KFC Is Bringing Back Chicken and Waffles After 5 Years

We’re already well acquainted with Kentucky Fried Chicken’s juicy, crispy fried tenders. It’s easy to feel bored with the classics, though — but it turns out our cravings for something new might be satisfied by a beloved item. 

KFC is reintroducing Chicken & Waffles to its menu after five long years, the brand tells Food & Wine. It’s accompanied by another sweet treat, Strawberry & Crème Poppers, just in time for your summer plans. 

Here’s the breakdown: KFC’s take on chicken and waffles features bite-sized Liege-style waffles paired with the classic breaded, fried chicken that’s made the chain famous. They serve it with a helping of Mrs. Butterworth’s syrup for drizzling or dunking. Meanwhile, the Strawberry & Crème Poppers are “packed with strawberry and cream filling in a buttery, flaky crust,” per the brand.

As the Texas-based chain reflects on the snack’s initial reception, KFC tells us that regulars have consistently advocated for its return. 

“Chicken & Waffles hasn’t been on our menu in over five years, but it’s one of those iconic combos our fans never stopped asking for,” a KFC spokesperson tells Food & Wine. “We’ve been listening, and bringing it back felt like the right kind of reunion of familiarity and indulgence, all without sacrificing value.” 

This sweet-and-savory combo is undoubtedly a foodie’s quintessential dream. We’ve been remixing this breakfast staple for years—from loaded potato waffles to kimchi batter, there are various ways to reimagine it. KFC first tried their hand at this combination in 2019, when it released snack-sized waffles alongside their classic breaded chicken. They took a decidedly spicy route, though, serving them with a smoky Nashville Hot sauce. 

At the time, former chief marketing officer Andrea Zahumensky proclaimed that the brand’s Nashville Hot Fried Chicken & Waffles were “arguably two of the biggest fried chicken innovations of all time.” 

If you didn’t get the chance to try this delicacy the first time around, there are a few ways to indulge your sweet tooth. The $7 Tenders & Waffle Box includes three of its trademark Original Recipe Tenders, a waffle, and syrup. You might also consider the $7 Two-Piece Fried Chicken & Waffle Box, which offers the same, just with classic fried chicken instead of tenders.

If you’re feeding a crowd or don’t mind leftovers, the $25 Chicken & Waffles Fan Favorites Box might be the best value for your household. It includes four pieces of classic fried chicken, 12 nuggets, and four waffles, all accompanied by a side of four syrups or sauces. 

Heading on a road trip this summer? You might want to factor in a drive-thru run, too.