USA Today reported that Kentucky Fried Chicken is cutting back on its menu by getting rid of five popular items. The fast food chain is doing this to give customers more choices. But one fan favorite is set to make a triumphant return.
After a hiatus that lasted nearly a decade, KFC is bringing back the Double Down Sandwich — a bacon and cheese sandwich that uses two chicken patties for its buns.
The sandwich is set to return to KFC locations nationwide March 6, according to a press release from the fast-food chain. It will be served for only four weeks.
“The Double Down is one of the most talked-about fast food items ever,” Nick Chavez, CEO of KFC US, said in a statement. “People have begged for it to come back for almost ten years, so we’re welcome the chaos by bringing back our most famous sandwich ever for only four weeks.” “.
While the Double Down will return for a brief time, some of KFCs other menu classics have met a different fate.
Popcorn chicken, Kentucky fried chicken wings, Nashville hot sauce, strawberry lemonade, and chocolate chip cookies were dropped from KFC menus across the country starting in November.
In an interview with USA Today, KFC US director Brittany Wilson said the changes should make ordering easier for customers.
“Weve narrowed down options for customers, making it easier for them to decide what to order and focusing on menu items that we do best,” she said.
The new menus are being rolled out nationwide, Fox Business reported, and will provide space for new ideas at the longstanding fast food chain.
“We took a deep look at the mix of the menu to see where consolidation would make sense, and we rolled out new menu boards in November 2022,” Wilson told Fox. “Though we are removing a few items, it will allow us to make room for some new, exciting additions to the menu in 2023.”
Did KFC Really Remove Popcorn Chicken From Their Menu?
Popcorn chicken has long been a fan favorite at KFC. The chicken bites are breaded and fried until they are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. They make a great snack or addition to a meal. So when rumors spread that KFC was taking popcorn chicken off the menu, it made a lot of noise.
I was determined to find out what was going on and see if the rumors were true because I love popcorn chicken. To find out the truth, I read news stories, looked through KFC’s website, and went straight to the source. Here’s what I found out.
The Rumors Start Swirling
In February 2023, reports started emerging that KFC was planning to cut several menu items as part of an effort to streamline operations and focus on their core menu offerings. According to news outlets like Fox 8 and The Scioto Post, popcorn chicken was on the chopping block along with Kentucky Fried Chicken Wings, chocolate chip cookies, strawberry lemonade, and Nashville Hot Sauce.
The news spread rapidly among fans on social media who were upset and disappointed to potentially lose this beloved menu item. Many proclaimed it was their favorite item at KFC and said they’d no longer have a reason to go if popcorn chicken wasn’t available.
With no official word yet from KFC, speculation ran rampant. Some people thought the move was caused by problems in the supply chain or a lack of workers. Others thought it died because it was too hard to bread each piece by hand. In any case, people who liked popcorn chicken were sad when they thought they might lose this crunchy treat.
KFC Stays Silent…At First
Even though the rumors were getting stronger, KFC didn’t say anything about it. The chain didn’t say anything on their website or social media to confirm or deny the rumors that they were taking down Pop-Tart Chicken. Many people thought the rumors were true because they didn’t answer.
Outlets like The Takeout even preemptively published eulogies mourning the loss of popcorn chicken and “RIP” tributes. It seemed the bell was tolling for this menu item, though KFC had yet to officially announce its discontinuation.
KFC Finally Sets the Record Straight
After over a week of speculation, KFC finally set the record straight: popcorn chicken isn’t going anywhere. In a statement to USA Today, KFC’s director Brittany Wilson confirmed that while the popcorn chicken combo meal was being discontinued, popcorn chicken itself would remain available as a standalone menu item.
She clarified that the chicken could still be ordered by itself or as part of KFC’s Famous Bowls. A KFC spokesperson further confirmed to Tasting Table that popcorn chicken would continue to be available for purchase on its own at select locations.
As it turns out, only the popcorn chicken combo meal – likely a basket with a side and biscuit – got the axe. The popcorn chicken itself survived the chopping block.
Why Did This Rumor Spread So Far?
This begs the question – why did the false rumor that KFC was eliminating popcorn chicken altogether take off so rapidly? A few key factors seemingly led to the rampant misinformation:
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Initial reporting was vague – early articles didn’t specify it was only the combo meal, leading readers to believe all popcorn chicken was discontinued.
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KFC’s lack of response – their silence for over a week fed the rumor mill.
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Popcorn chicken’s popularity – people had a strong emotional reaction to potentially losing a favorite menu item.
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Appeal of a dramatic narrative – the story of a beloved food being “killed off” went viral.
So the perfect combination of vague reporting, lack of clarity from KFC, and appeal of a dramatic narrative led to popcorn chicken’s premature demise in the court of public opinion. Thankfully KFC finally set the record straight.
KFC’s Menu Evolves
While popcorn chicken remains safe for now, KFC did confirm some other menu changes. The chain is focused on shifting to a more efficient and streamlined menu. While popcorn chicken combos, wings, and some sides got cut, KFC is testing new sandwich varieties to appeal to changing customer tastes.
Like all restaurants, KFC’s offerings will continue to evolve. But the chain has made it clear this southern-fried staple isn’t going anywhere just yet. As long as fans keep ordering popcorn chicken, KFC will keep frying it up.
Popcorn Chicken: A Fan Favorite For Good Reason
So why did the idea of losing popcorn chicken spark such a passionate response? This menu item has some devoted fans, for good reason:
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Nostalgia – for many, this was a childhood favorite that brings back happy memories.
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Crunch appeal – the crispy breading provides a satisfying texture.
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Flavor – seasoned to perfection with Colonel Sanders’ secret blend of herbs and spices.
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Portion versatility – perfect as a snack, side, or meal component.
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Value pricing – a budget-friendly way to enjoy boneless fried chicken.
Popcorn chicken’s crunchy-on-the-outside, juicy-on-the-inside appeal makes it hard to resist. It’s a universal crowd pleaser – kids and adults alike adore this fried treat. For now, popcorn chicken lovers can breathe a sigh of relief knowing it’s not flying the coop after all.
The Bottom Line
After analyzing the facts, it’s clear the initial reports were misleading. While KFC is removing some menu options as part of operational changes, popcorn chicken is here to stay. The beloved snackable chicken will still be available as a standalone item and in the chain’s Famous Bowls.
This rumor highlighted just how passionate people are about their favorite foods. The outpouring of devotion to popcorn chicken showed it holds a special spot in customers’ hearts and taste buds. KFC would be wise to keep it around.
So rejoice, popcorn chicken enthusiasts! This southern-fried favorite isn’t going extinct just yet. Be sure to stop by KFC soon and enjoy popcorn chicken while it’s still on the menu. With its signature crunch and flavor, this is one menu item that clearly won’t be disappearing anytime soon!
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There were some new items at the fast food chain in the past few weeks, but she didn’t name them. On February 6, KFC announced it would add Kentucky Fried Chicken Wraps to the menu nationwide.
According to a press release from the chain, the wraps were mentioned more than 42,000 times on social media following a test run in Atlanta.
“Wraps fans have been begging for fried chicken wraps to return, and were answering the call with our new finger lickin good KFC Wraps,” said US chief marketing officer Nick Chavez. “Two KFC Wraps for $5 is a steal. We have what you need, whether you want a Classic Chicken Wrap or Spicy Slaw to turn up the heat. “.
Still, for some on social media, it will take time to adjust to the reduced menu.
“Why not drop the unpopular items and keep the popular ones?” one person tweeted.
“No popcorn chicken? So whats that mean for the famous bowl?!” another chimed in.
KFC’s Popcorn Chicken, Not Like It Used To Be
FAQ
Is popcorn chicken discontinued at KFC?
In 2020, KFC simplified its menu to get back to the core of fried chicken, sandwiches, and tenders. The smaller menu meant a lot of fan favorites were axed—including the OG Famous Bowl, which was made with popcorn chicken.
Does US KFC have popcorn chicken?
KFC’s Popcorn Chicken is being replaced with all new Kentucky Fried Chicken Nuggets! After a successful test run in 2022, these will officially debut in restaurants nationwide March 27th! 100% white meat chicken, hand-breaded with KFC’s unique Original Recipe of 11 herbs and spices.
Why did KFC get rid of popcorn nuggets?
… to scrap popular popcorn chicken combo- and four other finger lickin’ favorites – from its menu to simplify customer experience and focus on popular itemsFeb 17, 2023.
Why did KFC stop going by Kentucky Fried Chicken?
At the time, restaurant analysts said that the new look and name would improve the company’s image, especially since many people thought that cooking food in a “fried” way was unhealthy. It is to help the company grow that Yum! Brands, which was formed when Pepsi split off from Pepsi in 1997, moved to Texas.
Does KFC still have popcorn chicken?
USA Today says that the popcorn chicken combo is no longer available, but KFC’s famous bowls, which come with popcorn chicken on top, will still be available. Another thing that KFC told Tasting Table is that popcorn chicken fans will be able to order à la carte at some locations, in addition to the bowls.
Is KFC’s Popcorn Chicken going away?
No one likes to see one of their favorite foods disappear from menus, but in the case of KFC’s popcorn chicken, that food item is not actually going away completely, despite several claims to the contrary. To paraphrase Mark Twain, reports of popcorn chicken’s demise have been greatly exaggerated.
Could you kiss KFC’s Popcorn Chicken Goodbye?
Several outlets, like The Scioto Post, followed up and confirmed Fox 8’s report that you could kiss KFC’s popcorn chicken goodbye. The Takeout even took it upon itself to honor the life and impending death of the menu item by writing “RIP, Popcorn Chicken.” But don’t get that funeral gear out just yet. Instead, get ready to sigh a breath of relief.
Did Popcorn Chicken die?
To paraphrase Mark Twain, reports of popcorn chicken’s demise have been greatly exaggerated. Popcorn chicken lovers may have been worried based on claims by some outlets that the menu item was being dropped entirely, the victim of a menu shakeup by the chicken-focused fast food chain.
Why is KFC called Popcorn Chicken?
Smaller pieces of chicken were often fried together, thus creating the chicken bite dishes. The term “popcorn chicken” is a more modern moniker, used because the small cubes of chicken resemble popcorn after being fried. Industry giant KFC (Kentucky fried chicken) introduced popcorn chicken in the early 1990s.
What is half price popcorn chicken at KFC?
KFC’s January sale offers half price popcorn chicken meals, reducing the price of one regular meal from £4.29 to £2.15. Popcorn chicken is bite-size pieces of meat that have been breaded and fried. KFC fans can take advantage of this deal.