The Real Reason KFC Changed Its Name from Kentucky Fried Chicken

It’s no secret that KFC sells addictive fried chicken to the masses cooked with a special pressure fryer and a “secret” 11 spice and herb blend. But, the company has changed its name to and from “Kentucky Fried Chicken” over the years—and has sparked numerous conspiracy theories as to why.

One of those popular theories (that has been proven false!) is that KFC was forced to change their name because of the word “chicken.” Rumors that the brand was reportedly using “mutant” chemically engineered birds sparked this wacky idea. Outside of chicken conspiracy theories, the company claimed publicly that the name change from Kentucky Fried Chicken to KFC was to shy away from the word “fried” for potential health-conscious patrons. Find out the things your fast food worker isn’t telling you.

The real reason KFC changed its name from Kentucky Fried Chicken in 1991? It all happened because of a trademark issue.

Here’s what actually went down: First, the Commonwealth of Kentucky trademarked its name in 1990. Kentucky was capitalizing on the various brands and products using their name to alleviate debt—and this included the fast-food fried chicken chain. Thus, anyone using “Kentucky” for their business would first need the state’s permission and would also be required to pay licensing fees. Kentucky Fried Chicken rebranded to KFC instead.

Other companies and products followed suit and also changed their names. For example, “The Kentucky Derby” became “The Run for the Roses.” Neil Diamond’s song “Kentucky Woman” no longer played on the radio due to the newly imposed fee.

That said, in November 2016, KFC and the State of Kentucky settled over the use of the trademarked word “Kentucky,” with the chain then announcing they would resume their old name. Now, read about the secret that makes KFC’s fried chicken so crispy.

The Best KFC Copycat Recipes

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Best-Ever Fried Chicken Crispy, juicy and perfectly seasoned, this really is the best fried chicken recipe, ever. Summer reunions and neighborly gatherings will never be the same. When I was growing up, my parents had a farm, and every year, Dad would hire teenage boys to help by haying time. They looked forward to coming because they knew they would be treated to some of Mom's deep fryer recipes, including this delicious fried chicken. —Lola Clifton, Vinton, Virginia Go to Recipe KFC chicken is so delicious, they've even introduced a new chicken product: KFC chicken wraps.

Potluck Macaroni and Cheese Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Inspired By: KFC Mac and CheeseYou'll always have a winner at the potluck when you bring macaroni and cheese. Here's an extra-rich, creamy version for the slow cooker. —Jennifer Blondek, Chicopee, Massachusetts

Get Our Recipe: Potluck Macaroni and Cheese

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Inspired By: KFC Sweet N' Tangy Barbecue SauceI've never cared that much for store bought barbecue sauce. I just like to make things myself from scratch including this spicy, deep red-brown sauce. You'll find it clings well when you slather it on grilled meat. —Helena Georgette Mann, Sacramento, California

Get Our Recipe: Sweet & Spicy Barbecue Sauce

Inspired By: KFC Extra Crispy Fried ChickenThis Sunday dinner staple is first fried and then baked to a crispy golden brown. Well seasoned with oregano and sage, this classic is sure to satisfy diners at church potlucks or late-summer picnics. I love fixing it for family and friends. —Donna Kuhaupt, Slinger, Wisconsin

Get Our Recipe: Potluck Fried Chicken

Inspired By: KFC Green BeansGreen beans are a reliable standby, but they can seem ordinary on their own. Just a couple of extra ingredients give them a sweet and salty attitude. This is definitely my family's favorite way to enjoy them. —Shannon Dobos, Calgary, Alberta

Get Our Recipe: Honey Garlic Green Beans

Taste of Home

Inspired By: KFC Hot WingsThese fall-off-the-bone tender wings have just the right amount of heat, and the cool blue cheese dressing makes the perfect dip. —Kevalyn Henderson, Hayward, Wisconsin

Get Our Recipe: Spicy Chicken Wings

Contest-Winning Moist Chocolate CakeYou don't have to spend a lot of time to serve an elegant and delicious dessert. Just mix up the batter in one bowl, bake and get ready for people to love this moist dark chocolate cake recipe. —Christa Hageman, Telford, Pennsylvania

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Inspired By: KFC Buttermilk Ranch SauceGive this versatile mix in a decorative jar with instructions for making dip or dressing. Then tuck it into a gift basket along with a pretty serving bowl and snack crackers or chips. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

Get Our Recipe: Homemade Ranch Dressing and Dip Mix

Inspired By: KFC Grilled ChickenI came up with this recipe in college and it's been a household staple ever since. It's a snap to throw together with ingredients I have on hand. —Kendra Doss, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Get Our Recipe: Grilled Brown Sugar-Mustard Chicken

Inspired By: KFC ColeslawFor me, this is the best coleslaw recipe because a package of shredded cabbage and carrots really cuts down on prep time. This coleslaw recipe is great for potlucks or to serve to your family on a busy weeknight. —Renee Endress, Galva, Illinois

Get Our Recipe: Creamy Coleslaw

Inspired By: KFC BiscuitsWhen I was young, my mom would make these biscuits with fresh cream she got from a local farmer. I don't go to those lengths, but the family recipe is still a real treat. —Beverly Sprague, Baltimore, Maryland

Get Our Recipe: Hurry-Up Biscuits

Chili-Lime Chicken WingsWho would have guessed that mixing maple syrup, chili sauce and lime juice would make chicken wings taste so good? Family and guests alike will scramble to ensure they get more than one of these utterly delicious wings - so be sure to make extras! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Quick & Easy Honey MustardThis fast, easy mustard with rice vinegar and honey has more flavor than any other honey mustard dressing I've ever tried. —Sharon Rehm, New Blaine, Arkansas

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Taste of Home

Parmesan Potato WedgesI recommend serving these Parmesan potato wedges alongside a salad for a light lunch or serving them as a side dish with a chicken or beef entree. —Beth Ask, Ulster, Pennsylvania

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Taste of Home

Spicy Chicken NuggetsWe devour these spicy chicken nuggets at least once a week. If you want to tone down the heat, skip the chipotle pepper. —Cheryl Cook, Palmyra, Virginia

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Deluxe Mashed Potatoes Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Inspired By: KFC Mashed Potatoes & GravyWhen it comes to mashed potatoes recipes, this is one of my favorites because they can be made ahead, refrigerated and then popped into the oven just prior to dinnertime. When my grandchildren come for dinner, I have to double this recipe. They love it! —Vivian Bailey, Cedar Falls, Iowa

Get Our Recipe: Deluxe Mashed Potatoes

Best Chicken Potpie Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Best Chicken PotpieThis is the best chicken potpie recipe! Chock-full of chicken, potatoes, peas and corn, this recipe makes two golden pies, so you can serve one at supper and save the other for a busy night. —Karen Johnson, Bakersfield, California

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We can't get enough of KFC Chicken Pot Pie inspired recipes.

Contest-Winning Barbecued ChickenWhen our neighborhood has a cookout, I always take along this chicken and watch it quickly disappear! My family loves this recipe because of the zesty seasoning blend and no-fuss barbecue sauce. —Linda Scott, Hahira, Georgia

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Taste of Home

Texas-Style BBQ SauceWe love a Texas BBQ sauce with all the right moves: ketchup, mustard, lemon juice, chili powder, Worcestershire and brown sugar. —Sandy Klocinski, Summerville, South Carolina

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Inspired By: KFC Chicken StripsThese strips are designed for kids, but tasty enough for company. The tender strips are moist and juicy and would also be great on a salad. —Becky Oliver, Fairplay, Colorado

Get Our Recipe: Seasoned Chicken Strips

Taste of Home

Barbecue Sauce with MustardSay no to ho-hum barbecue. Add some zing to chicken or pork with our sauce. —Charlie and Ruthie Knote, Cape Girardeau, Missouri

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Taste of Home

Honey-Mustard Breaded ChickenI get bored with the same old breaded chicken, so I came up with this simple recipe. The coating adds fast flavor to tender chicken cooked on the stovetop. —Laura Theofilis, Leonardtown, Maryland

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[Sources: snopes.com]