# Spicy Bite-Sized Nuggets KFC is Testing Out New Hot & Spicy Nuggets This Summer By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2023-07-22 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hot-spicy-nuggets References: [fastfoodpost](https://www.fastfoodpost.com/kfc-tests-new-hot-spicy-nuggets/)  Things are heating up at [KFC](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kentucky-fried-chicken-nuggets) this summer – both outside and in the kitchen – with the debut of its new Hot & Spicy Nuggets. The new Hot & Spicy Nuggets are currently being tested at KFC locations in Charlotte, North Carolina, and are a spicy take on its newly released [Kentucky Fried Chicken Nuggets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crispy-chicken-nugget). The new version features 100% white meat chicken pieces seasoned in a spicy marinade, then hand-breaded with a mysterious hot and spicy seasoning. The chicken is then fried up until golden and crispy, making it the perfect vehicle for all your [favorite dipping sauces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smokehouse-bbq-nuggets). The new Hot & Spicy nuggets are currently only available from select test locations in the Charlotte area for a limited time. Image Credit: KFC ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.2/10 - Popularity: 35% | Activity: 45% | Freshness: 17% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Spicy Fast Food Innovations:** Hot & Spicy Nuggets exemplify the trend of fast food chains introducing spicy menu items to cater to customers' preference for bold flavors. - **Alternative Protein Varieties:** The introduction of Hot & Spicy Nuggets showcases the ongoing trend of fast food chains offering alternative protein options, such as plant-based or spiced-up chicken alternatives. - **Limited-time Test Launches:** The limited-time availability of Hot & Spicy Nuggets in select locations demonstrates a trend of test launches by fast food chains to gauge customer reception and drive innovation. ### Who This Affects Most - **Fast Food:** The Hot & Spicy Nuggets trend presents opportunities for fast food chains to experiment with bold flavors and spice profiles to attract customers seeking exciting food options. - **Food Manufacturing:** The introduction of Hot & Spicy Nuggets highlights the demand for innovative products in the food manufacturing industry, prompting manufacturers to develop new seasoning blends and spice-infused coatings. - **Fast Casual Dining:** The rising popularity of Hot & Spicy Nuggets in fast food chains suggests an opportunity for fast-casual dining establishments to incorporate spicy chicken nuggets into their menus, catering to customers who seek convenient yet flavorful dining experiences. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Signature Spice QSR Nuggets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kentucky-fried-chicken-nuggets.md) - [Crispy Kentucky Nuggets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kentucky-fried-chicken-nuggets-1.md) - [Sauce-Coated QSR Nuggets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kfc-7.md) - [Triple-Spiced Chicken Nuggets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fiery-nuggets.md) - [Sauce-Covered QSR Chicken Nuggets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/saucy-nuggets.md) - [Spicy Sauce-Free QSR Wings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hot-spicy-wings.md) - [Extra Hot Chicken Nuggets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spicy-chicken-mcnugget.md) - [Exclusive Spicy Chicken Items](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spicy-chicken.md) - [Saucy BBQ-Coated Nuggets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/honey-bbq-saucy-nuggets.md)