KFC has introduced Original Recipe Bites to its menu systemwide, saying that the introduction is its “biggest product launch since Kentucky Grilled Chicken.”  The new menu item is made with KFC’s signature 11 herbs and spices and is being supported with national advertising and a limited-time promotional price of $3.99 for a six piece combo with a side and a drink.

“With the introduction of Original Recipe Bites, bite-sized chicken has finally  ‘grown up,’  Jason Marker, the company’s chief marketing officer, said in a statement.  “They’re big, tasty pieces of bite-sized 100-percent breast meat chicken that will be a hit with adults as well as kids.”  Original Recipe Bites are available in six- or 10-piece orders and are served with honey barbecue, ranch, sweet and sour, and honey mustard dipping sauce.

KFC’s new item enters a competitive landscape that includes not only chicken chains like Chick-fil-A and Popeyes, but proliferating chicken options at other quick-service chains, such as McDonald’s and Burger King.

KFC reported a 2-percent increase in domestic same-store sales in the first quarter of 2012.  Louisville, Kentucky-based KFC, a division of Yum! Brands, has more than 17,000 restaurants in more than 115 countries, including more than 4,700 U.S. units.