Lee’s Famous Recipe chicken stands apart with its pressure-fried skin, and the menu board reflects that tradition. When you walk into a Lee’s Famous Recipe location, you are looking at the Lee’s Famous Recipe Menu And Prices right away. The board shows classic fried chicken meals, sides, and desserts that have been around for decades. People love the crunch and the juicy meat inside. The prices stay fair for the portion sizes you get. This article breaks down everything on the menu, what each item costs, and how to get the best value for your money.
Lee’s Famous Recipe started in Lima, Ohio, back in 1966. The founder, Lee Cummings, learned the recipe from his uncle, who was Colonel Harland Sanders. Yes, that Colonel Sanders. So the chicken recipe has real Kentucky roots. The pressure-frying method locks in moisture while the outside gets crispy. That is the signature style. The menu has not changed much over the years, but prices have adjusted with inflation. Still, you get a solid meal without breaking the bank.
Lee’s Famous Recipe Menu And Prices
Let’s get into the full menu breakdown. The menu is split into chicken meals, chicken by the piece, sides, salads, desserts, and drinks. Each section has its own pricing structure. Some locations may have slight price variations depending on the region. But the core items and their general price ranges are consistent across most stores.
Fried Chicken Meals And Combos
The fried chicken meals are the heart of the menu. You can order by the piece or as a combo with sides and a biscuit. The combos are usually the best deal. Here is a typical list of chicken meal options and their approximate prices:
- 2-Piece Chicken Meal (white or dark) – around $6.49 to $7.29
- 3-Piece Chicken Meal (mix of white and dark) – around $8.29 to $9.49
- 4-Piece Chicken Meal (all white or all dark) – around $9.99 to $11.49
- 8-Piece Chicken Bucket – around $14.99 to $17.99
- 12-Piece Chicken Bucket – around $20.99 to $24.99
- 16-Piece Chicken Bucket – around $26.99 to $31.99
- 20-Piece Chicken Bucket – around $32.99 to $38.99
Each meal comes with one regular side and a buttermilk biscuit. The sides include mashed potatoes with gravy, coleslaw, baked beans, corn on the cob, green beans, and potato wedges. You can upgrade to a large side for an extra charge, usually around $0.50 to $1.00 more.
Chicken Tenders And Strips
If you prefer boneless chicken, the tenders are a good choice. They are made from whole chicken breast strips, breaded and fried the same way as the bone-in chicken. The tenders come in different portion sizes:
- 3-Piece Tender Meal – around $7.49 to $8.79
- 5-Piece Tender Meal – around $9.49 to $10.99
- 8-Piece Tender Basket – around $12.99 to $14.99
- 12-Piece Tender Basket – around $16.99 to $19.99
The tender meals also include a side and a biscuit. You can choose your dipping sauce from honey mustard, barbecue, ranch, or buffalo. Some locations offer a honey butter sauce for the biscuit.
Chicken Sandwiches And Wraps
Lee’s also serves chicken sandwiches for a quick lunch. The classic chicken sandwich is a breaded chicken breast fillet on a toasted bun with pickles and mayo. You can add cheese or bacon for extra. Here are the typical sandwich options:
- Classic Chicken Sandwich – around $5.49 to $6.79
- Spicy Chicken Sandwich – around $5.79 to $7.09
- Chicken Wrap (with lettuce, tomato, and ranch) – around $5.99 to $7.29
- Chicken Club Sandwich (with bacon, cheese, and lettuce) – around $6.99 to $8.49
Sandwich meals come with fries and a drink for an additional $2.00 to $3.00. The wraps are a lighter option, but they still pack flavor.
Family Meals And Buckets
For feeding a group, the family meals are the way to go. They include a large amount of chicken, multiple sides, and biscuits. The prices are lower per piece compared to buying individual meals. Here are the common family meal options:
- Family Meal (8 pieces chicken, 2 large sides, 4 biscuits) – around $22.99 to $27.99
- Large Family Meal (12 pieces chicken, 3 large sides, 6 biscuits) – around $30.99 to $36.99
- Extra Large Family Meal (16 pieces chicken, 4 large sides, 8 biscuits) – around $38.99 to $45.99
Some locations also offer a “Party Bucket” which is 20 pieces of chicken with no sides, just the chicken. That runs around $32.99 to $38.99. It is a good option if you only want the chicken and plan to make your own sides at home.
Side Items And Prices
The sides at Lee’s are made from scratch daily. They are not just afterthoughts. Each side has its own price if you order it separately. Here is the side menu with approximate prices:
- Mashed Potatoes with Gravy (regular) – $2.29 to $2.99
- Mashed Potatoes with Gravy (large) – $3.49 to $4.29
- Coleslaw (regular) – $1.99 to $2.69
- Coleslaw (large) – $3.29 to $3.99
- Baked Beans (regular) – $2.29 to $2.99
- Baked Beans (large) – $3.49 to $4.29
- Corn on the Cob (each) – $1.79 to $2.49
- Green Beans (regular) – $2.29 to $2.99
- Green Beans (large) – $3.49 to $4.29
- Potato Wedges (regular) – $2.49 to $3.19
- Potato Wedges (large) – $3.79 to $4.59
- Buttermilk Biscuit (each) – $0.99 to $1.49
- Gravy (side cup) – $0.79 to $1.29
You can also get a side salad for around $3.49 to $4.49. It comes with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and croutons. Dressing choices include ranch, Italian, or honey mustard.
Desserts And Sweet Treats
Lee’s Famous Recipe has a few dessert options to finish your meal. The most popular is the homemade banana pudding. It is made with vanilla wafers, bananas, and a creamy pudding base. Other desserts include:
- Banana Pudding (regular) – $2.99 to $3.79
- Banana Pudding (large) – $4.99 to $5.99
- Chocolate Chip Cookie (each) – $1.29 to $1.79
- Brownie (each) – $1.49 to $1.99
- Apple Pie Slice – $2.49 to $3.29
- Pecan Pie Slice – $2.99 to $3.79
Some locations also offer a seasonal dessert like peach cobbler in the summer. Check with your local store for availability.
Drinks And Beverages
The drink menu is standard for a fast-food restaurant. You have fountain drinks, iced tea, lemonade, and bottled water. Here are the typical prices:
- Small Fountain Drink – $1.79 to $2.29
- Medium Fountain Drink – $2.09 to $2.69
- Large Fountain Drink – $2.49 to $3.19
- Sweet Tea (regular) – $1.99 to $2.59
- Unsweetened Tea (regular) – $1.99 to $2.59
- Lemonade (regular) – $2.29 to $2.99
- Bottled Water – $1.49 to $1.99
- Milk (carton) – $1.29 to $1.79
If you order a combo meal, the drink is usually included. Upgrading to a large drink costs about $0.30 to $0.50 extra.
Breakfast Menu (Select Locations)
Some Lee’s Famous Recipe locations serve breakfast. The breakfast menu includes biscuits with sausage, bacon, or chicken. You can also get scrambled eggs and hash browns. Breakfast prices are generally lower than lunch and dinner items:
- Sausage Biscuit – $2.49 to $3.29
- Bacon Biscuit – $2.69 to $3.49
- Chicken Biscuit – $3.29 to $4.19
- Breakfast Platter (eggs, biscuit, and side) – $4.99 to $6.49
- Hash Browns (regular) – $1.79 to $2.49
- Hash Browns (large) – $2.79 to $3.49
Breakfast hours vary by location. Most stores serve breakfast from 6:00 AM to 10:30 AM. Check your local store for exact times.
Value Menu And Deals
Lee’s Famous Recipe has a value menu for budget-conscious customers. These items are smaller portions at lower prices. The value menu typically includes:
- 1-Piece Chicken with Biscuit – $3.49 to $4.29
- 2-Piece Tender with Fries – $4.99 to $5.99
- Small Mashed Potatoes – $1.99 to $2.49
- Small Coleslaw – $1.79 to $2.29
- Biscuit with Gravy – $2.29 to $2.99
There are also daily specials. For example, some locations have a “Tuesday Special” where you get a 2-piece chicken meal for a reduced price. Others offer a “Family Night” deal on Thursdays. Ask at the counter or check the store’s Facebook page for current deals.
Catering And Large Orders
If you are planning a party or event, Lee’s offers catering trays. You can order chicken by the piece in bulk, or get trays of sides. Catering prices are usually lower per serving than individual meals. Here are common catering options:
- 50-Piece Chicken Tray – around $59.99 to $69.99
- 100-Piece Chicken Tray – around $109.99 to $129.99
- Large Side Tray (serves 10-12) – $14.99 to $19.99
- Biscuit Tray (24 biscuits) – $12.99 to $16.99
- Banana Pudding Tray (serves 12-15) – $19.99 to $24.99
You need to place catering orders at least 24 hours in advance. Some locations require 48 hours notice for large orders. Call ahead to confirm.
Nutritional Information
If you are watching your calories, here is some basic nutritional info. A 2-piece chicken meal (white meat) has about 600-700 calories, depending on the sides. Dark meat has more calories and fat. The chicken tenders are slightly lower in calories than bone-in chicken. The sides vary: mashed potatoes with gravy have around 200 calories per serving, coleslaw has about 150, and baked beans have around 180. The banana pudding is the highest calorie dessert at around 350-400 calories per serving.
Lee’s does not publish a full nutritional chart on their website for all items. You can ask at the store for a printed brochure with nutritional facts. Some locations have the info available on request.
How To Save Money At Lee’s
Here are some tips to get the best value when you visit Lee’s Famous Recipe:
- Order a combo meal instead of individual pieces. The combo includes a side and a biscuit, which costs less than buying them separately.
- Look for daily specials. Many locations have a rotating deal each day of the week.
- Share a family meal. If you are with two or three people, the 8-piece family meal is often cheaper than buying individual meals.
- Use coupons. Lee’s sometimes sends out coupons in the mail or through their app. Check online before you go.
- Skip the drink. If you have water at home, order the meal without a drink and save $2.00 to $3.00.
- Order the value menu items for a quick snack. The 1-piece chicken with biscuit is a filling snack for under $5.00.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Lee’s Famous Recipe menu and prices:
What is the most popular item on the Lee’s Famous Recipe menu?
The 3-piece chicken meal is the most ordered item. It gives you a mix of white and dark meat, one side, and a biscuit. People like the balance of flavors and the reasonable price.
Does Lee’s Famous Recipe have a senior discount?
Some locations offer a senior discount, usually around 10% off for customers over 60. It is not a national policy, so you need to ask at your local store.
Can I order Lee’s Famous Recipe online?
Yes, many locations have online ordering through their website or third-party apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats. Prices may be slightly higher on delivery apps due to service fees.
Are the prices the same at every Lee’s Famous Recipe location?
No, prices vary by location. Stores in higher-cost areas may charge $1.00 to $2.00 more per meal. The prices listed in this article are averages based on multiple locations.
Does Lee’s Famous Recipe have a loyalty program?
Some franchise locations have a punch card system. Buy 10 meals and get one free. There is no national loyalty program, but individual stores may have their own rewards.
Final Thoughts On The Menu
The Lee’s Famous Recipe menu is straightforward and focused on what they do best: pressure-fried chicken. The prices are competitive with other fast-food chicken chains like KFC and Popeyes. The sides are made fresh daily, which adds value. If you have not tried Lee’s before, start with a 3-piece chicken meal and a side of mashed potatoes. That will give you a good sense of why this chain has been around for over 50 years.
Remember that prices can change. The figures in this article are based on 2024 data. Always check the menu board at your local store for the most current prices. And if you see a daily special, grab it. The deals are usually worth it.
One more thing: the banana pudding is a must-try. It is not overly sweet, and the vanilla wafers stay crunchy. Many regulars say it is the best dessert in the fast-food chicken category. So save room for it.
Whether you are feeding a family or just grabbing lunch for yourself, the Lee’s Famous Recipe menu has options for every budget. The chicken is consistent, the sides are good, and the prices are fair. That is why people keep coming back.