KFC Australia Relaunches Chicken Tenders to Boost Sales
KFC Australia has introduced larger, crispier chicken tenders as part of a major menu overhaul to compete with emerging fast-food rivals.
Quick facts
- The new KFC chicken tenders are 30 percent larger than the previous version.
- Development occurred over 18 months at a test kitchen in Frenchs Forest, Sydney.
- KFC faces competition from rivals including El Jannah, Guzman y Gomez, and Wingstop.
Why it matters
This menu overhaul reflects the intense pressure KFC faces in the Australian market from a more diverse range of quick-service restaurant competitors. By addressing specific product complaints regarding size and quality, the company is attempting to secure its position as a dominant player in the fried-chicken category. Whether this strategy will successfully reverse recent sales trends remains to be seen.
KFC Australia has launched a significant update to its menu, starting with a redesigned version of its chicken tenders. The company confirmed that the new tenders are 30 per cent larger and designed to be crispier than the previous product.
Why is KFC changing its menu?
The decision to update the tenders follows a period of increased competition in the Australian fast-food sector. KFC is currently working to defend its market share against growing chains such as El Jannah, Guzman y Gomez, and Wingstop. According to reports, the company experienced a rise in customer complaints and a decline in sales of its boneless chicken offerings, prompting the need for a change.
Vanessa Rowed, chief marketing officer at Yum! Brands, stated that the previous tenders were not performing well in the market, with customers noting issues regarding size and texture. The new product is the first step in a broader strategy to refine the core menu.
How were the new tenders developed?
The redesign process took 18 months to complete. A team of chefs worked at a dedicated test kitchen located in Frenchs Forest, Sydney, to break down the recipe and adjust the preparation process. This effort aims to set a new standard for the company's product portfolio.
What is next for the menu?
While the tenders are the current focus, the company is considering further updates to its menu. This may eventually include a revamp of the signature Original Recipe, though no official timeline for such a change has been confirmed. The company also aims to reduce the time required to bring global flavour trends to the Australian market.
Frequently asked questions
Why did KFC change its chicken tenders?
KFC updated its tenders to address customer complaints regarding the size and texture of the previous version. The change is part of a broader strategy to remain competitive against new and growing fast-food rivals in the Australian market.
How much bigger are the new KFC tenders?
According to KFC, the new chicken tenders are 30 per cent larger than the version previously sold in Australian restaurants.
Where were the new tenders developed?
The development of the new chicken tenders took place over 18 months at a dedicated KFC test kitchen located in Frenchs Forest, a suburb in Sydney's northern beaches.
Is KFC changing the Original Recipe chicken?
KFC has not confirmed any changes to its signature Original Recipe at this time. While officials noted that they are not ruling it out for the future, the primary focus for now is the current menu overhaul.
Who are KFC's main competitors in Australia?
KFC faces increasing competition from several fast-food and fried-chicken providers in Australia, including El Jannah, Guzman y Gomez, Wingstop, and various independent operators.
When were these changes announced?
The relaunch of the chicken tenders and the announcement of the menu overhaul were reported on September 30 and October 1, 2026.
In this story
Sources
Last checked Oct 1, 2026 at 8:45 PM. Trends move fast, so details may change. How we work
Comments