Have you been craving those delicious, bite-sized pieces of crispy goodness from KFC, only to hear rumors that they’ve disappeared from the menu? If you’re a popcorn chicken lover like me, you might be feeling a bit anxious about these claims. Well, I’ve done some digging to get to the bottom of this finger-lickin’ controversy, and what I found might surprise you!
The Great Popcorn Chicken Panic of 2023
Back in February 2023, news started spreading like wildfire across social media and various news outlets that KFC was cutting popcorn chicken from their menu. This caused quite the uproar among fans who couldn’t imagine life without their favorite crispy chicken bites.
The rumor mill went into overdrive when outlets like Fox 8 and The Scioto Post reported that KFC was planning to streamline its menu by removing several items, including the beloved popcorn chicken. Some outlets even went as far as writing “RIP” tributes and eulogies for this menu staple!
But before you start mourning the loss of your favorite snack, let’s look at what’s really happening.
What’s Actually Going On With KFC’s Popcorn Chicken?
Here’s the truth: KFC has NOT completely discontinued popcorn chicken.
What actually happened was a bit more nuanced:
- KFC did remove the popcorn chicken combo meal from their menu
- The popcorn chicken itself is still available as a standalone item at many locations
- You can still get popcorn chicken in KFC’s Famous Bowls
According to Brittany Wilson, KFC US director, the changes were made to “make ordering easier for customers” by narrowing down options and focusing on menu items that KFC does best.
In an official statement to USA Today, KFC confirmed that while the popcorn chicken combo was being discontinued, the popcorn chicken itself would remain available for purchase on its own at select locations.
Menu Items That Actually Got Axed
While popcorn chicken survived the menu purge, KFC did remove these five items in their 2023 menu update:
- Popcorn chicken combo meal (not the popcorn chicken itself!)
- Kentucky fried chicken wings
- Nashville hot sauce
- Strawberry lemonade
- Chocolate chip cookies
This streamlining was part of KFC’s plan to make room for new menu innovations and focus on their core offerings.
Why Did This Rumor Spread So Quickly?
The false rumor about popcorn chicken’s complete demise gained traction for several reasons:
- Vague initial reporting – Many articles didn’t specify it was only the combo meal being discontinued
- KFC’s delayed response – The company didn’t immediately clarify the situation
- Emotional attachment – People REALLY love their popcorn chicken!
- Social media amplification – The story spread rapidly across platforms
I gotta admit, even I was worried when I first heard the news! Popcorn chicken has been one of my go-to comfort foods for years.
The Return of the Double Down (While We’re Talking KFC News)
While we’re discussing KFC menu changes, here’s something that might interest you: After nearly a decade-long hiatus, KFC brought back the infamous Double Down Sandwich in March 2023. This legendary creation uses two chicken patties as “buns” with bacon and cheese in between.
As Nick Chavez, CEO of KFC US, stated: “The Double Down is one of the most talked-about fast food items ever. People have begged for it to come back for almost ten years.”
However, this comeback was brief – the Double Down was only available for four weeks as a limited-time offer.
Why Popcorn Chicken Has Such a Devoted Following
It’s no surprise that rumors about popcorn chicken’s demise caused such an uproar. This menu item has earned a special place in many hearts (and stomachs) for good reasons:
- Perfect bite-size pieces – Just the right amount for snacking
- That signature KFC crunch – Crispy exterior with juicy chicken inside
- Versatility – Great as a snack, side, or meal component
- Value for money – An affordable way to enjoy KFC’s flavor
- Nostalgia factor – Many of us grew up loving these tasty morsels
These little nuggets of joy have been making mouths happy since the early 1990s when KFC first introduced them.
The Evolution of KFC’s Menu
Like all successful restaurants, KFC’s menu constantly evolves to keep up with changing consumer preferences and operational needs. In 2020, they simplified their menu to focus on fried chicken, sandwiches, and tenders, which led to some fan favorites being temporarily removed.
More recently, KFC has been testing new sandwich varieties and even introduced Kentucky Fried Chicken Wraps nationwide in February 2023 after successful testing in Atlanta. According to a press release, these wraps were mentioned over 42,000 times on social media during their test run!
What About KFC’s Popcorn Chicken in 2025?
As of the latest updates in 2025, popcorn chicken has undergone some changes at KFC. The chain has actually replaced traditional popcorn chicken with all-new Kentucky Fried Chicken Nuggets! These nuggets debuted nationwide on March 27, 2023, after a successful test run in 2022.
The new nuggets feature 100% white meat chicken, hand-breaded with KFC’s unique Original Recipe of 11 herbs and spices. While this is technically a different product than the original popcorn chicken, it’s KFC’s answer to customers who still want bite-sized pieces of fried chicken.
So Can I Still Get Popcorn Chicken at KFC?
Here’s the bottom line for popcorn chicken lovers:
- The standalone popcorn chicken is still available at select KFC locations
- Famous Bowls continue to feature popcorn chicken as an ingredient
- The combo meal has been discontinued
- Kentucky Fried Chicken Nuggets are now available as an alternative
If you’re specifically craving popcorn chicken, your best bet is to call your local KFC to confirm availability. Menu items can vary by location, and some stores might still serve the original popcorn chicken while others have fully transitioned to the new nugget format.
The Lesson: Don’t Believe Everything You Read
This whole popcorn chicken saga teaches us an important lesson: don’t believe everything you read on the internet! What started as a partially true report (the combo meal being discontinued) snowballed into widespread misinformation about the complete removal of popcorn chicken.
As Mark Twain might say if he were alive and craving some KFC, “Reports of popcorn chicken’s death have been greatly exaggerated.”
Final Thoughts: The Future of Popcorn Chicken
While KFC continues to evolve its menu, the strong reaction to even the rumor of popcorn chicken’s demise shows just how passionate customers are about this menu item. This devotion suggests that some form of bite-sized chicken will likely remain on KFC’s menu for years to come, whether it’s the classic popcorn chicken or the newer nugget format.
For now, popcorn chicken lovers can breathe a sigh of relief knowing their favorite snack hasn’t completely flown the coop. The next time you’re at KFC, go ahead and ask for some popcorn chicken – you might just get your crispy fix after all!
And if your local KFC no longer serves the original popcorn chicken, give those new nuggets a try – they might just become your new favorite menu item.
Did you enjoy this article? Make sure to check out our other fast food news and reviews to stay up-to-date on all your favorite restaurant chains!
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She did not name any new items, but the fast food chain rolled out some new items in recent weeks. On February 6, KFC announced it would add Kentucky Fried Chicken Wraps to the menu nationwide.
According to a press release from the chain, the wraps were mentioned more than 42,000 times on social media following a test run in Atlanta.
“Wraps fans have been begging for fried chicken wraps to return, and were answering the call with our new finger lickin good KFC Wraps,” said US chief marketing officer Nick Chavez. “Two KFC Wraps for $5 is a steal. Whether you crave a Classic Chicken Wrap or are looking to turn up the heat with Spicy Slaw, weve got you covered.”
Still, for some on social media, it will take time to adjust to the reduced menu.
“Why not drop the unpopular items and keep the popular ones?” one person tweeted.
“No popcorn chicken? So whats that mean for the famous bowl?!” another chimed in.
KFC’s Popcorn Chicken, Not Like It Used To Be
FAQ
Is KFC removing popcorn chicken?
Some users said they’d had difficulty ordering popcorn chicken (in that it was discontinued at their local KFC), while a user claiming to be a KFC manager in Florida said in one thread, “Yes, all locations are removing the popcorn chicken by Jan. 3rd and will be replacing it with all white meat chicken nuggets cooked in original recipe.”
Is KFC replacing popcorn chicken with chicken nuggets?
According to an anonymous tip-off to The Fast Food Post, KFC is replacing Popcorn Chicken with new all-white meat Chicken Nuggets across the US. (In addition, and as expected, the fast-food fried chicken chain officially announced the discontinuation of Popcorn Chicken on February 9. The information below has been updated to reflect these changes.)
Will KFC’s Popcorn Chicken be discontinued soon?
The Fast Food Post recently reported on an anonymous tip the publication received from an insider claiming that KFC’s popcorn chicken will be discontinued soon and replaced wholesale with its new chicken nugget product.
Does KFC have popcorn chicken?
And though tenders are advertised, popcorn chicken is not listed as an a la carte item. In fact, there’s no mention of popcorn chicken on the menu at all. It seems odd that KFC would phase out an integral component of its popular Famous Bowls in favor of a product that could possibly change its reputation.
Was popcorn chicken a ‘fast food’ victim?
According to Fox 8, the menu item victims include Kentucky Fried Chicken Wings, chocolate chip cookies, strawberry lemonade, and Nashville Hot Sauce. And sure, you’re sad to see them go, but when you realized popcorn chicken was among the list of the soon-to-be fast food fallen, you felt, rightfully so, distressed.
Is KFC’s Popcorn Chicken going anywhere?
Instead, get ready to sigh a breath of relief. As it turns out, that popcorn chicken isn’t going anywhere. Per USA Today, KFC’s Popcorn Chicken Combo, not its popcorn chicken, is the item flying the coop.
Did KFC popcorn chicken get discontinued?
Does KFC still do the popcorn chicken slab?
KFC Australia has relaunched the Popcorn Chicken Slab for a limited time after a two-year hiatus. The item was first launched in the Australian market in 2020. The relaunch coincides with the Footy Finals and is available across KFC stores until 30 September 2024.
What did KFC take off their menu?
Your Money
The wedges were discontinued in the summer of 2020, when they were replaced with KFC’s Signature Recipe Fries. “This isn’t just a nostalgic nod.
Does KFC do popcorn chicken meal?
Regular Popcorn Chicken Meal
Popcorn chicken with regular Signature fries & a drink. Get poppin’.