KFC Unveils New Chicken Tenders and ‘Declares War’ on Fast Food Rivals

KFC has initiated a competitive drive for dominance in the chicken tenders category, launching an integrated advertising campaign targeting its fast-food rivals.

With the introduction of its new Original Recipe Tenders, KFC’s goal is to corner the market on chicken tenders, a move that positions it against competitors like Popeyes. This campaign aligns with a playful yet confrontational stance recently seen among other players in the fast-food sector.

Central to this push is a vibrant 60-second advertisement titled “The Chicken Tenders Battle Has Begun,” which vividly illustrates the intense rivalry in the fast-food landscape as brands vie for customer loyalty.

The commercial recounts the previous battles of the chicken sandwich wars before transitioning into the current showdown over chicken tenders. Tension escalates as a group dressed as KFC staff enthusiastically shouts “For Kentucky!” before rushing into the fray.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DvqA4UxcFic

KFC | THE CHICKEN TENDERS BATTLE HAS BEGUN (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DvqA4UxcFic)

This campaign is scheduled to run until December 1, encompassing a variety of marketing tactics including partnerships with influencers, both paid and organic social media promotions, in-app takeovers, radio spots, streaming audio, and print media.

KFC is also taking a daring step by surprising customers with complimentary Original Recipe Tenders on October 17.

This promotion is set to occur in select locations, including Baton Rouge and New Orleans in Louisiana—home to Raising Cane’s and Popeyes—and Atlanta, Georgia, known as the origin of Chick-fil-A.

The Original Recipe Tenders are hand-breaded twice and infused with KFC’s unique mix of herbs and spices. To highlight their debut, the chain is offering a $5 meal deal that features three tenders, Secret Recipe Fries, and two of its iconic sauces.

KFC will also provide promotions such as the Tenders + Nuggets Family Meal, accessible via its website and app, alongside a 13 Days of Daily Deals event running from October 19 to October 31.

In additional KFC updates, YouTube personality IShowSpeed has been approached by the fast-food chain for a collaboration, aimed at competing with Kai Cenat’s McDonald’s partnership.