KFC has reintroduced its Popcorn Chicken, a fan-favorite menu item that was discontinued in 2023. The crispy chicken nuggets, originally rolled out in the 1990s, returned to menus on Monday, July 13, in response to persistent customer demand.
Melissa Cash, Chief Marketing Officer for KFC US, stated that the company has been monitoring social media, direct messages, and online petitions. "We read every comment, every DM, and even every online petition signature, and the message was impossible to ignore," Cash said. She added that the return of Popcorn Chicken aligns with KFC's commitment to listening to its customers and is part of its "Kentucky Fried Comeback journey."
The resurrected item is available in three different configurations: a 16 oz Popcorn Chicken Bucket with four dipping sauces for $10; a Popcorn Chicken Big Box including 6 oz. of Popcorn Chicken, two tenders, a medium fries, a medium drink, two dipping sauces, and a chocolate chunk cookie for $10.99; and a Popcorn Chicken Combo featuring 6 oz. of Popcorn Chicken with medium fries, a medium drink, and one dipping sauce for $8.49.
These offerings will be available for a limited time, while supplies last. To commemorate the return, KFC has collaborated with Giphy to create animated GIFs for customers to share their excitement.
The decision to bring back Popcorn Chicken has been met with enthusiasm from many customers, with social media reactions expressing delight and nostalgia. However, some consumers have also voiced disappointment, advocating for the return of other discontinued items like the Double Down sandwich, which was removed from menus in 2014.