Kentucky Fried Chicken, more commonly known as KFC, is one of the world’s largest fast food chicken chains. While they are best known for their original recipe fried chicken, KFC does in fact offer chicken sandwiches on their menu. Let’s take a closer look at KFC’s chicken sandwich offerings.
KFC Chicken Sandwiches
Yes, KFC does make chicken sandwiches. They offer a few different varieties of chicken sandwiches, including:
- Crispy Colonel Chicken Sandwich
- Spicy Crispy Colonel Chicken Sandwich
- Georgia Gold Chicken Sandwich
The Crispy Colonel Chicken Sandwich features an extra crispy chicken fillet topped with mayonnaise and lettuce on a toasted bun. The Spicy Crispy Colonel adds a spicy fried chicken fillet and mayo. The Georgia Gold Chicken Sandwich has a fillet coated in Georgia Gold honey mustard BBQ sauce, mayo, lettuce, and tomato.
Nutrition Information
Here is the nutrition information for KFC’s chicken sandwiches:
Sandwich | Calories | Fat (g) | Carbs (g) | Protein (g) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Crispy Colonel | 420 | 24 | 33 | 14 |
Spicy Crispy Colonel | 460 | 28 | 31 | 14 |
Georgia Gold | 540 | 26 | 41 | 14 |
As you can see, KFC’s chicken sandwiches range from 420-540 calories. They are high in fat, moderate in carbs from the bun, and provide 14g of protein per sandwich.
History of the KFC Chicken Sandwich
While fried chicken has always been KFC’s signature menu item, they didn’t add chicken sandwiches to their menus until the 1980s. The earliest chicken sandwich was simply called the Chicken Sandwich – a fried chicken fillet with lettuce and mayo on a bun. Here are some key moments in the history of KFC’s chicken sandwiches:
- 1982 – KFC introduces the Chicken Sandwich nationally for the first time
- 1989 – The Chicken Littles sandwich debuts – a smaller version with 1/3 the meat
- 1991 – The Twister is introduced – a chicken sandwich with a peppery mayo
- 2009 – Kentucky Grilled Chicken sandwich is added as a grilled option
- 2012 – Original Recipe Chicken Sandwich replaces the original Chicken Sandwich
- 2013 – The Go Cup sandwich is launched – designed to be eaten on the go
- 2016 – The Colonel’s Crispy Chicken Sandwich is added
- 2019 – New Crispy Colonel Sandwich introduced, replacing the Colonel’s Crispy sandwich
As you can see, KFC has innovated with different chicken sandwich recipes and concepts over the years, but they didn’t offer an original recipe chicken sandwich until 2012.
How KFC’s Chicken Sandwiches Are Made
KFC’s famous original recipe chicken also forms the foundation for their chicken sandwiches. Here is how they make them:
- Chicken fillets are coated in the signature blend of 11 herbs and spices
- Fillets are double breaded in flour then pressure fried until golden brown
- Buns are toasted until warm
- Mayonnaise, lettuce, and other toppings are added
- The fried chicken fillet is placed on the bottom bun
- The top bun and other toppings are added to finish the sandwich
While the original recipe breading is always used, the cooking method and toppings vary slightly for different sandwiches. The Georgia Gold chicken is cooked the same but with a honey mustard barbecue sauce. The grilled chicken sandwich has a marinated, grilled fillet instead.
Where to Buy KFC Chicken Sandwiches
KFC chicken sandwiches are available at all KFC restaurant locations. They can be purchased in-store, via the drive-thru, and in many regions via the KFC app or website for takeout or delivery.
KFC has over 26,000 restaurants worldwide, including over 4,000 in the United States. So their chicken sandwiches should be widely available at locations near you.
The availability of specific chicken sandwiches may vary by location. The classics like the Crispy Colonel and Georgia Gold are available nationwide, but newer or limited-time options may only be offered regionally or temporarily.
Chicken Sandwich Competitors
KFC’s main competitors in the fast food chicken sandwich space include:
- Chick-fil-A – Specializes in chicken sandwiches like the original and spicy chicken sandwiches
- McDonald’s – Offers the classic McDonald’s Chicken Sandwich and newer Crispy Chicken Sandwich
- Wendy’s – Known for sandwiches like the Classic Chicken Sandwich and Spicy Chicken Sandwich
- Burger King – Sells several broiled chicken sandwiches like the BK Chicken Sandwich and Spicy Ch’King sandwich
- Popeye’s – Popular for the Popeye’s Chicken Sandwich in classic and spicy options
While KFC is large, Chick-fil-A and McDonald’s have an even larger presence in the US and sell more chicken sandwiches than KFC annually. But among fried chicken chains, KFC is the largest globally.
Popularity of KFC Chicken Sandwiches
While chicken sandwiches make up a relatively small percentage of KFC’s menu compared to their signature buckets and pieces of fried chicken, they have remained a popular menu item over the years.
In 2021, KFC chicken sandwiches were ordered over 250 million times globally. The Crispy Colonel sandwich is reported to be KFC’s most popular chicken sandwich in the US.
When KFC introduces new riffs on the chicken sandwich, they generate added buzz and interest. For example, the limited-time Kentucky Fried Chicken & Donuts Sandwich that was tested in 2019 and 2020 became an internet sensation that brought customers in to try it.
Why KFC Chicken Sandwiches are Popular
There are several reasons why customers have flocked to KFC’s chicken sandwiches over the years:
- Nostalgia and cravings for the classic KFC fried chicken flavor
- Convenience and portability of a sandwich versus buckets or bone-in chicken
- KFC special seasoning that sets their fried chicken apart from competitors
- Crunchy, crisp texture of the double breaded chicken fillet
- A chicken sandwich option at a trusted, well-known chain
- Reasonable prices – they are affordable compared to other restaurant sandwiches
Chicken sandwiches also allow KFC to compete in a fast food menu segment that has grown exponentially in popularity and demand over the past two decades.
Reviews of KFC Chicken Sandwiches
Reviews of KFC’s chicken sandwiches by customers have generally been positive. They are well liked for bringing the traditional KFC flavor in a sandwich format. Here are some common pros and cons mentioned in chicken sandwich reviews:
Pros
- Crispy, juicy chicken with great KFC seasoning flavor
- Sandwiches are filling
- Good value for the price
- Convenient, quick meal option
- Buns are soft and toasted
Cons
- Breading can sometimes fall off the chicken
- Sandwiches are high in calories, fat, and sodium
- Chicken can occasionally be overcooked and dry
- Smaller than sandwiches at some competing chains
While not perfect, KFC chicken sandwiches generally offer the tasty fried chicken customers crave at an affordable price point. With some improvements to consistency and quality, they could compete even stronger in the crowded chicken sandwich market.
Future of KFC Chicken Sandwiches
Chicken sandwiches are now an integral part of KFC’s menu and that is likely to continue. Customers should expect ongoing innovation and new flavors when it comes to KFC chicken sandwiches.
Some possible future innovations include:
- More limited-time specialty sandwiches – KFC will continue releasing stunt sandwiches like the Chicken & Donuts that generate buzz
- Spicy and kickin’ chicken sandwiches – capitalizing on the spicy food trend
- Value combo deals – chicken sandwich meals at discounted prices
- LTOs tied to holidays or current pop culture
- Expanded vegan and vegetarian options
- Fresh, modernized ingredients and toppings
KFC will also likely optimize their chicken sandwiches for convenience – making them even easier to eat on the go to meet the needs of busy consumers. Delivery, mobile ordering, and drive-thru pick up will be key focus areas.
Conclusion
KFC’s chicken sandwiches offer a way for the chain to put their signature fried chicken in sandwich form. While sales volume is lower compared to their buckets and chicken pieces, the sandwiches have become an important menu item over the past 40 years.
The sandwiches deliver the distinctive, crispy KFC flavor fans love at a reasonable price point. Positive reviews and continued demand for chicken sandwiches mean KFC is likely to keep innovating and releasing new variations into the future. The Colonel’s famous original recipe chicken combined with sandwich convenience ensures that chicken sandwiches will remain an integral part of the KFC menu.