KFC is dropping popcorn chicken in 2023, but what’s next?

Everyone has an opinion on fried chicken restaurants. Even so, there is no denying KFC is one of the best of the bunch, if not the best.

No matter what you’re in the mood for, KFC usually has something to satisfy your chicken craving. Sadly, there is one long-standing menu item we’ll be saying goodbye to in 2023 and that’s KFC’s popcorn chicken.

I don’t know if it’s just me, but I’m incredibly sad about this development. 2023 looked like a promising year up until this point. Aside from that small joke, it does raise a few questions about what the chain is looking to do next.

Additionally, it also brings up a few questions about some items that are remaining on the KFC menu and what could happen with them in the future.

Popcorn chicken is leaving KFC, but will the menu change more in 2023?

Let’s get into the nitty-gritty details first. According to a post from Mashed, KFC will be leaving popcorn chicken in 2022 and instead, be replacing it with chicken nuggets. Honesty, you can get chicken nuggets anywhere so why are they deciding to do this?

However, that’s not the only qualm I have to pick with popcorn chicken being removed from the menu. Rather, my main question is about the chain’s mashed potato bowls. Will KFC decide to use chicken nuggets instead of popcorn chicken for the bowls? To me, it doesn’t really make much sense.

For those of us who eat mashed potato bowls or have ordered them in the past, popcorn chicken is the perfect thing to supplement those bowls. They aren’t too big so you’re still able to get a bite of almost everything on your spoon or fork. Plus they’re bite-sized which makes them super easy to eat on the go, too.

Honestly, I’m just more confused than anything about why KFC would take popcorn chicken off its menu in 2023. Then again, they might end up having a moment like Taco Bell did and bring it back a few months later due to fan support. Regardless, KFC removing popcorn chicken from its menu was not on my 2023 bingo card.

What do you think of popcorn chicken leaving KFC’s menu? Have any strong options, Guilty Eaters? Sound off in the comments.