KFC’s Return of Chicken & Waffles: Taste, Deals, and What’s New
KFC brings back its iconic Chicken & Waffles with new meal deals, flavors, and a nod to American comfort food culture.
KFC Brings Back Chicken & Waffles: An American Icon Returns
KFC has delighted fast food fans across America by announcing the comeback of its famed Chicken & Waffles for the first time since 2019. The nationwide release marks a celebration of classic-American comfort food, blending crispy fried chicken with sweet, pearl sugar-infused waffles and Mrs. Butterworth’s syrup.
Why Chicken & Waffles?
Chicken & Waffles has long been viewed as an American comfort classic—combining savory, juicy fried chicken with sweet, golden waffles and syrup. As Catherine Tan-Gillespie, KFC U.S. president, stated: “We believe Chicken & Waffles is an American icon. Flavorful, juicy and freshly fried secret recipe chicken, paired with sweet, golden waffles and gooey syrup— it’s bold, it’s delicious, and it’s back on our menu just in time for Mother’s Day.”
- Original Recipe Chicken paired with special Liège-style waffles.
- Topped with Mrs. Butterworth’s syrup for that classic sweet-savory combination.
- Returning as a limited-time offer (LTO) nationwide.
Chicken & Waffles: What’s Inside the Box?
Available in multiple new box deals, KFC’s Chicken & Waffles is now accessible as personal, duo, and family-sized options. Here’s a breakdown of offerings:
- $7 Tenders and Waffle Box: Three Original Recipe tenders, a Liège-style waffle, and Mrs. Butterworth’s syrup.
- $7 Two-Piece Fried Chicken and Waffle Box: Two pieces (drum and thigh), waffle, and syrup.
- $25 Chicken & Waffles Fan Favorites Box: Four fried chicken pieces or six tenders, 12 KFC Nuggets, four waffles, two fries, and choice of four syrups or dipping sauces.
Combo Options
| Box Name | Included Items | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken & Waffles Box Combo | 2pc Chicken, Waffle, Syrup, 1 Side, 1 Drink | $9.99 |
| Family Chicken & Waffles Feast | 8pc Chicken, 4 Waffles, 4 Syrups | $22.99 |
| Fan Favorites Box | 4pc Chicken, 12 Nuggets, 4 Waffles, 2 Fries, 4 Syrups/Sauces | $25.00 |
Nutritional Information
Let’s break down the nutrition for the flagship Chicken & Waffles Box (drum & thigh, waffle, syrup):
| Item | Quantity | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Original Recipe Chicken | 2 pcs (drum & thigh) | ~410 |
| Belgian Waffle | 1 waffle | ~240–500 |
| Mrs. Butterworth’s Syrup | 1 cup | ~100–210 |
| Total Estimated | — | 650–1120 |
- Calories vary based on syrup quantity and waffle type.
- Adding sides/drinks increases total caloric intake.
Allergen Information
| Allergen | Present? |
|---|---|
| Wheat | ✅ |
| Milk | ✅ (Waffle, Chicken) |
| Eggs | ✅ (Waffle) |
| Soy | ✅ (Chicken) |
| Sesame | ❌ |
| Tree Nuts | ❌ |
| Peanuts | ❌ |
| Fish | ❌ |
| Shellfish | ❌ |
Additional Sides & Drinks
- Mashed Potatoes & Gravy
- Mac & Cheese
- Cole Slaw
- Biscuit
- Chocolate Chip Cookie
- Pepsi®, Mountain Dew®, Sweet Tea, Lemonade
What Makes KFC’s Waffle Special?
KFC uses a Belgian Liege-style waffle, crafted with enriched wheat flour, sugar pearls (for a caramelized bite), milk, eggs, and vanilla flavor. The result is a thicker, chewier, sweeter waffle that stands out from classic American or Belgian waffles. Sugar pearls melt during cooking, giving pockets of caramelly crunch, and the whole treat is toasted in-store before serving for freshness.
Mrs. Butterworth’s Syrup: Sweet, Not Maple
Unlike traditional maple syrup, KFC’s box includes a portion of Mrs. Butterworth’s syrup, made from high fructose corn syrup, water, molasses, and flavorings—not real maple. It delivers a classic pancake syrup taste that pairs uniquely with the salty, crispy chicken.
Can You Customize?
- Chicken pieces: Default is drum & thigh (Original Recipe), but some locations may offer substitutions (e.g., Extra Crispy or all thighs).
- Waffle: Always Liege-style, sweet not savory.
- Sides and drinks: Multiple add-ons available for more variety and calories.
Availability, Ordering, and Delivery
KFC’s Chicken & Waffles boxes are limited-time promotional items, released to coincide with major holidays, including Mother’s Day in 2025. They’re available for lunchtime and dinner hours only; not for breakfast. You can order for pickup or delivery via KFC.com, the official app, and major delivery platforms.
- Double points for KFC Rewards members via KFC.com or the app for $7 and $25 boxes.
- BOGO (Buy One Get One Free) deals for 8-piece buckets/tenders.
- $0 Delivery on all digital orders on Mother’s Day.
- $10 Tuesday with Tenders: Tuesdays only, 8 tenders or 8 pieces of fried chicken for $10.
The Taste: Sweet, Savory, and Satisfying?
Food reviews consistently praise the blend of flavors: the crunchy, well-seasoned Original Recipe chicken remains the heart of the box, while the Liege-style waffle adds a rich sweetness. Dipping into syrup gives each bite contrast—sweet, syrupy notes play off salty, herby chicken for a unique, indulgent meal.
- Chicken is juicy, with KFC’s classic 11 herbs and spices.
- Waffle is sweet and chewy, caramelized from sugar pearls.
- Syrup amplifies the comfort factor.
- Best for those seeking a rich, filling meal; may be heavy for young children.
KFC Chicken & Waffles: History and Popularity
KFC first launched Chicken & Waffles in 2018 after years of recipe testing. The items quickly garnered a cult following, leading to a repeat in 2019 after customer feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Its recurring limited releases build anticipation and drive high sales, especially around holidays.
- First launched in 2018; brought back in early 2019.
- Return driven by fan demand and high social media buzz.
- Popular with both long-time KFC customers and new visitors.
Mother’s Day at KFC: Tradition of Special Promotions
Mother’s Day is one of the top annual sales days for sit-down and quick-service restaurants. KFC traditionally rolls out special campaigns during this period, including past events like a KFC Chickendales ad, a romantic Colonel Sanders novella, and celebrity partnerships.
For 2025, Chicken & Waffles headlines the Mother’s Day menu along with several meal deals and a brand-new Strawberry & Crème Pie Popper dessert—a sweet, flaky pastry filled with strawberry and cream, perfect for finishing off the meal.
- Double KFC Rewards points on Chicken & Waffles orders.
- BOGO offers and $0 delivery encourage family ordering.
- Special new dessert: Strawberry & Crème Pie Poppers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is KFC’s Chicken & Waffles Box?
A combination meal featuring two pieces of fried chicken (drum & thigh), a Liege-style waffle, and Mrs. Butterworth’s syrup.
Can I choose my chicken style?
Usually Original Recipe, but some stores may offer Extra Crispy or allow substitution.
Is the waffle sweet or savory?
The waffle is sweet, made Liege-style with pearl sugar and vanilla.
How many calories are in the box?
Between 650 and 1120, depending on amount of syrup and waffle variation.
Is this a limited-time offer?
Yes, Chicken & Waffles is not on the menu year-round—it’s a seasonal special.
Are sides and drinks included?
In the basic box, no. Combo versions and add-ons are available for an extra charge.
Is delivery available?
Yes. Orders can be placed for delivery or pickup via the KFC app/website and delivery services.
Does the waffle contain allergens?
Yes. Contains wheat, milk, eggs, and soy.
Does the syrup contain real maple?
No. It uses molasses and artificial maple flavor.
Is the meal too large for kids?
The size is filling and may be too big for very young children, but suitable for older kids.
What makes the waffle Liege-style?
It uses pearl sugar for a caramelized crunch and has a denser, richer texture than regular waffles.
Final Thoughts: Should You Try KFC Chicken & Waffles?
If you crave a classic comfort food with a KFC twist, this limited-time meal is great for a splurge. The flavor mash-up of crispy, herby fried chicken and sweet, chewy Liege-style waffle delivered with a dose of syrup makes for an unforgettable fast food treat. Whether ordering alone or feeding a crowd, the new combos offer value and variety, with big rewards perks for KFC fans.
- Unique flavor combination not found anywhere else in fast food.
- Perfect for sharing through family-style boxes, or solo indulgence.
- Don’t miss the extra perks on Mother’s Day and Tuesday specials!
KFC’s Chicken & Waffles: only here for a limited time, and worth the hype.
