McDonald's Japan will launch 3 new staple menu items made with chicken and a side dish on the 21st. KFC will begin selling 4 varieties of Original Chicken Burgers plus Premier, following its first revamp of the preparation method in 43 years.
McDonald's Japan will begin selling 3 new products from the 21st: the Crunchy Juicy Mac, Spicy Crunchy Juicy Mac and Teriyaki Chicken Juicy Mac, along with Crunchy Juicy Thigh Chicken as a side dish. The marketing department said it aims to develop the new chicken products into a “new pillar” and stimulate the market.
Meanwhile, Kentucky Fried Chicken Japan will offer Original Chicken Burgers from the 14th in 4 varieties: Original, Red Hot Sauce, Cheese and Teriyaki. In addition to the Original, it will also sell Original Chicken Burgers Premier, made with a special sauce and combining thick-cut bacon with a whole omelette.
Foodservice business analyst Miwa Daisuke (三輪 大輔) said the competition could be called the second chicken burger battle, noting that the first arose against the backdrop of demand during the COVID-19 pandemic. He said the face-off between the major chains would support the popularity of affordable, filling chicken burgers.