I know, I know. There is such controversy about this sandwich from Kentucky Fried Chicken. And we'll get to that. But first and foremost. How does the thing taste?
I've read some really bad reviews of the Double Down. Most of them from folks who usually don't eat fast food. Lots of folks saying "it taste's like all the other bad KFC products". Well duh, if you don't like KFC in general, why would you like a KFC Double Down made with KFC chicken!? I wanted reviews from folks who actually like Kentucky Fried Chicken products!
So Mr. L and I ventured to our local KFC, to try out their new sandwich.
And honestly? It wasn't bad. You get two pieces of chicken (ours were pretty thick pieces) surrounded by peppery original recipe coating. Sandwiched between the chicken were two (small) pieces of bacon, a slice of monterey jack and pepper jack cheese and "special sauce" (honestly I don't want to know, but it's mayo-y). I'm used to eating things "bunless" (think protein style In-N-Out) so the fact it didn't have a bun didn't bother me (it was wrapped in paper to keep your hands somewhat clean). It was a moist sandwich compared to some chicken sandwiches I've eaten at other places that were more like cardboard. It's not something that I'd order on a regular basis but if someone offered me one I wouldn't think twice to say "yes, why thank you".
As far as those folks just beside themselves with how awful nutrition wise this sandwich is, well, they have a point...to a point. The Double Down has 540 calories, 10 grams of saturated fat, 145 milligrams of cholesterol, 1,380 milligrams of sodium and a gram of sugar. But a McDonalds Big Mac (without cheese) has 576 calories. A Burger King Tendercrisp Garden salad has 670 calories. A Carl's Junior Double Bacon Cheeseburger has 960 calories. Wendy's large french fries has 540 calories. A Subway (lowfat) 6" Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki sandwich has 566 calories. And those were just a few off the top of my head (go here for more items worse than the Double Down). Do a search and WOW a chicken sandwich at 540 calories is nothing (heck one KFC extra crispy chicken breast is 510 calories). So I'm not really sure why the whole uproar about how bad this sandwich is. That being said there is a report saying the 540 calories the Double Down is claiming is wrong...and it's more like 1500 calories. Time will tell.
When it comes right down to it, if you don't like fast food, you won't like the Double Down. If you don't like KFC chicken, you won't like the Double Down. But if you are a fan of KFC, it won't kill you to give it a try...just don't eat two at a sitting or one a day for a week!
To get a coupon through April 26th for a free Pepsi when you buy a Double Down go here.
Though I am a KFC fan, I'm not sure I'd want my local sports arena named "KFC YUM".
And last, I leave you with a photo of what the Double Down is supposed to look like (in the KFC promos):
I am allergic to wheat. They have this in the non-breaded version as well. I think it's brilliant.
Posted by: Associate Girl | April 23, 2010 at 05:51 AM
KFC is actually one of the few FF restaurants I will patronize a few times annually for a small potato bowl or popcorn chicken, but I'm sorry, this looks kinda gross. I think the same about whoppers, Big Macs, etc. So I agree with you, it should be equal opportunity one way or the other. Maybe folks find this initially offensive because it just doesn't have any bread??? As if that's any better for you than deep-fried fowl or congealed bovine lactation, LOL...
Posted by: Arch | April 23, 2010 at 07:03 AM
I heard all of the hullabaloo about this sandwich, which is clearly marketed towards a demographic that is not mine, and wondered why KFC was getting such flack when any ol' salad with croutons and ranch dressing is likely just as unhealthy. But boy oh boy did they win on the free advertizing front!
Posted by: Louise | April 23, 2010 at 09:22 AM
I've been dismayed at how many calories (and worse, how much sodium) can be in something like a Caesar salad. Makes it tough to eat out and watch your calorie and sodium intake.
Posted by: @makfan | April 23, 2010 at 10:35 AM
Yeah, it's no different than any other fast food as far as calories. I like KFC chicken, it's one of those cravings.
Posted by: noble pig | April 23, 2010 at 03:51 PM
I love KFC, especially their chicken pot pie. This looks really good. I will definitely have to try it.
Posted by: MOM | April 23, 2010 at 04:16 PM
You ate one -- and lived to type about it?!? Just teasing.
Posted by: Carolyn Jung | April 23, 2010 at 04:29 PM
my arteries are hardening just reading this post!
Posted by: Chef Barbie | April 24, 2010 at 07:50 PM
Glad that it wasn't so bad! I'd like to try a bite one day, but my husband doesn't care for KFC and I can't afford to eat that much salt to eat one whole (my extremities will swell insanely) to convince him, or myself, to stop in.
Posted by: Cassaendra | April 25, 2010 at 05:11 PM
My husband wants to try this sandwich. I suppose those who are following the Atkins diet could enjoy a sandwich like this. And I'm surprised by the fat grams. I thought it would be more. :-)
Posted by: Jeanette | April 26, 2010 at 09:05 AM
I have to keep myself away from KFC from now on. I WANT that.
Posted by: Emily | April 26, 2010 at 07:31 PM
Everyone told me that I shouldn't like their KFC bowl (corn, mashed potatoes, gravy, cheese and chicken) either but I couldn't help myself.
Posted by: Chris | April 27, 2010 at 10:40 AM
The folks we know who have tried it have lived to tell the tale. It's an experience...
Posted by: The Duo Dishes | April 27, 2010 at 10:27 PM
Wow, I must check this out Mrs. L... only 540 calories!
Posted by: foodhoe | May 02, 2010 at 06:56 PM