Whether you’re enjoying a full Chicken Express feast or just craving a quick snack, the right side dish can elevate your meal. From crispy fries to cheesy macaroni and freshly grilled corn, Chicken Express offers a broad selection of sides to suit every taste. In this guide, we’ll walk through all available side options, size choices, prices, nutritional insights, and smart tips to make the perfect order.
1. Side Categories & Varieties
Chicken Express categorizes its sides into Regular and Family-sized portions, ensuring both solo diners and larger groups can find the right fit. Here are the key side options:
- French Fries – A classic favorite.
- Fried Okra – Southern-style crunch with a soft center.
- Mashed Potatoes (with gravy) – Creamy comfort food.
- Cole Slaw – Crisp cabbage with tangy dressing.
- Macaroni & Cheese – Rich, cheesy, and hearty.
- Green Beans – Light and slightly seasoned.
- Mini Poppers – Bite-sized cheesy jalapeno snacks.
- Corn on the Cob – Sweet and smoky.
- Cheese Sticks – Gooey mozzarella in crispy breading.
- Corn Nuggets – Battered sweet corn bites.
- Fried Pickle Slices – Tangy, fried pickle goodness.
- Apple or Cherry Pie – Sweet ending with fruit filling.
Most sides are available in two sizes:
- Regular
- Family-size — perfect for sharing or group meals.
2. Pricing Overview (U.S. Market Reference)
While prices vary by region, here’s a general idea of U.S. pricing to use as a baseline:
- Regular sides: ~$1.59
- Family-size sides: ~$3.59
Examples include French Fries, Fried Okra, Mac & Cheese, Fried Pickles, etc.
3. Nutritional Breakdown — Know What You’re Eating
Understanding the nutrition helps you enjoy your meal while keeping an eye on health:
| Side Item | Serving Size | Calories | Sodium (mg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| French Fries | 3 oz (≈85g) | 603 | 602 |
| Fried Okra | 27 pieces | 190 | 700 |
| Corn on the Cob | 1 ear (≈85g) | 80 | 1018 |
| Cheese Stick | 1 piece (≈30g) | 70 | 280 |
| Mini Poppers | 3 pieces (≈62g) | 130 | 550 |
| Corn Nuggets | 6 pieces (≈82g) | 190 | 420 |
| Fried Pickle Slices | 4 slices (≈45g) | 124 | 480 |
| Mashed Potatoes | 6 oz (≈113g) | 100 | 380 |
| Deluxe Mac & Cheese | 1 cup (≈241g) | 178 | 390 |
| Cole Slaw | 2 tbsp (≈30g) | 140 | 340 |
| Vanilla Soft Serve | 4 oz (≈86g) | 100 | – |
| Cherry Turnover | 1 pie (≈86g) | 200 | 170 |
| Fried Apple Turnover | 1 pie (≈85g) | 230 | 180 |
| Cookie (Choco Chip) | 1 (57g) | 250 | 210 |
Nutrition Tips:
- French Fries are high in both calories and sodium—portion control is key.
- Mashed Potatoes and Mac & Cheese offer comfort and carbs—best paired with lean protein.
- Corn on the Cob and Cole Slaw are lighter options.
- Battered items like fried pickles and nuggets add calories—enjoy occasionally.
4. Best Combos for Balanced Meals
Consider pairing your sides for flavor, nutrition, and value:
- Balanced Plate: “Chicken Combo + Green Beans + Mashed Potatoes + Water”
- Cheesy Indulgence: “Express Tenders + Mac & Cheese + Apple Pie”
- Light Option: “Chicken Salad + Corn on the Cob + Diet Tea”
5. Vegetarian-Friendly Side Choices
All this from the Chicken Express sides menu are vegetarian:
- Fries
- Mashed Potatoes
- Cole Slaw
- Green Beans
- Corn on the Cob
- Mac & Cheese
- Cheese Sticks
- Corn Nuggets
- Mini Poppers
- Fried Pickle Slices
- Apple/Cherry Pie
These are great picks whether you’re dining solo or with a meat-eating group.
6. Sourcing & Authenticity
Menu and nutritional info are sourced from official and trusted menu archives: Chicken Express’s own sides list, plus standard nutrition breakdown data from a reliable PDF guide. Pricing references come from widely-used U.S. restaurant price sites.
7. Summary Table: Sides at a Glance
| Side Item | Regular Size | Family Size | Approx Calorie (Reg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| French Fries | Yes | Yes | 603 kcal |
| Fried Okra | Yes | Yes | 190 kcal |
| Mashed Potatoes | Yes | Yes | 100 kcal |
| Cole Slaw | Yes | Yes | 140 kcal |
| Mac & Cheese | Yes | Yes | 178 kcal |
| Green Beans | Yes | Yes | 40 kcal (est.) |
| Mini Poppers | Yes | Yes | 130 kcal |
| Corn on the Cob | Yes | Yes | 80 kcal |
| Cheese Sticks | Yes | Yes | 70 kcal |
| Corn Nuggets | Yes | Yes | 190 kcal |
| Fried Pickle Slices | Yes | Yes | 124 kcal |
| Apple/Cherry Pie | Yes | Yes | 200–230 kcal |
| Vanilla Soft Serve | — | — | 100 kcal |
Final Thoughts
Chicken Express offers robust and varied side options—whether you want something light and fresh or indulgent and satisfying, there’s a side for every mood and diet preference. For healthier choices, opt for veggies like green beans, corn, or mashed potatoes. Prefer indulgence? Mac & Cheese or fried mini poppers are perfect—but best enjoyed in moderation.