Chicken With a Side of Chicken

First-time guests at fast-casual Houston TX Hot Chicken don’t need to inquire about popular items before ordering. The answer is front and center on the menu.

The House Favorite, a meal combo, features multiple elements that “showcase the core of what makes us stand out,” says Mario Drezo, VP of marketing. The dish includes the Original Hot Chicken Sandwich along with a bonus hand-breaded tender, both in the customer’s choice of spice level, which spans eight categories from “No Spice” and “Honey Butter” to “Lift-Off” and “Houston, We Have a Problem!” The sandwich features a brioche bun with pickles, slaw and a housemade sauce. Seasoned crinkle-cut fries and more sauce for dipping complete the meal, which is a top seller across the brand.

“The item allows guests to enjoy both a sandwich and a tender in one indulgent, satisfying meal,” says Drezo. “It highlights our signature strengths, from our hand-breaded chicken to our proprietary sauces and seasoned fries.” Making the chicken fresh to order is key to ensuring the elements deliver a well-balanced flavor experience, he says, citing “the richness of the 24-hour, buttermilk-marinated chicken, the brightness and crunch from the pickles and slaw, and the creaminess from the signature sauce.”

Read more Best of Flavor 2026