For over half a century, Harold’s Chicken has built its reputation on the simple perfection of its signature mild sauce and crispy fried birds. If you are looking at the Harold’s Chicken menu with prices for the first time, you might feel a bit overwhelmed by the options. This guide breaks down everything you need to know before you place your order.
We will walk through the classic meals, the sides, and the famous sauces. You will also get a clear idea of what things cost today, so you can plan your meal without any surprises.
Harold’s Chicken Menu With Prices
Prices can shift a little depending on the specific franchise location you visit. However, the following price ranges are very accurate for most stores across Chicago and the suburbs. Always check your local shop for the final dollar amount, but this gives you a solid baseline.
The core of the menu revolves around chicken pieces, wings, and gizzards. You get to pick your heat level and your sauce. The bird is always fried to order, which means you wait a few extra minutes, but the payoff is a super crispy skin.
Main Chicken Meals
Most people order the regular dinner box. This comes with fries, a piece of bread, and your choice of sauce on the side or tossed on the chicken. Here is what you can expect to pay for the standard boxes.
- 2-Piece Dark Meat Dinner: This is the budget friendly option. You get a leg and a thigh. Expect to pay between $7.50 and $9.00.
- 3-Piece Mixed Dinner: A great middle ground for one person. You get a mix of white and dark meat. This usually runs from $9.50 to $11.00.
- 4-Piece White Meat Dinner: If you prefer breast meat, this is your pick. It is usually the most expensive regular box, costing around $11.50 to $13.00.
- Whole Wing Dinner: These are not the tiny buffalo wings. These are whole wings, cut into the drumette and flat. A 5-wing dinner is often around $10.00 to $12.00.
- Gizzard Dinner: A Chicago staple. If you like gizzards, this box is packed with them. It is usually cheaper than chicken, around $8.00 to $9.50.
Every dinner box comes with a generous portion of crinkle-cut fries. You also get a couple of slices of white bread. That bread is perfect for soaking up the extra sauce at the end.
Snack Boxes And Smaller Portions
Not everyone needs a full box of food. Harold’s also offers smaller options for a quick bite or for kids. These are great if you just want the chicken without the heavy sides.
- 2-Piece Snack Box: This is a smaller version of the dinner. It comes with a smaller fry portion. Prices are usually around $6.50 to $8.00.
- Wing Snack Box: You can get 3 whole wings in a smaller box. This is perfect for a light lunch. Expect to pay $7.00 to $8.50.
- Chicken Tender Dinner: For those who want boneless options. You get three or four tenders with fries. This is usually around $9.00 to $11.00.
If you are feeding a crowd, you can also order chicken by the piece. You can buy individual legs, thighs, or breasts. This is a smart way to build your own family meal without paying for extra fries you do not need.
Sandwiches And Wraps
While the fried chicken is the star, the menu does offer some handheld options. These are a bit faster to eat and very filling. They are perfect for eating on the go.
- Chicken Sandwich: A crispy breast filet on a bun with pickles and mayo. Usually priced around $7.00 to $8.50.
- Fish Sandwich: A breaded fish filet served with tartar sauce. This is a good alternative if you do not want poultry. Prices are typically $6.50 to $8.00.
- Wing Wrap: They take the boneless wing meat and wrap it up with lettuce and tomato. This is a messier option but very tasty. Expect to pay around $8.00 to $9.50.
These sandwiches often do not come with fries by default. You will have to add a side order if you want the complete meal. Keep that in mind when you are calculating your total cost.
Side Orders
You can always add extra sides to your order. The fries are the classic choice, but there are a few other things you can get. Here is a quick look at the side dish pricing.
- French Fries: A large fry is usually around $3.00 to $4.00.
- Onion Rings: These are battered and fried. A basket is usually $4.50 to $5.50.
- Cole Slaw: A small cup is about $1.50 to $2.00. It is a nice way to cut the grease.
- Potato Salad: Similar pricing to the slaw, usually around $2.00.
- Mac and Cheese: Not available at every location, but when they have it, it is about $3.00.
The sides are pretty standard. The focus here is definitely on the chicken. Do not expect gourmet vegetables or fancy salads. This is classic comfort food at its core.
The Famous Sauces
You cannot talk about the menu without discussing the sauce. The mild sauce is legendary. It is a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy concoction that is unlike anything else. You can order your chicken “mild” or “hot.”
Here is the breakdown of the heat levels:
- Mild Sauce: This is the signature. It is not really spicy. It is more of a barbecue-tangy flavor with a hint of heat. Most people get this.
- Hot Sauce: This is a vinegar-based hot sauce that is much spicier. It has a serious kick. If you like heat, go with this.
- Extra Mild: Some locations offer a slightly sweeter version of the mild sauce.
- Lemon Pepper: A dry rub option that is very flavorful. It is a good change of pace if you are tired of the wet sauces.
You have to specify if you want the sauce “on the side” or “on top.” If you get it on top, the chicken gets tossed in the sauce, which makes the skin soggy but very flavorful. If you get it on the side, you keep the crispiness and dip each bite.
Most veterans recommend getting the sauce on the side. This preserves the crunch of the fried chicken. You can then control how much sauce you use on each piece.
Drinks And Desserts
Harold’s is not known for a huge drink menu. You will find the standard sodas like Coke, Sprite, and orange soda. They also serve sweet tea at many locations. A large drink usually costs around $2.50 to $3.00.
For dessert, the options are limited. Sometimes you can get a slice of pound cake or a peach cobbler. These are not always available, so you have to ask. If they have it, the dessert is usually around $3.50 to $4.50.
Do not expect a full dessert case. The restaurant keeps things simple. The chicken is the main event, and the sides are just supporting players.
How To Order Like A Pro
Ordering at Harold’s can be intimidating if you have never done it before. The staff is usually fast and not very chatty. You need to know what you want before you step up to the counter. Here is a simple step-by-step guide.
- Decide on your protein: Chicken pieces, wings, gizzards, or fish.
- Choose your portion size: Snack box or Dinner box.
- Pick your sauce: Mild, Hot, or Lemon Pepper.
- Decide if you want it “on top” or “on the side.”
- Ask for extra sauce packets if you want them. They usually charge a small fee for extra sauce.
- Pay and wait for your number to be called.
It is that simple. The cashier will not ask you a lot of questions. They expect you to be ready. If you hesitate, you might get a look of impatience. Just follow the steps above and you will be fine.
Tips For The Best Experience
There are a few unwritten rules that can make your meal better. First, always eat the fries while they are hot. They get soggy very fast inside the closed box. Second, do not skip the bread. It is there for a reason.
Third, check your order before you leave the counter. They often make mistakes when it is busy. Make sure you got the right pieces of chicken and the correct sauce. It is much easier to fix a mistake right there than to drive home and discover it.
Finally, be prepared to pay in cash. While many locations now take cards, some of the older shops are still cash only. There is usually an ATM inside, but it charges a fee. Bring cash to save yourself the surcharge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions people have about the menu and pricing. These answers should help you navigate your first visit with confidence.
Is the Harold’s Chicken menu with prices the same at every location?
No, the prices are not standardized across all franchises. Each owner sets their own rates. The menu items are mostly the same, but the cost can vary by a dollar or two depending on the neighborhood.
What is in the mild sauce?
The exact recipe is a secret. However, it is known to be a mix of ketchup, hot sauce, and a blend of spices. It has a vinegar base and a sweet tomato finish. It is thicker than regular hot sauce.
Can I order just the chicken without the fries?
Yes, you can order chicken by the piece. You can buy just wings or just legs without the sides. This is often cheaper if you already have sides at home.
Does the price include a drink?
No, drinks are always sold separately. The dinner box price only includes the chicken, fries, and bread. You have to pay extra for any beverages.
Is the hot sauce very spicy?
The hot sauce is significantly spicier than the mild. It is a cayenne-pepper based sauce that builds up heat. If you are sensitive to spice, stick with the mild or ask for a sample.
So there you have it. The menu is simple, the prices are fair, and the food is consistently good. Just remember to get your sauce on the side and enjoy the crispy skin. The wait is always worth it.
Now you are ready to place your order like a regular. Go get that chicken and dont forget the extra napkins. It can get messy, but that is part of the fun. The prices listed here are a guide, so be prepared for a small variance at the register.
Enjoy your meal. The combination of the crispy chicken and the tangy sauce is why this place has been around for so long. It is a true Chicago institution that delivers every single time. Make sure you try the gizzards if you are feeling brave, they are a hidden gem on the menu.
Just remember to check the hours of your local spot before you go. Many locations close early or have specific days off. A quick phone call can save you a wasted trip. Now go satisfy that hunger with some of the best fried chicken in the city.