When it comes to burger-focused fast food joints, there really isn’t much innovation. Onion rings on a burger? A charcoal bun? Even more bacon? Snore. Enter Burger King, which introduced chicken fries in the early 200s. If you’ve never heard of chicken fries, it’s understandable. They haven’t always been a main menu item. But now they’re back, and you can get them at more than just Burger King. You can even buy frozen chicken fries at the store. Today, we take a closer look at this holy union between chicken and fry. Dr. Moreau, eat your heart out (but save room for all these chicken fries).
Chicken Fries have become an iconic menu item at Burger King that have garnered a cult-like following over the years This article will explore the history, allure, and controversy surrounding BK’s fried chicken strips shaped like fries.
A Brief History of Chicken Fries
Chicken Fries were first introduced by Burger King in 2005 as part of a menu expansion designed to appeal to adults looking for more sophisticated fast food options beyond the standard burgers and fries. The breaded and fried chicken strips, shaped like french fries, provided a fun, portable finger food experience perfect for dipping in sauce.
The product was an immediate hit and Chicken Fries were heavily marketed by BK for the next few years However, in 2007, Burger King made the controversial decision to discontinue Chicken Fries in the US. This led to outrage among fans who launched petitions and social media campaigns demanding their return.
Burger King finally heard the complaints in 2014 and brought back Chicken Fries for a short time. There was still a lot of demand, as shown by the chatter on social media and the long lines at BK drive-thrus. In 2015, chicken fries were taken off menus again, but in March of that year, they were brought back around the world for good.
Why Are Chicken Fries So Popular?
There are several factors that explain the enduring appeal of Chicken Fries
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Unique shape – The fry shape makes them easy to eat on-the-go and fun to dip in sauce. This differentiated them from the typical chicken nugget experience.
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Crispy breading – The light, crispy breading provides texture and enhances the flavor of the tender chicken inside. This crispy coating is a hallmark of Burger King’s Chicken Fries.
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Kid-friendly – The fun shape and dipping sauce options appeal to kids’ tastes. Chicken Fries became a popular “frown food” option on BK’s kids menu.
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Adult-friendly – While kids love them, Chicken Fries were originally positioned as a more sophisticated snack for adults seeking an alternative to burgers and nuggets.
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Nostalgic novelty – Discontinuing Chicken Fries made them novel and created nostalgia. Fans missed them and demanded their return. Their disappearance and comeback created intrigue.
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Great for dipping – Chicken Fries pair perfectly with BK’s assortment of dipping sauces like BBQ, ranch, honey mustard and more. This enhances the snacking experience.
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The signature Chicken Fries box fits easily in car cup holders, making them a great snack for drivers who need to eat on the go.
The Saga of Discontinuation and Comeback
The fact that Chicken Fries are hard to get at times is a big part of their mythology. Why did Burger King keep taking them off the menu even though they were so popular?
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Market research – BK used deliberately discontinuing them as market research to gauge consumer passion and demand. Their social media buzz and petitions proved Chicken Fries still had avid fans.
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Menu strategy – Removing and reintroducing them generated novelty and social media buzz. It allowed BK to bring back a “new” product without operational complexity of launching one.
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Beef costs – When beef prices rose in 2014, BK brought back Chicken Fries as a cheaper alternative to burgers to boost sales, which proved very successful.
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Competition – Reintroducing a former favorite was an easy way for BK to compete with new menu items from McDonald’s and Wendy’s. Chicken Fries gave BK an edge.
Ultimately, the saga highlights the power of consumer voice. BK responded to customer demand, showing that passion for a discontinued food item can in fact bring it back!
Why the Controversy and Criticism?
While beloved by fans, Chicken Fries have also garnered criticism and controversy over the years:
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Sexualized advertising – Some early Chicken Fries ads featured provocative themes and double entendres that drew criticism for being inappropriate for a family restaurant.
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Suits: The metal band Slipknot sued Burger King in 2005, saying that the Coq Roq ad campaign used their image and style without their permission. The lawsuit was dropped after a settlement.
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Nutrition – As a deep fried, higher calorie menu item, some have criticized Chicken Fries for not being a healthy snack choice. Burger King positioned them as an indulgence.
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Environmental impact – In the era of climate change, some argue environmentally damaging beef production means BK should not prioritize fried chicken snacks over plant-based options.
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Animal welfare – Use of chickens raised in factory farming conditions has been criticized by animal welfare advocates and groups like PETA.
Controversy is sometimes part of what keeps Chicken Fries interesting to consumers! At the end of the day, they remain an iconic menu item unlike any other in BK’s portfolio.
Fun Facts About Burger King’s Chicken Fries
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Chicken Fries contain between 280-300 calories for a regular sized 9 piece order.
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Dipping sauce options over the years have included BBQ, honey mustard, ranch, zesty, buffalo and sweet & sour.
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They are made from all white meat chicken coated in a crispy seasoned breading, not a gluten-free option.
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The unique packaging was designed to fit in car cup holders for portability and dipping on-the-go.
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Kid’s meals and 36 piece party packs were among the Chicken Fries size variants over the years.
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The original ads featured a fictional metal band called Coq Roq to market them to adults.
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Chicken Fries have been tied into promotions with the NFL, NCAA, and NASCAR over the years.
The Verdict: An All-Time Fast Food Favorite
The unique origin story, discontinuations, comebacks, and controversies surrounding Chicken Fries have cemented their status as a legendary fast food item with a cult fan base. Their staying power proves that a seemingly simple fried chicken snack can achieve iconic status in pop culture and consumer memory. For those craving crispy, savory chicken strips perfect for dipping, Chicken Fries deliver the goods.
Best Frozen Chicken Fries
You can buy frozen chicken fries at the store, but which ones are the best? We found them.
What are chicken fries?
Chicken fries are long, finger-sized strips of chicken coated in seasoned bread crumbs and fried. They were added to the Burger King menu as a special item for the first time in 2005, but in 2015 they became permanent. These days, you can get them at any Burger King establishment along with a myriad of dipping sauces such as ranch, barbecue, and Buffalo. (There used to be a chicken fry sauce that was a mix of honey mustard and BBQ, but Burger King stopped making it.) ) As noted above, you can also find frozen chicken fries from brands like Tyson and Yummy at the grocery store.
Burger King – Chicken Fries Commercial
FAQ
What are chicken fries at Burger King made of?
The Chicken Fries are made with 100% chicken breast and a light, crispy coating. They are the perfect shape for dipping in one of our Burger King dressings.
Are chicken fries just chicken nuggets?
– Chicken Fries: Generally made from whole pieces of chicken breast or a blend of chicken meat and fillers, similar to nuggets but more focused on the breast meat. – Chicken Nuggets: Often made from a mixture of chicken meat, skin, and sometimes fillers or additives. The meat can be ground or formed into shapes.
What happened to Burger King chicken fries?
They were discontinued in the United States in 2012, but continued to be sold in some markets, such as Italy. In August 2014, they were brought back for a limited time (LTO) in North America. In March 2015, they were added to the menu permanently in over 30 countries around the world.
Can you get chicken fries instead of fries at Burger King?
Chicken Fries are now available at participating Burger King outlets nationwide at the recommended price of $2. 89 for nine pieces per order. Fans can also find them on the menu paired with fries and a drink as a combo meal.