Roy Rogers adds hot honey Kickin’ Chicken for a limited time

Roy Rogers Restaurants is rolling out Kickin’ Chicken with Hot Honey at participating locations, adding a sweet-and-spicy chicken option for breakfast and lunch. The limited-time menu item expands the chain’s hand-breaded chicken lineup and gives guests a new sauce option, with pricing and availability varying by location.

Why it matters: - Roy Rogers is using a limited-time menu launch to refresh one of its core strengths: hand-breaded chicken. - The hot honey addition gives the chain a new flavor profile at breakfast and lunch, which can help drive repeat visits and menu customization. - The rollout also extends Roy Rogers’ signature sauce lineup, reinforcing the brand’s “made your way” positioning.

What happened: - Roy Rogers Restaurants introduced Kickin’ Chicken with Hot Honey, a limited-time offering at participating locations. - The menu line includes the Kickin’ Chicken Biscuit for breakfast and the Kickin’ Chicken Sandwich for lunch. - The company announced the launch from Frederick, Maryland, on Sept. 22, 2026.

The details: - Kickin’ Chicken starts with fresh, never-frozen chicken that is hand-breaded for a crispy exterior and juicy bite. - Hot honey adds a sweet-and-spicy finish to the chicken. - Roy Rogers is also adding Hot Honey as a dipping sauce in its signature sauce lineup. - The company said the new sauce gives guests another way to customize menu items. - Jim Plamondon, co-president, said the company tries to do things “the right way” and that Kickin’ Chicken keeps the quality guests already know while adding a bold twist. - The company said availability and pricing may vary by location. - Roy Rogers directed customers to more information about the launch at Roy Rogers Kickin’ Chicken.

Between the lines: - The launch leans on familiar brand cues rather than a full menu overhaul. - Hot honey fits a broader fast-food trend toward sweet-heat flavors, but Roy Rogers is framing the item around its existing chicken credentials. - The move also highlights the importance of sauce variety as a way to create new menu interest without changing the base product.

What's next: - Guests can try the new chicken items for a limited time at participating Roy Rogers restaurants. - Roy Rogers is likely to use the promotion to spotlight its chicken, sauces and breakfast offerings while the item is available. - Franchise growth remains part of the company’s longer-term push, with qualified investors being sought for development.

The bottom line: - Roy Rogers is betting that a familiar chicken item with a hot honey twist can add energy to the menu without straying from the brand’s core identity.