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KFC Secret Menu 2023

There is no wonder why KFC is one of the most beloved fast food chains across the country. With its simple, yet comforting southern cuisine, it’s easy to see why it’s an American favorite. Despite this, many people do not know that KFC Secret Menu has amazing options in which they can order a wide range of delicious treats they would not expect to find!

In this article, we’re going to go over some fan favorite KFC secret menu items you can order. Please note that some items may not be available at all locations, and you should usually order by ingredients rather than name to ensure the worker knows what you want.

KFC Secret Menu

Poutine

Poutine is a Canadian staple that KFC takes to a whole new level. The addition of decadent cheese curds, along with seasoned fries, and a delicious gravy make this an ideal snack for any time of the day! (Not all KFCs will have cheese curds, so be sure to ask!)

When ordering this, you can either order poutine, but if the worker is unsure, you can simply ask for fries covered with cheese curds and gravy if that is what you prefer.

Double Down

The Double Down is a popular item that was once available to order from the regular menu. With the chicken filets acting as a bun, and filled with bacon, cheese, and plenty of sauce, it’s no surprise this dish is so popular. While the former menu item may make limited time returns, it is always available if you know how to order it!

If you want to order this delicious take on a sandwich, you can either ask directly for a double down, as they typically have all the ingredients for it, or ask for two chicken filets, with cheese, bacon, and Colonel’s secret sauce.

The Hot Pocket Bowl

A less popular former menu item but still incredibly loved in its own right, this dinner bowl is stuffed with a pocket of dough, chicken, gravy, and corn and is absolutely mouthwatering. This delicious dish is harder to come by because of the dough, but if you can find it, it’s absolutely worth a try!

In order to order this, you will need to ask if there are still hot pocket doughs available and request that a chicken bowl be prepared with the hot pocket dough, gravy, cheese, and corn.

Triple Down

If the double down from earlier isn’t calling your name, the triple down may be more your speed. This triple-decker style of the famous double down adds another piece of chicken to truly embrace the savory taste of this sandwich.

In order to order this chicken-filled dish, simply ask for a Double Down with an extra piece of chicken in the middle of your sandwich.

Build-Your-Own Bowl

KFC has some wonderful pot pies and bowls to choose from, but if you’re in the mood for something specific, making a build-your-own bowl is the perfect solution! Some sources do say however that this option is not allowed at some locations, so it’s best to ask first.

To order this, ask if your local KFC has this option available and customize your bowl to your heart’s desire! We personally recommend adding their new buffalo ranch sauce if it is available at your location!

Mac & Cheese Bowl

The Mac & Cheese bowl is usually on the menu and includes mac and cheese topped with chicken nuggets. Here’s your chance to really DIY. Stir in bacon, corn, gravy, or your favorite sauce to create your own awesome (and secret) flavor combination.

DIY Biscuit Sliders

Make your own sliders by order the chicken tenders and a side of biscuits. You can even as for a side of bacon, pickles, or cheese if you desire. Then, choose any sauce you like to spread onto the biscuit: we love the KFC sauce, but there’s also mayo, BBQ, honey mustard, ranch, hot sauce, and even buffalo ranch. If you love the fresh, crunchy cole slaw, you can add a scoop of that to your sandwich as well.

Topped With Mashed Potatoes

As everyone can probably agree, there are a few things that can be considered better than a side of mashed potatoes with a meal from KFC. But did you know that you can get your meal topped with these tasty mashed potatoes?

There isn’t a specific secret menu dish for this, but you can get this by asking for any item you get to be topped with mashed potatoes, you can also drizzle gravy on top for some extra deliciousness.

Add Bacon

Any meal that includes bacon is always going to be a hit and it is a fantastic addition to a meal without it. And many customers will be delighted to know that just like the mashed potato hack, you can ask for bacon to be topped on almost anything on the menu!

As with the previous hack, there is no special phrasing or item you need to mention in order to request a bacon topping on your order. All you need to do is ask for bacon to be added on.

Drumstick Dipper

This hack submitted by a fan named Jessica Cole got the attention of KFC online and there’s no question why! This is a hack that incorporates everything in their classic meal into one absolutely delicious bite.

To try this hack, order any meal that comes with drumsticks, and get mashed potatoes, gravy, and fries as a side. Jessica recommends taking the breading off of your drumstick and wrapping it around the fries before dipping them into mashed potatoes and gravy!

Ultimate Zinger

Playing off of the beloved pulled chicken ultimate sandwich, the ultimate zinger is full of plenty of flavors to enjoy. Many customers compare this to an elevated Zinger Stacker, which is available on KFCs regular menu in some locations. Some sources recommend adding bacon onto this sandwich for the ultimate sandwich.

To order this, ask for the pulled chicken ultimate burger, and swap out the chicken in the sandwich for a zinger filet. This sandwich goes fantastic with any of KFCs incredible side offerings! *Note that pulled chicken may not be available at many locations. The Zinger is similar to the classic chicken sandwich but includes lettuce and the Colonel’s Mayo.

Devil’s Canyon Bowl

Last but not least, this simple and delicious hack is perfect for when you want an extra kick to your regular meal. Building off the base of the already delicious traditional bowl, the hot sauce adds some great spice and flavor.

To get this, ask for the traditional bowl with hot sauce and green beans added in for an extra pop of texture. (Green beans only available in some locations).

KFC Secrets

  • One secret to KFC chicken is to let the chicken sit in an oven at 175 degrees for 20 minutes to finish cooking.
  • Word on the street is that the 11 secret herbs and spices are paprika, onion salt, celery salt, rubbed sage, garlic powder, ground allspice, ground oregano, chili powder, black pepper, basil, and marjoram. Some sources claim that white pepper is the original secret ingredient. Some other versions of the 11 secret herbs include dried mustard, ground ginger, and thyme.
  • Some sources say there is a secret menu that can be accessed on the KFC App by holding down the chicken drumstick menu icon. We downloaded the app and have not found a drumstick icon or a secret menu. But there are online deals and special offers.

Discontinued KFC Items

  • Popcorn Chicken
  • Double Down
  • Pickle Fried Chicken
  • Potato Wedges
  • KFC Snackers
  • Nashville hot chicken (and waffles)
  • Beyond Chicken
  • KFC Cheetos Sandwich
  • Kentucky Fried Chicken Wings
  • Apple Turnover
  • Chicken flavored ice cream
  • Kentucky Fried Chicken Wraps
  • Chocolate Chip Cookies

KFC FAQs

When was KFC founded?

Harland Sanders began selling chicken at a service station in Kentucky in 1930. The original KFC restaurant opened in Corbin, Kentucky and ran from 1940 through 1956. That original location from which he sold chicken is now the Sanders Cafe & Museum, dedicated to the history of KFC. The first KFC franchise opened in 1952 in Salt Lake City, Utah. There are now more that 24,000 locations in over 145 countries.

Who owns KFC?

KFC is a subsidiary of Yum! Brands – they also own The Habit Burger, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell.

Does KFC serve breakfast?

No, KFC does not serve breakfast.

What are KFCs hours?

Many KFC locations open as early as 10AM, some open at 11AM. Many locations close at 10PM, while others are open later. Hours vary by location.

Is KFC open on holidays?

Most KFC locations are closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Other holidays may have reduced hours or closures. Hours will vary by location.

Does KFC Deliver?

No, KFC does not deliver from most locations (may be available in some areas), but you can order it for delivery through a third party delivery app like Door Dash and Uber Eats.

Does KFC have an App?

Yes, KFC has an app for Apple and Android. Users can order online for pickup and access online-only deals and special offers.

Does KFC have gift cards?

Yes, KFC has physical gift cards that can be purchased in-store. Gift cards can not be used to pay for digital orders.

Does KFC serve dessert?

Yes, KFC usually has at least one dessert item available.

Does KFC serve salad?

Most KFC locations do not serve salad.

Can you order chicken a la carte?

Yes, you can order KFC chicken by the piece.

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Morgan Mulac is a freelance writer who has spent years on the road as a nomad and now has settled back in California with her family. Some of her favorite spots to travel to in California are in Orange County and the many beaches along the coast. She’s an avid writer about her journeys and enjoys sharing the beauty California has to offer.