# On-the-Go QSR Chicken Pies The KFC Handheld Pot Pie is Being Tested in Select Markets By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2026-01-28 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kfc-handheld-pot-pie References: [brandeating](https://www.brandeating.com/2026/01/kfc-tests-new-handheld-pot-pie.html) & [kfc](https://www.kfc.com)  The KFC Handheld Pot Pie is being test marketed by the brand as a convenient take on the [classic chicken pot pie](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pukka-product) to give customers an alternative way to enjoy the meal this season. The menu item starts off with a [flaky pastry crust](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bbq-chicken-protein-pie) that's filled with [fried chicken](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kfc-5-bowls), potatoes, peas and carrots in a savory sauce to give it a rich, satisfying taste and texture. The handheld pie can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a combo meal to make it well-suited for a variety of dining occasions. The KFC Handheld Pot Pie is being offered at select locations in Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama and Rhode Island, and could see a wider release, depending on how it performs with customers. Image Credit: KFC ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 8.7/10 - Popularity: 99% | Activity: 100% | Freshness: 62% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: 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 ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Convenient Comfort Foods:** Conveniently packaged comfort foods offer a modern twist on classic meals, appealing to busy consumers seeking nostalgic flavors without the time commitment. - **Handheld Gourmet Experiences:** Handheld gourmet experiences transform traditional meals into portable dining options, tapping into the demand for on-the-go quality and indulgence. - **Quick-service Innovation:** Quick-service restaurants are innovating with portable meal options, reflecting the shift towards mobility and convenience in the fast-food sector. ### Where This Applies - **Fast Food:** The fast food industry is increasingly focusing on portable, easy-to-eat options to cater to the demands of consumers with a fast-paced lifestyle. - **Food Packaging:** Advancements in food packaging are crucial for developing products like handheld pies, which require materials that maintain freshness and portability. - **Frozen Foods:** The frozen foods sector is poised to capitalize on the trend towards convenient, home-ready meal solutions that mimic quick-service innovations. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Multi-Person Meal Bundles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/family-feasts.md) - [Gravy-Topped Potato Chicken Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/upgraded-gravy-tower.md) - [Chef-Approved QSR Chicken Bowls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-kfc-5-bowls.md) - [Familial Comfort Food Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/double-mash-meal.md) - [Pickle QSR Chicken Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pickled-menu.md) - [Takeaway-Inspired Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/takeaway-pockets.md) - [Auto Race-Inspired QSR Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fill-ups-meal-deal.md) - [Popular QSR Menu Comebacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hot-spicy-wings1.md) - [Sweet-And-Savoury QSR Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chicken-waffles.md)