KFC Original Recipe Tender (1 piece): 170 calories
- 11gProtein
- 20gCarbs
- 6gFat
- 400mgSodium
Add it to an order in the calculator
Official U.S. values from KFC Full Nutrition Guide (U.S.), last checked October 11, 2026. Restaurants change recipes, so values in your area can differ.
KFC Original Recipe Tender nutrition facts
| Item | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Sodium | % of 2,000 cal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Original Recipe Tender (1 piece) | 170 | 11g | 20g | 6g | 400mg | 9% |
The KFC Original Recipe Tender (1 piece) is about 9% of a 2,000-calorie day and 17% of the 2,300mg daily sodium limit in the U.S. Dietary Guidelines.
How to make a KFC order lighter
- Order the Kentucky Fried Nuggets (1 piece) instead: 135 fewer calories, 3g protein.
- “Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce (1 cup)” adds 110 calories.
- “Ranch Dipping Sauce (1 cup)” adds 130 calories.
- “BBQ Dipping Sauce (1 cup)” adds 45 calories.
How long it takes to burn off
For a 155 lb person, the KFC Original Recipe Tender (1 piece) takes about 38 minutes of brisk walking, 18 minutes of running (5 mph) or 18 minutes of cycling. Figures from Harvard Health’s calories-burned table; heavier people burn calories faster.
Compared with other restaurants
The closest item of the same kind at other chains:
- McDonald's Chicken McNuggets (4 pc): 170 calories, 9g protein
- Chick-fil-A Grilled Nuggets (12 ct): 200 calories, 38g protein
- Burger King Chicken Fries (8 pc): 220 calories, 13g protein
- Wendy's Chicken Nuggets (10 pc): 430 calories, 23g protein
- Dairy Queen Chicken Strips (3 pc, strips only): 430 calories, 19g protein
Questions people ask
The KFC Original Recipe Tender (1 piece) has 170 calories, with 11g of protein, 20g of carbs and 6g of fat, according to the restaurant’s official U.S. nutrition information.
The Kentucky Fried Nuggets (1 piece) has 35 calories, 135 fewer, and still keeps most of the protein.
More KFC calories
Original Recipe Chicken Breast · Original Recipe Chicken Thigh · Original Recipe Drumstick · Original Recipe Whole Wing · Extra Crispy Chicken Breast · Extra Crispy Chicken Thigh · Extra Crispy Drumstick · Extra Crispy Whole Wing · Kentucky Grilled Chicken Breast · Kentucky Grilled Chicken Thigh · Spicy Crispy Chicken Breast · Spicy Crispy Chicken Thigh · Spicy Crispy Chicken Drumstick · Spicy Crispy Chicken Whole Wing · Classic Chicken Sandwich · Famous Bowl · Spicy Chicken Sandwich · KFC Snacker · Twister · Chicken Pot Pie · Popcorn Chicken · Mashed Potatoes with Gravy · Coleslaw · Mac & Cheese · Biscuit · Secret Recipe Fries · Mashed Potatoes, no gravy · BBQ Baked Beans · Cornbread Muffin · Chocolate Chunk Cookie · Apple Turnover · Pepsi · Lipton Brisk Sweet Iced Tea · Classic Lemonade