KFC’s Original Recipe Tenders Bring a Juicy Twist to the Colonel’s Classic Legacy

KFC has reintroduced its Original Recipe Tenders, seasoned with the famous 11 herbs and spices. Fried under pressure for extra juiciness and a crispy exterior, these new tenders provide a flavorful, satisfying option that lives up to the Colonel’s classic fried chicken legacy.

KFC Reinvents Its Iconic Tenders with Original Recipe Seasoning, Now Available Nationwide

Colonel Harland Sanders, known for his colorful and storied life, didn’t live to witness the launch of KFC’s chicken tenders in 1993, aptly named Colonel's Crispy Strips. These tenders have remained a staple on the KFC menu ever since. However, in 2023, the fast-food giant reinvented them using the famous original recipe seasoning. At a media event, Claire Brandenburg, KFC’s product innovation manager, shared insight into the new method: "Instead of putting them in a fryer, like we do our current tenders, we fry them under pressure, which helps deliver a juicier product, but with the crispy exterior still."

In the spring of 2023, during a visit to KFC’s headquarters, a sneak peek was offered into the test kitchen, where the upcoming Original Recipe Tenders were among the featured items. These tenders have officially made their way to KFC locations nationwide, accompanied by new additions such as Comeback Sauce, Cranberry Lemonade, and Cherry Pie Poppers for dessert. But how do these new tenders fare in customers' hands outside the test kitchen’s-controlled environment?

The Original Recipe Tenders are now available at participating KFC outlets across the U.S. while supplies last. Customers can order them in various quantities, from a single tender for $2.89 to a 16-piece meal with four sides and eight dipping sauces for $52.49. For $5, the 3-piece Original Recipe Tenders Box offers two dipping sauces and fries. There’s also a 2-piece Kids Meal priced at $5.79, which includes a side, a drink, a sauce, and a toy. Prices and availability may vary by location, but these options provide plenty of variety for those craving KFC’s latest offering.

KFC’s New Original Recipe Tenders Deliver Juicy Chicken with Signature Crispy Coating, Fried to Perfection

KFC’s Original Recipe Tenders are made from boneless, skinless chicken breast strips or tenderloins. Each tender is seasoned and fried under pressure to maintain the chain’s signature crispy exterior while delivering juicy white meat inside. Breaded with a blend of wheat flour, salt, spices, and KFC’s 11 herbs and spices, these tenders contain allergens such as gluten, milk, eggs, wheat, and MSG. Each tender weighs around 51 grams, providing 170 calories, 6 grams of fat, 11 grams of protein, and 400 milligrams of sodium per serving.

Opening the box of tenders reveals golden-brown pieces of fried chicken, each approximately 5 inches long and flecked with pepper. The thick, meaty tenders boast a firm, crunchy exterior that holds up well, even after cooling. The taste is unmistakably KFC, offering the familiar flavor of the Colonel’s original recipe while presenting a new, hearty way to enjoy it. The texture and size of the tenders allow for a satisfying experience, with each bite delivering a perfect balance of crispy skin and juicy chicken.

These tenders stand out not only for their flavor but also for their versatility. While they can easily be enjoyed without dipping sauces, KFC’s Comeback Sauce or Sticky Chicky Sweet 'n Sour sauce make excellent companions for those who like a little extra flavor. Even after sitting for a while, the tenders retain their crispiness, proving their quality over time.

KFC’s new Original Recipe Tenders are an impressive addition to its menu. It offers a meatier alternative to nuggets and a more manageable size than a whole breast piece of fried chicken. Their flavorful coating and juicy texture make them worth trying repeatedly, whether eaten independently or with KFC’s signature sauces. It’s no wonder Colonel Sanders continues to smile from the box – these tenders are a winner.