Does kfc have grilled chicken? KFC is a popular fast food chain known for its fried chicken, but does it also offer grilled chicken? This question has many people curious and wondering if KFC serves any healthier options. Health-conscious eaters may be surprised to learn what KFC offers in terms of grilled chicken.
In this article, we’ll explore the different types of grilled chicken that KFC offers, as well as nutritional information to help you make an informed decision when ordering.
Table of Contents
What is KFC?
KFC is a well-known fast food chain specializing in fried chicken. The company was founded by Colonel Harland Sanders in 1952. Colonel Harland was well-known for his “finger lickin’ good” fried chicken. KFC has become one of the most recognizable names in quick-service restaurants.
Today, KFC is the largest fast food chain in the world with more than 20,000 restaurants in over 120 countries. KFC is owned by Yum! Brands and does not franchise. KFC does not limit itself to only offering fried chicken; it also offers other dishes such as sandwiches, wraps, salads, and sides.
What is Grilled Chicken?
Grilled chicken is a type of poultry that is cooked by direct heat. Grilling does not use as much fat as frying does, making it a healthier option for those looking to cut down on calories and unhealthy fats. The direct heat of the grill also ensures that the chicken retains its moisture, creating a tender, juicy texture.
Related: Is Grilled Chicken Healthy
Does KFC Serve Grilled Chicken?
Of course! KFC’s grilled chicken is the perfect option for those who want to indulge without going overboard. It features premium all-white meat, which has been carefully marinated in a blend of herbs and spices for an unbeatable flavor. It is then cooked to perfection over an open flame grill before being served up hot – so you can enjoy the most flavorful meal possible.
History of KFC Grilled Chicken
KFC has been serving its famous fried chicken since the 1950s. It wasn’t until recently that it began offering grilled versions of its classic recipes. KFC’s grilled chicken options first debuted in 2009 when they introduced Grilled Twister Wraps, which included a choice of Original Recipe or Extra Crispy chicken strips, served with lettuce and ranch dressing. This was followed by the launch of Kentucky Grilled Chicken in 2011.
The restaurant then added grilled wings to its menu in 2013, offering them as a lighter alternative to its traditional fried wings. It is also available as part of its Grilled Chicken Combo Meal which includes two pieces of grilled chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy, biscuit, and a medium drink for $5.99 (subject to change).
This meal provides 860 calories and 48g of fat per serving size. Additionally, KFC serves its Grilled Chicken Sandwich which is available for $3.99 (subject to change). This sandwich provides 450 calories and 17g of fat per serving size.
Grilled Options on the KFC Menu
KFC does offer grilled chicken as part of its menu. Some of the options available include:
1. Original Recipe Grilled Chicken – this option comes with 2 pieces of delicious all-white meat chicken that has been slow-cooked and basted to perfection over an open flame grill. This dish is served with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and a biscuit.
2. Extra Crispy Tenders – these tenders are juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside, and marinated in KFC’s secret blend of herbs and spices. They come with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and a biscuit.
3. Hot Wings – these wings are cooked over an open flame grill until they are hot and juicy inside and crispy outside. They are served with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and a biscuit.
4. Popcorn Nuggets – these bite-sized nuggets are made with all-white meat chicken that has been seasoned and grilled to perfection. They are served with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and a biscuit.
5. Grilled Chicken Sandwich – this sandwich features two pieces of tender, juicy all-white meat chicken that has been slow-cooked over an open flame grill and placed on a buttered, toasted bun. It is served with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles and mayonnaise.
6. Kentucky Grilled Chicken – treat your taste buds to the perfectly seasoned boneless, skinless chicken breasts of this item! Marinated in KFC’s mouthwatering recipe featuring eleven herbs and spices, each piece is then grilled over an open flame for a delectable flavor that you won’t find anywhere else. It is served with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and a biscuit.
7. Grilled Wings – marinated in KFC’s proprietary herb and spice blend, these wings are then grilled over an open flame to perfection. Available in 8 or 12 piece orders with your choice of dipping sauce. They come in several flavors such as Honey BBQ, Hot & Spicy, and Sweet & Tangy.
8. Grilled Twister Wraps – experience the deliciousness of our signature wrap: two pieces of crisp, juicy Original Recipe or Extra Crispy chicken strips tucked in a warm flour tortilla with lettuce and creamy ranch dressing.
Nutritional Information for KFC’s Grilled Chicken
KFC does provide nutritional information for all of its menu items, including its grilled chicken dishes. It is important to note that the nutritional values provided are based on standard portion sizes and may vary from location to location. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please contact your local KFC before placing an order.
As mentioned earlier, the Grilled Chicken Combo Meal provides 860 calories and 48g of fat per serving size. Additionally, the Grilled Chicken Sandwich contains 450 calories and 17g of fat per serving size. Other grilled options available at KFC include:
– 2-piece Kentucky Grilled Chicken (each piece): 150 calories; 5g of fat
– 4 piece Wing Zinger (each piece): 180 calories; 10g of fat
– 8 piece Grilled Wings (each wing): 110 calories; 5g of fat
– Grilled Twister Wrap: 510 calories; 22g of fat
Nutrition Comparison of Grilled & Fried Chicken
KFC does offer some healthier alternatives to their traditional fried chicken. When comparing the nutrition values of KFC’s grilled chicken dishes to their fried counterparts, it is important to note that the grilled items tend to contain fewer calories and less fat. The following is the nutritional information for a serving of KFC’s Grilled Chicken (3 pieces).
- Calories: 240
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 28g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Cholesterol: 70mg
However, when comparing to KFC’s fried chicken, a serving of it contains the following nutritional information.
- Calories: 570
- Fat: 37g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Protein: 32g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Cholesterol: 120mg
As you can see, the grilled chicken does provide a healthier alternative to KFC’s fried chicken. Not only does it contain fewer calories and less fat, but it also has lower sodium and cholesterol levels. Ultimately, this makes KFC’s grilled chicken dishes a great option for those looking for a healthier fast-food meal.
Longevity: How Long Grilled Lasts
Since KFC does not use any preservatives in its grilled chicken, it is best to consume it as soon as possible. The shelf-life of the item will depend on how long it has been cooked and stored. According to KFC’s website, their grilled chicken can last up to four days in a refrigerator if kept at a temperature below 40°F.
Health Benefits of Grilling Chicken
Grilling is a great way to prepare chicken in a healthy and flavorful manner. When grilling, the fat content of the meat is reduced, making it lower in calories and cholesterol than fried versions.
Additionally, because the meat does not come into contact with oil or butter during cooking, it does not absorb additional fats and oils that can increase calorie intake. Grilled chicken can also be cooked quickly, usually taking less time than traditional methods like boiling or roasting. This makes grilled chicken an excellent option for people who are short on time but still want to enjoy a nutritious meal.
Health Risks of Grilling Chicken
Like any type of food preparation, there are certain health risks associated with grilling chicken. It is important to note that if the meat is cooked at too high of a temperature, it can release carcinogenic substances called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Many of the items on their menu are high in sodium, which can lead to elevated blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues over time. The grilled options usually have higher levels of carbs compared to their fried choices. This can be a problem for those following low-carb diets, as these dishes may not fit into their diet plans.
In addition, numerous items on their menu are high in sodium which could potentially lead to increased blood pressure and other heart issues if consumed regularly. Additionally, if the meat is not properly cooked or if it comes into contact with contaminated surfaces or utensils, it can be prone to Salmonella and other bacterial infections.
To avoid these potential health risks, it is recommended that chicken should always be thoroughly cooked and that all utensils used during the cooking process should be properly washed and sanitized.
Drawbacks
Despite its health benefits, there are some drawbacks to KFC’s grilled chicken dishes. For example, customers are limited in the types of entrées they can choose from. Due to KFC does not offer a variety of grilled chicken meals like some other fast-food restaurants do, you may need to eat more than one serving in order to get a full meal.
Additionally, although the nutritional values for the grilled items are lower than their fried counterparts, they are still relatively high in sodium and fat.
Finally, some customers may find that KFC’s grilled chicken does not have the same flavor and texture as fried chicken. Lastly, it is critical to remember that KFC does offer some healthier options but not a single vegetarian or vegan-friendly item. Bearing these shortcomings in mind when evaluating if the grilled chicken dishes from KFC are suitable for you should be taken into consideration.
The popularity of Grilled Chicken at KFC
Despite its drawbacks, grilled chicken dishes remain extremely popular at KFC. Its menu items featuring grilled chicken have been rated highly among customers and critics alike, with many people finding that the grilled options are just as tasty as their fried counterparts.
As a result of customer feedback, KFC has continued to expand its range of grilled selections over the years and now offers a variety of different entrées and sides. With more people looking for healthier alternatives when it comes to fast-food dining, it is likely that KFC’s grilled offerings will continue to be popular in the future.
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FAQ
Q: Does KFC have grilled chicken?
A: Yes, KFC does offer a variety of grilled chicken dishes. They range from entrées to sides, and customers can choose from several different options. The grilled versions are generally lower in fat and calories than the fried items on their menu.
Q: What health risks does grilling chicken pose?
A: Grilling chicken does pose some health risks, such as releasing carcinogenic substances called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) if cooked at too high of a temperature. It is also possible for the meat to become contaminated with bacteria like Salmonella if it does not reach adequate temperatures or comes into contact with contaminated surfaces or utensils during preparation. To
Q: Does KFC’s grilled chicken have the same flavor as their fried chicken?
A: Some customers may find that KFC’s grilled chicken does not have the same flavor and texture as fried chicken. However, the grilled items are still rated highly by many customers for their taste and flavor. Additionally, KFC does offer a variety of different seasonings and sauces which can enhance the flavor of their grilled dishes.
Q: Does KFC’s grilled chicken have MSG?
A: KFC ensures that all of their menu items, including the grilled chicken, are made with fresh ingredients free from monosodium glutamate (MSG). To give its dishes a special flavor and kick, KFC utilizes an exclusive combination of herbs and spices. Foodies will love the tantalizing taste created by this exquisite mix!
Q: Is KFC’s grilled chicken halal?
A: KFC does not offer any halal-certified grilled chicken dishes. Despite this, their grilled chicken does not contain pork or alcohol and is made with fresh ingredients free from MSG. While KFC does not specifically certify its products as halal, the company does adhere to stringent standards for food safety and freshness that are similar to halal certification.
Conclusion: Summary of KFC’s Grilled Chicken
KFC does offer grilled chicken options on its menu, giving customers the opportunity to enjoy a healthier alternative to fried dishes. While some may find that grilled options at KFC are not as flavorful or satisfying compared to its fried selections, there is an incontrovertible health advantage associated with this cooking technique. Although their grilled offerings are certainly tempting, it is essential to consider that they still contain high levels of sodium and fat. Therefore, carefully weigh the pros and cons before deciding if these foods are right for you.
