Chicken Express menu prices are essential for anyone wanting crispy tenders and Southern sides without breaking the bank. Knowing the cost ahead of time helps you plan a meal that fits your budget and tastes great. This guide covers everything from combos to catering options, so you can order with confidence.
Chicken Express is a fast-food chain known for its hand-breaded chicken tenders, fried okra, and sweet tea. They focus on fresh, never frozen chicken, which keeps customers coming back. The menu is simple but packed with flavor, and the prices are reasonable for the quality you get.
In this article, we’ll break down the full menu with current prices, share tips for saving money, and answer common questions. Whether you’re a first-timer or a regular, you’ll find all the details you need right here.
Chicken Express Menu Prices
The core of Chicken Express is its chicken tender meals. You can order by the piece, as a combo, or in bulk. Sides and drinks are separate, but combos bundle them for a better deal. Prices vary by location, but the ranges below reflect typical costs across the U.S.
Chicken Tender Meals
Chicken tenders are the star. They come in 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, or 20-piece orders. Each tender is hand-breaded and fried to order. Combo meals include fries, a side, and a drink.
- 3-piece tender meal: $6.99 – $7.99
- 4-piece tender meal: $7.99 – $8.99
- 5-piece tender meal: $8.99 – $9.99
- 6-piece tender meal: $9.99 – $10.99
- 8-piece tender meal: $11.99 – $12.99
- 10-piece tender meal: $13.99 – $14.99
- 12-piece tender meal: $15.99 – $16.99
- 14-piece tender meal: $17.99 – $18.99
- 16-piece tender meal: $19.99 – $20.99
- 18-piece tender meal: $21.99 – $22.99
- 20-piece tender meal: $23.99 – $24.99
If you order tenders a la carte (without sides or drink), you save about $2-3 per meal. For example, a 3-piece a la carte is around $4.99. This is a good option if you already have drinks at home.
Chicken Sandwiches And Wraps
Chicken Express offers a classic chicken sandwich and a wrap. The sandwich comes on a bun with pickles and mayo. The wrap is a flour tortilla filled with tenders, lettuce, and cheese.
- Chicken sandwich combo: $5.99 – $6.99
- Chicken wrap combo: $5.99 – $6.99
- Chicken sandwich a la carte: $3.99 – $4.99
- Chicken wrap a la carte: $3.99 – $4.99
These are lighter options if you don’t want a full tender meal. The combo includes fries and a drink, making it a complete lunch for under $7.
Family Meals And Buckets
For groups, Chicken Express has family meals and buckets. These are perfect for parties, game days, or large families. You get a mix of tenders, sides, and rolls.
- 8-piece family meal (with 2 large sides and 4 rolls): $19.99 – $21.99
- 12-piece family meal (with 3 large sides and 6 rolls): $27.99 – $29.99
- 16-piece family meal (with 4 large sides and 8 rolls): $35.99 – $37.99
- 20-piece family meal (with 5 large sides and 10 rolls): $43.99 – $45.99
Buckets are just the tenders without sides. They’re cheaper per piece if you only want chicken.
- 8-piece bucket: $13.99 – $14.99
- 12-piece bucket: $18.99 – $19.99
- 16-piece bucket: $23.99 – $24.99
- 20-piece bucket: $28.99 – $29.99
Sides And Drinks
Sides are a big part of the Chicken Express experience. They offer classic Southern options. You can order them individually or as part of a meal.
- French fries (regular): $1.99 – $2.49
- French fries (large): $2.49 – $2.99
- Fried okra (regular): $2.49 – $2.99
- Fried okra (large): $3.49 – $3.99
- Cole slaw (regular): $1.99 – $2.49
- Cole slaw (large): $2.99 – $3.49
- Mac and cheese (regular): $2.49 – $2.99
- Mac and cheese (large): $3.49 – $3.99
- Baked beans (regular): $1.99 – $2.49
- Baked beans (large): $2.99 – $3.49
- Corn on the cob: $1.49 – $1.99 each
- Rolls: $0.99 – $1.29 each
Drinks include soft drinks, sweet tea, unsweet tea, and lemonade. A small drink is about $1.49, medium $1.79, and large $1.99. Sweet tea is a fan favorite and comes in gallon sizes for $3.99.
Desserts
Chicken Express has a few dessert options to end your meal. They’re simple but satisfying.
- Fried pie (apple or peach): $1.49 – $1.99
- Cookie (chocolate chip): $0.99 – $1.29
- Brownie: $1.29 – $1.49
Catering And Bulk Orders
If you’re feeding a crowd, Chicken Express offers catering trays. These are available for tenders, sides, and drinks. You need to order at least 24 hours in advance for most locations.
- Tender tray (50 pieces): $39.99 – $44.99
- Tender tray (100 pieces): $74.99 – $79.99
- Side tray (serves 10-12): $14.99 – $17.99
- Gallon of tea: $3.99 – $4.99
- Gallon of lemonade: $4.99 – $5.99
Catering is a cost-effective way to serve a group. The per-person cost is often lower than individual meals.
How To Save Money At Chicken Express
Everyone likes a good deal. Here are some tips to keep your total low when ordering from Chicken Express.
Use The App Or Website
Chicken Express has a mobile app and website with exclusive coupons. You can find discounts like “buy one get one free” or “$2 off any combo.” Sign up for their email list to get a welcome offer.
Order A La Carte
If you don’t need a drink or fries, order tenders a la carte. You save $2-3 per meal. Then add a side separately if you want one. This works best if you have drinks at home.
Share A Family Meal
Family meals are cheaper per person than individual combos. For example, an 8-piece family meal with two large sides costs about $20. That feeds 3-4 people, making it around $5-7 per person. Compare that to individual combos at $7-10 each.
Check For Daily Specials
Some locations have daily specials. For instance, Tuesday might be “buy a 5-piece tender meal, get a free side.” Call your local store or check their social media for updates.
Skip The Drink
Drinks add $1.50-2.00 to your meal. If you’re okay with water or have a drink at home, you can save that money. Water is usually free at the counter.
Comparing Chicken Express To Other Chains
How do Chicken Express menu prices stack up against competitors like Zaxby’s, Raising Cane’s, or Popeyes? Let’s look at some comparisons.
Vs. Zaxby’s
Zaxby’s has similar menu items, but their prices are slightly higher. A 5-piece tender meal at Zaxby’s costs around $9.99-10.99, while Chicken Express is $8.99-9.99. Zaxby’s also charges extra for certain sauces, which Chicken Express includes for free.
Vs. Raising Cane’s
Raising Cane’s has a simpler menu with only chicken fingers. Their 4-piece combo is about $8.49-9.49. Chicken Express’s 4-piece meal is $7.99-8.99, so you save a little. Plus, Chicken Express offers more side options.
Vs. Popeyes
Popeyes is known for spicy chicken, but their tenders are comparable. A 5-piece tender meal at Popeyes costs around $8.99-9.99, similar to Chicken Express. However, Popeyes often has promotional deals that lower the price.
Overall, Chicken Express is competitively priced. You get good value for the portion size and quality.
What Customers Say About The Value
Online reviews often mention that Chicken Express menu prices are fair for the amount of food. Many customers praise the tender size and freshness. Some note that prices have gone up slightly in recent years, but still feel reasonable.
Common complaints include inconsistent pricing between locations and occasional long wait times. But most agree that the taste makes up for it.
Tips For First-Time Customers
If you’ve never been to Chicken Express, here’s a step-by-step guide to ordering.
- Decide how many tenders you want. Start with a 3 or 4-piece if you’re not very hungry.
- Choose a combo or a la carte. Combo includes fries, a side, and a drink.
- Pick your side. Fried okra and mac and cheese are popular choices.
- Select your sauce. They offer ranch, honey mustard, BBQ, and more.
- Order at the counter or drive-thru. Pay and wait for your food.
Most locations cook to order, so expect a 5-10 minute wait. The food is worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the current chicken express menu prices?
Prices vary by location, but a 3-piece tender meal ranges from $6.99 to $7.99. Family meals start at $19.99. Check your local store for exact pricing.
Does chicken express have a dollar menu?
Chicken Express does not have a traditional dollar menu. However, they offer value items like rolls for $0.99 and cookies for $0.99.
How much is a chicken express family meal?
An 8-piece family meal with two large sides and four rolls costs $19.99 to $21.99. Larger sizes go up to $45.99 for a 20-piece meal.
Are chicken express menu prices the same at all locations?
No, prices can vary by region and franchise. Urban areas tend to be slightly higher than rural ones. Always check the menu board or app for local prices.
Does chicken express offer discounts for large orders?
Yes, catering trays and bulk buckets offer a lower per-piece price. For example, a 20-piece bucket is around $28.99, while individual 20-piece meals would cost much more.
Final Thoughts On Chicken Express Menu Prices
Chicken Express menu prices are straightforward and affordable. Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch or feeding a family, you can find a option that fits your budget. The quality of the chicken and sides makes it a solid choice for fast food.
Remember to check for coupons and daily specials to save even more. And don’t forget to try the sweet tea—it’s a signature item for a reason.
Now you have all the information you need to order with confidence. Enjoy your meal!