The Wait Is Over: KFC's Nashville Hot Chicken Hits Restaurants Nationwide On Monday

Good news: Beginning Monday, January 18, you won't have to travel all the way to Nashville to get a taste of Nashville Hot Chicken. At a media preview event last night, KFC announced the date of the official nationwide launch of its newest menu item, Nashville Hot Chicken. Guests got a sneak peek of the two new ad spots for Nashville Hot Chicken featuring Norm MacDonald as Colonel Sanders, which will begin airing during the NFL Playoffs on January 17. For the event, KFC flew in the new menu item from its HQ in Louisville for the first time ever to give media an exclusive taste. Guests enjoyed live music, bourbon lemonade served in mason jars, and a guest appearance from YouTuber Daym Drops, who posted a video previewing Nashville Hot Chicken in October.

KFC describes its Nashville Hot Chicken as "the perfect combination of spicy, smoky, and crispy." The item had the most successful product testing in the company's recent history, testing in 32 restaurants in and around Pittsburgh and receiving praise for its "unique and delicious flavor profile" and value, according to a release.

KFC Nashville Hot Chicken will be available in Extra Crispy chicken on the bone and Extra Crispy Tenders, garnished with pickle chips and served with a biscuit and side of cole slaw. KFC will also introduce its first-ever tailgate platter, which will include 24 tenders.