# Southern Cuisine-Celebrating Chickens The KFC Smoky Mountain BBQ Fried Chicken is Sour and Sweet By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2018-01-27 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smoky-mountain-bbq References: [brandeating](http://www.brandeating.com/2018/01/kfc-debuts-new-smoky-mountain-bbq-fried-chicken.html) & [kfc](http://kfc.com) The [KFC](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/honey-bbq-saucy-nuggets) Smoky Mountain BBQ Fried Chicken has been announced by the [QSR](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/saucy-chicken-sandwiches) brand as a new menu option that will be made available for purchase starting on January 29 at participating locations. Taking inspiration from Southern fried chicken recipes, the new chicken dish is reported to have a [sweet, smoky flavor](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smoked-bbq-chicken) that is balanced and savory. The brand claims that the sauce used on the chicken has "a touch of vinegar" like they do it in North Carolina, a "little bit of sweetness" like in Kansas City and a distinct crispiness for fans of dry rubs found in Memphis. The new KFC Smoky Mountain BBQ Fried Chicken speaks to the growing consumer preferences for food products with more of a focus on artisan recipes and traditions. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.7/10 - Popularity: 17% | Activity: 25% | Freshness: 8% - 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 ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Southern Fried Chicken Recipes:** Opportunity for restaurants to explore and innovate with unique Southern fried chicken recipes that cater to the growing consumer demand for artisanal and traditional flavors. - **Artisan Recipes and Traditions:** Opportunities for food brands to incorporate artisanal recipes and traditional cooking methods into their product offerings, appealing to consumers who value authenticity and heritage. - **Balanced and Savory Flavors:** Opportunity to develop food products that offer a balanced blend of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors, catering to consumers who seek unique taste experiences. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Restaurant Industry:** Restaurants can capitalize on the popularity of Southern fried chicken recipes by offering innovative dishes that showcase regional flavors and cooking techniques. - **Food Manufacturing Industry:** Food manufacturers can develop and market products that highlight artisan recipes and traditional cooking methods, providing consumers with convenient options that deliver authentic flavors. - **Food Retail Industry:** Opportunity for food retailers to stock and promote products that feature balanced and savory flavors, attracting consumers who seek unique and exciting taste profiles. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Sauce-Slathered Chicken Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kfc-bbq-lovers.md) - [Sweetened BBQ Chicken Dishes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/honey-bbq-signature-chicken.md) - [Saucy BBQ-Coated Nuggets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/honey-bbq-saucy-nuggets.md) - [Extra-Saucy Chicken Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/saucy-chicken-sandwiches.md) - [Korean Cuisine QSR Bowls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kfc-korean-bbq-bowls.md) - [Sauce-Smothered Chicken Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/saucy-sandwich.md) - [Sauce-Coated QSR Nuggets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kfc-7.md) - [Sauce-Covered QSR Chicken Nuggets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/saucy-nuggets.md) - [Hot Honey-Themed Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kfc-8.md)