Chicken Express Opening Breakfast Lunch And Holiday Hours can be a bit confusing, especially if you are planning a meal around a holiday. Chicken Express starts frying at 10 AM, offering lunch through 10 PM, but holiday hours often shorten that window significantly. You need to know the exact times so you don’t show up to a locked door when you are hungry for tenders.
Most people assume that a place with “breakfast” in the name serves morning meals. That is not the case here. The chain is known for its lunch and dinner combos, not for eggs or pancakes. If you are looking for a morning biscuit, you will be disappointed. But if you want a fried chicken meal for lunch or supper, you are in the right place.
Chicken Express Opening Breakfast Lunch And Holiday Hours
Let us break down the standard schedule first. The typical daily hours are pretty consistent across most locations. You can usually rely on this basic framework for a normal day of the week.
- Monday to Thursday: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Friday and Saturday: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Notice that there is no separate breakfast time. The kitchen opens at ten in the morning. That is when they start frying the chicken. The “breakfast” part of the keyword is a bit of a misnomer. They do not serve breakfast food. The name just refers to the fact that they are open early enough for a late morning meal.
Why The Name Includes Breakfast
You might wonder why the word “breakfast” is in the search term. It is likely because people search for it out of confusion. The name “Chicken Express” does not imply breakfast. But the search volume suggests that many folks are asking about it. The answer is simple. They open at 10 AM, which is technically before noon. So, you could call it an early lunch. They do not serve traditional breakfast items like pancakes, waffles, or omelets.
If you are craving chicken at 9 AM, you are out of luck. The fryers are not hot yet. The staff is likely prepping the food and getting the tea brewed. You should plan your visit for after 10 AM to be safe.
Standard Lunch And Dinner Service
Lunch and dinner run together. There is no separate menu for the afternoon versus the evening. You can order the same items at 11 AM as you can at 9 PM. This makes it easy to plan. The full menu is available all day. This includes the chicken tenders, the gizzards, the livers, and the sides.
Here is a quick list of what you can expect to find on the menu:
- Chicken Tenders
- Fried Chicken Pieces
- Chicken Gizzards and Livers
- French Fries and Potato Wedges
- Cole Slaw and Green Beans
- Texas Toast
- Sweet Tea and Unsweet Tea
You can get these items as a combo meal or a la carte. The service is fast, and the food is usually fresh out of the fryer. You should check the drive-thru line, as it can get long during peak lunch hours.
Holiday Hours And Closures
Holidays are where things get tricky. The hours are not the same as a regular Tuesday. You need to check the specific location. However, there are some general patterns that you can expect. Most locations will close early on major holidays. Some might even be closed for the entire day.
Here is a typical breakdown of what happens on common holidays:
- Thanksgiving: Closed
- Christmas Day: Closed
- New Year’s Day: Open with reduced hours
- Easter Sunday: Closed or reduced hours
- Independence Day: Open, but close by 6 PM
You should not assume that the store is open just because it is a holiday. The management often changes the schedule based on the expected traffic. If they do not think they will have enough customers, they will close early. This is a business decision, not a guarantee of service.
How To Confirm Your Local Store Hours
You have a few options to verify the hours for your specific store. The best way is to call them directly. The phone number is listed on the store locator on the official website. You can also check their social media pages. They often post holiday hours updates there.
Another option is to use a third-party app like Google Maps or Yelp. These apps usually have the hours listed. But be careful. These can be outdated. The most reliable method is still a phone call. It takes two minutes and saves you a wasted trip.
Follow these steps to get the correct info:
- Go to the official Chicken Express website.
- Use the “Locations” tool to find your nearest store.
- Click on the store to see the phone number.
- Call and ask for the manager.
- Ask specifically about the holiday you are interested in.
This is the only way to be 100% sure. Do not rely on memory or old information. The hours can change without much notice.
What To Do If They Are Closed
If you arrive and they are closed, do not panic. There are other options. You can look for a different location nearby. Sometimes, one store closes while another stays open. You can also consider a different fast-food chain. But if you have your heart set on Chicken Express, you might need to adjust your meal time.
You could also plan ahead. If you know a holiday is coming, buy your chicken the day before. You can store it in the fridge and reheat it. It will not be as crispy, but it will still taste good. This is a solid backup plan for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Peak Hours And Wait Times
Even on regular days, you should know when to go. The lunch rush is usually from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM. The dinner rush is from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. If you go during these times, expect a line. The drive-thru can be backed up. You might wait 10 to 15 minutes for your order.
If you want to avoid the rush, go at 10:30 AM or 2:00 PM. The lines are shorter, and the food is still fresh. The staff is also less stressed, which means better service. You will get your food faster and have a more pleasant experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions people have about the hours and service.
Does Chicken Express Serve Breakfast?
No, they do not. They open at 10 AM and start serving lunch items. There is no breakfast menu.
What Time Does Chicken Express Close On Sunday?
Most locations close at 10 PM on Sunday. But you should check your local store to be sure.
Are The Hours Different On Christmas Eve?
Yes, they usually close early on Christmas Eve. Some locations might close by 4 PM or 5 PM.
Can I Order Chicken For Pickup On Thanksgiving?
Most stores are closed on Thanksgiving. You should call ahead to see if they are taking pre-orders for the day before.
Is The Drive-thru Open The Same Hours As The Lobby?
Usually, yes. But sometimes the lobby closes earlier than the drive-thru. You should check the specific store policy.
Now you have a clear picture of the schedule. You know that the opening time is 10 AM. You know that they do not serve breakfast. And you know that holidays are unpredictable. Use the phone call method to confirm your plans. This will save you time and frustration. Enjoy your chicken.