Asheville restaurants' plant-based menus rival KFC's Beyond Fried Chicken
KFC’s Beyond Fried Chicken has come to Asheville – for a limited time only.
KFC’s plant-based chicken substitute is a collaborative product from the fast-food chain and Beyond Meat.
Customers familiar with Beyond Meat’s retail version of Beyond Chicken may notice the difference from what’s offered at KFC, as the recipe is exclusive to the restaurant.
Beyond Fried Chicken was designed to replicate “the same taste and texture of whole muscle chicken, so that it pulls apart like KFC’s traditional fried chicken breast, with KFC’s signature breading,” according to the company’s press release.
Beyond Fried Chicken is made from soy and wheat proteins, plus a list of other ingredients. However, KFC notes that it is not prepared in a vegan or vegetarian manner as it's cooked in the same grease as chicken.
“Beyond Fried Chicken is handled by employees in common fryers, which may not be acceptable to certain types of vegetarian or vegan diets,” A KFC spokesperson said in an email.
In 2019 and 2020, early test runs of the product were conducted in select markets. This is the first time for the new and improved dish to be released nationwide.
“Consumers, specifically flexitarians, are looking for ways to eat less animal-based protein however aren’t necessarily vegan or vegetarian,” the spokesperson said. “After successful tests and sell outs in Atlanta, Charlotte, Nashville and Southern California, we knew customers who want to eat plant-based protein, but don’t want to give up comfort food, would be excited to taste Beyond Fried Chicken nationwide.”
Beyond Fried Chicken is prepared in a nugget form and may be ordered as a combo meal or à la carte for six-piece or 12-piece orders. The combo comes with fries and a medium drink, plus the option of dipping sauce.
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In Asheville, the Beyond Fried Chicken combo meal is listed for $8.99, plus tax, and for the six-piece only is $6.99, plus tax. It is a limited-edition dish and is available while supplies last, which may be several weeks from its Jan. 10 release date.
Beyond Fried Chicken cannot be substituted in other dishes on the menu, according to the spokesperson.
KFC isn’t the only restaurant offering plant-based dishes that resemble traditional chicken dishes. Get a taste of these chicken alternatives at local restaurants:
Rocky’s 'Not Chick' Sandwich
Rocky’s Hot Chicken Shack’s fame goes beyond traditional chicken wings and tenders to include the “Not Chick” Sandwich, which is plant-based thought not vegan. The restaurant uses Quorn’s “unchicken” cutlets for the patty with cheese and lettuce. It’s served on toasted white bread, but customers have the option to get it as a wrap or — for an additional charge — a toasted roll. The meal comes with coleslaw and a choice of a side dish. A vegetarian sauce is available upon request. Cost: $9.75.
Tempalo Wings
Rosetta’s Kitchen flips the concept of Buffalo chicken wings to present Tempalo Wings. Tempeh from Smiling Hara, a plant-based company in Asheville, is prepared as strips, hand-breaded and fried in a spicy sauce. The “wings” are served with organic carrot and celery sticks and a house-made vegan ranch. Cost: $10.50. Add an extra wing for $2.75.
Vegan 'Chicken' Shawarma Wrap
Gypsy Queen Cuisine is a local Lebanese eatery that uses house-made seitan in its vegan-style "Chicken" Shawarma Wrap. Also tucked inside is lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, parsley and toum, a traditional garlic sauce. The restaurant is open for takeout only. Cost: $11.35.
Farmhouse Tempeh Sandwich
Early Girl Eatery offers a vegan sandwich made with locally sourced ingredients beginning with Smiling Hara’s tempeh, remoulade, lettuce, tomato and organic sauerkraut on a baked bun. The restaurant recommends adding habanero remoulade to raise the spice level. Cost: $13.95.
Tiana Kennell is the food and dining reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Email her at tkennell@citizentimes.com or follow her on Twitter/Instagram @PrincessOfPage.
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Asheville restaurants' plant-based menus rival KFC's options
