Fresh Chicken Express — Restaurant in South Salt Lake

I’m really sad to say it but I think my days of frequenting Chicken Express has come to an end. This place has been one of my favorites for most of my life after first being introduced to the Sams Combo when I was 15 years old. But I am afraid that after 26 years it has lost all that used to make it special. And I don’t think I’m the only one who feels this way. Only just a few years ago you’d have to hurry and get there early or the line was out the door, but now at peak lunch hour the place is a ghost town. I think it all has to do with the new owner. She is unfriendly, greedy, and doesn’t appear to take any pride in her work. Prices are through the roof now. nickel and diming for everything. Want an extra side of salad dressing? That’ll cost you. Want a water cup? Hands you a thimble sized styrofoam cup, want a fountain drink? Too bad, the soda machine has been “out of order” for months. Serving sizes? Shrinkflation at its finest! Beef kababs are more like beef jerky. 4 tiny pieces of lamb on the combo plate now. Ect. Ect. Ect. What’s worst is that I introduced my wife and kids to the wonderful thing that was Chicken Express but I won’t be taking them to this once fine establishment again. It’s tragic to see such a fantastic restaurant run into the ground. I will not be surprised to see an “out of business” sign in the window very soon. It’s truly a shame....

Many good options here. My preferences run toward the chicken choices over the beef.

The beef has been dry the times I ordered it.

Chicken kebabs come with a good yogurt sauce and are moist. Probably my favorite item.

The half or quarter chicken are probably a better value in terms of meat volume and flavor. But this can run dry in in the breast if not fresh off the rotisserie. The saving grace is that the chicken is excellent with the salad dressing and redeems even dry breast.

The salad is basic, mostly iceberg with some olive, cucumber, tomato mild pickled chile. But the dressing is well balanced and nuanced with I think some tahini. Often overdressed, the extra dressing is good with the chicken so it's a happy accident.

Lemon rice is good but so is the potato option and the beans were surprisingly good too.

Service is pretty quick. But busy and crowded at prime lunch times. parking is tricky now that the vacant lot to the north is developed. I see some people park there and walk over. Also in the Harbor Freight lot. Have to wait and see if these neighboring lots get restricted parking signage.

The only real problem with service is that the credit card machine is super slow. Not sure what is up with that but it's a drag on the service line.

The chicken family pack is one if my go to back up plans when I mess up...

This is one of my favorite places to eat food. It’s so good BUT. You guys keep forgetting my side salad or extra sauces that I pay for. It’s a 50/50 chance I’ll get them if I don’t look in the bag. I’ve been craving to eat here for weeks. I was having such a terrible day. My boyfriend got off work and went to get me food from you guys. The combination plate which SHOULD come with a side salad. It always has. He also purchased 2 extra yogurts on top of what is already provided. He didn’t check the bag because he was in a rush to get home and as I’m already really upset from what’s happened today. I was really looking forward to the food. But GUESS WHAT, you guys FORGOT BOTH of your side salad AGAIN :( and to top it off the extra yogurts that my boyfriend literally paid for. Like look. I literally grew up eating here and it’s a comfort food. But I’m getting so tired of this. I want to give you guys a 5 out 5 but this has really ruined it for me. And it’s happened multiple times. Pls PLSSS make sure the person has everything :(. It’s not fair we have to always check our food to make sure we get what we get. When we forget to check like I said it’s a 50/50. Amazing food but...