KFC wants people to know that the chicken sandwich wars are old news.
But that doesn’t mean that competition between quick-service and fast-casual restaurants has also stagnated.
This week, KFC has announced the beginning of the “chicken tenders battle,” to which the chain drew first blood with the introduction of the new KFC Original Recipe Tenders. The chain describes them as “so juicy, so crispy and so packed with flavor.” The tenders are also double-hand-breaded, using KFC’s famous blend of 11 herbs and spices.
KFC customers can now for $5 get an Original Recipe Tenders Box with three KFC Original Recipe Tenders, Secret Recipe Fries and two of KFC's signature sauces:
- Comeback Sauce: A creamy, zesty, craveable sauce that pairs with KFC’s Original Recipe fried chicken.
- Sticky Chicky: A balanced combination of sweet and tangy flavors including pineapple, garlic, vinegar and chili.
- KFC Sauce: A smoky blend of tangy and sweet flavors.
"We know consumers crave bold flavor and chicken tenders are a familiar favorite – that's why we're proudly proclaiming the deliciousness of our new tenders seasoned with our secret recipe of 11 herbs & spices. Nothing hits like the unmatched flavor of KFC's Original Recipe," said Catherine Tan-Gillespie, Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Development Officer, KFC U.S. "And with an unbeatable $5 deal, we think you'll agree our new tenders are poised to win the chicken tender battle."
KFC is also taking the battle right to the doorsteps of its competitors by surprising and delighting lucky onlookers with free Original Recipe Tenders on Thursday, October 17 in the carefully selected cities of Baton Rouge, New Orleans and Atlanta (while supplies last).
In other chicken foodservice news:
- Chickie's & Pete's, the Official Sports Bar of the Philadelphia Eagles, is collaborated with Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown. To craft a brand-new wing flavor: A.J. Brown's "Sweet Heat" wings. The wings are being touted as featuring an irresistible blend of sweet and spicy and reflecting the wide receiver's roots at Ole Miss and his fiery, competitive spirit. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of Sweet Heat wings will benefit The A.J. Brown Foundation, which focuses on empowering underprivileged youth.
- Zaxby’s will make its debut in Maryland with three new locations. Franchise co-owners Curtis and Teresa Snyder, along with Teresa's father, Thomas Mitchell, have signed a territory agreement to open three locations along Maryland's Eastern Shore. The first Zaxby’s in Maryland is slated to open in Cambridge in late 2025, with additional locations in Easton and West Ocean City/Berlin to follow.
- Fast casual chicken salad restaurant Chicken Salad Chick is opening new locations in Coralville, Iowa, and Millington, Tennessee. The Coralville restaurant is the first Chicken Salad Chick to open in Iowa.