Back in 2018, a chicken sandwich feud erupted between Martha Stewart and Jack in the Box in a Super Bowl advertisement. Months later, rapper Nas kicked off the baseball season by serving Sweet Chick fried chicken at Citi Field. These events, however, were minor in the world of chicken compared to the chicken sandwich wars sparked by Popeye’s in 2019.
Popeye’s chicken sandwich, a simple fried chicken breast on a brioche bun with pickles and mayo or Cajun sauce, caused long lines and sandwich shortages at the chain’s locations nationwide. It also boosted sales by 38%. Other fast-food chains took note, responding with their own crunchy competition, including fried chicken phenom KFC, whose similar sandwich debuted in May of 2020.
In 2021, KFC updated its sandwich to appeal to fried chicken sandwich enthusiasts. The Colonel’s “KFC Chicken Sandwich” outsold the chain’s other sandwiches twice over when it was introduced, according to Business Insider. This was considered an impressive launch, as the brand is known for other chicken sandwich innovations, including the Double Down and the Cheetos Sandwich.
Building on the success of its fried chicken sandwich, KFC is now launching two new variations, which are being tested in Tampa. Both variations of KFC’s standard chicken sandwich will still be served on a brioche bun with pickles, but the brand is adding some extra flavor and texture.
The first, the Ultimate BBQ KFC Chicken Sandwich, features a sweet and savory honey barbecue sauce along with fried onions, bacon, and cheese.
The second, the Spicy Slaw Chicken Sandwich, packs a punch of heat, with a bun spread with spicy mayo and chicken topped with the brand’s signature coleslaw.
These new sandwiches are available at KFC’s sandwich test locations in and around Tampa, and can be purchased on their own or as part of a combo with sides. For those who are unable to try these two new sandwiches in Tampa, there is still much to look forward to this spring, as KFC drops a few menu items to make way for other new launches.
