kfc vs popeyes mashed potatoes kfc vs popeyes mashed potatoes

It should be obvious who the winner is More posts you may like So, whats their secret sauce? If that doesn't sound famous to you, maybe his uncle's name has a bit more gravitas; Harland Sanders as in Colonel Sanders yes,Colonel Sanders of KFC. We figured out how to make a copycat version of their mashed potatoes and gravy, and it's easier that you might think. While they didn't have spicy chicken available, they did have extra crispy chicken. Place the remaining tablespoon of butter on top of the potatoes and let it melt. we'd have come out pleased. Lee's packs a bit more pepper than KFC, and the chicken is much more consistent than KFC. If you had access to the internet, it was hard to miss the ruckus the Popeyes spicy chicken sandwich caused in early 2019. They were fluffy and just the right amount of lumpy, which made the $2.59 "regular" size pretty hearty. They're both delicious, but KFC's biscuits leave a minor trail of disappointment because they're not quite as moist as you may expect. The mashed potatoes with Cajun gravy were better than we remembered. Kentucky Fried Chicken or Popeyes Fried Chicken. Year after year, Chick-fil-A tops the American Customer Service Index to be named the nation's best fast food restaurant. Don't worry, Chick-fil-A fans, there's no need for angry letters. How many types of chicken does Raising Cane's offer? Place over medium high heat and bring to a boil. I am of the opinion that KFC offers better chicken than Popeye's. I stopped by this specific KFC location the other day, and the . We were able to make this dish with a stick of butter, flour, milk, salt, pepper, beef and chicken bouillon cubes, and a packet of instant mashed potato flakes. These booming franchises have competed against each other for years, fighting tooth and nail to remain the provider of the worlds favorite fast food chicken. Instead of being able to spend $10 to feed two people, we were left with Popeyes' 3-Piece Chicken Combo. Instructions. We had far more than we could (or wanted to) eat for $10, and we left feeling dissatisfied with our meal. (As if the price would ever keep you away from your favorite piece of cripsy fried chicken.). Now that KFC has reported they're serving sides by the scoop instead of by the container, you can really hack the menu to make some creative dishes. It's amazing that they can cook it so quickly, yet so perfectly. It's what most fried chicken is striving to be. Sometimes, you'll hit the jackpot and the chicken will be perfect, but those times are few and far between these days, unfortunately. Some copycat KFC mashed potatoes and gravy recipes use chicken or beef bouillon cubes, but we wanted to use both. It deserved every ounce of praise it got. So, eating the whole 3-piece meal in one sitting will max out your fat and sodium for the day and then some. Equally important, the brioche bun held up. The basic problem with Raising Cane's food is it's bland, very bland. They lacked the lumpiness of real, homemade potatoes, but they'll hit your nostalgia spot straight-on. Popeyes does offer delivery through their app or website, making it convenient for everyone to get their hands on that spicy chicken sandwich. In this case, we're using both beef and chicken bouillon, which creates the ideal flavor profile to recreate authentic KFC gravy. There are more than 16,000,000 vegetarians living in the United States, according to a 2018 Gallup poll. While Popeyes comes out on top, it's by the slimmest of margins. Not counting the salt and pepper, that means you can make this dish with fewer than six ingredients, and you likely have most of them on hand at any given time. But unlike Champs, KKC is scrumptious. Started in the Philippines, this chicken restaurant came stateside in 1998 and now has over 1,300 worldwide locations but only 37 in the U.S. Jollibee offers a wide variety of dishes on their menu, from their Jolly Spaghetti in its sweet sauce made from banana ketchup (yes, that's a thing) to their Halo-Halo dessert, which is surprisingly good even though its made with beans. Tenders often take a back seat to bone-in fried chicken at places like KFC and Popeyes. So why use beef bouillon, too? No two french fries from these fast-food chains are the same. A fried chicken dinner is a hard hitter when it comes to calories, fat, cholesterol, carbs, and sodium. A KFC fry cook in Canada took to Reddit with similar details except, in his version, the bits from the fryer were strained first, then stirred into water along with a packet of "gravy powder." Stay up to date with what you want to know. There are a lot of theories that KFC uses the drippings at the bottom of the pressure fryer to add flavor to their gravy. Since Popeyes offers Coke products, we got a Sprite. What the heck is all of that? It's the sort of place that you'd try for the novelty of the KFC comparison, and find yourself pleasantly surprised with the flavor to the point of frequenting again. It's a great bite and it really helps the meal to flow and get your palate ready for that next bite of chicken. When visiting, your best bet is to keep things simple and load up on the chicken and biscuits, as none of the sides are a true standout. From there, you simply continue cooking the mixture for a few minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Skip the gravy and the plain mashed potatoes contain 110 calories, 3.5 grams of fat (0.5 grams of which is saturated), and 330 milligrams of sodium. The Lee in Lee's Famous is one Lee Cummings. Then, we learned from Popsugar that KFC mashed potatoes and gravy is made from powder packets, and we felt a little better. However, Popeyes also has nuggets and some seafood options like a cajun flounder sandwich and popcorn shrimp meal that Church's doesn't offer. The spice level was just right without being too fiery for those unaccustomed to spicy food. Even the Sprite was good. When you can get a perfectly cooked bird at Costco for $4.99, why would you venture to Boston Market for a more expensive and less appetizing meal? The potatoes themselves tasted pretty plain, but the spice from the gravy did amp that up. If you're watching your fat and sodium, you may want to be mindful of eating this full meal. But, one of the secrets chefs learn in culinary school is to let it bubble and turn a light tan color. Simmer the mixture until the butter is melted. Drizzle the bowl with gravy to finish it off, and you're in for a real treat. In 2019, the chain closed 45 more locations in the U.S., including the last two that were remaining in Boston. In other words, they're a one-trick pony with a trick that isn't even that impressive. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium-high and cook it until it starts to bubble and turn a light tan color. Boston Market has been known for their homestyle meals and amazing rotisserie chicken for decades. The only other item we could purchase with our remaining funds was another biscuit for $1.29. All Rights Reserved. We decided on spicy chicken since it's a Popeyes specialty and mashed potatoes with Cajun gravy so we could compare it to KFC's mashed potatoes. French fries are another one of those items that's hard to completely mess up. Good fried chicken should be a beautiful interplay of salty and crunchy. Hopefully this restaurant will be expanding and spreading their chicken goodness across America to bless the rest of the county with their yummy offerings. That said, this ingredient not only gives the gravy a deep, rich flavor, but beef bouillon also performs another critical task: It provides the gravy with its signature color. Don't worry; we won't judge you if you turn a few scoops of mashed potatoes and gravy into your main meal instead of enjoying it as a side. Redditors, too, have found KFC's chicken to be in deep decline over the past few years. They may have used the drippings in the past, but that process involved the addition of extra shortening, which cost too much money for the side dish. It wasn't as fizzy as we would have liked it, but it was also not immensely sweet. It just doesn't work. The only sides I cared about at KFC were the mashed potatoes and brown gravy. In the past, we've found Popeyes' oil to taste odd. The best recommendation is to drive-thru your nearest Church's Chicken and just order the biscuits and maybe some corn on the cob. But, flavor doesn't lie, and this side dish tasted almost exactly like the one we get from the Colonel. Unless Boston Market revamps their menu, upgrades their chicken quality, and launches an impossible-to-ignore advertising blitz, you'd have to imagine more and more locations will be shuttered in the months and years to come. But KFC takes this win because the components of their coleslaw are chopped to the right size, and the mayonnaise and vinegar ratios give just the right amount of tangy creaminess. To make them taste exactly like KFC's mashed potatoes, add some freshly ground black pepper to dish before serving. If you can get past the texture, though, the flavor isn't all that bad. Short for "butylated hydroxytoluene," BHT is on the Environmental Working Group's "dirty dozen" list of food additives to be aware of, despite their approval by the FDA. Pasta has the same carb content as a serving of cheese, but it is nearly as fat as cheese. The Real Reason You Should Never Order KFC's Mashed Potatoes. According to Vice, part of the Popeyes magic lies in its seasonings, as well as their deep fryers. Drain, leave in colander to steam dry for 3 minutes. Popeye's Breasts have 1330 mg of sodium per 440 calories, and KFC Extra crispy breast have 1140 mg of sodium per 490 calories. It also has a tasty brioche bun, pickles and spicy sauce or mayo. The main differences seem to come from the calorie and fat content of the chicken and biscuits. Don't Be Surprised By The Cost of Fast Food. Most people cannot tell the difference. We weren't even finished paying yet before it was waiting for us. We mean, have you ever gone to a Chick-fil-A when there wasnt a line of cars wrapped around the building? People are serious about their drumsticks and nuggets, so please, do tell: which chain is your king on your list? To really enjoy these chicken fingers, you have to load them up with sauce, and not just their Cane's sauce either. But it's not just the quality of the chicken that seems to be causing the demise of Boston Market, it's the fact that you can find rotisserie chicken in almost every grocery store these days. Copycat KFC Mashed Potatoes And Gravy Recipe. Better yet, skip drive-thru all together and make this famous side dish at home. Popeyes and Chick-fil-A are basically tied, as both restaurants have mastered the art of the chicken. Paired with one of their dipping sauces, they're just heavenly, crunchy, juicy goodness, in the perfect vehicle. Like Popeyes, the $8.59 combo included three pieces of dark-meat fried chicken, one side, a biscuit, and a small soft drink. ), their traditional bone-in wings are their only other chicken offering worthy of a hearty recommendation. But it just doesn't have the same significant crunch or powerful flavor as Popeyes', and therefore comes in second place this round. These fries need to hold up to the fried chicken so as not to be overpowered, and Popeyes' bring some much needed texture and crunch, making them the clear winner here. Season the gravy with black pepper and keep it warm over low heat while you make the mashed potatoes. Either way, the sodium is clearly the biggest red . And if those were our only expectations. Simmer the mixture until it's nice and thick, about five minutes. Sure, you can get standards like coleslaw, curly fries, or mashed potatoes, but they also sell unique options like blistered shishito peppers, charred corn, and sweet potato frie. If you live in Florida, then you know PDQ is where you can find some of the best fast food chicken in the country. If you end up having to spend valuable time and extra money on gas to get a good deal, it's no longer a good deal. As at Popeyes, the only other menu item we could afford with our $10 was an extra biscuit for $1.19. Bonchon is very different, but very good. A side of mac and cheese at KFC is $1.99, while at Popeyes, it's significantly more, at $3.19. KFC was victorious in the tenders, nuggets, vegetarian options, coleslaw and locations categories. The pieces were also much bigger at KFC than at Popeyes. The recipe has changed several times over the years, so we tried out a few copycat recipes before settling on a final version. Whether you're having the breakfast chicken sandwich, the boneless chicken dippers, or their bone-in Chickenjoy, this fried chicken is exactly what it should be. If PDQ begins expanding across the country, they'll give the top chains a run for their money. We spent a total of $9.78, which was a mere $0.10 less than what we spent at Popeyes. The Idahoan brand we picked up uses 100 percent Idaho potatoes, and they really do taste just like mashed potatoes made from scratch. If you like your potatoes on the creamy side, you can whisk in extra water or milk at the end. Even if you've never visited one of the many Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken locations scattered around the Midwest and South (and Canada!) From the Mild flavor (a toned-down version of their Original Hot), to their amazingly buttery Garlic Parmesan, to their sweet yet tangy Hawaiian, there's something for everyone at Wingstop. According to a KFC manager on this Reddit Ask Me Anything thread, KFC's mashed potatoes come from powdered potatoes, a.k.a instant mashed potatoes. Unfortunately, this time around, the gravy tasted oddly bitter. What KFC still does right is their mashed potatoes and gravy, and their buttery, flaky biscuits. But since Boston Market is a little pricier, if you're looking for a more inexpensive treat, you might want to try KFC. In total, we spent $9.88. KFC takes the Chicken Nuggets round, fair and square. Then, reduce the heat and add the flour little by little. NOW WATCH: Popeyes' famous chicken sandwich is now back 'for good' so we compared it to 5 other fast-food fried-chicken sandwiches. Let's take a closer look at some of the key factors to help us decide. The 2020 forecast projects that the average American will eat 99 pounds of chicken for the year, which is far higher than beef (57 pounds) or pork (53 pounds). Popeye's mac and cheese has a thinner, more saucy texture, whereas KFC's mac and cheese has a more solid, baked texture. Man, oh man, these things are kind of magical! Unless your love of chicken is all about chicken fingers and you enjoy a bland diet, you should head somewhere else. The basis of all good gravy is roux: a mixture of flour and fat (in this case, butter). Beef may be surprising ingredient considering this fast-food chain only serves chicken. Popeyes however, is alienating a large section of the population. Whip the potatoes until they're light and fluffy, adding additional milk or water to adjust the consistency to your liking. However, if you're a bit of a coward when it comes to spicy foods, don't worry, you have plenty of delicious choices at Wingstop, too. Both Popeyes and KFC have left diners with less than stellar options, but at least KFC has something on offer. Like Champs, KKC is often found in convenience stores and gas stations. Phew; we didn't have to add all those crazy ingredients we can't even pronounce. The machines somehow manage to maintain the ideal temperature to ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked on the outside and inside each time. Every single time, you will get chicken that is head-scratchingly delicious, perfectly cooked and covered in a mouth-watering batter. You need something like Tabasco or Frank's RedHot sauce to add some oomph to these otherwise boring fingers. The potatoes were seasoned liberally with pepper, but the gravy was a little milder perhaps to keep from overwhelming your palate. Instead, go for their Kickin' Chicken on Texas Toast. KFC barely has any seasoning compared to Popeye's, and it still tastes better. But, KFC's gravy, and the interesting way it may or may not be made, has received some attention over the years. However, the wait for the food was a minute and 12 seconds. The fact that Champs Chicken may call a grungy gas station home doesn't automatically make it a restaurant to thumb your nose at. So whats a guy or gal to order when youre in the mood for a little Louisiana flare? If you don't have bouillon cubes on hand, you can use something like Better Than Bouillon roasted beef or chicken base. If any of this makes your tummy turn, skip KFC's mashed potatoes for good and just opt for the coleslaw. you've probably tried that famous recipe well, kinda. If you can't choose between Popeyes or Kentucky Fried Chicken, here's an idea: Piece together a DIY meal with the best components from each chain. As The Takeoutputs it, KFC coleslaw is simple and to the point, which makes it even more delicious. Simply because there are not enough of these restaurants in America. Chicken, 2 Large Mashed Potatoes, Large Gravy, Large Coleslaw & 4 Biscuits. It contains 1290 calories, 68.8 grams of fat, 170 milligrams of cholesterol, 3475 milligrams of sodium, 157 milligrams of carbs, and 70 grams of sugar. We made gravy with chicken bouillon only the first time around, but it wasn't dark enough to match up with the real deal. 8 Pieces Extr Crispy Chicken with 2 Large Mashed Potatoes, Large Gravy, Large Coleslaw & 4 Biscuits. The gravy didn't disappoint, either; it had a deep, dark, rich flavor that paired perfectly with those fluffy potatoes. As a bonus, instant potato flakes have a long expiration date, and you can feel pretty secure about keeping a box on-hand for last-minute or emergency situations. It's just that this particular side dish is just that good. Set aside. All that's left to do to make our gravy is to add the liquid to the hot roux. And with "meatless Mondays" gaining traction and vegetarianism continuing to be a talking point, fast food restaurants have realized they need vegetarian options. Whereas KFC uses a straightforward, homestyle type of gravy,Popeyes relies on their Cajun roots and tops their mashed potatoes in a perfectly spiced gravy. I've been somewhat of a mild fan of KFC since I was a child. There's just no getting around it. You can never have too many potatoes. This is a much misunderstood and underrated component of fast food fried chicken, but would be sorely missed if it disappeared from menus tomorrow. Limited Time. There comes a time during every fried chicken meal when your palate calls out for something tangy, sweet and cold to help break up the grease and weight of fried chicken and biscuits. But, in the end, quality may make you happier than quantity. If you've never dunked your chicken or biscuit through a bowl of mashed potatoes, you've never come close to heaven. Of course, there's always the possibility of one having a special deal allowing you to make your $10 go further. And while the Original is juicy good, for a true treat you should really go for one of the crispy versions they offer the crunch you really crave in fried chicken. Calling KFC's mashed potatoes with gravy a meal would be pretty accurate, considering an individual side portion packs in an alarming 530 milligrams of sodium. You could also swap-in a similar amount of beef or chicken broth, but we find the cubes or base have more flavor than store-bought broth. It has also been shown to disrupt the endocrine system of animals, resulting in developmental effects and changes in thyroid activity. Despite featuring two thighs and a leg rather than two legs and a thigh, The KFC 3-piece meal has fewer calories and less fat than the Popeyes meal. However, they've been around since 1974 when they opened their first restaurant in Taiwan. KFC may remind you more of the mashed potatoes you make for yourself at home. Martha Sorren They were only $0.07 more than the most inexpensive potatoes, ringing in at $2.09 for an "individual" portion. Popeyes calls their biscuits "hearty and flaky", while KFC describes their biscuits as "warm, flaky, southern-style." There are no meat products in the potatoes alone. Combo (Sandwich, Hash Browns, and Drink): $4.49. They're also not terribly crispy, which is a very important component of fries. Original or extra crispy? So if you consider that for an extra $2, you can get an additional side, the tender meal at KFC and Popeyes is around the same price. If you live in Vermont, Wyoming or Puerto Rico, you'll have trouble finding a Popeyes, because there are none in those three locations. According to Idahoan, half a cup of prepared potatoes packs 370 milligrams of sodium. In fact, it might be blasphemous to say, but it may actually be better. There's nothing like fried chicken with a biscuit on the side. The gravy tasted tangy and almost sweet like with Popeyes' Cajun gravy, if you're not expecting a different flavor profile, it takes you by surprise. But Popeyes took more overall categories, coming out on top in the chicken, sandwich, other mains, biscuits, fries, mashed potatoes, and mac and cheese categories. Bite after bite, location after location, the excellence is consistent. They offer nine tantalizing sauces for their juicy chicken, but their Buffalo Bleu and Sweet Sriracha deliver big, bold flavor that shouldn't be missed. which one?!? They were flakey outside and soft inside. The spicy chicken sandwich at Popeyes costs about $3.99, whereas the chicken sandwich at KFC costs about $4.99. BHT is generally recognized as safe by the FDA but if you're leery about chemicals in your food, maybe consider scratching KFC's mashed potatoes from your next order. The buttermilk biscuits were the star. If the gravy has sat for more than a few minutes, just give it a stir before serving it to make sure it hasn't formed a skin on top. And it's also a great palate cleanser before moving onto other sides! Stopping at KFC and leaving without a side of mashed potatoes and gravy isn't an option. Let's dive into the KFC side dishes and other options they have available. While they have a lot to offer on their menu, including Zalads, Zappetizers, and Sides (why not Zides? But I had a KFC biscuit recently and it was way better than I remembered. At KFC, a 12-piece tenders meal, with 3 large sides, 6 sauces and 6 biscuits is $34.99, while the equivalent at Popeyes 12 tenders with 2 large sides and 6 biscuits will cost you $32.99. It gives you a head-start towards cooking the flour. Things took a deadly turn when a man was stabbed to death after allegedly cutting in line at a Maryland Popeyes. A chicken and bread sandwich at Chick-fil-A has fewer crunch and has no sauce on it. You wouldn't think that mashed potatoes made from powdered potato flakes could be so good, but they really are. KFC tries to pass its seasoned potato wedges off as french fries, but we don't think that counts. They have crunch and even some juiciness, but as far as flavor goes, they fall completely flat. It might seem like cheating to make such a flavorful side dish with a handful of ingredients that come out of pouches or bags. 8 Pc. At KFC, a 12-piece tenders meal, with 3 large sides, 6 sauces and 6 biscuits is $34.99, while the equivalent at Popeyes 12 tenders with 2 large sides and 6 biscuits will cost you $32.99. The Sierra Mist wasn't very fizzy, and it was also sweeter than the Sprite from Popeyes. If we're being honest, both KFC and Popeyes make great potatoes. But it was quite salty, so if that's not your thing, be warned. When you have a craving for fried chicken but only want to spend $10, it can be a challenge to decide where to go. Does the bliss of these biscuits make up for their iffy chicken? KFC relied on potato wedges for many years, but in 2020, they released their Secret Recipe fries, vying for a chance to win over fry lovers' hearts. Its gravy is almost the consistency of potato. KFC and Popeyes both bring two pretty good biscuits to the table. Combo (3 Pieces, Side, Biscuit, and Drink): Chicken PoBoy This filling sandwich is stuffed with two chicken tenders, lettuce, pickles, and mayo. Popeyes has plenty on its menu, offers nuggets, tender, fried chicken, fries, mashed potatoes, coleslaw, biscuits, red beans and rice and mac and cheese, along with three different types of desserts blackberry cheesecake fried pie, cinnamon apple pie and a chocolate chip cookie.