Their perfectly seasoned chicken is deep fried twice to deliver crunchy, juicy wings that are some of the best you'll ever have. Speaking from a fried chicken connoisseur point of view, neither KFC nor Popeyes were pinnacles of fried chicken wonder. Americans have an ever-growing and insatiable love affair with chicken. When you're finished, the roux should be thick but smooth. Popeye's is fully dependent on their sauces, and Chick-fil-A isn't even fried chicken. Company trademarks are the property of the respective company and their presence does not necessarily mean that FastFoodMenuPrices.com has an affiliation with the company. There's just no getting around it. But I had a KFC biscuit recently and it was way better than I remembered. But does Raising Cane's serve the best chicken? Before the 1990s, Americans ate more beef and pork than chicken. But unlike spicy gravy, which your tongue can eventually understand, the tangy flavor profile of this gravy was a little overwhelming. (As if the price would ever keep you away from your favorite piece of cripsy fried chicken.). We thought it was a good opportunity to recreate the KFC Famous Bowl by adding some shredded cheddar cheese, sweet corn kernels, and crispy chicken nuggets. You can be assured that your shoes will never stick to the floor in this restaurant's bathroom. Sometimes it's so overcooked that the chicken meat inside has practically turned into dust. Return to the pot. KFC relied on potato wedges for many years, but in 2020, they released their Secret Recipe fries, vying for a chance to win over fry lovers' hearts. Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken Instagram/leesfamouschick After it quickly sold out, the coveted sandwich didn't return until two months later and the frenzy continued with people across the country waiting in long lines. There comes a time during every fried chicken meal when your palate calls out for something tangy, sweet and cold to help break up the grease and weight of fried chicken and biscuits. Every single time, you will get chicken that is head-scratchingly delicious, perfectly cooked and covered in a mouth-watering batter. Throw a side of mashed potatoes and gravy in the mix, and youll find your future husband or wife. The chicken itself is generally juicy enough, but they forgot the seasoning. Also, the skin of the chicken is perfectly cooked always crunchy, never rubbery. Like Champs, KKC is often found in convenience stores and gas stations. You don't have a lot of flavor choices at Bonchon. In the end, you want to get the most food for your money, but you also want to get food that tastes good. A few Redditors from Canada confirmed this theory: A KFC Winnepeg employee explained that, when they filter out the oil, they collect "all the bits of deep fried chicken and skin and batter." Their success comes from these hot commodities, and if youre wanting to see other menu items, check out a full list of Chick-Fil-A prices. Their mac and cheese is not flavorful and often a little runny, while their mashed potatoes and gravy don't mesh well with the citrus flavor of their chicken. The Sierra Mist wasn't very fizzy, and it was also sweeter than the Sprite from Popeyes. But if you want a little more spice in your life, why not opt for KFC's Nashville Hot Tenders instead? Founded in Lafayette, Louisiana, this chain has over 2,000 locations around the country. Combo (Sandwich, Hash Browns, and Drink): Chicken Nuggets Arguably the most dunkable, delicious nuggets in the fast food game, Chick-Fil-A Nuggets are addicting. Does it taste as good as KFC's hot and creamy mashed potatoes? The mashed potato tiebreaker comes down to the gravy. At KFC, a 12-piece tenders meal, with 3 large sides, 6 sauces and 6 biscuits is $34.99, while the equivalent at Popeyes 12 tenders with 2 large sides and 6 biscuits will cost you $32.99. If you do happen to stop by one of Bojangles' 740-plus locations, just grab a cup of Sweet Tea or Patio Red Cherry and get out as quickly as possible before you end up with a pile of grease-soaked napkins and an overall feeling of regret. It has also been shown to disrupt the endocrine system of animals, resulting in developmental effects and changes in thyroid activity. So, if you want to grab your sides at KFC and get your chicken elsewhere, that's perfectly acceptable. No two french fries from these fast-food chains are the same. Fast-Food Mashed Potatoes Taste Test - Insider It's not only easier to keep gravy warm than it is to reheat mashed potatoes, but the latter always taste better when they're fresh, so best to save them for last. Their chicken is superbly crunchy on the outside and exquisitely juicy on the inside. Saving just 50 cents a day over a year will allow you to obtain over 40 percent of an emergency fund. KFC is better than Popeye's and Chick-fil-A : r/unpopularopinion - Reddit There is only one kind of tender at Popeyes. It was so good, we're considering using this recipe to make mashed potatoes and gravy as a Thanksgiving side dish this year. The tenders have been so popular, that even McDonald's is getting in on the spicy chicken craze, according to The Street. At KFC, a 12-piece tenders meal, with 3 large sides, 6 sauces and 6 biscuits is $34.99, while the equivalent at Popeyes 12 tenders with 2 large sides and 6 biscuits will cost you $32.99. And without further ado, we present to you the latest on fast food chicken prices, because thats what we do around here. The mashed potatoes with Cajun gravy were better than we remembered. KFC vs. Popeyes vs. Church's Chicken vs. Chick-fil-a vs - PriceListo At KFC, a 3-piece meal with 1 side, 1 biscuit and 1 drink is $8.99, while the same meal at Popeyes is $9.89. They're pure white meat and use KFC's famous blend of 11 different herbs and spices. Not counting the salt and pepper, that means you can make this dish with fewer than six ingredients, and you likely have most of them on hand at any given time. Of course, there's always the possibility of one having a special deal allowing you to make your $10 go further. The breading really shines on the breast strips. However, nothing is good enough to make up for their subpar chicken. In truth, they are both the reigning fast food chicken champions. However, they've been around since 1974 when they opened their first restaurant in Taiwan. They have crunch and even some juiciness, but as far as flavor goes, they fall completely flat. The only sides I cared about at KFC were the mashed potatoes and brown gravy. Copycat KFC Mashed Potatoes And Gravy Recipe. Popeyes wins. Lee's is definitely in the KFC range of flavors. The recipe we use here is by far our favorite. You'll notice the liquid starts to bubble up and expand almost immediately as it hits the roux; that's the scientific process of those starches absorbing the water. Popeye's mac and cheese has a thinner, more saucy texture, whereas KFC's mac and cheese has a more solid, baked texture. With a crunchy outside and juicy inside, you can sit down to a bucket of Chickenjoy and not stop until you're ready to explode. What makes Champs Chicken bad is the fact that they have terrible chicken. These fries need to hold up to the fried chicken so as not to be overpowered, and Popeyes' bring some much needed texture and crunch, making them the clear winner here. Yes, and we actually thought it was better than the original (more like the KFC of our childhood). But you pretty much just got one scoop of potatoes for that, and the least amount of gravy from all the places we visited. We do love Popeyes' Cajun seasoning on their fries, but if we have one drawback, it's that the serving size is a little small. Their "regular" size was $2.19 and pretty large, but the potatoes were thick and gluey. Fast Food Chicken Chains, Ranked Worst To Best - Mashed.com It costs $8.59 and includes three pieces of dark meat chicken (two legs and a thigh), one side order, a biscuit, and a small soft drink. Well, the credit there goes to a long list of food additives and preservatives. I have mac and cheese, chicken tender strips, onion rings & mashed potatoes!FREE GIVEAWAY for. Instead of being able to spend $10 to feed two people, we were left with Popeyes' 3-Piece Chicken Combo. Sure, you can get standards like coleslaw, curly fries, or mashed potatoes, but they also sell unique options like blistered shishito peppers, charred corn, and sweet potato frie. Martha Sorren It's amazing that they can cook it so quickly, yet so perfectly. Their Honey Butter Chicken Sandwich is absolutely delicious. Popeyes' fried chicken comes in mild and spicy flavors, as well as served with your choice of sides - rice and red beans, Cajun fries, mashed potatoes, and Cajun rice. Another Redditor chimed in that they asked their manager about adding chicken drippings to the gravy, only to learn that "they had to stop doing that because it wasn't cost-effective." KFC used to be the go-to chicken place for just about everybody in the county. The recipe has changed several times over the years, so we tried out a few copycat recipes before settling on a final version. Instead, go for their Kickin' Chicken on Texas Toast. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the flour to make the roux. Biscuit Only: $2.19. Popeyes Mashed Potatoes Recipe We wanted to like Bojangles' Famous Chicken 'n Biscuits just because of its catchy name. Another thing that catapults Chick-fil-A to the top is their cleanliness and service. Even the Sprite was good. We weren't even finished paying yet before it was waiting for us. The gravy didn't disappoint, either; it had a deep, dark, rich flavor that paired perfectly with those fluffy potatoes. For Popeyes' non-chicken piece mains, you can choose between a flounder sandwich or popcorn shrimp. The point is that this dish has been on the KFC menus for many years. But if faced with the decision of which fast food fried chicken chain to choose, you really won't go wrong with either one. If the gravy has sat for more than a few minutes, just give it a stir before serving it to make sure it hasn't formed a skin on top. Despite the pieces of chicken being smaller at Popeyes and containing two legs and a thigh (instead of two thighs and a leg), Popeyes' meal is higher in calories and fat. But over the years, their inconsistency has made many people turn to other alternatives. Overall, we weren't impressed with the quality or flavor of the meal at KFC. Set aside. Spicy Chicken Sandwich The perfectly spicy chicken patty sells like crazy and pairs well with an iced-cold lemonade. Luckily, we don't have that problem here. This joint should be a hard pass. Unless your love of chicken is all about chicken fingers and you enjoy a bland diet, you should head somewhere else. OK, now that we understand the ingredients involved, it's time to get cooking. Chick-Fil-A almost feels out of place lined up next to KFC and Popeyes, but technically, what they offer us Monday through Saturday (insert eye roll) is indeed a form of fried chicken. Season the gravy with black pepper and keep it warm over low heat while you make the mashed potatoes. Popeyes has plenty on its menu, offers nuggets, tender, fried chicken, fries, mashed potatoes, coleslaw, biscuits, red beans and rice and mac and cheese, along with three different types of desserts blackberry cheesecake fried pie, cinnamon apple pie and a chocolate chip cookie. Hopefully this restaurant will be expanding and spreading their chicken goodness across America to bless the rest of the county with their yummy offerings. Both mac and cheeses are good in a fast food, kinda bland, sorta tasty kind of way. 2 piece Combo Meal (1 Breast, 1 Wing, Individual Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Biscuit, Medium Drink): $5 Fill up (Chicken Breast, Larger Mashed Potatoes, Biscuit, Cookie, Medium Drink): Extra Crispy Strips The chicken tenders you can eat as a kid or an adult, with no shame. But for accessing the restaurant around the country and the world, as well as offering the flexibility of pick up or delivery, KFC takes it. We found nobody standing in line and nobody at the drive-through when we got to KFC during the noon rush hour, so we had no wait to make our order with the cashier. That's a lot for something you're likely gobbling up in between bites of KFC's MSG-laden fried chicken. Plus, they couldn't be easier to make; just heat up some water or milk, stir in the flakes, and top it off with butter. The peppers are the perfect complement to their crispy chicken. We're not talking about fresh potatoes out of the ground. They were flakey outside and soft inside. Bonchon is very different, but very good. It's well-seasoned and never dry. You could use water alone, but we found a small addition of milk went a long way to making the mashed potatoes taste better. However, Popeyes was the clear winner when it came to food quality. Popeyes does offer delivery through their app or website, making it convenient for everyone to get their hands on that spicy chicken sandwich. Does Popeyes Mashed Potatoes Have Pork? (Explained) You are here: Since Popeyes offers Coke products, we got a Sprite. On the bone or in a bun? The true joy of these perfect wings, however, comes from the flavor options. Overworking the potatoes turns them gummy and starchy, but under-mashing them creates unseasoned lumps. You can get whole pieces of chicken served with your choice of sides and tortillas or burritos, bowls, quesadillas, and other specials. White or dark? Beef may be surprising ingredient considering this fast-food chain only serves chicken. If you had access to the internet, it was hard to miss the ruckus the Popeyes spicy chicken sandwich caused in early 2019. It should be obvious who the winner is More posts you may like So, depending on your health-related dietary requirements, KFC's nutritional content may be the worse dietary choice of the two. Redditors who have worked at Popeye's say that it's a solid shortening, and an announcement from Popeyes indicates that it contains palm oil or palm kernel oil. People are serious about their drumsticks and nuggets, so please, do tell: which chain is your king on your list? The 3-Piece Chicken Combo was the KFC menu item most similar in price and content to the 3-piece combo from Popeyes. But it's not just the quality of the chicken that seems to be causing the demise of Boston Market, it's the fact that you can find rotisserie chicken in almost every grocery store these days. The smooth, thin potatoes and gravy tasted almost like what your grandma would serve at Thanksgiving. He alleges that all the leftover bits of chicken (mostly bones and "residue) that collect at the bottom of the chicken fryer which contains a "black sludge" are transferred to a freezer to later be melted and served up as KFC's famous mashed potato-topping gravy. However, in recent years, the quality of their chicken has drastically declined. Season the mashed potatoes with black pepper. But, in the end, quality may make you happier than quantity. Does the bliss of these biscuits make up for their iffy chicken? The KFC Famous Bowl in a snack size has 270 calories, 13g fat, 3.5g saturated fat, 820 mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate, 1g sugar, and 11g protein. Popeyes' nuggets, on the other hand, are a little disappointing. The instant flakes are easy to incorporate into our hot liquid, so they turn out perfect every time. Place over medium high heat and bring to a boil. It's basically a starch bomb that absorbs water, expanding the liquid to create a flavorful gravy that's thick enough to coat just about anything. We're not talking about fresh potatoes out of the ground. The gravy helped thin them out a bit, but didn't smell like traditional gravy. You'll want to whisk the entire time to prevent any dry clumps from forming, and to keep the flour from accidentally burning to the bottom of the pan. KFC also has a quick pick up option or a delivery option on their website, so you can swing by on your way after work and grab some grub for your family. Add a little bit of your own seasoning if you want to make it a little less bland. Combo (2 Pieces, Side, Biscuit, and Drink): Family Meal (8, 12, or 16 pieces with Sides and Biscuits): Spicy Chicken Tenders If youre not in the mood to bite off the bone, youll love these tenders with a kick. But it was quite salty, so if that's not your thing, be warned. These booming franchises have competed against each other for years, fighting tooth and nail to remain the provider of the worlds favorite fast food chicken. After all, instant potato flakes are an odd ingredient to keep stocked up in the pantry. Bonchon wings are great, but the champion chicken wing chain is undoubtedly Wingstop. Popeyes, on the other hand, has no vegetarian options on the menu, at least not at their United States locations. And when perfectly cooked fried chicken is accompanied by memorable sides, it makes for an even more spectacular meal. If any of this makes your tummy turn, skip KFC's mashed potatoes for good and just opt for the coleslaw. This sandwich wasn't at all overhyped. Popeyes does, however, serve their mashed potatoes with gravy. Unfortunately, if you eat everything in this chicken dinner, you will have consumed more fat and sodium than the recommended daily amount (via the Food and Drug Administration). Check out the prices of these top sellers, or mosey on over to the full menu of prices. Don't Be Surprised By The Cost of Fast Food. The breading on their Original Recipe is usually peppery and flavorful, but the chicken meat itself is typically greasy. Employee Video Shows How KFC Mashed Potatoes Are Really Made KFC mashed potatoes and gravy is so comforting, people add mashed potatoes to their chicken sandwiches and drizzle potato wedges with gravy to create poutine. Not if you're relying on Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) and Popeyes, which were respectively America's second and third favorite fried chicken fast food restaurants in 2019, according to QSR. Popeyes and Chick-fil-A are basically tied, as both restaurants have mastered the art of the chicken. If you stirred while you added, there shouldn't be any lumps in the gravy. But it just doesn't have the same significant crunch or powerful flavor as Popeyes', and therefore comes in second place this round. We figured out how to make a copycat version of their mashed potatoes and gravy, and it's easier that you might think. The home of the best Cajun flavor youll find north of the Mississippi Popeyes takes the cake for its spicy rendition of fried chicken. If you want to bring on the heat, their Atomic wings deliver. Keep in mind that Popeyes takes pride in its Southern food so the menu also features po'boy sandwiches and jambalaya. Things You Should Absolutely Never Order At KFC - Mashed.com It's just that this particular side dish is just that good. Copyright 2023 Fast Food Menu Prices. Then, reduce the heat and add the flour little by little. Just one: chicken fingers. The locals know. You can never have too many potatoes. I have only had the mashed potatoes at Popeyes a couple times. Champs Chicken exists because it's conveniently located and inexpensive. Chick-fil-A is good, but if I wanted a fast food sandwich or burger, I'd go to Burger King. So, whats their secret sauce? What KFC still does right is their mashed potatoes and gravy, and their buttery, flaky biscuits. cup whole milk, plus additional milk as needed. Limited Time. Is there such a thing as bad fried chicken? If you can't choose between Popeyes or Kentucky Fried Chicken, here's an idea: Piece together a DIY meal with the best components from each chain. A word of warning: stick with beans and rice as your sides. Though you want to feel the crunch, chicken shouldn't be difficult to bite into. you've probably tried that famous recipe well, kinda. Add the bouillon-infused water to the pan, whisking constantly to prevent any clumps from forming. AMWFemme 4 yr. ago Australian who had travelled extensively in the US - the only acceptable answer is Popeyes. If you live in Florida, then you know PDQ is where you can find some of the best fast food chicken in the country. They don't seem to be well-seasoned as KFC's, and as The Takeout put it, they don't "change the game." The chicken is meaty, never stringy or dry, and the crispy Cajun coating is what you'd expect to find in a Southern food joint. After making the test batch, we completely understand why KFC doesn't take the time to boil and mash real potatoes, so we didn't feel the need to do so, either. If you're cozying up to a bucket of KFC chicken, there's a good chance you have a side of mashed potatoes at the ready, too. They're called Kentucky Fried Chicken for a reason, but there are some other solid options. If you live in Vermont, Wyoming or Puerto Rico, you'll have trouble finding a Popeyes, because there are none in those three locations. Stir constantly using a whisk until the mixture turns a light golden brown, about 5 minutes. We Put Popeyes And KFC To The Test To Find The Bet Fast Food - UPROXX I compared and ranked fries from Five Guys, Burger King, McDonald's, Wendy's, Shake Shack, Popeyes, KFC, and Checkers. You can find Champs Chicken in gas stations and convenience stores in more than 1,500 locations spread across more than 40 states. Continue whisking and adding the broth until the entire container is empty. Like Popeyes, the $8.59 combo included three pieces of dark-meat fried chicken, one side, a biscuit, and a small soft drink. It's like eating at home, even when you're out. And it's also a great palate cleanser before moving onto other sides! Each chain's fries had a distinct flavor, texture, and shape. If you aren't out West, you might not be familiar with El Pollo Loco. But since Boston Market is a little pricier, if you're looking for a more inexpensive treat, you might want to try KFC. From the Mild flavor (a toned-down version of their Original Hot), to their amazingly buttery Garlic Parmesan, to their sweet yet tangy Hawaiian, there's something for everyone at Wingstop. (And no, we dont mean the divine Chick-Fil-A sauce.) The skin is never rubbery or burnt. While they were golden with fake butter on the outside, they were doughy on the inside. Sure, KFC was $0.10 less and had more meat for the money, but the food was far inferior. And while KFC brought nothing noteworthy to the table, Popeyes came in at a close second for its high-quality . Employee Video Shows How KFC Mashed Potatoes Are Really Made Mashed 1.26M subscribers Subscribe 8.7K 878K views 1 year ago #KFC #Food #MashedPotatoes Watch this video to see how KFC. The "regular" size was $1.99 for a large scoop of thick mashed potatoes and gravy. Add the bouillon-infused water to the pan, whisking constantly to prevent any clumps from forming. Tenders Meal (12 Tenders, 2 Large Sides, 4 Biscuits, 6 sauces): Tenders and Popcorn Big Box Meal (3 Tenders, Popcorn, Individual Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Cole Slaw, Biscuit, Medium Drink): Go Cup (2 Extra Crispy Tenders and Wedges): Extra Crispy Chicken The only complaint KFC ever received about the Original Recipe was that it wasnt crispy enough for some folks, thus the birth of the Extra Crispy option. It wasn't complicated simply a crispy chicken breast topped with pickles on a brioche bun slathered in your choice of mayo or Cajun sauce. DiscoverNet | KFC Vs. Popeyes: Which Is Better? We decided we'd embark on a journey of discovery to both KFC and Popeyes to determine which one you should go to with your $10. Popeyes doesn't have quite as far of a reach and is in only 30 countries worldwide. By clicking Sign Up, you also agree to marketing emails from both Insider and Morning Brew; and you accept Insiders. Unfortunately, this time around, the gravy tasted oddly bitter. Then, we learned from Popsugar that KFC mashed potatoes and gravy is made from powder packets, and we felt a little better. A fried chicken dinner is a hard hitter when it comes to calories, fat, cholesterol, carbs, and sodium. An Eater review describes them as having a rubbery texture. You wouldn't think that mashed potatoes made from powdered potato flakes could be so good, but they really are. Culver's isn't known for its potatoes. The bowl consists of mashed potatoes topped with corn, crispy chicken bites, and cheese. All Rights Reserved. KFC takes this one but not by much. What the heck is all of that? Combo (8 or 12 piece, Waffle Fries, and Drink). KFC tastes a little bit more like it's just got salt and pepper (I know it's not but they're the predominant flavors), whereas Popeye's actually has FLAVORS going on. And if you're looking to break out of the flavor mold, try Popeyes' spicy gravy or El Pollo Loco's thick and salty gravy. While the oil still had that specific Popeyes oil flavor, it seemed far fresher than usual. Don't worry, Chick-fil-A fans, there's no need for angry letters. They also contain plenty of salt, so you don't have to add any salt or seasonings (although, you can also seek out low-sodium options, if you prefer). BHT is generally recognized as safe by the FDA but if you're leery about chemicals in your food, maybe consider scratching KFC's mashed potatoes from your next order. But then when you take a giant bite, your mouth quickly fills with disappointment. We like to make a little indentation in the mashed potatoes with the back of a spoon to give the gravy a place to pool. KFC, on the other hand, has the fried chicken, Beyond chicken, tenders (regular and spicy), pot pie, and the Famous Bowl. KFC Vs. Popeyes: Which Is Better? - Mashed.com we'd have come out pleased. The use of ranch dressing and their Tongue Torch sauce truly delivers a memorable flavor combination. Reduce heat to medium and simmer, partially covered, for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the potatoes and garlic are fork-tender. Fancy or fast? They don't serve bone-in chicken, instead focusing on nuggets, salads, sandwiches, and tenders. Popeyes edges KFC out this time, but you can't go wrong with either option. We considered using real potatoes to make our KFC mashed potato copycat recipe. In the 90 years since, hundreds of other chicken chains have joined the flock. KFC's famous mashed potatoes and gravy was the obviouschoice for the side. So we opted for KFC's classic creamy gravy-topped mashed potatoes, which were pretty. The sheer variety of tenders, as well as how delicious they are, put KFC in the top spot for the tenders category. Fast Food Chicken Prices from KFC, Popeyes, and Chick-fil-A Technically, all you have to do is melt it so it combines with the flour. There were two formidable competitors in the race to see which chain was the overall better option KFC or Popeyes. Then again, after you try Popeyes for the first time, you might actually disagree with that statement.