Church’s Texas Chicken has been serving up delicious fried chicken since 1952, but their side dishes are equally beloved by customers. These classic comfort foods complement the restaurant’s signature crispy chicken and add variety to any meal.
The most popular side dishes at Church’s Texas Chicken include their honey-butter biscuits, jalapeño cheese bombers, and mashed potatoes with gravy. These items have become staples on the menu, satisfying cravings for savory and spicy flavors alongside the main chicken dishes.
Church’s also offers other tasty sides like fried okra, corn on the cob, and coleslaw. Many patrons enjoy customizing their meals by mixing and matching different side options with their chicken orders. The combination of crispy, juicy chicken and flavorful sides has helped Church’s Texas Chicken maintain its popularity for decades.
Church’s Texas Chicken Overview
Church’s Texas Chicken stands out in the fast-food landscape with its distinctive offerings and loyal customer base. The chain’s focus on fried chicken and complementary side dishes has made it a popular choice for diners seeking flavorful, satisfying meals.
What Makes Church’s Chicken Unique
Church’s Texas Chicken, founded in 1952, has built its reputation on bold, flavorful fried chicken. The restaurant chain prides itself on using fresh ingredients and traditional cooking methods. Their signature spicy chicken recipe has become a fan favorite, setting them apart from competitors.
Church’s also offers a variety of chicken options, including original and spicy varieties, tenders, and sandwiches. The brand’s commitment to quality and consistency has helped it expand to over 800 locations across the United States.
The Importance of Side Dishes
Side dishes play a crucial role in the Church’s Texas Chicken dining experience. These accompaniments complement the main chicken dishes and add variety to meals. Popular sides include:
- Honey-Butter Biscuits
- Jalapeño Cheese Bombers
- Mashed Potatoes with Gravy
- Fried Okra
- Coleslaw
Church’s side dishes are often made from scratch daily, ensuring freshness and quality. Many customers mix and match sides to create personalized meal combinations. Some even use side items creatively, like squeezing jalapeño pepper juice onto their chicken for extra kick.
The wide selection of sides allows Church’s to cater to diverse tastes and dietary preferences. This variety keeps customers coming back to try new combinations and flavors.
Classic Sides
Church’s Texas Chicken offers a variety of traditional sides to complement their famous fried chicken. These classic options provide comforting flavors and textures that pair perfectly with the main dish.
Fries
Church’s fries are a popular choice among customers. These golden-brown potato strips are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. The fries are seasoned with a blend of salt and spices, giving them a savory flavor that enhances the overall meal experience.
Church’s offers their fries in various sizes to suit different appetites. Some locations may provide the option to add toppings like shredded cheddar cheese for an extra flavor boost.
Mashed Potatoes
The mashed potatoes at Church’s Texas Chicken are a creamy and comforting side dish. Made from real potatoes, they have a smooth texture and rich flavor. The potatoes are whipped to perfection, creating a light and fluffy consistency.
Customers can enjoy the mashed potatoes plain or topped with brown gravy for added depth of flavor. The gravy is savory and complements the potatoes well, making them a satisfying accompaniment to the chicken.
Coleslaw
Church’s coleslaw offers a refreshing contrast to their fried menu items. This classic side dish consists of shredded cabbage and carrots mixed with a creamy dressing. The coleslaw provides a cool, crisp texture and tangy flavor that balances the richness of the fried chicken.
The dressing is typically made with mayonnaise, vinegar, and a touch of sugar, creating a harmonious blend of creamy and tangy notes. Some variations may include additional ingredients like cream cheese to enhance the creaminess.
Signature Favorites
Church’s Texas Chicken offers several beloved side dishes that have become fan favorites over the years. These signature items complement the restaurant’s famous fried chicken with their unique flavors and textures.
Honey-Butter Biscuits
Church’s honey-butter biscuits are a standout menu item. These golden-brown delights are made from scratch daily, ensuring freshness with every bite. The biscuits are brushed with a generous coating of honey butter, giving them a sweet and savory flavor profile.
For those with an extra sweet tooth, Church’s also offers frosted honey-butter biscuits. These feature an additional layer of sweet honey butter glaze, elevating the indulgence factor.
The biscuits’ flaky texture and rich taste make them a perfect accompaniment to the restaurant’s crispy fried chicken. Many customers even enjoy them as a dessert-like treat.
Jalapeño Cheese Bombers
Jalapeño Cheese Bombers are a spicy and cheesy side dish that packs a flavorful punch. These bite-sized morsels feature a crispy exterior filled with creamy cheddar cheese and spicy jalapeño peppers.
The combination of gooey cheese and the kick of jalapeños creates a satisfying contrast of flavors and textures. The bombers are deep-fried to achieve a golden-brown crust, adding a pleasant crunch to each bite.
These spicy cheese bites are popular among customers who enjoy a bit of heat with their meals. They pair well with Church’s signature sauces for dipping.
Fried Okra
Church’s fried okra offers a taste of Southern comfort food. Fresh okra pieces are coated in a seasoned batter and deep-fried until crispy and golden brown.
The result is a crunchy exterior that gives way to a tender interior, preserving the unique texture of the okra. The light seasoning enhances the vegetable’s natural flavor without overpowering it.
Fried okra serves as a lighter alternative to some of the other sides, while still providing a satisfying crunch. It’s a popular choice for those looking to add a vegetable option to their meal.
Health and Nutrition
Church’s Texas Chicken offers a range of side dishes that vary in nutritional content. While some options are higher in calories and fat, others provide more balanced nutrition. Understanding the caloric content can help customers make informed choices.
Caloric Content of Side Dishes
Most side dishes at Church’s Texas Chicken contain between 100 and 300 calories per serving. The mashed potatoes and gravy, a popular choice, typically has around 110-130 calories. Corn on the cob offers a lower-calorie option at approximately 70-90 calories per serving.
Higher-calorie sides include:
- Biscuits: 180-200 calories
- Fried okra: 150-170 calories
- Jalapeño cheese bombers: 230-250 calories
Customers watching their calorie intake may opt for green beans or coleslaw, which generally contain fewer than 100 calories per serving.
Balancing Indulgence and Health
Enjoying Church’s Texas Chicken side dishes in moderation can be part of a balanced diet. Pairing higher-calorie options with lighter sides can help manage overall calorie intake. For example, choosing a spicy chicken leg (about 160 calories) with green beans creates a more balanced meal than selecting multiple fried sides.
Portion control is key. Sharing larger side dishes or opting for smaller sizes can reduce calorie consumption. Some locations offer healthier alternatives like apple slices or mixed fruit cups, providing options for those seeking lower-calorie choices.
Customers with specific dietary concerns should consult the restaurant’s allergen information. Church’s Texas Chicken provides detailed nutritional data to help guests make informed decisions based on their individual health needs and preferences.
Seasonal and Limited-Time Offers
Church’s Texas Chicken tantalizes taste buds with rotating special menu items. These exclusive offerings bring fresh flavors and excitement to complement their classic sides.
Pumpkin Cheesecake Fried Pie
This autumnal treat combines the warmth of pumpkin pie with the indulgence of cheesecake. A flaky, golden-brown crust encases a creamy pumpkin cheesecake filling. The pie is dusted with pumpkin pie spice, adding aromatic notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
Available for a limited time each fall, this dessert pairs perfectly with Church’s signature fried chicken. The sweetness balances the savory main course, creating a satisfying meal experience.
Vanilla Fountain Favorite
Church’s Texas Chicken elevates their beverage selection with this limited-time drink. The Vanilla Fountain Favorite features a smooth, creamy vanilla base. It’s served ice-cold, offering a refreshing contrast to the restaurant’s spicy chicken options.
This specialty drink is often introduced during summer months. Its sweet vanilla flavor complements the bold seasonings used in Church’s chicken recipes. The Vanilla Fountain Favorite provides a cool, indulgent sip between bites of crispy fried chicken.
Sweet Treats and Desserts
Church’s Texas Chicken offers a selection of desserts to satisfy sweet cravings after a savory meal. Their menu features classic American favorites with a focus on comforting flavors.
Apple Pie
Church’s Apple Pie is a beloved dessert option. The pie features juicy apple slices encased in a flaky crust. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of tart apples and sweet filling.
The crust provides a satisfying crunch that complements the soft, warm apple interior. Church’s prepares these pies fresh daily to ensure quality and flavor.
Many customers opt to add this dessert to their meal for a well-rounded dining experience. The portion size is generous enough to share, making it a popular choice for families or groups.
Cinnamon Treats
Church’s offers various cinnamon-infused treats for those who crave a warm, spicy sweetness. These desserts often feature a base of graham crackers or biscuit dough, enhanced with cinnamon sugar.
Some cinnamon treats come topped with sweet icing or frosting, adding an extra layer of indulgence. The combination of cinnamon and sugar creates a comforting flavor profile that appeals to many patrons.
These treats are typically served warm, maximizing the aroma and taste of the cinnamon. They pair well with Church’s beverage options, providing a satisfying end to any meal.
Beverage Pairings
Church’s Texas Chicken offers a range of refreshing drinks to complement their flavorful side dishes. From classic sodas to signature sweet tea, the beverage options cater to various taste preferences.
Soft Drinks
Church’s Texas Chicken features popular carbonated beverages to quench thirst alongside their savory sides. Coca-Cola products dominate the menu, with Coke, Sprite, and Dr Pepper available in most locations. Fanta adds a fruity option for those seeking a different flavor profile.
For younger diners or those preferring non-carbonated choices, Strawberry Hi-C and Flashin’ Fruit Punch provide sweet alternatives. These vibrant drinks pair well with spicier side dishes, offering a cooling contrast.
Ice-cold drinks are served in various sizes, including large 22 oz cups for individual meals. For families or groups, half-gallon drink options are available, perfect for sharing during larger gatherings or takeout orders.
Church’s Southern Sweet Tea
A standout beverage at Church’s Texas Chicken is their signature Southern Sweet Tea. This traditional Southern drink complements the restaurant’s Texas-inspired menu perfectly.
Brewed fresh daily, Church’s Southern Sweet Tea balances sweetness with a robust tea flavor. Its smooth taste pairs exceptionally well with savory sides like mashed potatoes or mac and cheese.
The sweet tea is available in individual servings and larger sizes for takeout. Many customers opt for this iconic Southern beverage to enhance their meal experience, finding it a refreshing counterpoint to the rich flavors of fried chicken and biscuits.
Convenience and Ordering Options
Church’s Texas Chicken offers multiple ways for customers to conveniently order their favorite side dishes. The restaurant chain has embraced technology to streamline the ordering process and improve accessibility.
Online ordering is available through the official Church’s Texas Chicken website. Customers can browse the full menu, select their desired items, and place orders for pickup or delivery.
Mobile apps for both iOS and Android devices provide another user-friendly option. These apps often feature exclusive deals and allow users to save their favorite orders for quick reordering.
For those who prefer third-party services, Church’s Texas Chicken partners with popular platforms like GrubHub. This expands delivery options and integrates with existing accounts customers may have.
In-store kiosks are available at select locations, reducing wait times during busy periods. These self-service stations let diners customize their orders and pay without waiting in line.
Drive-thru service remains a popular choice for quick, on-the-go orders. Many locations have optimized their drive-thru systems to ensure fast and accurate service.
Catering services are also offered for larger groups or events. Church’s provides easy online or phone ordering for catering, with flexible pickup and delivery options.
Meal Combos and Family Options
Church’s Texas Chicken offers a variety of meal combos and family options to satisfy individual cravings and group appetites. These range from single-person meals to large family-sized feasts.
Real Meals for Individuals
Church’s Texas Chicken provides several Real Meals for individual diners. The 2pc chicken combo includes two pieces of hand-breaded chicken, a side, and a biscuit. For those with a bigger appetite, the 3pc chicken combo offers an extra piece. Chicken tender fans can opt for the 3pc or 5pc tenders combo. Each combo comes with a side and a signature Honey-Butter Biscuit.
The classic chicken sandwich combo is a popular choice, featuring a crispy chicken fillet on a toasted bun. Combos typically include a drink and a side, such as fries or coleslaw.
Sharing with the Texas-Sized Grande Meal
For larger groups or families, Church’s Texas Chicken offers the Texas-sized Grande Meal. This hearty option includes:
- 10 pieces of mixed chicken (original or spicy)
- 2 large sides
- 5 Honey-Butter Biscuits
Sides can include mashed potatoes, corn, or mac and cheese. The Texas-sized Grande Meal is designed to feed 4-5 people, making it ideal for family dinners or small gatherings.
For even bigger groups, Church’s offers 12pc and 16pc combos. These come with multiple large sides and additional biscuits to ensure everyone leaves satisfied.