Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken Menu USA – Updated Prices 2026
Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken runs from about $0.25 for a jalapeño pepper side up to $28.99 for family meal buckets, with individual chicken pieces and combos typically $5-$10. Below is the full menu across every category, the genuine family connection to Colonel Sanders that shaped the recipe, and why Lee’s positions itself around fresh, never-frozen chicken rather than the frozen-then-fried approach many competitors use.
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. Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken operates roughly 130-142 locations across 13 states, and pricing varies by store and region. Always confirm at your local restaurant or in the app before ordering.
Jump to: Fried Chicken | Family Meals | Sides | Allergens | FAQ
About Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken
Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken was founded in 1966 in Lima, Ohio, by Lee Cummings and Harold Omer. Lee Cummings was the nephew of Colonel Harland Sanders — the founder of KFC — a genuine family connection that shaped the Southern-style cooking tradition behind the recipe.
In 1981, the chain was acquired by Shoney’s Restaurants, and by 2003 had grown to 29 company-owned restaurants and 125 franchised locations. Today, Ryan Weaver serves as CEO under parent company Artemis Restaurant Corp, with headquarters in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, and roughly 130-142 restaurant locations spread across 13 states. The chain is known for hand-breaded, pressure-cooked, fresh, never-frozen chicken seasoned with a signature blend of herbs and spices.
See Also: Godfather’s Pizza Menu
Fried Chicken
| Item | Estimated Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Pc Classic Fried Chicken (combo) | $6.99-$8.99 | Hand-breaded, pressure-cooked |
| 3 Pc Classic Fried Chicken (combo) | $8.99-$10.99 | |
| Spicy Chicken (combo) | $7.49-$9.49 | |
| Honey-Dipped Chicken (combo) | $7.99-$9.99 | |
| Breast Strips (3 pc) | $6.99-$8.99 |
Oven Roasted Chicken
| Item | Estimated Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Oven Roasted Chicken (2 pc combo) | $7.99-$9.99 | A genuine non-fried alternative for lighter-eating guests |
Sandwiches & Combos
| Item | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| Chicken Sandwich | $5.49-$6.99 |
| Spicy Chicken Sandwich | $5.99-$7.49 |
Sides
| Item | Estimated Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jalapeño Peppers | $0.25 | The cheapest item on the entire menu |
| Mashed Potatoes | $1.99-$2.99 | |
| Coleslaw | $1.99-$2.99 | |
| Green Beans | $1.99-$2.99 | A lighter side option |
| Baked Beans | $1.99-$2.99 | |
| Mac & Cheese | $1.99-$2.99 | |
| Biscuits | $0.99-$1.49 | |
| Chicken & Noodles (Ind/Pint/Half Gal/Gal) | $2.99-$28.99 | Seasonal, available September-March |
Salads
| Item | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| Side Salad | $3.99-$4.99 |
| Entrée Salad (with chicken) | $7.99-$9.99 |
Desserts
| Item | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| Fried Apple Pie | $1.69 |
| Cookies or Pie (choice) | $2.29 |
Drinks
| Item | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| Fountain Drink (Regular) | $2.19 |
| Fountain Drink (Large) | $2.69 |
| Half Gallon Beverage | $3.69 |
Kids Meals
| Item | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| Kids Meal (chicken piece, side, drink) | $5.49-$6.49 |
Family Meals & Party Packs
| Item | Estimated Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Family Meal (8-10 pc chicken, 2 large sides, biscuits) | $24.99-$28.99 | Perfect for groups and family gatherings |
| Party Pack (larger group size) | Priced per group size | Bulk orders of chicken, sides, and drinks to feed larger groups |
Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken’s Specialty & Services
Lee’s specialty is fresh, never-frozen fried chicken — hand-breaded, pressure-cooked, and seasoned with a signature blend of herbs and spices, a preparation method genuinely connected to Colonel Sanders’ original approach through founder Lee Cummings’ family relationship. Beyond the standard menu:
- Genuine Colonel Sanders family connection: founder Lee Cummings was Colonel Harland Sanders’ nephew, giving the recipe a real historical lineage rather than just a marketing story
- Oven Roasted Chicken alternative: a genuine non-fried option for guests seeking a lighter meal without leaving the chicken category
- Catering for events: bulk orders of chicken, sides, and drinks are available specifically designed for larger gatherings
Allergen Quick-Reference
| Item | Gluten | Dairy | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fried Chicken (hand-breaded) | Yes | No | Wheat-based breading |
| Oven Roasted Chicken (plain) | No | No | Naturally free of major allergens before seasoning |
| Biscuits | Yes | Yes | Wheat-based, butter content |
| Mac & Cheese | Yes | Yes | Pasta and dairy-based |
This is a general reference only — Lee’s official nutrition guide and allergen sheet should be checked directly, and staff notified of any severe allergy before ordering.
Approximate Nutrition (Protein / Carbs / Fat)
| Item | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Pc Classic Fried Chicken | ~620 kcal | 38g | 28g | 38g |
| Oven Roasted Chicken (2 pc) | ~380 kcal | 42g | 4g | 16g |
| Green Beans | ~60 kcal | 2g | 8g | 2g |
Most Popular Orders
| Item | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| 3 Pc Classic Fried Chicken Combo | $8.99-$10.99 |
| Honey-Dipped Chicken Combo | $7.99-$9.99 |
| Family Meal | $24.99-$28.99 |
| Chicken & Noodles (seasonal) | $2.99+ |
Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken vs. Other Fried Chicken Chains
| Chain | Comparable Item | Estimated Price |
|---|---|---|
| Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken | 3 Pc Chicken Combo | $8.99-$10.99 |
| KFC | 3 Pc Chicken Combo | $9.99-$11.99 |
| Church’s Chicken | 2 Pc Chicken Combo | $6.99-$8.99 |
| Golden Chick | 3 Golden Tenders Combo | $7.99-$9.99 |
Lee’s prices comparably to KFC on a similar combo, given the shared lineage through Colonel Sanders — Lee’s positions itself as a genuine regional alternative for guests seeking the same tradition with a distinctly Southern, family-owned feel.
Price Quick-Reference
- Cheapest item: Jalapeño Peppers — $0.25
- Cheapest full meal: Chicken Sandwich — around $5.49-$6.99
- Most expensive standard item: Family Meal or gallon-size Chicken & Noodles — up to $28.99
- Best group value: Family Meal bundles, feeding groups with 8-10 pieces of chicken and sides
Deals & Ordering Hacks
- Lee’s regularly updates its menu with seasonal specials and new meal deals, including combo options offering added value
- Family Meal deals provide better per-person value than ordering individual pieces separately
- Chicken & Noodles is a seasonal item, available September through March — worth checking availability before visiting outside that window
- Catering services are available for larger events, with bulk pricing on chicken and sides
Service Options & Dining Details
- Service options: dine-in, drive-through, takeout, delivery through third-party platforms, catering for events
- Popular for: Southern-style comfort food, family dinners, group catering
- Amenities: drive-through at most locations, seasonal menu rotation
Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken Hours
Most Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken locations are open daily from approximately 10:30 AM to 9:00 PM, with some variation by location. Check the app or your local restaurant’s page for exact hours.
Nutrition & Dietary Quick Facts
- Oven Roasted Chicken and green beans are the lighter, lower-calorie options on the menu
- Lee’s offers healthier choices beyond fried chicken, including salads and lighter sides
- Lee’s official Nutrition Guide & Allergen Sheet covers every chicken piece, side, and combination
- Fried chicken items carry meaningfully higher calorie and fat content than the oven roasted alternative
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is fried chicken at Lee’s Famous Recipe?
A 2 Pc Classic Fried Chicken combo runs about $6.99-$8.99, as an estimated national average.
Is Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken related to KFC?
Yes, genuinely — founder Lee Cummings was the nephew of Colonel Harland Sanders, KFC’s founder, giving the recipe a real family lineage.
Does Lee’s have non-fried chicken options?
Yes — Oven Roasted Chicken is available as a genuine alternative for guests seeking a lighter meal.
How much is a Lee’s Family Meal?
It runs about $24.99-$28.99, including 8-10 pieces of chicken, 2 large sides, and biscuits.
Where was Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken founded?
Lima, Ohio, in 1966, by Lee Cummings and Harold Omer.
Who owns Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken now?
Artemis Restaurant Corp, with Ryan Weaver serving as CEO, headquartered in Fort Walton Beach, Florida.
Is Chicken & Noodles available year-round?
No — it’s a seasonal item, typically available September through March.
Does Lee’s offer catering?
Yes — bulk orders of chicken, sides, and drinks are available for larger gatherings and events.
How many Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken locations are there?
Roughly 130-142 locations across 13 states.
What is the cheapest item at Lee’s?
Jalapeño Peppers, at $0.25, are typically the least expensive item on the menu.
What Makes Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken Different
Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken built its identity around a genuine family connection to Colonel Sanders — founder Lee Cummings’ nephew relationship gave the hand-breaded, pressure-cooked recipe real historical lineage since the chain’s 1966 founding. Combined with a genuine Oven Roasted Chicken alternative and seasonal specialties like Chicken & Noodles, Lee’s has maintained a distinctly Southern, family-recipe identity across its regional footprint that stands apart from its more famous cousin.
This page is independently published and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Artemis Restaurant Corp (Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken). All prices are estimated national averages compiled from multiple public sources and may not reflect current pricing at your local restaurant. Last updated: 2026.
