KFC’s large popcorn chicken meal is a popular fast food choice for many. With its crispy breaded chicken and signature KFC flavor, it makes for a tasty and filling meal. However, like many fast food options, it can be high in calories, especially when served as a large-sized combo meal. For those watching their calorie intake or looking to make healthier choices, understanding the calorie count of menu items is important. In this article, we will explore the calorie content of a KFC large popcorn chicken meal in detail.
What’s included in a KFC large popcorn chicken meal?
A KFC large popcorn chicken meal typically includes the following:
– Large popcorn chicken – This consists of bite-sized, breaded and fried white meat chicken pieces. A large size contains approximately 15-20 pieces.
– Large side – KFC offers different side dish options like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, corn, beans, mac & cheese, etc. A large size is their biggest portion.
– Large biscuit – KFC’s signature baked biscuits. A large biscuit is their largest size.
– Large drink – Any non-alcoholic beverage like soda, lemonade, or fruit punch. A large is typically 32-44oz.
So in summary, a large popcorn chicken meal contains KFC’s breaded fried chicken, a large portion side dish, a large biscuit, and a large non-alcoholic beverage. The total calorie count will depend on the specific menu items selected.
Calories in KFC Popcorn Chicken
The popcorn chicken is the main calorie contributor to this meal. Here is the calorie breakdown for KFC’s large popcorn chicken order:
– 15 pieces of original recipe popcorn chicken = 780 calories
– 15 pieces of extra crispy popcorn chicken = 870 calories
As you can see, the extra crispy version contains slightly more calories than the original recipe. Still, both are quite high in calories considering it is just one component of the overall meal. The calorie count is high due to the chicken being breaded and deep fried in oil.
Calories in KFC Large Sides
KFC offers several side dish options to choose from. Here is a breakdown of the approximate calorie counts for each large side:
| KFC Large Side | Calories |
|---|---|
| Mashed Potatoes | 320 |
| Mashed Potatoes & Gravy | 400 |
| Cole Slaw | 320 |
| Mac & Cheese | 300 |
| Corn | 270 |
| Green Beans | 100 |
| Baked Beans | 320 |
Mashed potatoes, especially when topped with KFC’s signature gravy, contain the most calories. On the lower end, green beans have the least due to being a non-fried vegetable side. When selecting your side item, going for a veggie option can help minimize calories.
Calories in a KFC Large Biscuit
KFC’s flaky, buttery biscuits are a popular accompaniment to their fried chicken. Here are the calorie counts:
– Original large biscuit = 460 calories
– Extra crispy large biscuit = 510 calories
The extra crispy version again contains slightly more calories than the original. Still, even a single original biscuit accounts for nearly a quarter of the recommended daily calorie intake for most adults. The high calorie count comes from ingredients like refined flour, butter, and buttermilk.
Calories in KFC’s Large Drink Options
With any fast food combo meal, the beverage choice can significantly impact the total calorie count. Here are the approximate calories for a large drink from KFC:
| KFC Large Drink | Calories |
|---|---|
| Pepsi | 310 |
| Diet Pepsi | 0 |
| Mountain Dew | 290 |
| Sierra Mist | 270 |
| Mug Root Beer | 300 |
| Lipton Sweet Tea | 270 |
| Lipton Unsweetened Tea | 0 |
| Minute Maid Lemonade | 250 |
| Hi-C Orange Lavaburst | 260 |
The regular, full-sugar soda options like Pepsi or Mountain Dew contain around 300 calories per large serving. However, the diet and unsweetened drinks have minimal or no calories. Choosing a diet soda or unsweetened tea is an easy way to shave off a significant amount of calories from your KFC meal.
Putting it All Together – Total Calories in a KFC Large Popcorn Chicken Meal
Now let’s compile the calorie counts of each component to determine the total for a full large popcorn chicken combo meal at KFC:
* Large popcorn chicken (original recipe) = 780 calories
* Large mashed potatoes side = 320 calories
* Large biscuit = 460 calories
* Large Pepsi drink = 310 calories
**Total Calories = 1,870 calories**
As you can see, ordering a KFC meal with large portions of popcorn chicken, a carb-heavy side, biscuit, and sugary soda results in an extremely high calorie meal, close to 2,000 calories.
To lower the calorie count, here are some alternate menu options:
* Grilled chicken instead of extra crispy
* Small or medium sized chicken portion
* Side salad instead of mashed potatoes
* Corn or green beans as a veggie side
* Diet soda or unsweetened tea instead of regular
With some simple substitutions, you could bring the total down to under 1,000 calories, making it a somewhat healthier fast food option when dining at KFC.
General Tips for Creating a Lower Calorie KFC Meal
Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind when ordering a meal at KFC if your goal is consuming fewer calories:
Choose grilled chicken over fried whenever possible
KFC’s grilled chicken options contain significantly fewer calories than their signature fried chicken. For example, a grilled chicken breast has around 180 calories compared to 780 calories for a large fried popcorn chicken.
Opt for smaller portion sizes
KFC’s large combo meals are very sharing-sized. Choosing a small or even medium can help reduce calories while still letting you enjoy their flavors.
Fill up on lower calorie sides
Sides like corn, green beans, and side salads will boost your meal’s nutrition without excess calories. Pair them with your protein instead of carb-heavier sides.
Skip high-calorie biscuits and treats
While delicious, biscuits, cookies, and buttery mashed potatoes can pack on calories. Save these treats for an occasional indulgence.
Choose healthier beverage options
Beverages like unsweetened tea, diet soda, and water have zero or very minimal calories. They also help you avoid the high calorie counts of sugary drinks.
Watch your sauce and dipping selections
Opt for lighter sauces like barbecue sauce and try to limit high-fat selections like ranch and honey mustard dressing as much as possible.
The Bottom Line
KFC’s large popcorn chicken meal can contain nearly 2,000 calories when paired with fried chicken, starchy sides, biscuits, and sugary soda. However, by following healthier menu options like grilled chicken, lighter sides, avoiding biscuits, and choosing diet/unsweetened drinks, you can still enjoy KFC while maintaining your nutrition and weight goals. As with any fast food, being mindful about your selections when dining at KFC can make for a more balanced meal.
