KFC’s New Saucy Nuggets: Taste Test, Recipes, and DIY Guide to Saucy Chicken Perfection!
KFC has done it again! They’ve taken their iconic crispy chicken nuggets and drenched them in flavorful sauces, creating a craveable new menu item: Saucy Nuggets. But are they worth the hype? And more importantly, can you recreate the magic at home? This comprehensive guide dives deep into the new KFC Saucy Nuggets, provides a detailed review of each flavor, and equips you with easy-to-follow recipes and techniques to make your own saucy chicken nugget masterpieces. Get ready to elevate your chicken nugget game!
## KFC Saucy Nuggets: A Flavor Explosion
The KFC Saucy Nuggets boast a delightful combination of the chain’s signature crispy chicken and a variety of bold and tangy sauces. Currently, KFC is offering five distinct saucy nugget flavors:
* **Nashville Hot:** A fiery blend of cayenne pepper, paprika, and brown sugar, delivering a spicy kick with a hint of sweetness. This is the spiciest offering and not for the faint of heart!
* **Honey BBQ:** A classic combination of sweet honey and smoky barbecue flavors, creating a familiar and comforting taste. It’s sweet, savory, and a crowd-pleaser.
* **Sticky Chicky Sweet ‘n Sour:** A balanced blend of sweet, sour, and tangy notes, reminiscent of traditional sweet and sour sauce, with a noticeable ginger and garlic presence. This is a well-balanced option with a pleasant tang.
* **Korean BBQ:** Inspired by Korean flavors, this sauce offers a savory and slightly spicy profile, with hints of soy sauce, garlic, and gochujang. This flavor offers a unique and complex taste experience.
* **Georgia Gold:** A tangy and sweet mustard-based sauce, providing a unique and distinct flavor profile. It’s zesty, bright, and adds a different dimension to the nuggets.
## The Ultimate Taste Test: A Detailed Review
I bravely sampled all five flavors to give you an honest and detailed review. Here’s my breakdown:
**1. Nashville Hot:**
* **Spice Level:** High. This is definitely the spiciest of the bunch. Be prepared for a significant kick that lingers.
* **Flavor Profile:** Primarily spicy with subtle sweet undertones. The cayenne pepper is the star, followed by a hint of paprika and brown sugar.
* **Overall Impression:** If you’re a spice enthusiast, you’ll love this. The chicken remains crispy despite the sauce, and the heat builds gradually. However, those sensitive to spice might find it overwhelming.
* **Rating:** 4.5/5 Stars (For spice lovers)
**2. Honey BBQ:**
* **Spice Level:** Mild. Barely any noticeable heat.
* **Flavor Profile:** Sweet and smoky with a classic BBQ taste. The honey provides a pleasant sweetness that complements the smoky notes.
* **Overall Impression:** A safe and familiar choice. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s hard to dislike. The sauce is well-balanced and not overly sweet.
* **Rating:** 4/5 Stars
**3. Sticky Chicky Sweet ‘n Sour:**
* **Spice Level:** Mild.
* **Flavor Profile:** A harmonious blend of sweet, sour, and tangy. The ginger and garlic add depth to the flavor, creating a complex and satisfying taste.
* **Overall Impression:** This was a surprisingly delicious option. The balance of sweet and sour is perfect, and the sauce clings well to the nuggets. It’s a more sophisticated take on traditional sweet and sour sauce.
* **Rating:** 4.7/5 Stars
**4. Korean BBQ:**
* **Spice Level:** Medium. A noticeable but manageable spice.
* **Flavor Profile:** Savory, slightly spicy, and umami-rich. The soy sauce, garlic, and gochujang combine to create a complex and flavorful sauce with a distinct Korean influence.
* **Overall Impression:** This is a unique and flavorful option that stands out from the others. The sauce is rich and savory, with a pleasant kick of spice. If you’re looking for something different, this is a great choice.
* **Rating:** 4.8/5 Stars
**5. Georgia Gold:**
* **Spice Level:** Mild.
* **Flavor Profile:** Tangy, sweet, and mustard-forward. The mustard base provides a distinct tanginess that’s balanced by a touch of sweetness.
* **Overall Impression:** This is a unique and polarizing flavor. If you love mustard, you’ll likely enjoy this. The tanginess is refreshing, but it might not be for everyone.
* **Rating:** 3.5/5 Stars (Personal preference. If you LOVE mustard, bump it up to a 4.5)
## DIY Saucy Nuggets: Recreating KFC’s Magic at Home
Want to enjoy saucy nuggets without leaving the house? Here’s how to make your own delicious versions, inspired by KFC’s new offerings:
**Part 1: The Perfect Crispy Chicken Nuggets (Base Recipe)**
This recipe focuses on creating incredibly crispy and juicy chicken nuggets that serve as the perfect canvas for any sauce.
**Ingredients:**
* 1.5 lbs Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
* 1 cup Buttermilk
* 1 tbsp Hot sauce (optional, for a little kick in the chicken itself)
* 1 tsp Salt
* 1/2 tsp Black pepper
* 1 cup All-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup Cornstarch
* 1 tbsp Paprika
* 1 tbsp Garlic powder
* 1 tbsp Onion powder
* 1 tsp Dried thyme
* 1 tsp Dried oregano
* 1/2 tsp Cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)
* Vegetable oil, for frying (about 3-4 inches deep in a pot or Dutch oven)
**Instructions:**
1. **Marinate the Chicken:** In a bowl, combine the chicken cubes, buttermilk, hot sauce (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well and cover. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor and tenderness.
2. **Prepare the Dredging Station:** In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using). This mixture is the key to achieving that signature crispy texture.
3. **Dredge the Chicken:** Remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk marinade, letting any excess drip off. One at a time, dredge each chicken cube thoroughly in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s completely coated. Press the flour mixture onto the chicken to help it adhere. Place the dredged chicken pieces on a wire rack.
4. **Heat the Oil:** In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C). Use a deep-fry thermometer to monitor the temperature accurately. Maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial for crispy, not greasy, nuggets.
5. **Fry the Chicken:** Carefully add the dredged chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy nuggets. Fry for 4-6 minutes per batch, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
6. **Drain and Rest:** Remove the fried chicken nuggets from the oil and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. This helps maintain their crispiness.
**Part 2: Recreating the KFC Sauces (DIY Recipes)**
Now for the fun part: making the sauces! These recipes are inspired by KFC’s Saucy Nuggets and are designed to be easily adaptable to your own taste preferences.
**1. Nashville Hot Sauce (DIY)**
**Ingredients:**
* 1/4 cup Butter
* 2 tbsp Brown sugar
* 2 tbsp Paprika
* 1 tbsp Cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
* 1 tsp Garlic powder
* 1 tsp Onion powder
* 1/2 tsp Smoked paprika
* 1/4 tsp Salt
* 1/4 cup Hot sauce (Louisiana-style)
**Instructions:**
1. **Melt the Butter:** In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. **Add Spices:** Stir in the brown sugar, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and salt. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
3. **Combine Ingredients:** Remove from heat and stir in the hot sauce until well combined.
4. **Toss with Nuggets:** Toss the crispy chicken nuggets with the Nashville Hot sauce until evenly coated. Serve immediately.
**Tips:**
* Start with a smaller amount of cayenne pepper and adjust to your spice preference.
* For a richer flavor, use clarified butter.
* Add a pinch of MSG (optional) for that authentic KFC flavor.
**2. Honey BBQ Sauce (DIY)**
**Ingredients:**
* 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
* 1/4 cup Honey
* 1 tbsp Apple cider vinegar
* 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
* 1/2 tsp Smoked paprika
* 1/4 tsp Garlic powder
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a small saucepan, whisk together the BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
2. **Simmer:** Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
3. **Toss with Nuggets:** Toss the crispy chicken nuggets with the Honey BBQ sauce until evenly coated. Serve immediately.
**Tips:**
* Use a high-quality BBQ sauce for the best flavor.
* Adjust the amount of honey to your desired sweetness level.
* For a smoky flavor, add a few drops of liquid smoke.
**3. Sticky Chicky Sweet ‘n Sour Sauce (DIY)**
**Ingredients:**
* 1/2 cup Pineapple juice
* 1/4 cup White vinegar
* 1/4 cup Sugar
* 2 tbsp Soy sauce
* 1 tbsp Cornstarch
* 1 tbsp Water
* 1 tsp Ginger, minced
* 1 tsp Garlic, minced
* 1 tbsp Ketchup
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a small saucepan, whisk together the pineapple juice, white vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and ketchup.
2. **Dissolve Cornstarch:** In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. This will prevent lumps in the sauce.
3. **Simmer:** Bring the pineapple juice mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Gradually whisk in the cornstarch slurry and continue to stir until the sauce thickens.
4. **Toss with Nuggets:** Toss the crispy chicken nuggets with the Sticky Chicky Sweet ‘n Sour sauce until evenly coated. Serve immediately.
**Tips:**
* Use fresh ginger and garlic for the best flavor.
* Adjust the amount of sugar and vinegar to your desired sweetness and sourness levels.
* Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
**4. Korean BBQ Sauce (DIY)**
**Ingredients:**
* 1/4 cup Soy sauce
* 2 tbsp Brown sugar
* 1 tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
* 1 tbsp Rice vinegar
* 1 tbsp Sesame oil
* 1 tsp Garlic, minced
* 1/2 tsp Ginger, minced
* 1/4 tsp Red pepper flakes (optional, for extra spice)
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a small saucepan, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, gochujang, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. **Simmer:** Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
3. **Toss with Nuggets:** Toss the crispy chicken nuggets with the Korean BBQ sauce until evenly coated. Serve immediately.
**Tips:**
* Gochujang can be found in most Asian grocery stores. If you can’t find it, you can substitute it with a combination of chili paste and a small amount of miso paste.
* Adjust the amount of gochujang and red pepper flakes to your spice preference.
* Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a more authentic presentation.
**5. Georgia Gold Sauce (DIY)**
**Ingredients:**
* 1/2 cup Yellow mustard
* 1/4 cup Honey
* 2 tbsp Apple cider vinegar
* 1 tbsp Brown sugar
* 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
* 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
* 1/4 tsp Onion powder
* Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a small saucepan, whisk together the yellow mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using).
2. **Simmer:** Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
3. **Toss with Nuggets:** Toss the crispy chicken nuggets with the Georgia Gold sauce until evenly coated. Serve immediately.
**Tips:**
* Use a good quality yellow mustard for the best flavor.
* Adjust the amount of honey to your desired sweetness level.
* For a smoother sauce, blend the ingredients with an immersion blender.
## Tips for Saucy Nugget Perfection
* **Crispy Nuggets are Key:** Start with perfectly crispy chicken nuggets. The base recipe above is designed to deliver just that. Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying to ensure even cooking and crispness.
* **Sauce Consistency:** Adjust the simmering time for the sauces to achieve your desired consistency. Thicker sauces will cling better to the nuggets.
* **Toss Immediately:** Toss the nuggets with the sauce immediately after frying for maximum adhesion. The heat from the nuggets will help the sauce cling.
* **Don’t Over-Sauce:** Avoid over-saucing the nuggets, which can make them soggy. Aim for a thin, even coating.
* **Serve Immediately:** Saucy nuggets are best served immediately after tossing with the sauce. This ensures they are at their crispiest and most flavorful.
* **Experiment with Sauces:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavor combinations and ingredients to create your own signature saucy nugget recipes.
## Beyond KFC: Other Saucy Chicken Ideas
The saucy chicken trend extends far beyond nuggets. Here are some other ideas to inspire your culinary creations:
* **Saucy Chicken Wings:** Use the same sauce recipes on crispy fried chicken wings for a game-day favorite.
* **Saucy Chicken Sandwiches:** Drizzle your favorite sauce over a crispy chicken sandwich for an extra layer of flavor.
* **Saucy Chicken Bowls:** Build a bowl with rice, vegetables, and saucy chicken for a complete and satisfying meal.
* **Saucy Chicken Tacos:** Add saucy chicken to tacos for a unique and flavorful twist.
## Final Thoughts: Are Saucy Nuggets Worth It?
KFC’s new Saucy Nuggets are a fun and flavorful addition to their menu. While some flavors are more successful than others, they offer a diverse range of tastes to satisfy different palates. The Nashville Hot and Korean BBQ flavors were standouts, while the Honey BBQ and Sticky Chicky Sweet ‘n Sour offer reliable and enjoyable options. The Georgia Gold is definitely a love-it-or-hate-it flavor.
Ultimately, the best part about the saucy nugget trend is that it’s easy to recreate at home. With a few simple ingredients and these DIY recipes, you can customize your own saucy chicken creations and enjoy them whenever you crave them. So, ditch the drive-thru and get saucy in your own kitchen!
This guide provides you with everything you need to know about KFC’s new Saucy Nuggets, from a detailed review to easy-to-follow recipes. Get ready to embark on a saucy chicken adventure and discover your new favorite flavor combination!