KFC is dialing back the clock. On October 6, 2025, the chain reintroduced its Original Honey BBQ — the throwback sauce beloved by ’90s fans — across its U.S. locations.
The relaunch is part of a nostalgia-driven comeback campaign, combining retro flavor with bold claims and competitive pricing. The question? Does it still live up to the hype? Here’s a full review.
What Is “Original Honey BBQ” & Why It’s Back
- Origin & Legacy
The Original Honey BBQ first appeared in the late 1990s as a special glaze for KFC wings. It eventually expanded to more menu items before being phased out in the early 2000s. - New Launch Details
In 2025, KFC revived the original formula, branding it “Original Honey BBQ” and making it available for use on chicken pieces, tenders, sandwiches, and wings. - Promotional Angle
KFC pairs the comeback with a ’90s-era price for its chicken sandwich: $3.99, touted as a throwback deal. The chain also launched the Original Honey BBQ Combo (two Extra Crispy pieces tossed in the sauce, plus side, biscuit, and drink). KFC says the sandwich is larger than rivals’ and that they’ll offer the sauce on all chicken items.
Taste Test & Experience
We sampled several menu variants to see how the sauce performs in different contexts. Below is a summary of impressions:
| Menu Format | Sauce Application | Texture & Flavor Profile | Best Use Case / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| As a dipping sauce (cup) | Warm, pourable | Balanced sweet-smoky with mild honey notes | Offers control; ideal for nuggets or tenders |
| Extra Crispy chicken | Fully coated | Sauce clings well; skin retains some crispness | Works best with thicker crust |
| Wings | Generously glazed | Sauce complements wing spices; slight mess factor | Fan favorite for wing lovers |
| Chicken Sandwich | Drizzled atop filet & bun | Sauce cuts through richness; pickles add balance | Ideal in sandwich for contrast |
Key observations:
- The warm service of the sauce makes it more inviting and aromatic.
- The flavor has a smoky backbone with honey sweetness—not overly saccharine.
- On crispy pieces, the sauce enhances without fully sogging the crust.
- In the sandwich format, the bread and pickles help temper the bold sauce, preventing it from overwhelming the chicken.
In side-by-side taste tests, many preferred the Original Honey BBQ over the more modern “Honey BBQ” version. It feels sharper, more barbecue-forward, and less syrupy.
Pricing, Availability & Strategy
- Nationwide Launch: Active across the ~4,065 U.S. KFC locations.
- Limited Time: KFC frames this return as a nostalgia event, so timing is key.
- $3.99 Throwback Price: The KFC Chicken Sandwich is offered at this nostalgic price during the campaign.
- Combo Deals: The Original Honey BBQ Combo includes two sauced chicken pieces, a side, biscuit, and beverage.
- Competitive Marketing: KFC claims its sandwich is larger than those of rivals and explicitly emphasizes availability on Sundays—a jab at brands that aren’t open then.
This move is part of KFC’s broader effort to recover market share. In recent quarters, same-store sales dipped, and rivals gained ground. The return of beloved items like potato wedges, Hot & Spicy wings, and now Original Honey BBQ aims to renew customer excitement and loyalty.
Strengths & Weaknesses
1. Strengths / Wins
Nostalgia & Demand
Fans have petitioned for years. The emotional pull is real.
- Versatility
Sauce works on multiple formats—wings, tenders, sandwiches. - Balanced Flavor
Sweet and smoky without being cloying; retains some backbone. - Promotional Momentum
Coupling with throwback pricing and limited-time hype helps visibility.
2. Weaknesses / Challenges
- Mess Factor
The sauce is sticky—napkin count will rise. - Saturation Risk
If used too broadly, the novelty may fade fast. - Supply Constraints
High initial demand might strain stock in some locations. - Comparative Expectations
Very high fan expectations can lead to tough comparisons.
The return of Original Honey BBQ feels like a smart strategy for KFC’s 2025 revival. It bridges nostalgia and innovation, bringing back a beloved flavor while leveraging promotional pricing and menu variety.
In execution, the sauce holds up: bold but balanced, versatile but distinctive. If you loved it in the ’90s—or just enjoy quality BBQ glazing—this comeback is worth trying sooner rather than later.
FAQs
Is the new Original Honey BBQ the same as theKFC old version?
It’s marketed as the “original” recipe. Taste tests seem to show it stays truer to the vintage formula vs the more modern “Honey BBQ” offering.
How long will this revival last?
KFC positions it as a limited-time throwback. Its continued presence likely depends on customer response and sales performance.
Can I request the sauce on any KFC item?
Yes—KFC promotes it as available across all chicken formats: wings, tenders, sandwiches, and classic fried pieces.
