KFC has announced it is introducing deep-fried boneless chicken pieces on April 14 as an alternative to its Original Recipe Chicken made up of breast, thigh, and drumstick pieces.  The new offerings reflects the growing popularity of nuggets and strips that are easier to eat on the go, as well as to satisfy Americans desire for more convenient foods.  KFC reported that nearly four out of five servings of chicken sold in the United States are now boneless.  “This is the biggest new product introduction for KFC in modern times,” said John Cywinski, U.S. president of KFC.

“Younger people don’t tend to be fans of bones–they’ve grown up with nuggets,” said KFC spokesman Rick Maynard, referring to people in their 20s and 30s. The boneless chicken will be offered in the chain’s 4,500 U.S. locations.  Beyond the newest boneless offering, KFC’s broader boneless offerings also include KFC Pot Pies, Famous Bowls Chicken Littles, Dip’ems, Chicken Tenders and Bites.

The new boneless chicken pieces, which are whole muscle pieces,  are also skinless, about the twice the size of KFC’s crispy strips and can be ordered in white or dark meat.  The new menu item will come with two pieces, a side, a biscuit, and a drink for $4.99 as well as in four-piece buckets, which will cost the same as regular fried chicken.  KFC will also unveil one of its biggest-ever marketing campaigns in TV spots created by the company’s ad agency DraftFCB Chicago.

KFC said it took two to three years to develop its version of boneless chicken, which performed strongly in test markets including Oklahoma City and Omaha last year.