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KFC, formerly Kentucky Fried Chicken, is the world's second largest restaurant chain by sales behind only McDonald's. It's become synonymous with fast-food fried chicken, but it offers additional options for the fast-food consumer.

In this article, I'll go through every item on KFC's menu. I'll provide all the relevant information and guidance to help you decide what to eat at KFC. As a fast-food connoisseur, I've sacrificed my arteries and blood pressure to help you enjoy some finger lickin' good treats.

KFC Menu Items

I'll take you through the entire KFC menu and educate you about all of KFC's offerings. For each item I’ll provide the following information:

• Cost
• Rating (0-5 drumsticks)
• Description
• Review
• Nutritional Content

Keep in mind that prices and menu items can vary based on location. Based on your priorities, use the information I've given to guide your KFC order.

Furthermore, I’ve separated the menu items into different categories:

• Chicken
• Sandwiches
• Specialty Items
• Sides
• Desserts
• Sauces

KFC Chicken Items

Here are all the different types of chicken you can consume compliments of the Colonel. The smaller portions of chicken (2 pieces) are served as combo meals (with sides and a medium drink). You can look below for the details about the various combo meals.

Original Recipe

Description: The fried chicken that put KFC on the map. As its name indicates, this is the original fried chicken. It’s made with a “secret blend of 11 herbs and spices.

Cost: 8 pieces: $14.99, 12 pieces: $20,49, 16 pieces: $24.99

Rating: 3 drumsticks

Review: KFC’s Original Recipe fried chicken is tasty, but it’s not amazing, especially when compared to really good fried chicken. Because it’s rather greasy, the breading is on the soggy side and lacks crunch. However, the flavors are good, thanks to that secret blend of herbs and spices.

Nutritional Content: Based on one drumstick

Extra Crispy

Description: It’s the same as the Original Recipe, but it’s double breaded for extra crunch.

Cost: 8 pieces: $14.99, 12 pieces: $20.49, 16 pieces $24.99

Rating: 4 drumsticks

Review: My favorite part of fried chicken is the fried part, so I enjoy the double breading in the Extra Crispy chicken. Furthermore, the Extra Crispy addresses my main issue with the Original Recipe, which is that the grease makes the breading soggy. The additional breading withstands the grease better, so you can still get some crunch. Great addition to the KFC menu.

Nutritional Content: Based on one drumstick

Grilled Chicken

Description: The healthier alternative to the fried chicken. The grilled chicken is marinated, seasoned, and then grilled.

Cost: 8 pieces: $14.99, 12 pieces: $20.49, 16 pieces: $24.99

Rating: 2.5 Drumsticks

Review: In my world, grilled chicken will never taste better than fried chicken. And the quality of chicken you’re getting from KFC is much more palatable in fried form. However, if you’re looking for a healthy option on KFC's menu, the grilled chicken isn’t all bad. It has some flavor and it’s not as rubbery as I expected. Basically, the grilled chicken can satisfy you, but it won’t make you happy.

Nutritional Content: Based on one drumstick

Popcorn Nuggets

Description: The KFC version of chicken nuggets

Cost: Popcorn Nuggets Large: $3.99

Rating: 5 Drumsticks

Review: If you like chicken nuggets, you’ll undoubtedly be pleased with the popcorn nuggets. Dare I say that KFC offers the best fast-food nugget. The Popcorn Nuggets offer the requisite crunch, the chicken is moist, and the breading to chicken ratio is on point. One of the best on the KFC menu.

Nutritional Content: Based on a large serving

Extra Crispy Tenders

Description: Double breaded strips of chicken breast meat

Cost: 3 Pc. $3.99, 6 Pc. $6.99, 12 Pc. $12.99

Rating: 4 Drumsticks

Review: If you want your Extra Crispy chicken without having to deal with bones, then this is the option for you. KFC tenders have good crunch, but the chicken with the bone is more moist. However, the delicious breading and the convenience of eating the chicken in boneless form make the Extra Crispy Tenders one of the best items on the KFC menu.

Nutritional Content: Based on one tender

KFC Sandwiches

Getting your chicken in sandwich form makes it easier to eat in the car and adds more complex flavors in a single bite. And bread is good. These are the sandwiches on the KFC menu.

Doublicious

Description: A boneless breast of Original Recipe chicken with bacon, Monterey Jack, and Colonel’s sauce on a sweet Hawaiian bun

Cost: Doublicious Sandwich Combo (with side and a medium drink): $5.99

Rating: 3 Drumsticks

Review: While this sandwich isn’t bad, it’s somewhat unremarkable. It’s like your standard fast-food chicken sandwich. None of the individual ingredients is great, but the sandwich tastes pretty good. The chicken and bacon could use more crisp. The cheese is bland, and the sweet Hawaiian bun isn’t that sweet. The Colonel’s sauce is like a ranch with a bit of a kick. You’ll get more flavor and better chicken from the tenders, popcorn chicken, or Extra Crispy.

Nutritional Content: Based on one sandwich

Chicken Littles

Description: Chicken tenders, pickles, and mayo on a sweet bun

Cost: 2 Chicken Littles Combo (with a side and medium drink): $5.19

Rating: 4 Drumsticks

Review: The Chicken Littles are pretty simple and pretty spectacular. The chicken in the sandwich is the Extra Crispy Tenders, and the chicken and the pickles provide some nice crunch. The mayo adds some additional flavor. Even though the bread isn’t as sweet as you would expect from a “sweet bun,” bread is always good. My main complaint with the Chicken Littles are that they’re too small.

Nutritional Content: Based on one sandwich

KFC Specialty Items

KFC offers a couple of unique entrees. If you're craving something a little different from just chicken or a chicken sandwich, then here are a couple of options for you.

KFC Famous Bowl

Description: Mashed potatoes, corn, and chunks of fried chicken layered together and drizzled with gravy. Topped with three types of shredded cheese.

Cost: (with chocolate chip cookie and medium drink) $5.00

Rating: 1.5 Drumsticks

Review: Call me a traditionalist, but I don’t think all these foods belong in the same bowl. Individually, none of these ingredients is exceptional and I don’t think they all work together. If you want small pieces of fried chicken, you’re better off going with the Popcorn Nuggets and a side dish. On the bright side, having only one bowl with all these items cuts down on waste. So the KFC Famous Bowl may be environmentally friendly even if it’s not taste bud friendly. One of the worst items on the KFC menu.

Nutritional Content: Based on an individual serving

Pot Pie

Description: Chicken, diced potatoes, peas, and carrots covered in a savory sauce and baked in a golden crust

Cost: (with chocolate chip cookie and medium drink) $5.00

Rating: 3 Drumsticks

Review: The KFC Pot Pie is a small step up from your traditional microwaveable chicken pot pie. The flavors are solid, and you get a well-balanced bite with the flaky crust, rich sauce, chicken, and vegetables. However, I always think you should stick to the staples at any fast-food establishment. If you’re going to indulge in an unhealthy meal at KFC, you’re better off with the fried chicken.

Nutritional Content: Based on an individual serving

KFC Sides

The KFC menu includes more sides than that of your average fast-food restaurant, but only a couple of them are worth ordering.

Biscuits

Description: Just plain ol’ biscuits

Cost: $1.49

Rating: 4.5 Drumsticks

Review: If you grew up on homemade biscuits, maybe you won’t love the KFC version, but these are some extremely satisfying fast-food biscuits. They’re flaky, rich, and soft. To me, the KFC biscuits are a perfect complement to the crispy chicken.

Nutritional Content: Based on a side order (2 biscuits)

Seasoned Potato Wedges

Description: Thick, fried wedges of potatoes with herbs and spices

Cost: Individual: $1.99, Large: 3.79

Rating: 4 Drumsticks

Review: The seasoned potato wedges are a nice twist on the typical fast food french fry. The wedges have a nice crunch, and the seasoning gives them some extra flavor. However, they’re a tad on the salty side, so beware if you have a sensitive palate - you might get a lighter option from the KFC sides.

Nutritional Content: Based on a side order

Mac and Cheese

Description: Elbow macaroni covered in a cheddar cheese sauce

Cost: Individual $1.99, Large $3.79

Rating: 3.5 Drumsticks

Review: It’s not the best mac and cheese, but even a bad mac and cheese tastes pretty good. The cheddar sauce could be a little more creamy, but it has a quality cheddar flavor. The macaroni is a good size and texture for mac and cheese.

Nutritional Content: Based on an individual side order

Mashed Potatoes and Gravy

Description: Mashed potatoes covered with gravy

Cost: Individual $1.99, Large $3.79

Rating: 3 Drumsticks

Review: Personally, I like my mashed potatoes more velvety, and the gravy lacks flavor. However, the KFC mashed potatoes and gravy don’t taste bad. You’ll still get some carbs and taste, but your family would probably be upset with you if you brought a KFC side for Thanksgiving dinner.

Nutritional Content: Based on an individual side order

Whole Kernel Corn

Description: Sweet yellow corn off the cob and in a bowl

Cost: Individual $1.99, Large $3.79

Rating: 2.5 Drumsticks

Review: The KFC corn is a much healthier side option, but it doesn’t have much taste or flavor. If you’re just looking for some extra nutrients, then the corn isn’t bad, but it’s not your best option if you want to satisfy your taste buds.

Nutritional Content: Based on an individual serving

Coleslaw

Description: Coleslaw made with cabbage, carrots, onions, and KFC signature dressing

Cost: Individual $1.79, Large $3.79

Rating: 3 Drumsticks

Review: The coleslaw is a bit bland, but it offers some nice texture and some vegetables. However, even though you get your fill of vegetables with the cole slaw, the dressing makes it not nearly as healthy as many would assume. In fact, it has more fat than the biscuits or the mac and cheese.

Nutritional Content: Based on an individual side

Green Beans

Description: Warm, unseasoned green beans

Cost: Individual $1.99, Large $3.79

Rating: 1.5 Drumsticks

Review: Like the KFC corn, the green beans give you a healthy option, but they’re lacking in flavor. I can’t imagine a single soul preferring the taste of the green beans to that of the biscuits. But, the texture is fine and the green beans don’t have an unpleasant taste. Just minimal taste.

Nutritional Content: Based on an individual side

KFC Desserts

KFC only has two dessert options. They’re simple, but KFC has wisely stuck to chocolate desserts that are very hard to mess up. Occasionally, KFC will offer different flavors of cake like lemon and pumpkin, but the chocolate chip cake is the only permanent cake option on all KFC menus.

Chocolate-Chip Cookies

Description: Chocolate chip cookies baked at KFC

Cost: 3 for $1.29, 12 for $4.49

Rating: 4 Drumsticks

Review: The KFC cookies are a pleasant surprise. Because they’re baked at the restaurants, you get a warm center that oozes chocolate. They’re relatively light and moist. If you’re looking to truly treat yourself at KFC, get yourself some cookies.

Nutritional content: Based on one cookie

Chocolate Chip Cake

Description: A chocolate ring cake with chocolate chips baked inside and drizzled with white confectioner’s frosting

Cost: $3.99

Rating: 4.5 Drumsticks

Review: The cake is extremely moist. The chocolate chips add richness and the frosting provides some sweetness. I’d prefer the cake with some more chocolate chips, but this cake will satisfy chocolate lovers and those that have a sweet tooth. For me, this is the winner KFC dessert.

Nutritional Content: Based on one slice

KFC Sauces

KFC has a variety of sauces you can use to enhance the flavor of your chicken. These are the available sauces at KFC:

• Finger Lickin’ Good Sauce- A mayonnaise-like sauce that has a little sweet and spice.
• Summertime BBQ- A bold barbecue sauce with big tomato flavor.
• Honey Mustard- A sweeter honey mustard sauce. It goes well with the Tenders.
• Creamy Buffalo- A mix of hot wing sauce and creamy Ranch. I recommend them with the Popcorn Nuggets.
• Sweet ‘N Tangy- The KFC version of sweet and sour.
• Buttermilk Ranch- It tastes like a classic Ranch to me.

Beverages

These are the KFC beverage options and prices.

KFC Combo Meals

One thing that separates KFC from other fast food restaurants is the quantity of combination meals. Not only can you buy individual meals, but you can buy family meals if you want to feed multiple people or you’d like leftovers. Most meals come with at least one side and a medium drink. Here are the various individual combo meal options on the KFC menu.

Big Box Meals

Big Box Meals include individual mashed potatoes with gravy, coleslaw, biscuit, and medium drink. As the name indicates, these are larger meals.

Bucket Meals

These are your family style meals that serve multiple people. You can feed the fam, frat house, or buy yourself dinner for the week.

$5 Fill Ups

KFC also offers some smaller combo meals, all for five dollars.

Kids’ Meals

KFC doesn’t neglect the children, but you won’t get a toy with your kid’s meal.

What Should You Order Off the KFC Menu?

When deciding what to order at KFC, there are a number of factors to consider to maximize your KFC experience. Here are the questions you need to answer to decide the best KFC food for you:

How do you like your chicken?

For entrees, KFC just offers different forms of chicken. Do you like your chicken with or without bones? Do you prefer your chicken in tender or nugget form? Do you like your chicken extra crispy or is that too much breading for you? Do you want chicken by itself or do you prefer a chicken sandwich?

Answering these questions will lead you to your ideal KFC order. For example, if you want a crispy chicken sandwich, then the Chicken Little would be a good option for you.

How hungry are you?

At KFC, this is an important question to ask because portion sizes vary tremendously. Consider the size of your appetite when placing your order. Personally, I think a Big Box Meal should do the trick when you’re really hungry. For a normal size meal, any of the combos should satisfy you. If you only want a snack, I’d go with a Chicken Little, Tenders, or Popcorn Nuggets.

Are you trying to be healthy?

The healthy options aren’t great at KFC, but they exist. For the health-conscious folks, you’re going to want to stick to grilled chicken, green beans, and corn. If you’re with somebody else who’s eating the unhealthy options, you’ll probably be jealous.

Are you trying to be economical?

If you’re trying to save money, first consider how many people you’re feeding. If you’re feeding a family, you’ll probably save some money by getting a bucket of chicken or a bucket meal as opposed to ordering individual meals for each person. If you’re just getting food for yourself, the $5 Fill Ups offer the best value.

Are you eating in the car?

If you’re eating while driving, it’s a bit challenging to eat bone-in chicken. You’ll probably have the easiest time with Popcorn Nuggets, Tenders, or a chicken sandwich. In terms of sides, go for ones that don’t require a fork like the Wedges and biscuits.

One word of caution: If you’re eating in the car, be careful with the sauces. You don’t want your seats to end up smelling like Ranch.