They’re reviving some 90s “pop” culture.
KFC is catering to nosh-talgic fast food fans by dusting off a cult classic dish from the late 20th century — popcorn chicken.
On Monday, July 13, the red and white chicken chain started serving the crispy protein nuggets, marking a triumphant return for the fan-favorite food, per a press release.
Originally debuting in the 1990s, Popcorn Chicken graced KFC menus until it was discontinued in 2023.
By that point, this donut hole-ified fried chicken had earned a massive cult following, with the dish’s diehards flocking to social media to demand its return.
So, by pop-ular demand, the chicken conglomerate decided to bring it back.
“For years, KFC has heard directly from fans clamoring for Popcorn Chicken’s return,” said Melissa Cash, Chief Marketing Officer, KFC US. “We read every comment, every DM, and even every online petition signature, and the message was impossible to ignore.”
She added, “As we continue our Kentucky Fried Comeback journey, this menu item’s return shows our commitment to listening to our most passionate fans by giving them exactly what they’re craving.”
The repast will be resurrected in three different finger-lickin’ good forms: A 16 oz Popcorn Chicken Bucket with with four dipping sauces for $10; A Popcorn Chicken Big Box featuring 6 oz. of Popcorn Chicken, two tenders, a medium order of fries, a medium drink, two dipping sauces and a chocolate chunk cookie for $10.99; A Popcorn Chicken Combo with 6 oz of Popcorn Chicken with medium fries, a medium drink and one dipping sauce for $8.49.
These offerings will be available while supplies last.
To celebrate the renaissance, KFC has joined forces with Giphy to develop several GIFs, including some with Col. Sanders himself, that customers can use to express their excitement.
Suffice it to say, fans were over the moon about Popcorn Chicken’s second coming.
“I was JUST talking about how I missed popcorn chicken this morning,” chirped one commenter under an X post by KFC announcing the item’s revival.
Another wrote, “You have made my kid very happy. Thank you.”
“I used to pray for times like this,” said a third, while another exclaimed, “Times are healing.”
However, others excoriated the fast food giant for not reviving other culinary cult classics like the Double Down — a high-octane bacon and cheese sandwich with fried chicken slices pinch-hitting for buns.
It was discontinued in 2014.
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