KFC is declaring the chicken sandwich wars “old news,” and shifting its attention to the chicken tenders battle with the launch of its Original Recipe Tenders. The double hand-breaded tenders include KFC’s signature 11 herbs and spices.
The Original Recipe Tenders Box is now available for $5 and includes three new tenders, Secret Recipe Fries, and two of KFC’s signature sauces. There are three sauces from which to choose, including a new, zesty Comeback Sauce; Sticky Chicky, which combines sweet and tangy flavors such as pineapple, garlic, vinegar, and chile; and KFC Sauce, a blend of tangy and sweet flavors.
KFC began testing the new tenders a year ago in Cincinnati and surrounding areas. According to Claire Brandenburg, KFC’s product innovation manager, the Original Recipe tenders are different than the chain’s previous tenders because of the breading process. Both are double hand-breaded, but the current tenders go through the Extra Crispy breading system, while the tenders in test are put through the Original Recipe system. Before the company’s new nuggets were launched last year, only the company’s chicken on-the-bone products were breaded through the Original Recipe system.
To support the tenders’ launch, KFC’s new ad campaign features a satirical take on the ongoing “battles” in the quick-service category – from chicken sandwiches, to sauces, to value and now to tenders. KFC will also give away free Original Recipe Tenders on Thursday, Oct. 17 in Baton Rouge, La., New Orleans, and Atlanta (the birthplace and home of Chick-fil-A, respectively) while supplies last.
"We know consumers crave bold flavor and chicken tenders are a familiar favorite – that's why we're proudly proclaiming the deliciousness of our new tenders seasoned with our secret recipe of 11 herbs & spices. Nothing hits like the unmatched flavor of KFC's Original Recipe," KFC U.S. chief marketing officer and chief development officer Catherine Tan-Gillespie said in a statement. “And with an unbeatable $5 deal, we think you'll agree our new tenders are poised to win the chicken tender battle."
KFC has also introduced new Cherry Pie Poppers – warm cherry pie filling wrapped in a buttery and flaky crust – and Cranberry Lemonade, a fruity and tart beverage.
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