A San Antonio staple that is grow to be world well-known goes again to its roots. Church’s Texas Hen is bringing again its authentic recipe, which was initially developed in 1952, with a number of tweaks.
Based on a information launch, the “rejuvenated” recipe now consists of richer spices. The hen is marinated — to the bone, it assures — then hand-battered and breaded, leading to a crispy texture. It additionally emphasizes that just one “batter” and one breader is required, which it says makes for a extra constant product.
It isn’t clear precisely when the chain moved away from its authentic recipe, nevertheless it should have been pretty current; it was nonetheless boasting that the recipe had by no means modified as late as 2018. In 2019, it underwent a rebrand that added “Texas” as a “center identify” to suggest its origins.
Though Church’s began in San Antonio — and it nonetheless has Texas proper in the midst of its identify — it is now headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. That is as a result of the model was bought by a special hen firm that was already situated there.
“This return isn’t solely a return to our roots, but additionally a strategic transfer to drive our enterprise ahead,” mentioned CEO mentioned Joe Guith. “We’re assured that our friends will get pleasure from our distinctive recipe and iconic taste, fueling our development and success.”
George W. Church was the originator of the recipe. The primary restaurant was situated throughout from The Alamo, however now there are greater than 1,500 shops worldwide.
What Church’s used to appear to be.Photograph courtesy of Church’s Texas Hen
Regardless of greater than 70 years in enterprise, Church’s has stored its menu easy. Some hen is served on the bone, and a few as tenders; some goes on a sandwich, and that is about it for variations on the principle providing. Sides change issues up a bit, however nonetheless persist with fries or Southern classics like mashed potato, mac and cheese, corn, and fried okra, amongst others.
This doesn’t suggest the chain hasn’t innovated. In 2024 it was featured on a Hulu docuseries known as Superhot: The Spicy World of Pepper Individuals. Over two episodes, it put out a name for a proprietary pepper to assert for a brand new ridiculously scorching sauce. That turned the “signature” scorching sauce made with crimson chili peppers, crimson bell peppers, habanero, and roasted garlic.
Nevertheless, it seems like nothing can beat the classics for a model that is banking on nostalgia.
“We’re excited to carry again our OG recipe to fulfill our friends’ cravings for much more taste, guaranteeing each chunk is infused with our mix of spices our friends love,” mentioned the model’s company head chef Kevin Houston. “We prolong a heat welcome to those that haven’t visited our eating places shortly to rediscover our legendary hen.”
Extra details about Church’s Texas Hen is out there at churchs.com.
