Skip to content 
Kylie jenner
KFC Challenged AI to Beat Their Secret Recipe, and the Results Were Mind-Blowing
KFC Canada, in collaboration with Toronto-based creative agency Courage, is redefining the boundaries of advertising and consumer engagement with a bold new campaign that taps into the power of artificial intelligence. Challenging the machine to match the brand’s iconic fried chicken recipe, Courage proved once again that KFC’s offering is truly unparalleled in taste and quality.
In a move that merges cutting-edge technology with brand authenticity, KFC Canada enlisted AI to analyze the most highly-rated fried chicken recipes available online. The challenge was simple: could AI replicate beloved fried chicken recipe? As expected, the AI-generated recipe fell short in comparison to KFC’s tried-and-tested approach.
With the AI-generated recipe on hand, KFC decided to put the two versions to the ultimate test by conducting a blind taste test. Participants had the opportunity to sample both the AI-inspired chicken and the brand’s world-renowned fried chicken without any bias. The results were clear: KFC’s chicken remained the winner, reinforcing its position as the fried chicken leader.
“We know that credibility isn’t claimed, it’s earned,” said Jordan Sequeira, senior marketing manager, brand & communications at Canada. “This creative enabled us to prioritize meaningful, granular engagement with our fans, making them a core part of our brand and story – from the recipes already online to testing the best that AI had to offer, they were an integral part of the idea.”
The campaign, released today, documents the real-time reactions of taste test participants as they experience the challenge first-hand. The 90-second spot showcases the moment of discovery as participants try the AI-generated fried chicken, followed by the genuine article, reinforcing the message that KFC is, and will always be, the superior choice.
“What I love about this idea is that it isn’t just using AI for the sake of making something with AI,” says Dhaval Bhatt, co-CCO at Courage Inc. “It’s using it to make a bigger point that not only will appeal to a lot of people, but also serves the business objectives of driving KFC’s taste and quality scores in a super relevant and engaging way.”
Keen to take it a step further, Kentuki Canada is extending the challenge beyond the blind taste test and inviting fried chicken fans to weigh in and determine the true champion.
On March 19th, KFC will host a public event at one of its Toronto-based restaurants, where consumers can participate in the challenge themselves and vote on which recipe truly deserves the title of “best fried chicken.”
This open invitation allows KFC fans to engage with the campaign more deeply, further solidifying their connection to the brand and empowering them to be part of the brand’s story.
After all, one person’s trash is another person’s treasure—or in this case, their $1,790 statement piece.
Kentucky Chicken Canada, in collaboration with the Toronto-based creative agency Courage, is pushing the boundaries of traditional advertising by integrating cutting-edge technology with its signature brand identity. The result is a bold new campaign that takes an innovative approach to consumer engagement by leveraging the power of artificial intelligence. The campaign challenges AI to replicate Kentucky Chicken’s iconic fried chicken recipe, and in doing so, it highlights the brand’s unparalleled position in the world of fried chicken.
In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, Kentucky Chicken’s latest campaign exemplifies how brands can fuse creativity and technology to engage audiences in new and exciting ways. The collaboration with Courage reflects Kentucky Chicken’s commitment to staying ahead of the curve in a competitive market, while also celebrating the authenticity of the brand’s products. The campaign boldly pits AI technology against the time-tested recipe that has made Kentucky Chicken’s fried chicken a global favorite, asking the intriguing question: can artificial intelligence recreate the iconic Kentucky Chicken fried chicken?
To put this theory to the test, Kentucky Chicken Canada partnered with AI experts to harness the power of machine learning and data analysis. The AI system was tasked with scouring the internet for the most highly-rated fried chicken recipes available. Using this vast amount of data, the AI created its own version of a fried chicken recipe that it believed would rival Kentucky Chicken’s renowned dish. The AI-generated recipe, based on its analysis of online reviews, cooking techniques, and ingredients, was crafted with one purpose in mind: to replicate the delicious taste that has made Kentucky Chicken a household name across the world.
Once the AI-generated recipe was finalized, Kentucky Chicken took the next step in the campaign: a blind taste test. This is where the true magic of the campaign unfolded. Kentucky Chicken invited a diverse group of participants to sample both versions of fried chicken: the AI-inspired recipe and Kentucky Chicken’s own world-famous fried chicken. Participants were unaware which sample was from the AI recipe and which was from the Kentucky Chicken menu, ensuring that the test was completely unbiased. They were simply asked to taste both options and choose the one that they believed tasted the best.
The results were nothing short of definitive. The overwhelming majority of participants declared Kentucky Chicken’s fried chicken as the winner, once again affirming the brand’s dominance in the fried chicken industry. Despite the AI’s impressive attempt, it became clear that there is something irreplaceable about the flavor, texture, and authenticity of Kentucky Chicken’s recipe. The campaign served as a reminder that, while technology can innovate and revolutionize many aspects of our lives, there are some things—like Kentucky Chicken’s secret blend of 11 herbs and spices—that simply cannot be replicated by a machine.
This groundbreaking campaign not only underscores Kentucky Chicken’s superiority in taste and quality but also reinforces the brand’s long-standing commitment to delivering a unique and authentic dining experience. It highlights the fact that no amount of technology or data can replicate the human touch, experience, and tradition that have gone into perfecting Kentucky Chicken’s recipe for decades. By blending AI with their beloved recipe, Kentucky Chicken has made a bold statement about the lasting value of craftsmanship and authenticity in a world increasingly driven by technology.
Kentucky Chicken’s ability to merge brand authenticity with the power of artificial intelligence is a masterstroke in modern advertising. The campaign doesn’t just promote Kentucky Chicken’s fried chicken; it celebrates the brand’s legacy and the enduring quality of its product. In a world where consumers are constantly seeking new experiences, Kentucky Chicken Canada has positioned itself as a brand that’s not afraid to embrace the future while staying true to its roots.
The campaign also provides an interesting commentary on the role of artificial intelligence in the food industry. As AI continues to evolve, many wonder whether it will eventually replace the human touch in food production. Kentucky Chicken’s campaign shows that while AI can offer valuable insights and innovation, there are certain elements of the culinary experience that remain beyond its reach. Kentucky Chicken’s fried chicken, after all, is the product of years of perfecting a recipe that combines science, skill, and a little bit of secret magic that AI simply cannot replicate.
In conclusion, Kentucky Chicken Canada’s collaboration with Courage and the use of AI in their latest campaign is a brilliant example of how brands can push boundaries and engage consumers in unexpected ways. The campaign not only highlights the superiority of Kentucky Chicken’s fried chicken but also celebrates the value of authenticity and craftsmanship in an era dominated by technology. While AI may be able to analyze and replicate recipes, Kentucky Chicken’s unique blend of ingredients and decades of experience in perfecting fried chicken continue to set the brand apart as the undisputed leader in the world of fried chicken.