For 65 years, variety has come in the form of “original” and “extra crispy,” but now Kentucky Fried Chicken is defying all logic — to say nothing of its name — and offering a grilled chicken menu item.
“This great tasting product will help KFC continue to evolve and increase our relevance among consumers looking for nonfried menu options,” said Gregg Dedrick, president of KFC. “And, as always, it will deliver the great flavor our customers have come to expect.”
In an all-too-fashionable healthy twist alternative for fast food restaurants, KFC says the new grilled item will have 60 to 180 calories and 3 to 9 grams of fat. Original Recipe chicken has 130 to 360 calories and 8 to 24 grams of fat, they said.
For the company, the challenge fell to them to develop a product that was healthy and fit Colonel Sanders’ original restaurant model.
“We have worked tirelessly to develop a grilled product that would have met Colonel Sanders’ high expectations for flavor and taste,” commented Doug Hasselo, Chief Food Innovation Officer at KFC. “It truly is finger lickin’ good.”
KFC says the grilled item is part of a larger effort to make the restaurant healthier. In a statement Monday, they said they were making strides to remove trans fats from their cooking processes and reduce salt in other menu items.
Kentucky Grilled Chicken is being test marketed in Indianapolis, Colorado Springs, San Diego, Oklahoma City, Jacksonville, Fla., and Austin, Texas. Grilled chicken is expected to appear on menues nationwide next year.
