KFC is taking popcorn chicken to new heights. Though the dish name has traditionally been used to describe bite-sized pieces of chicken that have been breaded and fried, the chain that originally developed the meal is changing things up by taking the moniker literally.
Known as Popcorn Crispy Chicken, this unique menu item, which is only slated to be around for a limited time, is chicken that has been breaded with popcorn bits (not the standard breadcrumb mixture) and then fried. According to Brand Eating, the dish is also served with a “caramel-flavored” sauce designed to be poured over the meal for a sweet and salty experience.
Unfortunately for us in the United States, the item is only currently available at KFC outposts in Hong Kong. Per KFC Hong Kong’s website, this new take on chicken, which made its debut about a month ago, can be purchased on its own or as part of a value meal. In fact, the chain is currently offering a deal that gets you two pieces of the chicken (a thigh and a drumstick) mashed potatoes with gravy, and a soft drink for approximately $6.
Furthermore, should you have room for dessert, KFC Hong Kong also recently unveiled the Caramel Popcorn Sundae, which is essentially a small KFC bucket filled with vanilla soft serve that has been topped with caramel sauce and pieces of caramel corn. Basically, it’s the perfect compliment to the “caramel-flavored” sauce that’s served alongside the popcorn chicken.
While there is no word yet regarding whether Popcorn Crispy Chicken will be debuting stateside anytime soon, the sweet and savory dish is somewhat similar to the chicken and waffles combo that is increasingly popular in America. Speaking of that food duo, KFC’s version of the southern staple returned to national menus on March 23 and will remain available until Monday, April 29.
KFC first revealed its take on chicken and waffles in November 2018 and it proved to be immensely popular, hence the quick return. “We expected people would love Kentucky Fried Chicken & Waffles when we launched it in 2018,” said chief marketing officer of KFC U.S., Andrea Zahumensky, at the time. ”But we underestimated how much love there would be, so we’re bringing it back just four months later.”
