KFC UK&I debuts new Tenders & Dips range

The move targets younger consumers, who are fueling growth in the UK's fried chicken market.

KFC UK & Ireland (UK&I) has begun a phased rollout of its new Tenders & Dips range, marking the biggest expansion of KFC's boneless menu to date and introducing a selection of new dipping sauces.

The launch forms part of the company's broader efforts to attract younger consumers, who are driving much of the growth in the UK's fried chicken market.

KFC cited research indicating that Gen Z consumers visit fried chicken restaurants twice as often as the average UK customer, whilst 35% said they eat fried chicken more frequently than they did five years ago.

The new range includes Original Recipe Chicken Tenders in portions of three, five, and 10 pieces, accompanied by nine dipping sauces, including Original Sauce, Hot Honey Habanero, Garlic Parm, and Mango Masala.

The rollout of Tenders & Dips comes as new research finds 37% of UK consumers prefer boneless fried chicken, whilst 52% said dipping sauces are an important part of the eating experience.

“Tenders & Dips isn’t just a new menu launch,” said Monica Silic, chief marketing officer of KFC UK & Ireland. “It’s the start of our next chapter and growth strategy that reflects where we’re headed as a business and how we’re connecting with today’s customers.”

The rollout follows the introduction earlier this year of Kwench, KFC's drinks platform focused on flavoured and functional beverages, and comes after the company announced a £1.5b investment plan with franchise partners.

The plan includes opening 500 new restaurants and creating more than 7,000 jobs in the UK and Ireland over the next decade.

KFC said the UK&I are the first markets to receive the Tenders & Dips range.

The products are being introduced in selected restaurants and through delivery platforms including Uber Eats, Deliveroo, and Just Eat.

The company plans to expand the rollout to the US, Australia, and other international markets during 2026.