Culver’s Pulls Fried Chicken from Menu — Here’s Why

Why Culver’s Fried Chicken Was Quietly Removed from the Menu

Let’s be honest — finding out your favorite fast food item has vanished from the menu is always a little heartbreaking. Whether it’s a quirky experiment like McDonald’s infamous Hula Burger or something more classic, beloved items can disappear without warning. That was the case for Culver’s bone-in fried chicken, which was quietly discontinued back in 2017.

According to a now-deleted Facebook post, Culver’s explained the decision was based on low sales. But that reasoning didn’t sit well with fans, many of whom had considered the fried chicken a standout dish. So why did it really go?

Behind the Scenes: Operational Challenges

While customers were left puzzled by the chain’s claim of low demand, some Culver’s employees provided further insight. On Reddit, a manager at the chain revealed that preparing the fried chicken created major back-of-house challenges.

With only four fryer vats in most Culver’s kitchens, dedicating one full vat to fried chicken — which needed 15 to 20 minutes to cook — caused serious slowdowns. The chicken’s time- and space-intensive prep disrupted workflow, especially with other fried items in high demand. As one commenter bluntly put it, “This caused operational nightmares… so no, the fried chicken will never be coming back.”

Chicken Fans Still Have Options at Culver’s

Despite the removal of bone-in fried chicken, Culver’s didn’t abandon its poultry-loving customers entirely. The boneless chicken tenders remain on the menu, offering a faster, more kitchen-friendly option. Since these are pre-cooked, they don’t tie up the fryers like the classic version did.

Additionally, Culver’s has expanded its chicken sandwich offerings. The Crispy, Spicy Crispy, and Grilled Chicken sandwiches have been around for a while, but in June 2025, the chain gave them a full refresh. According to Culver’s head of culinary, Kasey McDonald, everything from the chicken to the buns was upgraded.

“Every little detail is improved,” McDonald said in a statement. “From the juiciness of the chicken to the soft, new brioche bun it sits on. We took our time to make sure we got these perfect.”

There’s Still Plenty to Love

While it’s unlikely that Culver’s bone-in fried chicken will make a comeback, the chain continues to offer satisfying alternatives for chicken lovers. And with the recent revamp of its chicken sandwiches, fans have more reasons than ever to keep Culver’s in their fast food rotation.

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