KFC is officially entering the sauce game. With the rising popularity of sauces at fast food chicken chains, like Raising Canes’ Canes’ Sauce, Chick-fil-A sauce, and Popeyes’ Blackened Ranch, KFC is hopping on the trend, launching five new sauces. “We’ve entered the sauce chat,” said Nick Chavez, the chief marketing officer of KFC.
The fried chicken chain is doing things a little bit differently, though. Instead of a dipping sauce, KFC is tossing its nuggets in each sauce, making them more like a boneless wing. In this style, you truly will have to lick your fingers.
How much are KFC Saucy Nuggets?
KFC launched its fried chicken nuggets almost a year ago to the day, at the end of March 2023. They were an instant success, competing with popular fast food chains that serve nuggets like Chick-fil-A and McDonald’s. Popularity was boosted when the nuggets were combined with the Mac Bowl, which consists of KFC’s creamy cheddar mac and cheese, topped with fried chicken nuggets and a three cheese blend — although Pennsylvanians will know that Wawa has been doing this type of bowl for years.
The most attractive part about these new saucy nuggets is that not only are they different from other fast food chains, they’re also a good deal. A five-piece starts at $3.49, an eight-piece is $4.59, a 10-piece is $5.99, and a 12-piece is only $8.49. This is a slight undercut to competitor Chick-fil-A, where a 12 piece is $8.79. You can also order a combo with the nuggets, adding KFC’s famous waffle fries and a drink for $9.99.
What are the new sauces for KFC’s Saucy Nuggets?
The five new sauces are Korean BBQ, Honey Sriracha, Sticky Chicky Sweet N’ Sour, the returning Nashville Hot, and Georgia Gold.
Korean BBQ: I was kind of surprised to see KFC tackle this flavor, since I think of them as such an American, good ole’ southern fried chicken type of restaurant. But obviously, with menu items like these nuggets and the chizza, it is reinventing. KFC describes it as a sweet and savory umami sauce, made with soy sauce, sesame, and garlic. Though the emphasis should be on the soy sauce, as that is the most prominent flavor.
Sticky Chicky Sweet N’ Sour: I am a die hard for any sweet and sour flavor, and a big fan of McDonald’s sweet and sour sauce or Chick-fil-A’s Polynesian sauce, and this one tastes pretty similar. This sticky sauce is made with pineapple, garlic, vinegar, and chili, and hopefully comes with a few napkins.
Honey Sriracha: Of all the new sauces, this one seems to be the favorite. With all of the sriracha shortages, fans are dying to get their hands on this sweet and spicy flavor. The honey sriracha sauce is made with red chili peppers, garlic, and honey. It's spicy-sweet perfection.
Nashville Hot: KFC originally launched its Nashville Hot sauce in 2016, but was discontinued last year. At pretty much any chicken joint you go to you can find a Nashville Hot option (shoutout Buttermilk & Bourbon in Boston), so I’m not surprised to see KFC bringing it back. KFC describes this sauce as smoky, spicy, and crisp. It's the least saucy of the group, but super flavorful.
Georgia Gold: The Georgia Gold is like if honey mustard and BBQ sauce had a baby. It’s got a tangy taste, made with vinegar, honey, and savory seasoning. If you like honey mustard pretzels, you will love this flavor.