Harold’s Chicken is an iconic Chicago-based fried chicken chain known for its unique seasoning, crispy texture, and soul food roots. The Bourbonnais location continues the tradition by offering a diverse menu that caters to lovers of finger-licking chicken, savory sides, and satisfying combo meals.
This article explores the offerings, flavors, and specialties of the Harold’s Chicken Bourbonnais Menu in detail.
About Harold’s Chicken
Founded in the 1950s, Harold’s Chicken has grown into a beloved institution in the Chicago area and its suburbs. Their signature recipe involves hand-battered chicken pieces fried to golden perfection and tossed in a proprietary blend of seasonings.
The Bourbonnais branch upholds this legacy, serving fresh, hot meals daily.
The restaurant focuses on quality and authenticity, bringing a distinctive Chicago soul food experience outside of the city. From individual pieces to family-sized meals, Harold’s Chicken Bourbonnais caters to customers seeking both convenience and flavor.
Menu Categories Overview
The menu at Harold’s Chicken Bourbonnais is thoughtfully divided into several categories to simplify ordering and enhance the customer experience. Key categories include:
- Chicken Pieces – Various cuts of their famous fried chicken.
- Chicken Combos – Meals paired with sides and drinks.
- Chicken Wings – Spicy and mild wing selections.
- Sides – Classic accompaniments including fries, fries, greens, and mac & cheese.
- Beverages – Soft drinks, water, and specialty drinks.
- Specialty Items – Seasonal or limited-time offerings.
Signature Chicken Pieces
At the heart of Harold’s menu are their hand-battered chicken pieces. Each piece is fried fresh and seasoned with the house blend that balances savory, spicy, and slightly tangy notes.
Customers can order chicken pieces individually or by the bucket, making it perfect for any appetite or gathering size. The pieces include both white and dark meat cuts, ensuring variety for all palates.
| Item | Description | Price (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Piece Chicken | Choice of white or dark meat, fried to crisp perfection. | $3.50 |
| 3 Piece Chicken | Mix of white and dark pieces, ideal for a light meal. | $10.00 |
| 6 Piece Bucket | Perfect for sharing, includes mixed pieces with signature seasoning. | $18.00 |
| 12 Piece Bucket | Great for parties or family dinners, freshly fried to order. | $34.00 |
“The crisp coating and bold seasoning on Harold’s chicken really set it apart from typical fried chicken joints.” – Long-time Harold’s fan
Chicken Combos
Harold’s Chicken Bourbonnais offers combo meals perfect for those looking for a complete and convenient dining experience. Each combo includes chicken pieces paired with a choice of sides and a soft drink.
These combos are designed to satisfy hunger without the hassle of customizing multiple items. They’re popular among families, students, and workers seeking a hearty meal.
| Combo | Contents | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Piece Combo | Two chicken pieces, one side, and a medium drink. | $8.50 |
| 3 Piece Combo | Three chicken pieces, one side, and a medium drink. | $10.50 |
| 6 Piece Combo | Six chicken pieces, two sides, and two medium drinks. | $20.00 |
Popular combo sides include fries, mac & cheese, green beans, and coleslaw. Customers can customize based on their preference, making the combos versatile and appealing.
Chicken Wings
For wing lovers, Harold’s Chicken Bourbonnais offers wings that pack a punch. Available in mild or spicy varieties, these wings are fried crispy and tossed with the signature Harold’s sauce.
The wings come in various quantities, suitable for snacking or sharing during game days or social gatherings.
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 5 Wings | Fresh, crispy wings tossed in choice of sauce. | $7.00 |
| 10 Wings | Perfect for sharing, with choice of mild or spicy. | $13.00 |
| 20 Wings | Great for parties or family gatherings. | $24.00 |
“Their spicy wings have just the right amount of heat without overpowering the natural flavor of the chicken.” – Wing enthusiast
Sides
No Harold’s meal is complete without the classic southern-style sides that complement their chicken perfectly. These sides add texture, flavor, and variety to the meal.
Harold’s Chicken Bourbonnais offers a selection of freshly made sides that are staples in Chicago soul food cuisine.
| Side | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| French Fries | Golden, crispy fries seasoned to perfection. | $3.00 |
| Mac & Cheese | Creamy, cheesy elbow macaroni baked fresh. | $4.00 |
| Green Beans | Slow-cooked with spices for a flavorful side. | $3.50 |
| Coleslaw | Crisp cabbage in a tangy dressing. | $3.00 |
| Baked Beans | Slow-cooked beans with a smoky, sweet glaze. | $3.50 |
Tip: The mac & cheese is a customer favorite and pairs especially well with the spicy chicken pieces for a balanced meal.
Beverages
Harold’s Chicken Bourbonnais provides a variety of beverages to quench thirst and complement the bold flavors of their food. Choices range from classic sodas to bottled water.
| Beverage | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Soft Drinks (Pepsi, Mountain Dew, etc.) | Fountain drinks available in small, medium, and large sizes. | $1.50 – $3.00 |
| Bottled Water | Pure, refreshing bottled water. | $1.50 |
| Juice (Limited Selection) | Seasonal juices available at select locations. | $2.00 |
Specialty Items and Seasonal Offerings
From time to time, Harold’s Chicken Bourbonnais introduces specialty items that celebrate holidays, local events, or new flavor experiments. These limited-time offerings provide loyal customers with new tastes to enjoy.
Past specialty items have included:
- Spicy Honey Glazed Chicken
- Barbecue Ribs
- Jerk Seasoned Chicken
- Holiday Specials with themed sides
“The seasonal specials give us a reason to come back and try something different every few months.” – Regular customer
It is recommended to check with the Bourbonnais location or their official website for the latest updates on special menu items.
Nutritional Information and Dietary Notes
While Harold’s Chicken focuses on flavor, they also provide some nutritional transparency for customers with dietary considerations. As a fried food restaurant, most chicken items are high in protein but also contain fats due to frying.
Vegetarian options are limited but several sides such as coleslaw, green beans, and baked beans can complement a lighter meal. Gluten-sensitive customers should be aware that the batter contains wheat flour.
Those interested in lower sodium or calorie counts can opt for smaller portion sizes or focus on side dishes and beverages.
Ordering and Delivery Options
Harold’s Chicken Bourbonnais offers multiple ways to enjoy their menu. Customers can dine in at a relaxed atmosphere, order takeout for convenience, or use third-party delivery services for home consumption.
The restaurant encourages online ordering through their website or mobile app, where customers can browse the full menu, customize orders, and schedule pickup or delivery times.
“Convenient online ordering makes it easy to get my Harold’s fix without waiting in line.” – Busy professional
Customer Favorites and Recommendations
Among the many delicious options, some dishes consistently rise to the top of customer favorites at Harold’s Chicken Bourbonnais:
- 3 Piece Combo with Mac & Cheese: A perfect balance of protein and creamy comfort.
- Spicy Wings (10 count): Ideal for those who enjoy a flavorful kick.
- 6 Piece Bucket with Fries: Great for sharing with friends or family.
- Green Beans Side: A delicious, healthy complement to the fried chicken.
Regular patrons praise the consistency and warmth of the food, as well as the friendly service that makes every visit enjoyable.
Conclusion
Harold’s Chicken Bourbonnais remains a cherished destination for those craving authentic Chicago-style fried chicken with an emphasis on bold seasoning and fresh preparation. The extensive menu offers choices for singles, families, and groups, ensuring that everyone can find something to love.
Whether you seek crispy chicken pieces, flavorful wings, hearty sides, or refreshing beverages, Harold’s Chicken Bourbonnais delivers a satisfying soul food experience. Their commitment to quality and tradition shines through every bite, making it a must-visit for chicken enthusiasts in the Bourbonnais area and beyond.
