How Much Does Fried Chicken Cost in 2025? Complete Price Guide

Ever stood at the counter, mouth watering, wondering “how much is fried chicken gonna set me back today?” You’re not alone! As a food blogger who’s obsessed with finding the best deals, I’ve done the legwork to bring you the most up-to-date fried chicken prices from popular chains and grocery stores in 2025.

Fried chicken prices vary widely depending on where you buy it, what parts you want, and how many pieces you’re getting. Let’s break down what you can expect to pay at popular spots like KFC, Publix, and other major chains.

KFC Fried Chicken Prices (2025)

KFC is still one of the most popular places to get fried chicken in the United States. Here’s what you’ll pay for their famous chicken in 2025:

Individual Pieces

• Chicken Breast: $4.99
• Chicken Thigh: $3.79
• Chicken Drum: $3.79
• Chicken Wing: $2.99

Meal Options

• 2pc Chicken Deal: $5.99
• 3pc Chicken Big Box Meal: $13.79
• 10pc Chicken Meal: $33.99
• Meal for Two (5pc Chicken Combo): $17.99

Family Meals

• 6pc Chicken + 12pc Nuggets Family Meal: $30.00
• 10pc Chicken Meal: $33.99
• Chicken Meal (8-16pc): $33.99 – $56.99
• Chicken Only (8-16pc): $24.99 – $42.99

The 10-piece meal cost $33 and was good for a family dinner last week. 99, the amount of food was impressive. Ten pieces of chicken, two big sides, and four biscuits were delivered. Not bad for feeding 4-5 people!.

Publix Deli Fried Chicken Prices (2025)

If you prefer grocery store fried chicken (which can be just as delicious as restaurant chicken!), Publix offers some great options

Publix Deli 8-Piece Mixed Fried Chicken

• 8 pieces (2 breasts, 2 wings, 2 thighs, and 2 drumsticks)
• Served hot and fresh from the deli
• Great for picnics and parties
• Made with Publix quality meat

While Publix doesn’t display their prices publicly online, I’ve found their 8-piece mixed fried chicken typically costs between $8.99-$11.99 depending on your location. This is significantly cheaper than most fast-food options for the same quantity!

How Chicken Prices Compare Across Popular Chains

Let’s look at how fried chicken prices stack up across different popular chains:

Factors That Affect Fried Chicken Prices

Ever wonder why fried chicken costs what it does? The price is affected by a number of things, including:

1. Chicken parts – Dark meat (thighs, drumsticks) is typically cheaper than white meat (breasts)
2. Preparation style – Original vs. extra crispy vs. spicy can affect price
3. Meal inclusions – Combos with sides and drinks cost more but offer better value
4. Location – Prices vary by region and even by individual store
5. Current promotions – Deals and limited-time offers can significantly lower prices

Best Value Fried Chicken Deals (September 2025)

Check out these deals if you want to satisfy your fried chicken craving without spending a lot of money:

KFC Deals

• $10 Tuesday Deal: 8 crispy tenders for just $10 every Tuesday
• $7 Fill Up: KFC Famous Bowl + 2 pie poppers + drink
• 35% off 12pc Tenders: Great for sharing
• $1 Large Side: Add a large side for just $1 with purchase

Publix Deals

While Publix doesn’t typically run nationwide promotions on their fried chicken, many stores offer weekly specials. Check your local store’s weekly ad for current deals.

DIY Vs. Store-Bought: Price Comparison

Sometimes I wonder if making fried chicken at home would save money. Here’s how the costs break down:

Homemade Fried Chicken (8 pieces)

• Whole chicken (3-4 lbs): $6-$9
• Flour, spices, and oil: $3-$5
• Electricity/gas: $1-$2
• Total: $10-$16 plus your time and effort

Store-Bought (8 pieces)

• KFC: $24.99 (chicken only)
• Publix: $8.99-$11.99
• Other grocery delis: $7.99-$14.99

The verdict? Grocery store deli fried chicken is often the best value. It’s cheaper than fast food and doesn’t require the time, mess, and skill of making it yourself. Publix particularly stands out for quality and price.

Tips for Getting the Best Fried Chicken Value

After years of chasing down the best chicken deals, here are my top tips:

1. Buy family meals – The per-piece price drops significantly
2. Check for weekday specials – Many places run specific day promotions (like KFC’s $10 Tuesday)
3. Join loyalty programs – KFC’s app offers exclusive deals
4. Consider grocery store delis – Often fresher and cheaper than fast food
5. Buy whole chicken meals – Mixed pieces usually cost less than all-white meat options

My Personal Experience with Fried Chicken Prices

Last month, I decided to do a personal fried chicken challenge, buying 8-piece meals from different places in the same week. Here’s what I paid:

• KFC: $24.99 (chicken only)
• Publix Deli: $10.99
• Local independent chicken shop: $18.99
• Homemade: About $14 in ingredients plus an hour of my time

The Publix chicken was surprisingly the best balance of quality and price. While not quite as flavorful as the local shop’s chicken, it was nearly half the price!

Final Thoughts: Is Fried Chicken Still Affordable?

Fried chicken remains one of the more economical protein options for feeding a group, especially when purchased from grocery store delis like Publix. Fast food chains like KFC offer convenience and consistent flavor but at a premium price.

If you’re budget-conscious, consider these strategies:

• Watch for deals and promotions
• Buy family meals rather than individual pieces
• Try grocery store options for the best value
• Consider the included sides when comparing prices

In 2025, you can still enjoy delicious fried chicken without spending a fortune – you just need to know where to look!