KFC posts, 'Popcorn Chicken is back. Now lay off us,' after bringing back nostalgic menu item nationwide three years after it disappeared

After days of teasing fans across social media and more than three years of relentless customer requests, KFC has brought back its long-awaited Popcorn Chicken to restaurants nationwide. The nationwide relaunch marks the return of one of KFC's most requested menu items. First introduced in the early 1990s, Popcorn Chicken quickly developed a loyal following before disappearing from menus in 2023.

According to the company, customers never stopped asking for it, prompting KFC to bring it back as part of its ongoing "Kentucky Fried Comeback" strategy. Following the launch, KFC celebrated with a social media post featuring a bucket of Popcorn Chicken and the caption: "POPCORN CHICKEN IS BACK. NOW LAY OFF US."

Customers drove KFC Popcorn Chicken comeback

KFC said the decision to revive Popcorn Chicken was based on years of customer feedback collected through social media comments, direct messages and even online petitions.

"For years, KFC has heard directly from fans clamoring for Popcorn Chicken's return. We read every comment, every DM, and even every online petition signature, and the message was impossible to ignore," said Melissa Cash, Chief Marketing Officer, KFC US.

"As we continue our Kentucky Fried Comeback journey, this menu item return shows our commitment to listening to our most passionate fans by giving them exactly what they're craving. We're nodding to nostalgia as we simultaneously modernize the brand and how it shows up throughout the world."

One customer who had repeatedly urged KFC to revive Popcorn Chicken became part of the campaign after the brand turned her persistent comments into a song, posting the video with the caption, "ngl kendra, your comments are kinda catchy."

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Three new KFC Popcorn Chicken meal options

Starting Monday, July 13, customers can order KFC Popcorn Chicken nationwide while supplies last through three different offerings. The $10 Popcorn Chicken Bucket includes a 16-ounce serving of Popcorn Chicken with four dipping sauces and is designed for sharing.

Customers can also choose the Popcorn Chicken Big Box, which includes 6 ounces of Popcorn Chicken, two Original Recipe Tenders, medium fries, a medium drink, two dipping sauces and a chocolate chunk cookie for $10.99.

For those looking for a smaller meal, the Popcorn Chicken Combo includes 6 ounces of Popcorn Chicken, medium fries, a medium drink and one dipping sauce for $8.49.

KFC expands the celebration beyond the menu

The company is also extending the launch through digital content. Partnering with GIPHY, KFC has introduced a collection of exclusive Popcorn Chicken GIFs featuring Colonel Sanders, giving fans new reaction GIFs for sports, reality TV and other pop culture moments where people would typically post a popcorn meme.

KFC said the timing of the relaunch is intentional, positioning Popcorn Chicken as the perfect snack for summer sporting events, reality television and other moments that make people say, "grab the popcorn."

KFC Popcorn Chicken is available at participating KFC locations across the United States for a limited time and while supplies last, a KFC press release said.