Golden Chick Menu USA – Updated Prices 2026
Golden Chick runs from about $4.99 for the Big & Golden Chicken Sandwich up to $13.32 for a Southern Fried Catfish Combo, with combo meals starting around $6.99. Below is the full menu across every category, why Golden Chick was one of the first chains to introduce chicken tenders, and the detail that sets its combos apart: a free drink and yeast roll on every one.
How we built this page: prices below are estimated national averages compiled by cross-checking multiple public menu-price trackers as of 2026, not a single unverified source. Golden Chick locations set their own prices, so a combo running $7.99 in a smaller Texas town might cost a dollar or two more in a larger metro. Always confirm at your local restaurant or in the app before ordering.
Jump to: Golden Combos | Golden Tenders | Family Meals | Allergens | FAQ
About Golden Chick
Golden Chick opened its doors in San Marcos, Texas, in 1967 under the name Golden Fried Chicken, founded by Howard and Jacque Walker. The chain was one of the first to introduce chicken tenders to the fast-food market back in the 1980s, a format now standard across the industry.
Golden Chick has grown to over 210-234 locations, built around scratch-made recipes, hand-battered chicken, and fresh-baked yeast rolls that come standard with combo orders — a detail the chain leans on as a genuine differentiator from competitors that charge extra for bread or a drink.
See Also: Taco John’s Menu
Golden Combos
| Item | Estimated Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Golden Tenders Combo | $7.99-$9.99 | Includes side, yeast roll, and 30 oz drink |
| Golden Fried Chicken Combo | $7.99-$10.99 | Same standard inclusions |
| Golden Roast Combo (oven-roasted, marinated) | $8.99-$11.99 | For guests avoiding fried food |
| Wicked Wings Combo | $8.99-$10.99 | Crispy outside, hot and juicy inside |
| Southern Fried Catfish Combo (seasonal) | $10.49-$13.32 | Available seasonally |
Every Golden Combo comes standard with a choice of side, a fresh-baked yeast roll, and a 30 oz drink — a detail that sets Golden Chick apart from competitors that charge extra for a drink or roll on combo orders.
Golden Tenders
| Item | Estimated Price | Calories (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| 3 Golden Tenders | $5.99-$7.99 | 420 |
| 4 Golden Tenders | $7.49-$9.49 | 560 |
| 6 Golden Tenders | $9.99-$12.99 | 840 |
Golden Tenders use premium white meat chicken with a hand-breaded coating seasoned with umami-rich spices — Golden Chick was one of the first chains to introduce tenders to the fast-food category in the 1980s.
Sandwiches
| Item | Estimated Price | Calories (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Big & Golden Chicken Sandwich | $4.99-$6.34 | 580 |
| Nashville Hot Sandwich | $5.49 | 620 |
Salads
| Item | Estimated Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Golden Salad (with protein) | $7.00-$12.00 | Crisp lettuce, tomatoes, shredded cheese, crunchy toppings |
Sides
| Item | Estimated Price | Calories (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Fried Okra | $2.50 | 280 |
| Dirty Rice | $2.50 | 240 |
| Mashed Potatoes & Gravy | $2.50 | 200 |
| Mac & Cheese | $2.50 | 310 |
| Green Beans | $2.50 | 60 |
Desserts & Drinks
| Item | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| Fried Peach Pie | $1.99 |
| Fountain Drink | $2.29 |
Kids Menu
| Item | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| Kids Meal (tenders or chicken, side, drink) | $5.49 |
Family Meals
| Item | Estimated Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Family Meal (feeds 4) | $24.99-$29.99 | Mixed chicken pieces, tenders, sides, and rolls |
| The Mixer (large group size) | $65.99-$76.19 | Chain’s largest standard bundle |
Party Paks
| Item | Estimated Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Party Pak (catering) | Priced per group size | Expanded catering choices for larger gatherings |
Golden Chick’s Specialty & Services
Golden Chick’s specialty is scratch-made recipes and a menu that hasn’t tried to be everything to everyone — hand-battered chicken, fresh-baked yeast rolls, and Golden Tenders that helped pioneer the chicken tender category in the 1980s. Beyond the standard menu:
- Standard inclusions on every combo: a side, fresh-baked yeast roll, and 30 oz drink come with every Golden Combo at no extra charge — a detail most competitors charge separately for
- Golden Roast option: a marinated, oven-roasted chicken alternative for guests avoiding fried food, genuinely distinct from the fried lineup
- Limited-time deals: offers like the Lucky 13 Deal and seasonal items (apple empanada, tender bundles) rotate regularly, though availability varies by location
Allergen Quick-Reference
| Item | Gluten | Dairy | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Tenders / Fried Chicken | Yes | No | Wheat-based hand-breading |
| Yeast Roll | Yes | Possible | Wheat-based, may contain butter |
| Golden Roast (oven-roasted, plain) | No | No | Naturally free of major allergens before marinade absorption |
| Mac & Cheese | Yes | Yes | Pasta and dairy-based |
This is a general reference only — Golden Chick’s official allergen guide should be checked directly, and staff notified of any severe allergy before ordering.
Approximate Nutrition (Protein / Carbs / Fat)
| Item | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Golden Tenders | ~420 kcal | 32g | 28g | 20g |
| Golden Roast (plain, oven-roasted) | ~310 kcal | 34g | 4g | 14g |
| Big & Golden Chicken Sandwich | ~580 kcal | 26g | 52g | 28g |
Most Popular Orders
| Item | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| Golden Tenders Combo | $7.99-$9.99 |
| Big & Golden Chicken Sandwich | $4.99-$6.34 |
| Wicked Wings Combo | $8.99-$10.99 |
| Nashville Hot Sandwich | $5.49 |
Golden Chick vs. Other Fried Chicken Chains
| Chain | Comparable Item | Estimated Price |
|---|---|---|
| Golden Chick | 3 Golden Tenders Combo | $7.99-$9.99 |
| Church’s Chicken | 2 Pc Chicken Combo | $6.99-$8.99 |
| Bojangles | Chicken Supremes Combo | $9.99-$11.99 |
| Zaxby’s | Big Zax Snak Meal | $8.49-$10.79 |
Golden Chick prices close to Zaxby’s and Bojangles on comparable tender combos, with the standard-included yeast roll and 30 oz drink serving as a genuine differentiator versus chains that charge extra for those items.
Price Quick-Reference
- Cheapest item: Cup of Ice — around $0.38
- Cheapest full meal: Big & Golden Chicken Sandwich — around $4.99-$6.34
- Most expensive standard item: The Mixer — up to $76.19, feeding a large group
- Best built-in value: free side, yeast roll, and 30 oz drink standard on every Golden Combo
Deals & Ordering Hacks
- Limited-time offers like the Lucky 13 Deal and seasonal tender bundles rotate regularly — check current promotions before ordering
- Golden Combos already include a side, roll, and drink, so building a meal separately usually costs more
- Family Meals and The Mixer offer the best per-person value for groups
- Prices vary meaningfully by location, so checking your specific restaurant before planning a large order is worthwhile
Service Options & Dining Details
- Service options: dine-in, drive-through, takeout, delivery through third-party platforms, catering via Party Paks
- Popular for: quick lunch, family dinners, group catering
- Amenities: drive-through at most locations, fresh-baked yeast rolls made in-house
Golden Chick Hours
Most Golden Chick locations are open daily from approximately 10:30 AM to 9:00-10:00 PM, with some variation by location. Check the app or your local restaurant’s page for exact hours.
Nutrition & Dietary Quick Facts
- Golden Roast, the oven-roasted option, is meaningfully lower in fat and calories than the fried alternatives
- Green Beans are one of the lowest-calorie standard sides on the menu
- Golden Chick’s menu includes sides and salads that can cater to vegetarians and those seeking lighter options
- Golden Chick’s official nutrition information covers every combo and side combination
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are Golden Tenders at Golden Chick?
A combo with 3 Golden Tenders runs about $7.99-$9.99, including a side, yeast roll, and 30 oz drink.
Was Golden Chick one of the first chains to sell chicken tenders?
Yes — Golden Chick was among the first fast-food chains to introduce chicken tenders to the market back in the 1980s.
What is Golden Roast?
A marinated, oven-roasted chicken option for guests avoiding fried food, distinct from Golden Chick’s standard fried lineup.
Do Golden Combos include a drink and roll?
Yes — every combo comes standard with a choice of side, a fresh-baked yeast roll, and a 30 oz drink, at no extra charge.
What is the cheapest item at Golden Chick?
A Cup of Ice, at an estimated $0.38, is typically the least expensive item.
Does Golden Chick offer catering?
Yes — Party Paks provide expanded catering choices for larger gatherings.
Where was Golden Chick founded?
San Marcos, Texas, in 1967, originally under the name Golden Fried Chicken, by Howard and Jacque Walker.
Is Golden Chick cheaper than Bojangles?
Pricing is close on comparable tender combos — neither chain is consistently cheaper.
How many Golden Chick locations are there?
Over 210-234 locations across the United States.
Does Golden Chick have seasonal items?
Yes — Southern Fried Catfish and other seasonal specials rotate throughout the year.
What Makes Golden Chick Different
Golden Chick built its identity around scratch-made recipes and a genuinely simple menu — hand-battered chicken, fresh-baked yeast rolls, and Golden Tenders that helped pioneer the chicken tender category in the 1980s. The standard inclusion of a side, roll, and 30 oz drink on every combo, combined with the Golden Roast alternative for non-fried preferences, gives Golden Chick a distinct value proposition among regional fried chicken chains.
This page is independently published and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Golden Chick Franchising, L.P. All prices are estimated national averages compiled from multiple public sources and may not reflect current pricing at your local restaurant. Last updated: 2026.
