KFC has *finally* launched its Cheetos fried chicken sandwich in stores nationwide, and to celebrate they hosted an "All Orange Everything" pop-up in New York City June 27. Not only was the sandwich on-hand for sampling, but the chain whipped up four more Cheetos-inspired dishes. And we oh-so-happily tried 'em all.
Cheetos-fied KFC Hot Wings
These were fried to complete and utter perfection. The crispy crunch? Out of this world. And while they definitely had that signature kick (they were covered in Cheetos sauce and dust, after all), it wasn't overwhelming.
Cheetos Loaded Fries
I'm normally a plain fries kind of gal. Loaded just isn't my thing, but I was willing to give these a whirl in the name of journalism. And tbh, I was surprised. They were drizzled in that Cheetos sauce that I'll babble about more below, sprinkled with Cheetos dust, and then topped with bacon bits and a three-cheese blend.
I may not be a total convert, but as far as Loaded Fries go? These were a winner.
KFC Mac and Cheetos Bowl
The Mac and Cheetos bowl was probably my fav, and I've got a couple reasons for that. Firstly, it came with popcorn chicken, so essentially I got to try two-for-one. The chicken was a lot like the what's on the sandwich (i.e. fried, crispy, delicious) but bite-sized and dusted in Cheetos crumbs. But the latter rationale? It was SO creamy. It definitely tasted *a lot* like the snack, but as someone that a. likes Cheetos and b. was there with the sole purpose of trying Cheetos-flavored food, I was into it.
According to KFC, the mac is doused in Cheetos sauce and topped with Cheetos dust and a three-cheese blend.
Cheetos Sandwich
This collab was a longtime coming. In fact, we first reported on the sandwich back in January when it was testing throughout the south. And while the Mac and Cheetos, Loaded Fries, and Hot Wings aren't available to the public—yet, at least, we're holding out hope here—you can (and should) try this specialty fried chicken sandwich. It's smothered in Cheetos sauce and topped with crunchy Cheetos. That's reason enough.