The chain brought this legendary menu item back after a five-year break.
KFC’s Chicken and Waffles Are Back—Here’s Our Honest Review
Published on Apr. 30, 2025
I’ve been a lifelong fan of KFC. The chain’s juicy fried chicken, tangy coleslaw and above-average biscuits form the taste of my childhood. When I need an extra comforting meal, look for me at the KFC drive-thru.
We all know Colonel Sanders is the grandfather of fast-food fried chicken. But can he make a respectable waffle? I doubted it would live up to the hype. However, as a longtime lover of KFC, I had to place an order.
What’s the deal with chicken and waffles?
This southern staple is a sweet-and-salty indulgence. You can pair KFC’s waffles with the chain’s fried, bone-in chicken or its Original Recipe Tenders. For my first taste, I ordered waffles with three pieces of KFC’s extra crispy signature fried chicken plus an order of Ed Sheeran’s go-to fries on the side.
My order arrived with the chicken and waffles in a box, along with two containers of Mrs. Butterworth’s syrup.
Are KFC’s chicken and waffles good?
I knew what I was getting into with KFC’s chicken, so I first sampled the waffle on its own. This is a Liège-style waffle, meaning that it’s smaller and denser than a typical waffle. It also has a subtle glaze of pearl sugar that caramelizes, forming a thin crust when cooked. The result couldn’t be further from the soggy mush I feared I’d be tasting.
The waffle, even when doused with syrup, had a sweet, crispy texture and was so flavorful I could hardly stop eating it. I had to remind myself there was also the chicken to consider.
But let’s get to the chicken and waffles of it all. It was logistically challenging to arrange a bite of both chicken and waffle, and, admittedly, these bites weren’t my favorite. The two flavors cancelled each other out a bit. I recommend alternating bites of chicken and waffles and embracing the messiness of it all. Just be sure to grab extra napkins before you dive in!
The whole thing is wonderfully decadent and perfect for Saturday brunch. Fortunately, the KFC near me opens at 10:30 a.m.
How long are the chicken and waffles at KFC?
KFC hasn’t said how long its chicken and waffles will be on the menu. This item first appeared in 2020 and then quickly disappeared for a five-year hiatus, so if you want chicken and waffles, order sooner rather than later. While you’re there, check out KFC’s new Strawberry & Crème Pie Poppers, which just joined Apple Pie Poppers and Cherry Pie Poppers on the dessert menu.
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