But why did they have to get rid of the popcorn chicken?
KFC Is Changing Its Menu—Here’s What to Expect
Updated on Apr. 12, 2024
Whenever I think of fried chicken, you know my mind immediately goes to good ol’ KFC. I had one across the street from my school growing up, and it was the first thing I smelled every day as I left the front doors. When my parents were able to, they’d treat our whole family to a bucket of KFC chicken and tons of sides. To say KFC was a large part of my childhood (and adulthood) is no lie. There’s just something so enticing and delicious about KFC’s secret recipe for crispy fried chicken.
But now KFC is changing its menu, and some favorite items may be leaving. Here’s what you need to know.
What Items Is KFC Removing From Its Menu?
Hearing your favorite restaurant is getting rid of certain menu items can be daunting. The last thing you want to hear is that your favorite go-to is officially on its way out.
Here are the items you can (sadly) start saying goodbye to:
- Kentucky Fried Chicken wings (you will be missed)
- Nashville hot sauce
- Popcorn chicken (but why?)
- Strawberry lemonade
- Chocolate chip cookies (how will I satisfy my sweet tooth?!)
While it’s sad to see all these items go, I have to say I’m most upset about the popcorn chicken. That was a staple of my childhood—my best friend and I used to share a box every time we went. It was the special thing we had together. Like a little chicken bond. Popcorn chicken, know that you will be tragically missed.
Luckily, we’ve got some KFC copycat recipes to tide you over.
Why Is KFC Making These Changes?
“It’s really to deliver our most popular products perfectly each time and to actually make room for new products,” said KFC U.S. Director Brittany Wilson.
KFC hopes to improve accuracy and efficiency while cutting down on service time for customers. By removing less popular products, they can simplify the menu and make room for new and upcoming menu items. A large majority of customers have already found the changes positive. The rest of these changes are set to roll out over the next month.
While you may be sad, don’t worry. KFC already has their new Chicken Wrap to keep you cluckin’ happy.
KFC Copycat Recipes to Try
Inspired By: KFC Mac and CheesePotluck mac and cheese features a rich, creamy cheese sauce that comes together in the slow cooker. This recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd at bring-your-own-dish parties and holiday dinners.
Inspired By: KFC Sweet N' Tangy Barbecue SauceI've never cared that much for store bought barbecue sauce. I just like to make things myself from scratch including this spicy, deep red-brown sauce. You'll find it clings well when you slather it on grilled meat. —Helena Georgette Mann, Sacramento, California
Fried ChickenThis crispy fried chicken recipe uses a batter instead of a flour coating. That helps the flour adhere to the chicken so it won’t fall off after cooking!
Inspired By: KFC Green BeansGreen beans are a reliable standby, but they can seem ordinary on their own. Just a couple of extra ingredients give them a sweet and salty attitude. This is definitely my family's favorite way to enjoy them. —Shannon Dobos, Calgary, Alberta
Inspired By: KFC Hot WingsThese fall-off-the-bone tender wings have just the right amount of heat, and the cool blue cheese dressing makes the perfect dip. —Kevalyn Henderson, Hayward, Wisconsin
Contest-Winning Moist Chocolate CakeYou don't have to spend a lot of time to serve an elegant and delicious dessert. Just mix up the batter in one bowl, bake and get ready for people to love this moist dark chocolate cake recipe. —Christa Hageman, Telford, Pennsylvania
Inspired By: KFC Grilled ChickenI came up with this recipe in college and it's been a household staple ever since. It's a snap to throw together with ingredients I have on hand. —Kendra Doss, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Inspired By: KFC ColeslawThis creamy coleslaw recipe is rich, tangy and sweet. It’s the perfect partner for barbecue, but it tastes just as good as a topping for tacos or a meaty sandwich.
Inspired By: KFC BiscuitsDrop everything! It's time to bake some warm, golden drop biscuits. This five-ingredient recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes.
Chili-Lime Chicken WingsWho would have guessed that mixing maple syrup, chili sauce and lime juice would make chicken wings taste so good? Family and guests alike will scramble to ensure they get more than one of these utterly delicious wings - so be sure to make extras! —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Quick & Easy Honey MustardThis fast, easy mustard with rice vinegar and honey has more flavor than any other honey mustard dressing I've ever tried. —Sharon Rehm, New Blaine, Arkansas
Parmesan Potato WedgesHere's a simple way to serve potatoes that has big flavor: cut into wedges, coat generously in garlic, paprika and Parmesan cheese, and bake until tender inside and crisp outside.
Spicy Chicken NuggetsBoth adults and adventurous kids will love these spicy chicken nuggets. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce.
Inspired By: KFC Mashed Potatoes & GravyEasy, creamy and decadent, these baked mashed potatoes are just as easy to make as they are to devour.
Chicken PotpieLearning how to make chicken potpie from scratch is 100% worth it. This chicken potpie recipe features a flaky, buttery crust packed with chicken, vegetables and a creamy sauce.
We can't get enough of KFC Chicken Pot Pie inspired recipes.
Barbecue ChickenJuicy, saucy barbecue chicken is a highlight of any grilling season. Cut up whole chickens for the best quality pieces, and add a homemade tangy barbecue sauce that's impossible to resist.
Texas-Style BBQ SauceThis bold and tangy Texas BBQ sauce has all the right moves with ketchup, mustard, lemon juice, chili powder, Worcestershire and brown sugar.
Inspired By: KFC Chicken StripsFeel like a kid again with this recipe for easy baked chicken tenders.
Barbecue Sauce with MustardSay no to ho-hum barbecue. Add some zing to chicken or pork with our sauce. —Charlie and Ruthie Knote, Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Honey-Mustard Breaded ChickenI get bored with the same old breaded chicken, so I came up with this simple recipe. The coating adds fast flavor to tender chicken cooked on the stovetop. —Laura Theofilis, Leonardtown, Maryland
