No, KFC's Popcorn Chicken Is Not Being Completely Taken Off The Menu

No one likes to see one of their favorite foods disappear from menus, but in the case of KFC's popcorn chicken, that food item is not actually going away completely, despite several claims to the contrary. To paraphrase Mark Twain, reports of popcorn chicken's demise have been greatly exaggerated.

Popcorn chicken lovers may have been worried based on claims by some outlets that the menu item was being dropped entirely, the victim of a menu shakeup by the chicken-focused fast food chain. While it's true that KFC is tweaking its menu for 2023, according to a recent USA Today report, only five food items will be eliminated — including the popcorn chicken combo.

So yes, the popcorn chicken combo will disappear from menus at KFC, along with Kentucky fried chicken wings, Nashville hot sauce, strawberry lemonade, and chocolate chip cookies. However, popcorn chicken will continue to be served at KFC.

Reports in several news outlets claimed that popcorn chicken was being eliminated from KFC menus; What was missing from these reports was the word "combo." The popcorn chicken combo is indeed now gone, according to USA Today, but KFC's famous bowls (which come topped with popcorn chicken) will continue to be a staple menu offering.

In addition to the bowls, a representative for KFC informed Tasting Table popcorn chicken fans will be able to order the menu item at some locations a la carte.

There are several potential reasons for the menu changes at KFC. The simplest explanation, shared by Yahoo!, is that the company is removing underperforming food items to allow space for new ones that may do better, like the Spicy Slaw Chicken Sandwich, which the chain has begun testing in select restaurants. The company also recently announced it was adding Kentucky Fried Chicken Wraps to menus at restaurants throughout the U.S., at least for a limited time, after the wraps performed well during testing in Atlanta last year.