The 10 Worst Items On KFC’s Menu & 10 That Get Our Mouths Watering

The Hits And Misses

KFC’s menu is a mixed bag. Some things hit the spot so well that you wonder why you ever bothered cooking at home. Others make you wonder why you didn't try your hand at fried chicken at home. It’s the kind of place where crispy magic and deep-fried disappointment live side by side, and ordering blindly can be risky business. So, let's first take a look at the 10 worst items on KFC’s menu before moving on to the good stuff!

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4. Nashville Hot Chicken

KFC’s Nashville Hot Chicken brings the heat, but not in a good way. An oily paste coats the surface, creating a fiery illusion that overpowers the senses. The smoky depth found in real Nashville recipes goes missing here. 

5. Mac & Cheese

KFC’s Mac & Cheese is far from light. That creamy texture brings a serious lack of fiber. Processed cheese steps in where real dairy should be, bringing little to the table nutritionally. Often marketed as a kid-approved side, it’s actually one of the heaviest options around. 

6. KFC Fries

Seasoning clings to every fry, dialing up the salt until it borders on overpowering. Each one emerges golden but drenched in oil, never quite shaking off the slickness. Lastly, stack them beside other fried picks, and the grease piles up fast.

7. Chicken Little Sandwich

It starts off looking innocent—small bun, small name, easy to overlook. However, one bite reveals a heavy hitter hiding in plain sight. That thick-breaded chicken, drenched in mayo, carries the same rich ingredients found in larger sandwiches. 

8. Mashed Potatoes With Gravy

These mashed potatoes come instant-style, skipping fresh ingredients for convenience. The gravy brings more than flavor, thanks to artificial additives and thickeners. Add it to KFC’s already rich mains, and the plate tips from hearty to downright heavy without offering any real balance.

9. Original Recipe Chicken Thigh

Fried in KFC’s signature seasoned coating and served skin-on, the Original Recipe Chicken Thigh packs in more fat than leaner cuts. That iconic flavor owes plenty to salt and MSG, which crank up the craving factor. But with every bite, the calories stack higher. 

10. Double Down

The Double Down skips bread entirely and leans into excess, with two fried chicken fillets acting as the outer layers. There’s no contrast to pace the experience and no balance to lighten the load. It’s marketed as bold, but what it really delivers is a one-note meal.

Now, here are ten menu items that actually live up to your cravings.

1. Original Recipe Chicken Breast

The Original Recipe Chicken Breast delivers a flavorful punch thanks to its iconic seasoning, all while keeping things lighter. With less fat than its darker counterparts, it offers more protein without the extra grease. It also plays nicely with lighter sides like green beans or coleslaw.

2. Grilled Chicken Breast

Free from fried oils, this item on the menu keeps things lean while packing in solid protein. Its smoky flavor needs no crispy coating to shine. While it may not be the flashiest item at KFC, it’s definitely one of the smartest choices for those keeping an eye on their intake. 

3. Honey BBQ Sandwich

Swapping out mayo and cheese for a tangy BBQ sauce, the Honey BBQ Sandwich dials up the taste without tipping into greasy territory. The lean meat makes it easy on digestion, and the smoky-sweet profile delivers a welcome break from the usual deep-fried routine.

4. Biscuit With Honey Sauce

Sometimes, all you need is a little bite of comfort—and the Biscuit with Honey Sauce delivers exactly that. Buttery and flaky, it’s indulgence in a compact form. Drizzle on that sweet honey sauce, and suddenly, it’s dessert-adjacent without actually being dessert. 

5. Spicy Slaw

KFC’s Spicy Slaw is a bold little palate cleanser with purpose. Crunchy cabbage gives it fiber and a refreshing bite, while the creamy base keeps things light compared to heavier sides like mashed potatoes. It’s the cool rebel of the menu, which is totally worth scooping up.

6. Chocolate Chip Cookie

The Chocolate Chip Cookie at KFC delivers a soft, chewy texture in a compact portion. Unlike heavier desserts, it complements a meal rather than overwhelming it. Baked fresh at select locations, it stands out as one of the least processed desserts.

7. Corn On The Cob

Naturally sweet and full of fiber, Corn on the Cob is a whole food choice that adds both crunch and color to your tray. Its subtle flavor stands strong without needing extra seasoning, making it a wholesome and satisfying addition to any meal.

8. Chicken Sandwich (Spicy Or Classic)

KFC’s Chicken Sandwich strikes a smart balance between flavor and fullness. The crispy coating contrasts perfectly with the juicy interior, creating that crave-worthy bite every time. For those seeking a leaner twist, some locations even offer it grilled. 

9. Coleslaw

KFC’s Coleslaw brings a cool contrast to the crunch of fried favorites. Made with shredded cabbage and carrots, it delivers fiber and a crisp texture that balances richer items on the plate. As a long-standing KFC staple, it remains a palate-cleansing pick.

10. Lemonade Freeze

The Lemonade Freeze is KFC’s answer to summer heat. Unlike milk-based shakes, it won’t leave you feeling sluggish. Whether you’re skipping a heavy dessert or need something cool to sip, this frozen drink delivers a flavorful finish with none of the weight.