What it costs to make
What does a fried chicken sandwich cost to make?
About $1.35–$2.00 in ingredients for a fried chicken sandwich with fries, bought delivered.
Fried chicken sandwich + friesEXAMPLE
| Chicken breast, boneless skinless6-7 oz rawUSDA Weekly National Chicken Report, Sep 21, 2026 | $0.37–$0.62 |
| Bun, breading, fryer oil, pickles, mayo, fries1 bun, about 8-10 ozEXAMPLE reference price | $0.79–$0.98 |
| Market price total | $1.16–$1.60 |
| Bought deliveredEXAMPLE estimate: market price plus a typical delivered markup | $1.35–$2.00 |
| At a $14.00 menu price (EXAMPLE) | 10–14% |
Sources: USDA Weekly National Chicken Report, Sep 21, 2026. Rows marked EXAMPLE use example reference prices.
What moves this number
- Breast size. Each extra ounce of chicken adds about 8 cents at this USDA price.
- The fries. On this plate the side and the bun cost more than the chicken. Portion them.
- Fryer oil. Breaded chicken soaks up oil. Change the oil on a schedule, not by feel.
Run your own plate
- Plate cost
- --
- Food cost
- --
- Price at your target
- --
- Prefilled with the EXAMPLE above at market midpoints. Change any number.
Every plate on your menu, costed.
Snap your menu. Get a cost for every plate, not one example.
Scan your whole menu free