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KFC, the Colonel’s fast-food empire, is synonymous with finger-lickin’ good fried chicken. But over the years, the menu has seen its fair share of departures. From beloved classics to curious creations, these discontinued items hold a special place in the hearts (and stomachs) of many.
Popcorn Chicken (1992-2023)
These bite-sized, all-white-meat nuggets offered a delightful alternative to traditional wings. They launched in 1992, and have been taken off and put back on the menu numerous times. They were available as recently as 2023. They were once again removed from the menu to make way for the all-white nuggets Their absence leaves a void for those seeking a finger-food fix.
Chicken Littles (A Fond Memory from the 80s)
In 1987, KFC launched these dear “little” sandwiches. They were a steal at $0.39 and continue to be a source of outrage for fans who miss their affordability and convenience. They did reboot the Chicken Little’s over the years, in 2012, and again in 2019.
Chicken Wings (Early 2000’s, On and Off, 2023):
While our international counterparts can still enjoy them, American fans are left longing for the messy joy of saucy wings. They first came about in the early 2000’s, and have seen multiple cycles of being taken off and put back on the menu again. Sometimes in different forms, like the Honey BBQ boneless wings. An updated version of the Wings reappeared in 2023 but weren’t the same as the original ones.
KFC recently launched Saucy Nuggets with several flavors of sauces to order, including Honey BBQ.
Potato Wedges (Last Seen in 2020)
These chunky wedges, perfect for dipping in gravy, were introduced in the early 90’s. They were a hearty and satisfying side option with a deliciously fried exterior Their departure in 2020 left a gap for those who preferred them over fries.
KFC Snacker (Early 2000’s to 2014)
This mini-sandwich debuted as an affordable option and the perfect item for anyone on-the-go. It featured a fried chicken cutlet with shredded lettuce and pepper mayonnaise on a seeded bun. It was originally made with ZInger sauce. The Chicken Little reboot would come after the Snacker’s demise.
KFC Double Down (2010-2014, 2023)
This outrageous sandwich launched nationwide after a test run in Nebraska and Rhode Island. It replaced bread with two deep-fried chicken patties, encasing cheese, bacon, and sauce. By the end of 2014, it had been discontinued. A cult classic for its boldness, it was ultimately a victim of its over-the-top nature.
There is hope though because it came back in 2023 for a limited-time. And it can happen again.
KFC Ribs & Country Fried Ribs (1974-1980’s
These succulent ribs were a finger-lickin’ good departure from chicken, offering a taste of barbecue at KFC. There was also a Country Fried version. Both were discontinued sometime in the 1980’s.
Note: The ribs made an appearance in Scotland as recently as 2016. And KFC in the UK also sold spare ribs in the 80’s.
Little Bucket of Parfaits (1969-2012:
These miniature parfaits, featuring layers of graham cracker crust, chocolate pudding, whipped cream, and sprinkles, were a delightful and convenient sweet treat, served in little plastic containers They had Strawberry Shortcake, Lemon Creme, and Chocolate Creme. In 2012, they were discontinued, and haven’t been seen since.
Honorable Mentions:
- Chicken Liver & Gizzards: Popular in the 60’s, Low demand saw this one phase out around 2006. There are however, a handful of locations that still offer them. Mainly in the Appalachian areas.
- Kentucky Roast Beef: KFC dabbled in roast beef for a short while! In the late 1960s, they launched Kentucky Roast Beef and Ham as a spin-off chain. They offered roast beef sandwiches, advertised as “beef beyond belief,” alongside smoked ham options. While customers seemed to enjoy the roast beef, the concept never quite caught on, fizzling out inside of two years.
This list barely scratches the surface of KFC’s culinary graveyard. From breakfast biscuits to flavored lemonades, many items have met their demise. While change is inevitable, these discontinued dishes continue to spark nostalgia and inspire online petitions for their return. Perhaps one day, the Colonel will answer our calls and bring back a taste of the past.
