A KFC cult-favourite menu item is making a comeback – but only for a limited time.
The fast food chain’s popular Hot Rods are returning to menus from Tuesday, May 12 following a two-year hiatus.
Featuring crispy, golden-coated fried chicken and served on a stick with a creamy aioli sauce on the side, the Hot Rods are a skewered snack from way back in the day.
Hot Rods first made their appearance on the fast-food chain’s menu in 2007 – and were an instant hit.
They’ve since intermittently reappeared on the menu, most recently in 2024.
In between, there have been regular pleas and callouts from KFC fans, begging the chain to bring the popular item back.
The appeal of Hot Rods to KFC fans is that the simple addition of a stick makes them a convenient snack to enjoy on the go.
The item also nods to Australians’ long-held food love affair with all manner of snacks that are served on a stick – think everything from chip-on-a-stick to dagwood dogs.
KFC fan-favourite item Hot Rods returns to the Australian menu almost 20 years after it first debuted in 2007
Hot Rods can be ordered as part of a combo meal, which comes with chips, dipping sauce, aioli and a drink
KFC Australia CMO Vanessa Rowed heralded the return of the fan-fave Hot Rods.
‘We know Aussies have a soft spot for bold flavour and a bit of fun, and our Hot Rods deliver both in spades,’ she said.
‘We’ve heard the fans calling for their return, and we’re thrilled to be bringing this fan favourite back to menus across the country.
‘There’s something very satisfying about great chicken on a stick – it’s on-the-go, crave-worthy and unmistakably KFC.’
Fans have already taken to social media to express their excitement ahead of the official return of Hot Rods.
‘OMG I need this,’ one Aussie woman declared.
‘Yum,’ exclaimed another.
‘They are the goods,’ another agreed.
‘OMG no way,’ one shared.
Aussie fans of KFC have taken to social media to express their excitement over the comeback of Hot Rods
Aussies have long had a food love affair with snack foods served on a stick – and the KFC Hot Rods fall firmly in this category
As Hot Rods make their long-awaited return to KFC, there are a number of meal and ordering options to choose from, including a three-piece or six-piece feed.
Or, if you want to make them the focal point of a meal, the Hot Rods Combo features three or six pieces along with chips, aioli and a drink.
For a monster appetite, check out the Hot Rods Box, which features a Zinger Burger, two-piece Hot Rods, chips, potato & gravy and a drink.
Or if you just want to enjoy a cheeky Hot Rod solo, you can pick up a single stick for just $3.
Hot Rods are landing on KFC menus nationwide and via the KFC app from today, and will remain available until Monday, June 8.
