KFC struts over to the saucy side with three new bold Saucy Nugget flavors
While the iconic phrase finger licking good is a KFC staple, the popular quick service restaurant brand might need a few extra napkins for all this saucy goodness. With three new Saucy Nugget flavors hitting the menu, the taste is totally worth the drip.
When KFC launched its saucy nuggets, the QSR started a food trend. After all the fried chicken sandwiched between two buns, people wanted something more. That condiment on the bread was not enough to satisfy their saucy side. It was time to smother, or even drench, that Original Recipe chicken in big, bold flavor.
For the Saucy Nuggets launch, KFC hit the ground running with bold tastes and a nod to the familiar. As some people waxed nostalgic for that Georgia Gold and felt a little flushed with the Nashville Hot, it was the Korean BBQ and Honey Sriracha that had people taking notice. It was almost as if the KFC culinary team looked to fast casual chicken restaurants and said we know flavor and we are coming for you. The lip smacking chicken wars entered a new battle.
After some back and forth on the Saucy Nuggets offerings, KFC chose to end the summer by adding three new Saucy Nuggets flavors to the menu. It shows the QSR’s commitment to pushing the flavor conversation forward.
As Nick Chavez, Chief Marketing Officer of KFC U.S. said, "At KFC we continue to lead the 'saucy parade' with more new Saucy Nugget flavors. Why get a saucy nugget from a burger joint when you can experience KFC's 100 percent white meat nuggets, hand-breaded with KFC's Original Recipe and drenched in sauce?"
What are the three new KFC Saucy Nuggets flavors?
Hitting menus on August 12, the three new KFC Saucy Nuggets flavors are: Honey Garlic, Chipotle Ranch and Mango Habanero. In addition, two returning flavors, Korean BBQ and Honey BBQ return.
Looking at the three new flavors, the Mango Habanero might be the most interesting offering for two reasons. First, it hits the swicy trend that continues to have a moment. People cannot get enough of the sweet and spicy combination. That tropical note with the bolder pepper proves that consumers are ready, willing, and able to embrace the more intense heat.
Second, mango habanero is a flavor that is often found on fast casual restaurant menus. It is a slightly more sophisticated taste. Is KFC coming for those other “wing restaurants?” The difference between a chicken nugget and a boneless wing might be slight. Sometimes it is the sauce flavor that is the purchase driver.
The Honey Garlic is a good option for people who might prefer an Asian inspired sauce but want that punch of umami. As long as the sweetness is the secondary flavor, this sauce should be successful. Plus, it might be a great side sauce or drizzle for some other food menu items. A Nashville Hot with this drizzle or dipping fries into that sauce would be delicious.
Lastly, the Chipotle Ranch is an interesting choice for the Saucy Nuggets. While chipotle ranch makes a bland, boring sandwich better, smothering the chicken in the flavor seems to be a nod to people who want the heat but need to dip their toe into the flavor. Given how many people love ranch, it will become a must try. Maybe this sauce is the solution for people who dip nuggets into ranch to temper the spice.
Will one of the three new KFC Saucy Nuggets be more popular than the returning Honey BBQ or Korean BBQ? Everyone will be devouring all the new offerings, especially with the $5.99 – 10 Saucy Nuggets Deal.
Why not order a bunch, grab a friend and do a taste test. We’re up for the challenge. Are you?