In a basket, basket platter or basket with fries is a restaurant menu term that refers to a sandwich or other main-dish entrée that is served on top of a basket of an accompanying foodstuff, usually french fries. The "basket" is usually either made of plastic and lined with paper, or is simply a disposable paperboard box or tray. Sometimes the basket contains other side dishes as well, such as a container of coleslaw or a pickle. This term seems to be most common in the Midwestern U.S..
It was a common pub item some years ago when "chicken in a basket" was a favourite in the UK, but has now fallen from popularity. The Mill Inn located Withington is locally credited with creating the "chicken in a basket" dish.[1] Chips were the usual accompaniment.