Church’s Texas Chicken, formerly known as Church’s Chicken, has been serving up bold flavors for over 70 years. The fast-food chain specializes in hand-battered fried chicken, made fresh in small batches for optimal taste and quality. Their menu features a variety of combo meals, family options, sandwiches, sides, and desserts to satisfy chicken lovers of all appetites.
The restaurant’s menu caters to different preferences with both spicy and original chicken options. Customers can choose from individual meals like the 2-piece, 3-piece, or 4-piece chicken combos, as well as tender and wing combinations. Each combo typically includes a regular side and a drink, complemented by Church’s signature Honey-Butter Biscuit.
For those looking to feed a group, Church’s Texas Chicken offers family meals and a selection of sides to round out the dining experience. The menu also includes chicken sandwiches, wraps, and a range of beverages and sauces to enhance the meal. Prices may vary by location, but the chain strives to provide value-oriented options for its customers.
History of Church’s Texas Chicken
Church’s Texas Chicken began in 1952 when George W. Church Sr. opened the first location in San Antonio, Texas. The original restaurant, called Church’s Fried Chicken To-Go, was situated across from the Alamo.
Initially, the menu was simple – just fried chicken and rolls. Two pieces of chicken with a roll cost 49 cents. This straightforward offering proved popular with locals.
In 1955, Church’s expanded its menu by adding french fries and jalapeños. These additions complemented the signature fried chicken and became staples on the menu.
The restaurant’s success led to rapid expansion. Church’s Chicken grew from a single walk-up establishment to a global fast-food chain known for its Texas-style fried chicken.
Over the decades, Church’s menu evolved to meet changing tastes while maintaining its Texas roots. The company introduced new items and flavors to appeal to a broader customer base.
Today, Church’s Texas Chicken operates thousands of locations worldwide. It continues to serve hand-battered chicken made in small, fresh batches, staying true to its original commitment to quality and flavor.
Menu Overview
Church’s Texas Chicken offers a diverse menu centered around their signature fried chicken. The menu features individual meals, family-sized portions, and combo options.
Individual meals typically include 2-5 pieces of chicken or tenders with sides. Family meals cater to larger groups, offering 8, 12, or 16 pieces of chicken with multiple sides.
Classic sides include mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and Honey-Butter Biscuits™. The menu also features a selection of sandwiches and wraps for those seeking handheld options.
For chicken enthusiasts, Church’s offers bone-in fried chicken as well as boneless tenders. Spicy and original flavors are available for most chicken items.
Beverage choices range from soft drinks to iced tea. Dessert options include fried pies and other sweet treats to round out the meal.
Church’s regularly offers specials and limited-time menu items to keep things fresh and exciting for customers. These may include seasonal flavors or unique meal combinations.
Chicken Choices
Church’s Texas Chicken offers a variety of flavorful chicken options to satisfy different tastes. The menu features classic fried chicken, spicy variants, and tender strips for those who prefer boneless options.
Classic Fried Chicken
Church’s classic fried chicken is hand-battered and cooked in small batches for optimal freshness. The crispy, golden-brown exterior gives way to juicy meat inside. Customers can choose from different cuts, including legs, thighs, and breasts.
The restaurant offers various meal combinations, from single pieces to family-sized buckets. A popular choice is the 8-piece family meal, which comes with sides and biscuits. For those watching their calorie intake, grilled options may be available at some locations.
Spicy Chicken
For heat-seekers, Church’s spicy chicken delivers a kick of flavor. The spicy version uses the same high-quality chicken as the original but with an added blend of bold spices in the batter.
Spicy options are available for most chicken cuts and meal deals. Customers can mix and match spicy and original pieces in family meals. The heat level is generally moderate, appealing to a wide range of spice preferences.
Chicken Tenders
Church’s chicken tenders cater to those who prefer boneless options. These hand-breaded strips of white meat chicken are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Tenders are available in both original and spicy flavors.
A typical order includes 3-piece tenders, often served with a choice of dipping sauce. Tender meals usually come with a side, drink, and a honey-butter biscuit. For larger appetites or sharing, 5-piece and family-sized tender options are also on the menu.
Signature Items
Church’s Texas Chicken is renowned for its distinctive menu items that capture the essence of Southern flavors. Two standout offerings have become synonymous with the brand’s identity.
Honey-Butter Biscuits
Honey-Butter Biscuits are a beloved staple at Church’s Texas Chicken. These golden, flaky biscuits are freshly baked and coated with a unique honey-butter sauce. The combination creates a perfect balance of sweetness and buttery richness.
Customers can choose from various serving sizes, including 1-piece, 3-piece, 6-piece, and 12-piece options. The biscuits’ popularity stems from their ability to capture the essence of Texas comfort food in a single bite.
Many diners consider these biscuits a must-try item when visiting Church’s Texas Chicken. They pair well with savory menu options or can be enjoyed as a standalone treat.
Jalapeño Peppers
Church’s Texas Chicken offers jalapeño peppers as a zesty side dish. These peppers add a spicy kick to meals and complement the restaurant’s fried chicken offerings.
The jalapeño peppers are typically breaded and fried, resulting in a crispy exterior and a juicy, spicy interior. They provide a contrast to the milder flavors of other menu items.
For those who enjoy heat, these peppers are an excellent choice. They can be ordered as a side dish or added to sandwiches and wraps for extra flavor.
Church’s also incorporates jalapeños into other menu items, such as the Spicy Chicken Sandwich and Creamy Jalapeño sauce, showcasing the versatility of this signature ingredient.
Combo Meals
Church’s Texas Chicken offers a variety of combo meals for customers seeking value and convenience. These combos typically include chicken pieces, sides, and a drink.
Popular options include the 2 Piece, 3 Piece, and 4 Piece Chicken Combos. Each features hand-battered, marinated chicken in original or spicy flavors.
Combos come with a regular side dish and a Honey-Butter Biscuit. Side options may include fries, mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or onion rings.
For those preferring chicken tenders, the 3 Piece and 5 Piece Tender Combos are available. These feature hand-breaded tenders with similar side options.
The 5 Piece Wings Combo caters to wing lovers. It includes a choice of wing flavor along with sides and a biscuit.
Church’s Texas Chicken also offers larger family combos. The 16 Piece Combo includes 16 pieces of chicken, 8 biscuits, and 3 large sides.
While specific calorie information is not provided, combo meals generally contain higher calorie counts due to fried foods and rich sides.
Family Meals
Church’s Texas Chicken offers a range of family meal options designed to feed groups of varying sizes. These meals typically include a mix of chicken pieces and sides to satisfy the whole family.
The family meal lineup features 8-piece, 12-piece, and 16-piece combos. Each combo comes with the customer’s choice of Original or Spicy chicken.
Sides are an integral part of the family meal experience. Diners can select up to 3 Classic Large Sides to accompany their chicken. Popular side options include mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and corn on the cob.
For larger gatherings, Church’s also provides 10-piece, 15-piece, and 20-piece family meals. These generous portions ensure there’s plenty of chicken to go around.
Family meals are an economical choice for those feeding multiple people. They offer better value compared to purchasing individual items separately.
The ability to customize sides allows families to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences. This flexibility makes Church’s family meals a convenient option for group dining.
Sides and Extras
Church’s Texas Chicken offers a variety of tasty sides and extras to complement their signature fried chicken. From classic comfort foods to zesty sauces, these additions allow customers to customize their meals.
Classic Sides
Church’s Texas Chicken serves up several beloved classic sides. Their Honey-Butter Biscuits are a fan favorite, known for their sweet and buttery flavor. Mashed potatoes with gravy provide a creamy, savory option. Crispy french fries and coleslaw round out the traditional offerings.
For those seeking a kick of heat, jalapeño cheese bombers and jalapeño peppers are available. The menu also features corn on the cob and macaroni salad for lighter fare. Some locations offer regional specialties like poutine or wild west rice.
Most side dishes contain between 100-300 calories per serving. Corn on the cob is a lower-calorie choice at 70-90 calories, while other sides may be higher in calories.
Sauces and Condiments
Church’s Texas Chicken provides an array of sauces and condiments to enhance their menu items. While specific sauce options may vary by location, common choices include honey mustard, ranch, and barbecue sauce.
Some customers have discovered a flavor-boosting trick: squeezing juice from the jalapeño peppers onto their chicken. This insider tip has been popular since 1952, adding an extra layer of spice to the meal.
The restaurant also offers gravy as a classic condiment, perfect for topping mashed potatoes or for dipping chicken and biscuits. These sauces and condiments allow guests to customize their meals to their taste preferences.
Beverages and Desserts
Church’s Texas Chicken offers a variety of drinks and sweet treats to complement their chicken meals. Customers can choose from classic soft drinks and indulgent desserts to round out their dining experience.
Soft Drinks
Church’s Texas Chicken serves a range of popular soft drink options. Coca-Cola products are available, including Coke, Diet Coke, and Sprite. Other beverages like lemonade and iced tea are also on the menu.
Customers can select from small, medium, and large sizes to suit their thirst levels. For those preferring non-carbonated options, bottled water is offered as well.
Desserts
The dessert menu at Church’s Texas Chicken features a few simple but satisfying choices. Their signature dessert is the apple pie, a flaky pastry filled with warm cinnamon-spiced apples.
Church’s also offers honey-butter biscuits, which can double as a sweet treat. These buttery, slightly sweet biscuits are a fan favorite. Some locations may have seasonal dessert offerings or regional specialties.
Desserts provide a sweet finish to chicken meals or can be enjoyed on their own as a snack. Prices for desserts are generally affordable, making them an easy add-on to any order.
Nutritional Information
Church’s Texas Chicken provides nutritional information for their menu items to help customers make informed choices. The restaurant chain offers details on calories, fat content, sodium, and other key nutrients.
Most Church’s locations display calorie counts directly on their menu boards. This allows customers to quickly compare options and select meals that fit their dietary needs.
For those seeking more detailed nutrition facts, Church’s website features a comprehensive breakdown of ingredients and allergens. This includes information on major allergens like dairy, eggs, soy, and wheat.
A typical combo meal at Church’s can range from 1,100 to 1,500 calories. Individual menu items vary widely in calorie content. For example, a single Texas Tender contains around 110 calories.
Church’s chicken is raised hormone-free, which may appeal to health-conscious consumers. However, many items are fried, potentially increasing fat and calorie content.
Customers with specific dietary restrictions or allergies should consult the detailed nutrition guide. Some Church’s locations fry chicken in the same oil used for fish products, which is important for those with seafood allergies to note.
Current Specials and Promotions
Church’s Texas Chicken is offering several enticing deals for customers in early 2025. From December 30, 2024 to January 13, 2025, diners can enjoy free delivery on orders of $25 or more.
New members who sign up for the Real Rewards™ program receive a free 2-piece Leg & Thigh or Tenders meal with their first purchase. This loyalty program allows customers to earn 10 points for every dollar spent.
Points can be redeemed for menu items, including up to 16 pieces of chicken. The flexibility of the rewards program lets customers use points for family meals or individual treats.
Church’s Texas Chicken has introduced seasonal menu items as well. The Pumpkin Cheesecake Fried Pie is available for a limited time as a special dessert option.
While specific pricing details are not provided, Church’s menu typically includes a variety of chicken pieces, sandwiches, sides, and drinks. The restaurant’s focus on chicken dishes may result in slightly higher prices compared to some fast food competitors.
Competitive Comparison
Church’s Texas Chicken faces stiff competition from other major fast food chicken chains. Key rivals include KFC and Chick-fil-A, each with their own unique offerings and market positioning.
Church’s vs. KFC
Church’s Texas Chicken and KFC are both known for their fried chicken, but differ in several ways. Church’s focuses on Southern-style chicken with a spicier flavor profile. Their menu features bone-in chicken, tenders, and sandwiches.
KFC offers a wider variety of chicken preparations, including grilled and Nashville Hot options. KFC has a larger global presence with over 22,000 locations compared to Church’s 1,500. KFC’s signature item is the bucket of chicken, while Church’s is known for its honey-butter biscuits.
Pricing tends to be similar between the two chains. Both offer value meals and family-size combos. KFC generally receives higher customer satisfaction ratings, but Church’s loyal customers appreciate its distinct flavors.
Church’s vs. Chick-fil-A
Church’s Texas Chicken and Chick-fil-A target different market segments within the fast food chicken space. Church’s menu centers on fried chicken pieces and sides, while Chick-fil-A specializes in chicken sandwiches.
Chick-fil-A is known for its customer service and higher-quality ingredients. It has fewer locations but generates more revenue per restaurant than Church’s. Chick-fil-A’s prices are typically higher, positioning it as a premium fast food option.
Church’s offers a more diverse menu with seafood options and desserts. It remains open on Sundays, unlike Chick-fil-A. Church’s targets value-conscious consumers, while Chick-fil-A appeals to those willing to pay more for perceived quality and service.