Making the right call between lunch specials and dinner combos takes preparation. Compare the Chef Chens Menu with Prices to decide what fits your budget before you walk in the door. This guide breaks down the real costs, portion sizes, and best value picks so you can order with confidence.
Chef Chens Menu With Prices
Chef Chen’s is known for generous portions and classic Chinese-American dishes. But prices shift between the lunch and dinner service, and knowing the difference saves you money. Below is a clear breakdown of the current menu structure, based on standard pricing at most locations.
Appetizers And Soups
Starters are the easiest way to test the kitchen. They are also the most price-consistent items on the menu.
- Egg Roll (1 piece) – $1.95
- Spring Roll (2 pieces) – $3.25
- Fried or Steamed Dumplings (6) – $6.50
- Barbecue Spare Ribs (4) – $8.95
- Hot and Sour Soup (Quart) – $5.75
- Wonton Soup (Quart) – $5.75
- Egg Drop Soup (Quart) – $4.95
Lunch Specials
Lunch is served Monday through Saturday until 3 PM. Every lunch special includes fried rice and an egg roll. You also get your choice of soup. This is the best deal on the menu.
- General Tso’s Chicken – $8.25
- Kung Pao Chicken – $8.25
- Beef with Broccoli – $8.75
- Shrimp with Lobster Sauce – $9.50
- Vegetable Delight – $7.95
- Sweet and Sour Pork – $8.25
Dinner Combination Plates
Dinner plates come with pork fried rice and an egg roll. Soup is not automatically included, so check the price difference. Portions are roughly 30% larger than lunch.
- Chicken Chow Mein – $10.95
- Moo Goo Gai Pan – $11.25
- Pepper Steak – $12.50
- Shrimp with Garlic Sauce – $13.95
- Triple Delight (Chicken, Beef, Shrimp) – $14.75
Chef’s Specialties
These are the premium dishes. They are not combo plates, so you must order rice separately. Most people share these family-style.
- Orange Beef – $14.95
- Seafood Combination – $16.50
- Happy Family – $15.95
- Hunan Lamb – $14.25
- Dragon and Phoenix – $16.95
Fried Rice And Noodles
If you need a side dish, these are the standard prices. Order a pint for one person or a quart for two.
- Vegetable Fried Rice (Pint) – $5.25
- Chicken Fried Rice (Pint) – $6.25
- Shrimp Fried Rice (Quart) – $10.50
- Lo Mein (Pint) – $6.50
How To Save Money On Your Order
You can cut your bill by several dollars with a few simple tricks. First, always order lunch specials if you are eating before 3 PM. Second, skip the canned soda and drink water. Third, ask for extra sauce on the side instead of buying a pint of it.
Another tip is to check for a “combo upgrade.” Some locations let you swap the pork fried rice for vegetable fried rice at no charge. That is a small win.
Watch For Price Variations
Prices above are averages. Urban locations or delivery apps often add a 10-15% markup. If you order through a third-party service, the same dish may cost $2 more. Call the restaurant directly for takeout to lock in the menu price.
What About The Kids Menu
Chef Chen’s does not have a printed kids menu at most branches. However, they will make a small order of chicken fingers or plain noodles for about $5.00. Just ask the cashier. This is not advertised, so it helps to ask politely.
Final Ordering Strategy
For two people, the smartest move is to order one lunch special and one pint of fried rice. That keeps the total under $15. For a family of four, get two combination plates and one chef’s specialty. Share everything.
Check the menu board when you arrive. Prices can change without online updates. If you spot a discrepancy, the printed menu is usualy the correct one. Keep your reciept, as some locations offer a 10% discount on your next visit if you bring it back.
Now you have the full picture. Go ahead and order without the guesswork. Your wallet will thank you.