Bush's Menu with Prices, Calories and Popular Items
When regional fast-food fans search for the bush's menu, they are looking for Bush's Chicken (also known as Bush's Country Style Chicken), the celebrated Southern fast-food institution founded in Central Texas in 1996 by Keith Bush. Famous across the Southwest for its golden, hand-battered chicken tenders, bone-in Southern fried chicken, piping-hot yeast rolls, and legendary fresh-brewed iced sweet tea sold by the cup or full gallon, Bush's Chicken delivers hearty Southern comfort at the drive-thru.
Whether you are planning a quick drive-thru lunch run, ordering a family pack for dinner, or hunting down the famous Tender Tuesday discounts, this guide details estimated in-store prices, calorie ranges, side item breakdowns, allergen considerations, and practical value-ordering strategies for 2026.
Disclaimer: Bush's Chicken operates primarily through independently operated regional franchises. Exact in-store prices, menu availability, promotional discounts, and side options vary by location, drive-thru lane, and third-party delivery service.
Menu Snapshot: Quick Answer
Bush's Chicken focuses on scratch-style chicken tenders and Southern bone-in pieces paired with signature white cream pepper gravy and warm, butter-brushed yeast rolls. Standard individual combos generally range between $7.49 and $11.99, while large Family Packs range from $21.99 to $44.99 depending on the piece count and location.
Official Source Verification
Because Bush's Chicken relies on regional Texas franchisees, prices and promotions differ between locations. We audit physical store boards, online ordering portals, and direct franchise menus to provide realistic baseline estimates.
Official Source Verification
Menus, prices, calories, and availability can vary by location, delivery platform, and time. LatestMenus checks official restaurant sources where available and marks uncertain information clearly.
Latest Bush's Menu Prices
The pricing ranges below represent direct in-store counter and drive-thru menu boards across Central Texas and surrounding markets. Calorie numbers are based on published in-store board listings and typical Southern scratch-recipe baselines.
| Menu Item | Category | Price | Calories | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tender Combo (4 Pcs) | Tenders | $8.49 – $9.29 | 850 – 1,180 | Standard Lunch | Includes 1 regular side, 1 yeast roll, dipping gravy, and 20oz drink. |
| Tender Combo (6 Pcs) | Tenders | $10.49 – $11.49 | 1,070 – 1,420 | Hearty Appetite | Bush's top-selling drive-thru combo; includes side, roll, sauce, and drink. |
| Tender Only (4 Pcs) | Tenders | $5.99 – $6.69 | 480 – 580 | Protein Snack | Includes 4 tenders, 1 roll, and choice of dipping sauce. |
| Tender Only (6 Pcs) | Tenders | $8.29 – $8.99 | 700 – 820 | À La Carte Meal | Includes 6 tenders, 1 roll, and dipping sauce. |
| Tender Roll Snack | Snacks | $1.89 – $2.29 | 190 – 230 | On-the-Go Snack | A single crispy tender nestled inside a buttered yeast roll. |
| 2 Pc Dark Meat Meal | Bone-In Chicken | $6.99 – $7.69 | 720 – 1,020 | Budget Dinner | Leg and thigh served with 1 side, 1 roll, and a 20oz drink. |
| 2 Pc White Meat Meal | Bone-In Chicken | $7.99 – $8.69 | 680 – 980 | Lean Chicken Option | Breast and wing served with 1 side, 1 roll, and a 20oz drink. |
| 3 Pc Mixed Meal | Bone-In Chicken | $8.99 – $9.79 | 920 – 1,250 | Traditional Dinner | 3 assorted pieces with 1 side, 1 roll, and a 20oz drink. |
| 4 Pc Half-Chicken Meal | Bone-In Chicken | $10.99 – $11.99 | 1,140 – 1,520 | Large Appetites | Breast, wing, thigh, and leg served with 1 side, roll, and drink. |
| 12 Pc Tender Family Pack | Family Meals | $22.99 – $25.99 | Varies by side | Feeds 3–4 | 12 tenders, 2 large sides, 4 rolls, and family-sized country gravy. |
| 16 Pc Tender Family Pack | Family Meals | $29.99 – $33.99 | Varies by side | Feeds 4–5 | 16 tenders, 3 large sides, 6 rolls, and family gravy. |
| 20 Pc Tender Family Pack | Family Meals | $36.99 – $41.99 | Varies by side | Feeds 6–7 | 20 tenders, 4 large sides, 8 rolls, and large country gravy. |
| 8 Pc Bone-In Family Meal | Family Meals | $21.99 – $24.99 | Varies by side | Feeds 3–4 | 8 mixed bone-in pieces, 2 large sides, and 4 fresh yeast rolls. |
| French Fries (Crinkle Cut) | Sides | $2.49 / $4.99 | 280 / 580 | Classic Combo Side | Regular or large size; fried in shared commercial fryers. |
| Mashed Potatoes & Gravy | Sides | $2.49 / $4.99 | 140 / 380 | Southern Comfort | Creamy potatoes topped with peppery Southern white country gravy. |
| Fried Okra | Sides | $2.69 / $5.29 | 240 / 520 | Southern Side Pick | Battered sliced okra rounds fried crispy; contains wheat. |
| Cole Slaw | Sides | $2.49 / $4.99 | 170 / 410 | Cool Contrast | Traditional sweet-and-creamy shredded cabbage salad. |
| Macaroni & Cheese | Sides | $2.69 / $5.29 | 210 / 490 | Kids & Comfort | Homestyle elbow macaroni in a smooth yellow cheese sauce. |
| Green Beans | Sides | $2.49 / $4.99 | 60 / 140 | Lighter Side | Southern-style cut green beans seasoned with a pork base. |
| Fresh Yeast Roll | Bakery | $0.89 / $7.99 | 120 each | Meal Add-On | Priced as single roll or dozen; baked in-house and butter-glazed. |
| Bush's Famous Sweet Tea | Drinks | $1.89 / $2.49 | 180 / 290 | Signature Beverage | Medium (20oz) or Large (32oz); fresh-brewed with pure cane sugar. |
| Sweet Tea by the Gallon | Drinks | $3.99 – $5.49 | ~1,100 jug | Groups & Takeout | Famous 1-gallon jug filled fresh at the drive-thru window. |
| Unsweet Iced Tea (Gallon) | Drinks | $3.99 – $4.99 | 0 | Zero-Calorie Bulk | 1-gallon jug of unsweetened fresh-brewed black iced tea. |
Popular Menu Items
Bush's Chicken keeps an intentionally focused menu, concentrating on recipes perfected over decades. If you enjoy specialized finger-food chains like the Jim Bob's Chicken Fingers menu, you will appreciate Bush's dedication to hand-breaded tender perfection.
| Popular Item | Why People Order It | Price Note | Calorie Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6-Piece Tender Combo | Signature tender marinade, piping-hot breading, and warm country gravy. | $10.49 – $11.49 | 1,070 – 1,420 kcal (with side and drink) |
| Tender Roll Snack | The ultimate fast-food slider: a hot crispy tender tucked inside a soft yeast roll. | $1.89 – $2.29 | 190 – 230 kcal |
| Gallon of Sweet Tea | Iconic Southern tea brewed strong and heavily sweetened; costs less than two large cups. | $3.99 – $5.49 | ~1,100 kcal per jug |
| Fried Okra | A Southern staple rarely found on mainstream fast-food menus, fried to order. | $2.69 (Reg) | 240 kcal |
| Fresh Baked Yeast Rolls | Baked fresh daily in-house, served warm with a glossy, sweet butter glaze. | $0.89 each / $7.99 doz | 120 kcal per roll |
Deep-Dive: What Makes Bush's Tenders and Rolls Stand Out?
- The Hand-Battered Tenders: Unlike frozen, pre-formed strips, Bush's marinates whole-muscle breast meat before dipping it into a seasoned flour batter. The tenders fry up light and airy rather than overly dense, leaving a flaky crust that clings perfectly to white pepper gravy or jalapeño ranch.
- The Yeast Rolls: While competitors like the Popeyes menu are famous for flaky, crumbly Southern buttermilk biscuits, Bush's takes a completely different path with pillowy, sweet yeast rolls. They are baked continuously throughout the day so they arrive warm and melt-in-your-mouth soft.
- The Cult-Classic Tender Roll: A beloved drive-thru ritual across Texas involves ordering an extra tender with your meal, splitting your buttered roll in half, and inserting the tender with a spoonful of cream gravy. It creates an instant, decadent slider that costs around two dollars.
Editor Picks: Best Things to Order
Editor Picks: Best Things to Order
These are LatestMenus editorial recommendations based on available menu research, value, popularity, customization potential, and practical ordering usefulness. They are not official restaurant rankings.
6-Piece Tender Combo
The standard by which Bush's is measured. Six hand-battered tenders paired with rich country pepper gravy, crinkle-cut fries or fried okra, a fresh-baked roll, and a 32oz sweet tea deliver unbeatable fast-food satisfaction.
Tender Tuesday Promotion
At participating Texas franchise locations, Tuesdays feature heavily discounted tenders (historically priced around $0.89 to $1.09 per piece). Ordering 10 tenders on Tuesday provides high-protein family dining at half the standard menu cost.
16-Piece Tender Family Pack
Feeding 4 to 5 people with individual combos costs upwards of $45. The 16-piece pack includes three family-sized sides, six warm yeast rolls, and plenty of country gravy for roughly $30 to $34.
3-Piece Tender À La Carte with Green Beans
Ordering tenders without the combo frees you from French fries and sugary sodas. Pairing three tenders with seasoned green beans and an unsweet iced tea keeps total calories near 410 kcal while delivering over 35 grams of protein.
Fresh Yeast Rolls (By the Half-Dozen)
You do not have to settle for just the single roll included with your combo. Purchasing a half-dozen warm rolls to take home remains one of the most frequent holiday and Sunday dinner add-ons across the brand.
DIY Tender Roll Sliders
Instead of ordering standard combos, purchase a 4-piece tender box, three extra rolls, and a cup of jalapeño ranch. Slit the rolls, insert the chicken, and drizzle with sauce for custom handheld sliders at a fraction of the cost.
Cheapest Items and Best Value Picks
Navigating Bush's menu on a tight budget comes down to leveraging individual bakery items, à la carte sides, and promotional days. If you are tracking local chicken pricing across regional menus like the Hip Hop Chicken menu prices, you will find Bush's à la carte snacks among the most affordable in the chicken segment.
| Value Pick | Why It Can Be Good Value | Watch Out For | Best Ordering Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Yeast Roll ($0.89) | Fresh-baked daily, warm, and butter-glazed for under a dollar. | High carb density with little protein on its own. | Add one to any combo to create an extra slider. |
| Tender Roll Snack ($1.89 – $2.29) | Contains real white-meat protein and fresh bread for about $2. | Does not come with dipping sauce included. | Ask for a side of gravy or jalapeño ranch at the window. |
| Gallon of Sweet Tea ($3.99 – $5.49) | Yields 128 ounces of fresh tea for less than two 32oz cups ($4.98). | High sugar content (~1,100 calories per jug). | Buy the gallon for home or ask for "half-and-half" (half sweet, half unsweet). |
| Tender Tuesday Promo | Steep per-tender discounts ($0.89 – $1.09 per piece). | Sides, rolls, and drinks must be bought separately. | Buy 10 tenders and a dozen rolls for a complete DIY family meal under $18. |
Calories and Nutrition Notes
Bush's Chicken does not host a centralized online interactive nutrition calculator. However, nutritional ranges are maintained through local in-store menu boards and verified Southern food preparation baselines.
| Menu Area | Nutrition Note | Best For | Source Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken Tenders (Per Piece) | ~115–125 kcal, 13g protein, 6g fat, 4g carbs. High protein, moderate sodium. | Muscle building, portion control | Medium |
| Bone-In Fried Chicken (Breast) | ~360 kcal, 38g protein, 18g fat. Thick Southern batter increases calories over grilled meat. | High-protein dinner | Medium |
| Southern Green Beans | ~60 kcal (Reg). Lowest calorie hot side on the menu; seasoned with pork broth. | Low-calorie dining | Medium |
| Country Cream Gravy | ~90 kcal per 2oz cup. Made from a peppery roux with dairy and flour. | Traditional flavor pairing | Medium |
| Fresh Yeast Roll | ~120 kcal, 3g protein, 22g carbs. Glazed with melted butter. | Carb fuel, comfort food | Medium |
Practical Nutrition Strategies
- Cut Liquid Sugar: A 32-ounce cup of Bush's Famous Sweet Tea contains roughly 290 calories, mostly from pure cane sugar. Switching to Unsweet Iced Tea instantly eliminates all sugar and drops beverage calories to zero.
- Choose Green Beans Over French Fries: Selecting Southern green beans (60 kcal) instead of crinkle-cut fries (280 kcal) saves 220 calories while offering dietary fiber.
- Mind the Sauces: Country cream gravy adds 90 calories per cup, while creamy jalapeño ranch can pack 140 calories per tub. If you want peppery flavor without added fat, ask for hot sauce packets.
Allergen and Dietary Notes
Fast-food fried chicken kitchens carry high cross-contact risks. Bush's Chicken prepares breaded proteins and sides in open commercial kitchens with shared frying equipment.
| Dietary Need | What to Check | Important Note |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten / Celiac | Tenders, bone-in chicken, okra, gravy, rolls, mac & cheese contain wheat. | Shared fryers are used for fries and chicken. High cross-contact risk; not safe for celiac diners. |
| Dairy / Lactose | Country cream gravy, mac & cheese, yeast roll butter glaze, and batter wash. | Plain chicken pieces may contain dairy wash derivatives. Ask local managers for ingredient lists. |
| Egg Allergy | Egg wash in specialized batters and mayonnaise-based dressings (ranch, slaw). | Yeast rolls contain egg ingredients in the dough structure. |
| Soy Sensitivity | Commercial frying vats. | Bush's uses refined soybean oil or vegetable shortening blends for deep frying. |
| Vegetarian / Vegan | Green beans contain meat/pork seasoning. | Fries and okra share fryers with chicken. Truly vegan options are limited to iced tea and sodas. |
Special Menu Sections
Drinks and Desserts
Bush's drink lineup is anchored by its legendary iced tea program. Brewed continuously throughout the day using commercial drip urns, the sweet tea is mixed with pure sugar while warm, creating a smooth Southern profile.
- Gallon Jugs: Tea can be purchased in convenient 1-gallon plastic jugs straight from the drive-thru window for around $3.99 to $5.49.
- Desserts: Depending on the franchise location, dessert display cases typically offer fruit-filled hand pies, warm fried apple turnovers, individual pecan pies, or chocolate chip cookies priced between $1.49 and $2.29.
Value Menu and Deals
While Bush's does not operate a formal "dollar menu," its franchise network is famous for localized weekly promotions:
- Tender Tuesday: The chain's signature weekly event. Individual tenders are discounted substantially at participating stores, making it the most economical day of the week to buy chicken in bulk.
- Happy Hour Drinks: Select locations run afternoon drink specials (frequently between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM), discounting large sweet teas and fountain drinks by 50%.
Catering or Family Meals
For tailgates, church socials, and family reunions, Bush's offers bulk packs designed to feed crowds:
- 30-Piece Tailgate Box: Includes 30 hand-battered tenders, a box of 10 yeast rolls, and bulk dipping sauces (typically $44.99 to $49.99).
- Family Meal Combos: Available in 12, 16, and 20-piece configurations, these packs bundle family-sized sides (mashed potatoes, fries, or slaw) with rolls and country gravy at a significant discount compared to individual combo meals.
Breakfast Menu Status
Bush's Chicken does not serve breakfast. Most drive-thrus and dining rooms open between 10:00 AM and 10:30 AM for lunch and remain open continuously until 9:00 PM or 10:00 PM.
Kids Menu
The Bush's Kids Meal is designed for smaller appetites and includes 2 golden tenders, a child-sized order of fries, a fresh yeast roll, a small dipping gravy, and a 12oz fountain drink or kid's tea for approximately $4.99 to $5.49.
Best For: Who This Menu Guide Helps
- Diners checking prices before visiting: Learn realistic drive-thru and in-store costs across Texas so there are no surprises at the window.
- Families seeking affordable bulk dinners: Compare 12, 16, and 20-piece Family Packs against individual combos to maximize savings.
- Calorie-conscious eaters: Review protein counts and identify low-calorie sides like green beans and unsweet iced tea before ordering.
- Takeout customers watching delivery markups: See baseline counter prices to determine if third-party app surcharges are worth the convenience.
- Allergy-conscious diners: Understand shared fryer cross-contact risks before planning a meal for someone with wheat or dairy sensitivities.
Ordering Tips From LatestMenus
Ordering Tips From LatestMenus
Make the most of your Bush's Chicken run with these field-tested drive-thru recommendations.
- Take advantage of carhop tablet ordering. During busy lunch and dinner rushes, Bush's deploys carhop employees with mobile tablets directly to vehicle windows. Have your side and drink choices ready early to keep the line moving fast.
- Order tea by the gallon when feeding two or more. A single gallon jug costs around $4.49 and provides 128 ounces of tea. Purchasing two 32-ounce large cups costs nearly $5.00 for only half that volume.
- Ask for extra country cream gravy at the window. Bush's tenders and rolls pair naturally with warm white pepper gravy. An extra 2oz or 4oz cup usually costs under $0.80 and prevents sharing disputes at home.
- Check your local marquee for Tender Tuesday rules. Because stores are franchised, minimum purchase requirements (such as ordering 5 or more tenders) and exact per-piece discounts vary by town.
- Watch out for third-party delivery markups. Ordering Bush's via DoorDash or Uber Eats typically adds a 15% to 30% premium to every item. Driving to the local window yields substantial savings.
- Sample the signature Jalapeño Ranch. If you find country gravy too heavy, Bush's house-made jalapeño ranch provides a tangy, spicy kick that cuts through crispy batter cleanly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Bush's Chicken have a menu with prices online?
Bush's Chicken maintains an official national website showcasing core menu categories and items, but does not publish a universal price list. Because individual Texas stores are franchised, local owners set their own prices based on regional food and labor costs.
Do Bush's Chicken prices vary by location?
Yes. Drive-thru and in-store counter prices vary by roughly 10% to 15% across Central Texas, West Texas, and surrounding markets. Furthermore, third-party delivery services apply additional price markups above physical store menus.
Where can I find Bush's Chicken calories?
Bush's does not offer a centralized digital nutrition calculator. Calorie ranges appear on physical in-store menu boards where required by municipal law, and general nutritional baselines can be referenced in our nutrition section above.
What is Bush's Chicken Tender Tuesday?
Tender Tuesday is a weekly promotional deal honored by participating Bush's Chicken locations where customers can purchase individual hand-battered chicken tenders at a discounted per-piece rate (typically between $0.89 and $1.09 per tender).
How much does a gallon of Bush's sweet tea cost?
A 1-gallon jug of fresh-brewed Bush's Famous Sweet Tea or Unsweet Tea typically costs between $3.99 and $5.49 at the drive-thru window, representing the best beverage value on the menu.
Does Bush's Chicken have gluten-free options?
Bush's Chicken has very limited options for gluten-sensitive diners and is not recommended for celiac patients. All tenders, bone-in chicken, and fried sides are breaded in seasoned wheat flour and prepared in shared commercial fryers.
What dipping sauces does Bush's Chicken offer?
Bush's standard dipping sauce is warm Southern white cream pepper gravy. Other popular sauces include signature Jalapeño Ranch, House Buttermilk Ranch, Smoky Barbecue, and Honey Mustard.
What are the cheapest items on the Bush's menu?
The most affordable items include single fresh-baked yeast rolls ($0.89), single Tender Roll snacks ($1.89 – $2.29), regular sides of green beans or mashed potatoes ($2.49), and medium iced teas ($1.89).
Can you buy just the yeast rolls at Bush's?
Yes. Fresh yeast rolls can be purchased à la carte individually ($0.89), by the half-dozen ($4.49), or by the full dozen ($7.99) for home holiday gatherings and family dinners.
Does Bush's Chicken serve breakfast?
No. Bush's Chicken does not offer a morning breakfast menu. Locations generally open between 10:00 AM and 10:30 AM for standard lunch service.
What comes in a Bush's Chicken tender combo?
A standard tender combo includes your choice of 3, 4, or 6 hand-battered tenders, one regular Southern side (such as fries, mashed potatoes, or okra), one fresh yeast roll, a dipping sauce (traditionally white cream gravy), and a medium 20oz fountain drink or iced tea.
Conclusion
Bush's Chicken has earned a devoted Southern following by mastering the fundamentals: tender, hand-battered chicken, warm yeast rolls baked fresh daily, rich country pepper gravy, and ice-cold sweet tea by the gallon. While individual combo meals offer fast, satisfying lunches, taking advantage of family value packs and weekly Tender Tuesday discounts unlocks the best value the menu has to offer.
Because Bush's stores are independently operated across regional franchise territories, checking your local drive-thru menu board or physical store marquee remains the most reliable way to confirm current local pricing, daily happy hours, and weekly specials.
Menus, prices, calories, and availability can change by location, time, delivery platform, and restaurant updates. Always confirm the latest information with the official restaurant website, app, or your local restaurant before ordering. Information verified for 2026 where available.
