KFC is launching new sauces, drinks amid chain revamp. See items

Kentucky Fried Chicken is making some big changes this year.

The fried chicken chain announced June 15 that it is launching several menu items, including new sauces and beverages, as well as new restaurant concepts globally this year. Many of the items will initially launch in the United Kingdom and Ireland, before making their way to the United States.

“In an increasingly crowded category, we have a clear opportunity to set the standard for modern chicken in (quick-service restaurant)," Scott Mezvinsky, KFC CEO, said in a news release. "This next chapter brings new energy and expression to what makes us iconic, while doubling down on our chicken and reimagining how fans experience KFC around the world.'

Here's what to know about the KFC revamp coming to restaurants this year.

What new menu items are coming to KFC?

As part of its global revamp, KFC is launching 20 new sauces, more than 10 new beverages and its Dunked menu in more markets, KFC Global CMO Valerie Kubizniak told USA TODAY.

Already available in South Africa and India, KFC's Dunked menu features chicken tenders, wings and chicken sandwiches "drenched" in sauce, according to a news release. As of June 17, KFC did not have a timeline for when the menu items would reach U.S. locations, Kubizniak said.

KFC is unveiling 20 new sauces. What are they?

As part of the revamp, KFC is launching 20 new sauces. Here's a look at what they are, according to Kubizniak:

• Colonel Sauce
• Classic Buttermilk Ranch
• Texas BBQ (available in the UK and Ireland on June 15)
• Louisiana Pepper Ranch / Buffalo
• Cheesy Parmesan Garlic (available in the UK and Ireland on June 15)
• Jalapeño Bourbon BBQ
• Smokey Bacon Ranch
• Berbere Ranch
• Rancho Verde
• Smoked Honey Chipotle Ranch
• Jalapeno Pesto Ranch (available in the UK and Ireland on June 15)
• Chinese Five Spice BBQ
• Chimichurri Ranch
• Korean BBQ
• Thai Sweet N' Spicy
• Lemon Pepper Glaze
• Bang Bang Sauce
• Hot Honey Habanero (available in the UK and Ireland on June 15)
• Creole Honey Mustard
• Spicy Mango Chutney

New drink options coming to overseas markets

KFC is debuting several new beverages, as part of its KWENCH lineup, in its UK and Ireland markets:

• Sparkling Lemonades: Sparkling Raspberry Lemonade and Sparkling Cloudy Lemonade
• Boba Refreshers: Cherry Boba Refresher and Strawberry Boba Refresher
• Krunch Shakes: Caramel Krunch Shake, Chocolate Krunch Shake and Strawberry Shortcake Krunch Shake
• Iced Coffees: Iced Latte, Iced Caramel Coffee, Iced Mocha and Iced Tiramisu Latte

As of June 17, KFC did not have a release date or time for the beverages' launch in the United States. However, the drinks will be available at the chain's new open-concept restaurant in McKinney, Texas, this summer.

New restaurant designs coming soon

As part of the revamp, KFC is also testing out newly designed spaces, including an open-concept restaurant in McKinney, according to a news release. Expected to open later this summer, the new restaurant, called Open House, "serves as a dynamic test-and-learn environment, allowing KFC to explore new ideas, gather insights, and thoughtfully shape how the brand continues to evolve over time," Kubizniak said.

This fall, KFC is also opening an "immersive, two-story" restaurant in Dubai, "showcasing one of the boldest expressions of the brand's next-generation design," per the news release.

Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at [email protected].