Chances are good that, if you’ve been to KFC lately, you’ve seen that the menus have changed.
A LOT. And mostly for the better!
And of course, every restaurant has to refresh their menu from time to time and get rid of laggards.
That said, let’s face facts:
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KFC is facing a lot of strong competition in the fried chicken space, and some of the old favorites might entice longtime, loyal fans to stick around.
Here are a handful that I’m pretty sure KFC will never bring back – but I sure wish they would!
Starting with an old favorite:
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If you never had KFC’s popcorn chicken (which was introduced in the 90s and made it until 2023), they were a lot like Red Lobster’s popcorn shrimp.
Bite-sized, crunchy, well-breaded…it’s a crying shame they’re gone!
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The Double Down got a lot of hate from health advocates, but it was just a ton of fun.
The sandwich had bacon, cheese, and sauce – but the real innovation was the bun.
Because, instead of bread, it was two pieces of fried chicken fillet.
And here’s the thing…
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The Double Down was released in 2010 in the US and had a four-year run through 2014, before a limited return in 2023.
This really helped spur an era of viral food combos – Doritos Locos tacos were premiered by Taco Bell in 2012, I think in part as a response to the Double Down’s popularity.
It just “went for it” in a way that most food really hadn’t previously, at least in my experience.
And of course, KFC did plenty more funny stunts like the Double Down, including our next option…
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If you’ve ever asked yourself the question, “what happens if you add Cheetos to a fried chicken sandwich” – KFC’s Cheetos sandwich (debuting in 2019) was your enthusiastic answer.
In addition to a layer of Cheetos, the fried chicken also had Cheetos sauce on it in addition to mayo and a simple bun.
The cheesy goodness was definitely the star of the show!
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In 1982, KFC launched a “Chicken-in-a-Biscuit” breakfast option, which sadly didn’t last.
Which is weird! Because it’s certainly been a hit at Chick-fil-A.
But maybe KFC was just too early to the game?
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That’s right, KFC took aim directly at Chick-fil-A with a chicken + pickles menu option! (Back in 2018.)
The sauce was pickle-based (similar to Chick-fil-A, which uses pickle brine for its chicken), and the chicken even featured slices of pickles.
Sadly, this innovative option didn’t last long.
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I loved apple turnovers at KFC – they were a delicious dessert. (I mean, really, what’s not to love?)
The cherry poppers are a pretty good consolation prize, but honestly what I just really want is for the turnovers to come back.
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Yes, KFC used to have country-fried steak as an option.
It was first tested in the early 1980s, with a broader rollout in 1984.
It was usually the centerpiece of a bigger meal that also featured gravy, mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and a biscuit.
And it was delicious!
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No disrespect to KFC’s current “Secret Recipe Fries” which are perfectly serviceable, but the potato wedges were fantastic.
They were cut thick and had the perfect crispy exterior with a soft interior – a study in delicious contrasts!
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Yes, KFC tried offering salads back in 1988.
No, it did not go well. (They only lasted the one year.)
Which is a shame!
The best of their salads was the Chicken Topper, which was a large garden salad topped with chicken and shredded cheese.
(They have also tried salads several times since then – unfortunately, none have stood the test of time.)
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If you’re in to fried chicken, and you don’t mind a little heat, chances are good you’ve had or heard of Nashville hot chicken.
It’s having a real moment in the US, and KFC took a big shot at it in 2016.
Sadly, their Nashville hot chicken dishes never really caught fire.
Too many good alternatives I guess.
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Of course KFC had an answer for McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets – Kentucky Nuggets!
They were first tested in 1984 (a year after McNuggets launched) and eventually rolled out nationwide, before disappearing in 2004.
Of course, KFC has a different version of these nuggets on menus today – Kentucky Fried Chicken Nuggets, and now the delicious Saucy Nuggets as well.
But I do miss the originals from time to time.
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So there you have it – 11 KFC foods that I wish would come back – but they, unfortunately, probably won’t.
And I get that nothing lasts forever, but it’s just such a shame!
Which brings me to the big question:
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What do you miss most from KFC’s menu?
What should they bring back?
Let us know in the comments!
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