The beloved bite-sized favorite returns nationwide with new meal options and a social media twist

For years, KFC customers flooded social media with one simple request: Bring back Popcorn Chicken.

Now, after more than three years off the menu, the fast-food chain has answered that call. KFC announced the nationwide return of its iconic Popcorn Chicken, reviving one of the restaurant’s most requested menu items in recent memory.

Originally introduced in the early 1990s, Popcorn Chicken quickly became a favorite among fans who appreciated its crispy, bite-sized pieces that were perfect for dipping, sharing, or enjoying as a quick snack. The menu item disappeared from restaurants in 2023, sparking years of online petitions, comments, and customer requests asking for its return.

According to KFC, those voices did not go unheard.

“We read every comment, every DM, and even every online petition signature,” said Melissa Cash, Chief Marketing Officer for KFC U.S. “The message was impossible to ignore.”

The company says the return is part of its broader “Kentucky Fried Comeback” strategy, which focuses on reconnecting with longtime fans while introducing new ways for customers to engage with the brand.

Three Ways to Enjoy Popcorn Chicken

Customers can now order Popcorn Chicken in several different formats, while supplies last:

• $10 Popcorn Chicken Bucket – A 16-ounce bucket served with four dipping sauces, designed for sharing.
• Popcorn Chicken Big Box ($10.99) – Includes 6 ounces of Popcorn Chicken, two Original Recipe Tenders, medium fries, a medium drink, two dipping sauces, and a chocolate chunk cookie.
• Popcorn Chicken Combo ($8.49) – Features 6 ounces of Popcorn Chicken, medium fries, a medium drink, and one dipping sauce.

Prices and participation may vary by location.

More Than a Menu Item

KFC isn’t just bringing back the food—it is also embracing internet culture.

To celebrate the return, the company partnered with GIPHY to launch a collection of exclusive Popcorn Chicken-themed GIFs featuring Colonel Sanders. The animated reactions are designed to appear alongside the familiar “grab the popcorn” moments that dominate social media during sporting events, reality television, and other viral moments.

The campaign reflects how restaurants are increasingly extending product launches beyond the dining room by engaging customers through social media and digital platforms.

The Power of Nostalgia

The return of Popcorn Chicken highlights a growing trend across the restaurant industry: the revival of discontinued menu favorites.

Major restaurant chains have increasingly found success bringing back nostalgic products after years of customer demand. Limited-time returns often generate excitement on social media while encouraging longtime customers to revisit the brand.

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For KFC, Popcorn Chicken represents more than just another menu option—it is a reminder of a product that helped define the chain for an entire generation of customers.

Whether enjoyed as a quick snack, paired with fries, or shared with family and friends, fans once again have the chance to enjoy one of KFC’s most recognizable comfort foods.

The returning menu item is available now at participating KFC restaurants nationwide while supplies last.

Why This Matters

The revival of Popcorn Chicken demonstrates how customer feedback—especially through social media—can directly influence menu decisions. Rather than relying solely on introducing new products, brands are increasingly looking to nostalgia and fan favorites to reconnect with loyal customers while attracting a new generation of diners.

Related Links

• KFC Official Website
• Yum! Brands
• GIPHY

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(Family Features) If you’re in a tight spot for a last-minute potluck barbecue, don’t just throw together any salad. This Queso Cheese Corn Salad features a zesty homemade dressing and a salad base with a bit of heat (if you dare). Discover more cookout recipes by visiting Culinary.net.

Queso Cheese Corn Salad

Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”
Servings: 4-6

Dressing:

• 2          limes, juice only
• 1/4       cup mayo
• 1          pinch salt
• 1          tablespoon sugar

• 2          cans whole corn, drained
• 1          cup chopped bell pepper
• 1/4       cup chopped red onion (optional)
• 1          hot pepper (optional)
• 1          cup shredded queso cheese
• freshly chopped cilantro, for garnish

1. To make dressing: In bowl, mix lime juice, mayo, salt and sugar.
2. In separate large bowl, mix corn; bell pepper; onion, if desired; hot pepper, if desired; and queso cheese.
3. Pour dressing over corn mixture and mix well. Top with cilantro.

SOURCE:
Culinary.net

What’s your favorite food, recipe, or dining spot? Tell us in the comments! Then subscribe to the STM Daily News Food and Drink newsletter for fresh recipes, restaurant news, food trends, and delicious stories delivered straight to your inbox. Join our growing community of food lovers today!

(Feature Impact) When life gets busy, your home should be a place of reprieve, not extra stress – and that includes your kitchen. If you’re juggling work, chores, errands, hobbies, studies, a social life, caretaking or the other million-and-one things keeping your schedule full right now, the idea of spending an hour putting together a home-cooked meal might sound exhausting or downright impossible.

In seasons like this, rather than waiting for a table at your favorite restaurant or standing in line for takeout, turn to quick, easy recipes that offer nutritional balance and don’t skimp on flavor. By using pre-seasoned Minute Rice Cups – like the new, crave-worthy Garlic Parmesan to satisfy comfort cravings and Veggie Stir-Fry that lets you enjoy the flavor of takeout without the wait – you can have a flavorful base for your meals ready in 1 minute. You won’t even have to pull out the rice cooker or go scrounging in the spice cabinet.

If you’re craving a savory, cheesy dinner, this high-protein Garlic Parmesan Rice and Shrimp Skillet, ready in only 6 minutes, is an ideal choice for busy home chefs searching for that elusive balance between simple and sophisticated. Plus, the recipe can easily be adapted to your household’s tastes; try tossing some spinach or chickpeas into the skillet or swapping the shrimp for chicken or tofu.

To enjoy takeout flavors without the trip, opt for this restaurant-inspired Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe. Savor the umami notes of soy sauce and enjoy the convenience of tender onions, carrots and peas mixed into the stir-fry rice cup that forms the base of your meal. The toppings are what give this recipe its deconstructed egg roll vibe: flavorful sauteed cabbage joins crunchy wonton strips and a protein of choice for a bowl that comes together in just 20 minutes.

For more meal ideas to keep you going when life is moving quickly, visit MinuteRice.com.

Garlic Parmesan Rice and Shrimp Skillet

Prep time: 1 minute

Cook time: 5 minutes

Servings: 1-2

• 1          Minute Garlic Parmesan Rice Cup
  
• 1          tablespoon olive oil
  
• 8          ounces large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  
• 1          tablespoon lemon juice
  
• 1/4       teaspoon red pepper flakes
  
• 1          tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  
• lemon wedges, for garnish (optional)

1. Heat rice according to package directions.
2. In medium skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add shrimp to skillet and cook until pink, about 3 minutes. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
3. In same skillet, add rice, lemon juice and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and heat through, 1 minute. Return shrimp and stir to combine.
4. Garnish with parsley. Squeeze lemon wedge over top, if desired, and serve.

Substitution: Use sauteed mushrooms or crispy tofu to make vegetarian.

Egg Roll in a Bowl

Prep time: 2 minutes

Cook time: 18 minutes

Servings: 2

• 1          Minute Veggie Stir-Fry Rice Cup
  
• 1/2       pound ground turkey or pork
  
• 1          cup coleslaw mix
  
• 1          garlic clove, minced
  
• 2          tablespoons soy sauce
  
• 1          teaspoon ginger, freshly grated
  
• 1/2       teaspoon sesame oil
  
• 1/2       cup fried wonton strips
  
• 2          tablespoons sweet and sour sauce

1. Heat rice according to package directions.
2. In large pan, cook meat over medium heat 10 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease.
3. Add coleslaw, garlic, soy sauce, ginger and sesame oil to pan. Cook 8 minutes, or until coleslaw is softened. Add rice during final 4 minutes.
4. Top with wonton strips, drizzle sweet and sour sauce and serve.

Tip: To add more vegetables, try mushrooms, bell peppers, snap peas or green onions. For extra spice, drizzle on sriracha or hot sauce of choice.

SOURCE:

Minute Rice

🍴 What’s your favorite food, recipe, or dining spot? Tell us in the comments! Then subscribe to the STM Daily News Food and Drink newsletter for fresh recipes, restaurant news, food trends, and delicious stories delivered straight to your inbox. Join our growing community of food lovers today!