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
Best-Ever Fried Chicken
Crispy, juicy and perfectly seasoned, this really is the best fried chicken recipe, ever. Summer reunions and neighborly gatherings will never be the same. When I was growing up, my parents had a farm, and every year, Dad would hire teenage boys to help by haying time. They looked forward to coming because they knew they would be treated to some of Mom’s deep fryer recipes, including this delicious fried chicken. —Lola Clifton, Vinton, Virginia
KFC chicken is so delicious, they’ve even introduced a new chicken product: KFC chicken wraps.
Inspired By: KFC Mac and Cheese
You’ll always have a winner at the potluck when you bring macaroni and cheese. Here’s an extra-rich, creamy version for the slow cooker. —Jennifer Blondek, Chicopee, Massachusetts
Inspired By: KFC Sweet N’ Tangy Barbecue Sauce
I’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
Inspired By: KFC Extra Crispy Fried Chicken
This Sunday dinner staple is first fried and then baked to a crispy golden brown. Well seasoned with oregano and sage, this classic is sure to satisfy diners at church potlucks or late-summer picnics. I love fixing it for family and friends. —Donna Kuhaupt, Slinger, Wisconsin
Inspired By: KFC Green Beans
Green 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 Wings
These fall-off-the-bone-tender wings have just the right amount of heat. The cool blue cheese dressing creates the perfect flavor combination for dipping. —Kevalyn Henderson, Hayward, Wisconsin
Contest-Winning Moist Chocolate Cake
You 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 Buttermilk Ranch Sauce
Give this versatile mix in a decorative jar with instructions for making dip or dressing. Then tuck it into a gift basket along with a pretty serving bowl and snack crackers or chips. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Inspired By: KFC Grilled Chicken
I 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 Coleslaw
For me, this is the best coleslaw recipe because a package of shredded cabbage and carrots really cuts down on prep time. This creamy coleslaw recipe is great for potlucks or to serve to your family on a busy weeknight. —Renee Endress, Galva, Illinois
Inspired By: KFC Biscuits
When I was young, my mom would make these biscuits with fresh cream she got from a local farmer. I don’t go to those lengths, but the family recipe is still a real treat. —Beverly Sprague, Baltimore, Maryland
Chili-Lime Chicken Wings
Who 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 of Home Test Kitchen
Quick & Easy Honey Mustard
This 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 Wedges
I recommend serving these Parmesan potato wedges alongside a salad for a light lunch or serving them as a side dish with a chicken or beef entree. —Beth Ask, Ulster, Pennsylvania
Spicy Chicken Nuggets
We devour these spicy chicken nuggets at least once a week. If you want to tone down the heat, skip the chipotle pepper. —Cheryl Cook, Palmyra, Virginia
Inspired By: KFC Mashed Potatoes & Gravy
When it comes to mashed potatoes recipes, this is one of my favorites because they can be made ahead, refrigerated and then popped into the oven just prior to dinnertime. When my grandchildren come for dinner, I have to double this recipe. They love it! —Vivian Bailey, Cedar Falls, Iowa
Favorite Chicken Potpie
This is the best chicken potpie recipe! Chock-full of chicken, potatoes, peas and corn, this recipe makes two golden pies, so you can serve one at supper and save the other for a busy night. —Karen Johnson, Bakersfield, California
We can’t get enough of KFC Chicken Pot Pie inspired recipes.
Contest-Winning Barbecued Chicken
When our neighborhood has a cookout, I always take along this chicken and watch it quickly disappear! My family loves this recipe because of the zesty seasoning blend and no-fuss barbecue sauce. —Linda Scott, Hahira, Georgia
Texas-Style BBQ Sauce
We love a Texas BBQ sauce with all the right moves: ketchup, mustard, lemon juice, chili powder, Worcestershire and brown sugar. —Sandy Klocinski, Summerville, South Carolina
Inspired By: KFC Chicken Strips
These strips are designed for kids, but tasty enough for company. The tender strips are moist and juicy and would also be great on a salad. —Becky Oliver, Fairplay, Colorado
Inspired By: KFC BBQ Rods
This is the one chicken dish my son doesn’t put ketchup on. You can make them on smaller skewers, too. — Kathy Martinez, Spring Valley, California
Barbecue Sauce with Mustard
Say 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 Chicken
I 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
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Marquis Ramage