Church’s Texas Chicken has been a beloved fast food chain since its founding in 1952. Over the decades, the restaurant has introduced numerous menu items to delight customers’ taste buds. While many offerings have stood the test of time, some fan favorites have sadly been discontinued.
Church’s Texas Chicken has removed several popular items from its menu over the years, leaving loyal patrons craving their return. From unique side dishes to innovative chicken creations, these discontinued items hold a special place in the hearts of Church’s enthusiasts. This article explores eight such menu offerings that fans miss and wish would make a comeback.
1) Chicken Fried Steak Sandwich
Church’s Texas Chicken once offered a hearty Chicken Fried Steak Sandwich that became a fan favorite. This menu item featured a breaded and fried beef patty served on a bun with lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise.
The sandwich combined the classic flavors of chicken fried steak with the convenience of a handheld meal. Its crispy exterior and tender interior made it a satisfying option for customers seeking a change from traditional chicken offerings.
Despite its popularity, the Chicken Fried Steak Sandwich was eventually discontinued. Many loyal patrons still reminisce about its unique taste and texture, which set it apart from other fast-food sandwiches.
The item showcased Church’s ability to innovate beyond its core chicken products. It demonstrated the brand’s commitment to providing diverse menu options that appealed to a wide range of tastes.
While Church’s Texas Chicken continues to offer chicken fried steak as a standalone dish in some locations, fans of the sandwich version eagerly hope for its return to the menu.
2) Jalapeño Cheese Bombers
Jalapeño Cheese Bombers were a popular side dish at Church’s Texas Chicken that many fans still miss today. These spicy, cheesy bites offered a unique flavor explosion with each mouthful.
The Bombers featured a crunchy exterior that gave way to a soft, silky interior filled with jalapeño bits and creamy cheddar cheese. This combination of textures and flavors made them a standout menu item.
Church’s offered Jalapeño Cheese Bombers in various sizes, including 5-piece, 10-piece, and 20-piece options. This allowed customers to choose the perfect portion to complement their meal or satisfy their cravings.
Some creative menu offerings even incorporated the Bombers into other dishes. For example, Church’s once offered a wrap that included two Jalapeño Cheese Bombers along with mayo, all wrapped in a warm tortilla.
While no longer available as a standalone item, Jalapeño Cheese Bombers can sometimes be found as an optional side in certain combo meals. However, their limited availability has left many fans longing for their return as a regular menu feature.
3) Mashed Potatoes with Cajun Gravy
Church’s Texas Chicken once offered a beloved side dish that combined creamy mashed potatoes with a zesty Cajun-style gravy. This unique twist on a classic comfort food perfectly complemented the restaurant’s bold, flavorful chicken.
The mashed potatoes were smooth and buttery, providing a satisfying base for the gravy. The Cajun gravy added a spicy kick, incorporating traditional Louisiana seasonings like paprika, garlic, and cayenne pepper.
Many fans appreciated how this side dish elevated their meals, offering a more exciting alternative to plain mashed potatoes. The combination of creamy potatoes and spicy gravy created a balance of flavors that kept customers coming back for more.
Although Church’s still offers mashed potatoes with gravy on their menu, the Cajun-style version is no longer available. Some patrons have expressed disappointment at its discontinuation, missing the extra layer of flavor it brought to their meals.
The loss of this item highlights how even small menu changes can impact loyal customers who grow attached to specific flavors and combinations.
4) Boudin Bites
Boudin Bites were a unique offering from Church’s Texas Chicken that captured the essence of Cajun cuisine. These savory appetizers featured a blend of pork, rice, and spices wrapped in a crispy breading.
Introduced as a limited-time menu item, Boudin Bites quickly gained a following among Church’s customers. The bite-sized morsels provided a flavorful alternative to traditional sides like fries or biscuits.
Their crispy exterior gave way to a soft, flavorful interior that delighted taste buds. Many fans appreciated the authentic Cajun flavors that Boudin Bites brought to the Church’s menu.
Despite their popularity, Boudin Bites were eventually discontinued. This decision left many Church’s Texas Chicken enthusiasts longing for the return of these Cajun-inspired treats.
Fans often reminisce about pairing Boudin Bites with Church’s famous fried chicken for a satisfying meal. The unique combination of textures and flavors made them a standout item that is still missed today.
5) Frosted Honey-Butter Biscuits
Church’s Texas Chicken introduced Frosted Honey-Butter Biscuits as a limited-time offering in fall 2019. These indulgent treats were a twist on the chain’s classic Honey-Butter Biscuits.
The Frosted Honey-Butter Biscuits featured the same flaky, buttery biscuit base that customers loved. They were then topped with a layer of sweet icing, creating a dessert-like pastry.
This item combined the savory notes of a traditional biscuit with the sweetness of frosting. It offered a unique flavor profile that appealed to those with a sweet tooth.
Despite their popularity during their initial run, Frosted Honey-Butter Biscuits are no longer available on Church’s Texas Chicken’s regular menu. Many fans miss this creative take on the chain’s signature side item.
The limited-time nature of this offering left customers wanting more. Some patrons still hope for the return of these frosted biscuits to satisfy their cravings for a sweet and savory combination.
6) Creole Zing Chicken
Church’s Texas Chicken introduced Creole Zing Chicken as a limited-time offering that quickly gained a devoted following. This spicy twist on their classic fried chicken featured a bold Creole-inspired seasoning blend.
The dish combined the flavors of Louisiana with Church’s signature crispy chicken. Its zesty kick came from a mix of cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic, and other Creole spices coating the crispy exterior.
Creole Zing Chicken appealed to customers seeking a more adventurous flavor profile. It offered a perfect balance of heat and savory notes that complemented Church’s traditional sides.
Despite its popularity, Creole Zing Chicken was eventually discontinued. Fans of this menu item often reminisce about its unique taste and wish for its return to the regular menu.
The removal of Creole Zing Chicken left a void for those craving a spicier option at Church’s Texas Chicken. Its absence is still felt by customers who appreciated the bolder flavor variation it brought to the chain’s offerings.
7) Southern Smothered Chicken
Southern Smothered Chicken was a beloved menu item at Church’s Texas Chicken that captured the essence of classic Southern comfort food. This dish featured tender, juicy chicken smothered in a rich, creamy gravy.
The chicken was typically slow-cooked to perfection, ensuring maximum flavor and tenderness. The gravy, made with a blend of herbs and spices, complemented the chicken beautifully and added depth to the dish.
Served with classic Southern sides like mashed potatoes or rice, Southern Smothered Chicken offered a hearty, satisfying meal. Its removal from the menu left many fans disappointed, as it represented a unique offering that set Church’s apart from other fast-food chains.
The dish’s popularity stemmed from its ability to evoke feelings of home-cooked meals and Southern hospitality. Its absence has been felt by loyal customers who appreciated its comforting flavors and generous portions.
While Church’s Texas Chicken continues to offer other Southern-inspired items, many patrons still reminisce about the distinct taste and texture of the Southern Smothered Chicken.
8) Lemon Pepper Bone-in Wings
Church’s Texas Chicken once offered Lemon Pepper Bone-in Wings as a limited-time menu item. These wings combined the classic bone-in chicken texture with a zesty lemon pepper seasoning.
The tangy citrus flavor paired well with the peppery kick, creating a memorable taste experience. Fans appreciated the crispy exterior and juicy interior of these wings.
Many customers found the Lemon Pepper Bone-in Wings to be a refreshing alternative to traditional spicy or barbecue flavors. The unique seasoning blend set these wings apart from other fast-food offerings.
Church’s decision to discontinue this item left many patrons disappointed. Some fans still reminisce about the distinct flavor profile and wish for its return to the menu.
While Church’s Texas Chicken continues to offer various chicken options, the absence of Lemon Pepper Bone-in Wings is felt by those who enjoyed this particular combination of flavors.
History of Church’s Texas Chicken
Church’s Texas Chicken has grown from a small San Antonio shop to a global fast-food empire over seven decades. Its journey features key milestones in expansion and menu development.
Origins and Expansion
George W. Church Sr. founded Church’s Fried Chicken To-Go in 1952 across from the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas. The initial menu was simple – fried chicken and rolls for 49 cents.
By 1955, the restaurant added fries and jalapeños, expanding its offerings. Church’s grew steadily, opening new locations and spreading beyond Texas.
The company’s growth accelerated in subsequent decades. It expanded nationally and then internationally, bringing its Texas-style chicken to countries around the world.
Today, Church’s Texas Chicken operates thousands of restaurants globally, maintaining its headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia.
Notable Menu Innovations
Church’s menu has evolved significantly since its founding, while staying true to its Texas roots. The original fried chicken remains a staple, but many new items have been introduced.
In the 1970s and 1980s, Church’s added side dishes like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and biscuits. These complemented the signature chicken and became popular in their own right.
More recent innovations include chicken sandwiches, wraps, and various flavor options for the fried chicken. The company has also introduced limited-time offerings to keep the menu fresh and exciting.
Dessert items like fried apple pies and honey-butter biscuits have become fan favorites. These sweet treats round out the menu and provide options for all tastes.
Customer Reactions to Discontinued Items
Church’s Texas Chicken fans have expressed strong emotions over discontinued menu items. Their reactions have ranged from disappointment to outright campaigns for bringing back beloved favorites.
Social Media Responses
Twitter and Facebook became hotbeds of customer feedback when Church’s discontinued certain items. Many fans took to these platforms to voice their displeasure. Some shared nostalgic memories of enjoying now-absent menu options.
“I can’t believe they got rid of the Pickle-O’s! Those were my favorite side,” one Twitter user lamented. The crispy, deep-fried pickle slices had a devoted following.
On Facebook, customers debated which discontinued items deserved a comeback. The Chicken Littles sandwiches topped many lists. Their compact size and affordability made them popular lunch options.
Petitions and Campaigns
Dedicated fans went beyond social media posts, organizing petitions and campaigns. Change.org saw multiple petitions aimed at Church’s corporate leadership. One petition to bring back the original recipe chicken garnered over 10,000 signatures.
Some customers launched email campaigns, flooding Church’s customer service inbox. They hoped to demonstrate the demand for discontinued favorites. Local franchises reported fielding daily inquiries about absent menu items.
A few super-fans even organized “flashmob” style events at Church’s locations. They arrived en masse, all ordering a discontinued item to make a point. While these campaigns haven’t yet succeeded, they show the passion of Church’s customer base.