KFC is bringing back one of its most requested menu items: Original Honey BBQ sauce as the fast-food chain continues to lean into nostalgia and value-driven promotions to attract customers.
The sauce, which returns to stores nationwide starting October 6, hasn’t been available in years, despite persistent demand from longtime fans.
Originally introduced in the late 1990s, the sweet-and-smoky Honey BBQ flavor developed a loyal following before being removed from the menu. Since then, fans have shared copycat recipes and taken to social media in hopes of a comeback.
KFC is now expanding the sauce’s availability beyond just wings or nuggets as it will be an option for all major chicken items, including tenders, bone-in pieces, and even its chicken sandwiches.
“KFC’s Original Honey BBQ wasn’t just a menu offering, it became a cultural touchstone that fans have been craving and asking us to bring back for years,” said Catherine Tan-Gillespie, President of KFC U.S., in a statement. “What better way to continue our KFC comeback than to bring back this legendary flavor and reintroduce it in a bigger and bolder way — on everything.”
KFC Cuts Chicken Sandwich Price
The brand is also dropping the price of its Classic Chicken Sandwich to $3.99, a move it’s calling a “throwback deal.” The sandwich, which includes an extra crispy chicken breast filet, pickles, and mayo (or spicy mayo), comes on a toasted brioche bun and will be available in both Classic and Spicy versions.
With inflation continuing to affect food prices nationwide, fast food chains are increasingly competing on value. KFC’s price cut on its sandwich comes at a time when consumers are seeking more affordable options for everyday meals.
The company also made a point to compare its sandwich with a major competitor. According to KFC, its chicken breast filet is larger than Chick-fil-A’s, and unlike its rival, KFC locations are open on Sundays.
Limited-Time Deal for Rewards Members
Alongside the return of Honey BBQ and the sandwich promotion, KFC is launching a string of limited-time offers for its Rewards members through Halloween.
Dubbed “Scary Good Deals,” the promotions will be available through the KFC app and website and include offers such as:
- A free Classic Chicken Sandwich with a $10 purchase
- 50% off a 12-piece chicken-only bucket
- 50 chicken nuggets for $20
The offers will run for 13 days leading up to October 31 and are only available to customers with a KFC Rewards account.
The latest changes follow other nostalgic revivals, including the return of KFC’s seasoned potato wedges and traditional wings, as the brand works to recapture some of the appeal that made it a household name.
KFC referred to the ongoing string of reintroductions and updates as part of its “comeback era.”
In another unusual twist, KFC is even bringing attention to its wet napkins. Originally introduced by the brand over 60 years ago, the moist towelette is getting a tongue-in-cheek “glow-up” alongside the return of the sticky Honey BBQ sauce.
According to the company, a few fans were surprised with an oversized napkin large enough to “clean their hands, their table… and probably their entire family.”
As KFC attempts to reclaim its spot in the crowded fast food landscape, the company is continuing to invite feedback. “We want our fans to keep telling us what they want to see next,” said Tan-Gillespie.
The return of the Honey BBQ sauce and launch of new value pricing officially begin on October 6 at participating locations.