Church’s Texas Chicken has become a global phenomenon, adapting its menu to suit local tastes across 25 countries. From spicy options in Indonesia to plantains in Puerto Rico, the brand offers diverse regional specialties while maintaining its core focus on high-quality fried chicken.
The international locations of Church’s Texas Chicken, known as Texas Chicken outside the Americas, cater to varied palates. This strategy has allowed the chain to expand its appeal beyond its San Antonio roots, growing to over 1,500 locations worldwide as of 2021.
While menu items differ between countries, the commitment to freshly prepared chicken remains constant. Customers around the globe can enjoy the familiar taste of Church’s Texas Chicken alongside unique local flavors, creating a truly international dining experience.
Brand Overview
Church’s Texas Chicken, renowned for its crispy fried chicken and flavorful sides, has grown from a small San Antonio restaurant to a global fast-food chain. The brand’s history and international presence have led to some confusion about its name and identity.
History of Church’s Texas Chicken
Church’s Texas Chicken began in 1952 when George W. Church Sr. opened a small chicken stand across from the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas. The restaurant quickly gained popularity for its hand-battered, crispy fried chicken and honey-butter biscuits. Over the decades, Church’s expanded across the United States and internationally.
By 2024, the chain has served over one billion customers worldwide. Church’s commitment to bold, Texas-inspired flavors has remained constant throughout its growth.
Church’s Texas Chicken Vs. Church’s Chicken
Church’s Texas Chicken and Church’s Chicken are essentially the same company operating under different names. In the Americas, the brand is known as Church’s Chicken. Outside the Americas, it operates as Texas Chicken.
This dual naming strategy allows the company to emphasize its Texas roots in international markets. Both brands offer the same core menu items, including the signature fried chicken and biscuits. However, Texas Chicken locations often incorporate local specialties to cater to regional tastes.
The company’s international expansion has led to menu variations across different countries, while maintaining its focus on high-quality, freshly prepared chicken.
Menu Core Offerings
Church’s Texas Chicken offers a focused menu centered around its signature fried chicken and popular sides. These core items form the foundation of the restaurant’s offerings across its international locations.
Signature Fried Chicken
Church’s Texas Chicken is renowned for its hand-battered, freshly prepared fried chicken. The menu features bone-in chicken pieces available in various cuts and spice levels. Customers can choose between original and spicy flavors, each delivering layers of taste with every bite.
The restaurant offers chicken combos in different sizes. A 2-piece chicken combo typically includes leg and thigh portions, while a 3-piece combo provides more variety. These combos often come with sides and a beverage.
For those who prefer boneless options, Church’s Texas Chicken also serves chicken tenders. These are hand-breaded and can be ordered in various quantities.
Popular Sides
Church’s Texas Chicken complements its main dishes with a selection of classic Southern-inspired sides. Biscuits are a staple offering, known for their flaky texture and buttery flavor.
Mashed potatoes topped with gravy are another fan favorite. The savory brown gravy pairs well with both the chicken and potatoes. Coleslaw offers a crisp, cool contrast to the warm fried items.
Other popular sides may include:
- French fries
- Corn on the cob
- Jalapeño cheese bombers
- Fried okra (in select locations)
These sides allow customers to customize their meals and create satisfying combinations with their chosen chicken items.
International Menu Highlights
Church’s Texas Chicken offers diverse menu items across its global locations. The brand adapts its offerings to cater to local tastes while maintaining its signature flavors.
Tenders and Wings Specialities
Church’s Texas Chicken’s international menu features unique tenders and wings variations. The classic 3pc and 5pc tenders are available in many locations, often with country-specific seasonings. In some markets, spicy tenders are popular, featuring bold local spices.
Wings come in various flavors, from tangy barbecue to fiery hot. Some countries offer boneless wings as an alternative. The brand occasionally introduces limited-time wing flavors to excite customers and reflect regional preferences.
Global Flavor Innovations
International locations embrace local flavors in their menu items. In Asia, curry-seasoned chicken is a hit. Middle Eastern outlets may offer shawarma-inspired wraps.
Some countries feature fusion dishes combining Church’s Texas Chicken with local cuisines. Examples include:
- Chicken tikka masala in India
- Jalapeno cheese bites in Mexico
- Seaweed-flavored tenders in Japan
These innovations allow the brand to appeal to diverse palates while maintaining its core identity.
Seasonal and Local Favorites
Church’s Texas Chicken adapts its menu to include seasonal specialties and local favorites. During autumn in some countries, items featuring pumpkin pie spice appear on the menu.
Local desserts often complement the chicken offerings. In certain locations, variations of:
- Cream cheese pastries
- Graham cracker-crusted pies
- Regional fruit cobblers
are available.
Special holiday menus may feature traditional local dishes alongside Church’s classics. This approach helps the brand connect with customers during important cultural events and celebrations.
Nutritional Information
Church’s Texas Chicken provides nutritional details for its menu items to help customers make informed choices. The caloric content varies across different products, with some options being higher in calories and fat than others.
Caloric Content of Popular Items
A typical meal at Church’s Texas Chicken can range from 1,100 to 1,500 calories. This includes a main dish, side, and drink.
Individual chicken pieces vary in calorie count. A single Texas Tender contains 110 calories.
Many side dishes are prepared with butter, cheese, or milk, which increases their calorie and fat content. These ingredients may also be problematic for customers with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.
The restaurant chain recommends a daily intake of 20 grams of saturated fat and 2,300 milligrams of sodium for a 2,000-calorie diet. Some menu items may exceed these limits in a single serving.
Church’s Texas Chicken uses hormone-free chicken in their products. This information is important for health-conscious consumers.
Convenience Services
Church’s Texas Chicken offers several options to enhance customer convenience and streamline the ordering process. These services aim to reduce wait times and provide flexibility for customers with busy schedules.
Order Ahead Options
Church’s Texas Chicken provides order ahead capabilities through their mobile app and website. Customers can place orders in advance for pickup or delivery, selecting their preferred time slot. The app allows users to customize menu items, save favorite orders, and access exclusive deals.
Payment can be completed securely within the app. Rewards members earn points on digital orders, which can be redeemed for free menu items.
For added convenience, many locations offer curbside pickup. Customers simply park in designated spots and have their order brought directly to their vehicle.
Drive-thru service is available at most Church’s Texas Chicken restaurants, providing a quick option for customers on the go.
Beverages and Desserts
Church’s Texas Chicken offers a range of refreshing drinks and indulgent desserts to complement their signature fried chicken. The beverage selection caters to various tastes, while sweet treats provide a satisfying end to any meal.
Drinks Selection
Church’s Texas Chicken provides a variety of cold beverages to quench customers’ thirst. Coca-Cola products dominate the menu, including classic Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, and Coke Zero for those watching their calorie intake. Fanta and Sprite offer fruity and lemon-lime options respectively. For a different flavor profile, Fruitopia provides a fruit-based alternative.
Root beer enthusiasts can enjoy Barq’s, while iced tea lovers have Nestea as an option. Health-conscious patrons can opt for Dasani bottled water. These drinks pair well with the restaurant’s savory chicken dishes and sides.
Sweet Endings
The dessert menu at Church’s Texas Chicken features simple yet satisfying treats. Their apple pie stands out as a popular choice, offering a golden brown, crispy crust filled with warm, spiced apples. This classic dessert provides a sweet contrast to the savory main courses.
While the dessert options may be limited compared to the extensive chicken menu, they serve as a fitting conclusion to a hearty meal. The apple pie, in particular, offers a comforting and familiar taste that resonates with many customers.
Church’s honey-butter biscuit, while primarily served as a side, can also function as a sweet ending to a meal. Its rich, buttery flavor with a touch of honey makes it a versatile item that bridges the gap between sides and desserts.
Promotions and Deals
Church’s Texas Chicken offers a variety of special promotions and value deals to attract customers. These offers often include combo meals for individuals and larger family-sized options.
Combo Meals and Family Deals
Church’s Real Rewards program provides members with exclusive offers and potential surprises. From October 17 to 31, 2024, members may receive special Halloween-themed promotions with their orders.
The Two Can Dine Special is a popular deal, priced at $9.99. It includes 5 pieces of chicken (legs and thighs) or tenders, 2 regular classic sides, and 2 biscuits. This offer is available for in-store purchases at participating locations.
Church’s also features value-oriented options like the Texas-Sized Grande Meal and various Party Packs. These larger meals cater to families or groups, offering substantial portions at competitive prices.
Many combo meals include a 22 oz. drink and a regular classic side, providing a complete dining experience. The chain occasionally runs limited-time promotions, introducing new menu items or special pricing on existing favorites.