Beyond Fried Chicken joins KFC’s menu on Jan. 10

KFC is launching its version of meatless fried chicken nationally after more than two years in development

Beyond Fried Chicken will go on the menu on Jan. 10, according to a news release. It will be available while supplies last.

It will be sold a la carte, in a combo meal, or in six- or 12-piece orders with prices starting at $6.99, the news release said.

KFC is promoting the launch with a campaign that includes social media star Liza Koshy.

KFC developed Beyond Fried Chicken with El Segundo-based Beyond Meat. Testing started in Atlanta in August 2019 and expanded to Southern California in July 2020.

Beyond Meat entered into a strategic partnership with the chicken chain’s parent company, Yum! Brands, in February. Other Yum! Brands include Pizza Hut, The Habit Burger Grill and Taco Bell. The Irvine-based fast food giant has announced that it’s working with Beyond Meat, but canceled a test of plant-based carne asada, according to news reports late last year.

Although Beyond Fried Chicken is plant-based, it is “not prepared in vegan/vegetarian manner,” according to a footnote on the news release.

Plant-based meats have been growing in popularity and were included in the National Restaurant Association’s list of hot trends for 2022. This year has already seen Chipotle Mexican Grill add plant-based chorizo to its menu and Wienerschnitzel launch a trio of Veggie Dogs.

Panda Express has also been partnering with Beyond Meat on a plant-based version of its signature orange chicken. That item is being tested at restaurants in Los Angeles and Orange counties, according to the Rosemead chain’s website.