For more than 30 years, Krispy Krunchy Chicken® (KKC) has been the go-to foodservice solution for c-store operators, offering a license to craveable, high-quality Cajun-style fried chicken with an easy-to-implement store-in-store model. After a record-breaking 2024—with 605 new locations and finding success with its award-winning Cajun Chicken Sandwich—the brand is rolling out what could be its most impactful launch yet: chicken nuggets.
“Convenience stores need profitable, high-velocity foodservice offerings that are easy to execute,” says Chef Ray Kees, KKC’s director of culinary innovation. “Our nuggets deliver on every front—exceptional quality, operational ease, and a price point that keeps both operators and consumers happy.”
Why nuggets, and why now? According to Datassental, chicken nuggets are the fastest-growing chicken item in the U.S., with a 47 percent increase in menu penetration over the past four years.
“Our nuggets are whole muscle, all-white breast meat, marinated in a proprietary blend of seasonings and coated in a special breading,” Kees says. “You’re not getting chopped-and-formed pieces or mystery meat here. We tasted a lot of chicken nuggets on the market, and we’re confident these go toe-to-toe with the best—and, honestly, I think they’re the best. The meat is juicy with just a little bit of zest, and the breading delivers a satisfying and flavorful crunch that makes them even more craveable. What sets them further apart is the value equation. Operators see better margins, and consumers get a higher-quality product at a better price point.”
That price point matters. KKC’s nuggets are designed so that convenience stores can deliver an affordable option to consumers while achieving higher profitability per unit sold. Beyond individual sales, KKC has a proven track record of boosting revenue for convenience store operators. On average, retailers that install a KKC program see foot traffic increase by 10–12 percent and overall merchandising sales rise by 15–20 percent. Based on early market tests, the addition of nuggets is expected to drive those numbers even higher.
“Our menu efficacy study suggested that adding chicken nuggets will increase menu appeal and customer purchase frequency,” Kees says. “Market tests confirmed that hypothesis. We expect customers to purchase nuggets as meals and snacks, and also as add-ons to existing offerings.”
KKC’s nuggets were designed for seamless execution within existing convenience store kitchens, requiring minimal prep while maintaining the brand’s signature quality. “With limited prep and improved packaging, operators can get nuggets in customers’ hands quickly and efficiently,” Kees explains. “We took what we believe is the ideal chicken nugget and made it operationally efficient to work in our operators’ systems.”
Speed of service is only part of the equation. Retailers will receive comprehensive merchandising kits featuring pump signage, window displays, and in-store promotions designed to drive impulse sales.
The launch of Krispy Krunchy Chicken Nuggets represents what the brand calls a true “win-win-win” for the entire c-store ecosystem. Consumers get a high-quality, craveable product at an unbeatable value, operators see higher sales and profitability, and KKC continues its mission of serving ridiculously good fried chicken while expanding its national footprint.
“Operator success is always our North Star,” Kees says. “The brand will continue to deliver on our promise of craveability, convenience, and quality. The launch of nuggets takes that mission even further.”
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