–50 tenders, multiple family sides, gallons of tea, and rolls are available at select stores. Call your local location ahead of time to confirm availability and lead time.
Q: What desserts does Chicken Express serve?
Desserts include individual apple pies ($1.39), cherry pies ($1.39), and chocolate chip cookies ($1.39 each). Bundle pricing for four pies or six/thirteen cookies offers a modest discount. Cookies are made fresh daily at most locations.
Q: Is delivery available from Chicken Express?
Yes. Delivery is available through DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub at participating locations. You can also order pickup directly through the official Chicken Express website at chickene.com.
Q: What is the cheapest item on the Chicken Express menu?
The cheapest listed menu item is Cocktail Sauce at $0.75. Among food items, an individual roll or biscuit at $0.99 is the most affordable, with 16oz tea starting at $0.89.
Final Word
The Chicken Express menu with prices reflects a restaurant that knows exactly what it is and has no intention of drifting from it. Fresh chicken, fried right, with real Southern sides and sweet tea brewed the way it’s supposed to be. The combo pricing is fair, the family meals are where the value compounds, and the sides — especially the okra, corn nuggets, and fried pickles — are better than they have any right to be at these price points.
With 250-plus locations and a footprint concentrated in the South, Chicken Express isn’t trying to compete on every front. It competes on the things it does well, and at current pricing, the math works in your favor almost regardless of what you order. Whether you’re pulling through the drive-thru solo or picking up a 30-piece family meal, the Chicken Express menu with prices gives you a clear, uncomplicated deal — which is increasingly rare in the fast-food landscape.
Looking for Sushi Instead? Try Omakase in Rockford, IL
Not every great regional food story is happening in the South. In downtown Rockford, Illinois, Omakase has built a loyal following as the city’s dedicated sushi bar and ramen restaurant, located at 223 E State St on the corner of State and Madison. The menu covers fresh sushi, handcrafted ramen, chef-selected omakase, and a deep list of premium Japanese sake — the kind of variety that’s hard to find elsewhere in the region.
Seating at the sushi bar puts you close to the rollers at work, and the atmosphere skips formality without skipping polish — comfortable enough for a weeknight dinner, dressed-up enough for a celebration. Full hours, reservations, and the current menu are available at omakaserockford.com.
