Kentucky Fried health food: KFC’s Double Down

Because everyone knows carbs will make you fat.

While Atkins purists will point out that the chicken is breaded, KFC is still grabbing headlines with their new “Double Down” sandwich- a deep fried monstrosity that replaces a bun with two fried chicken breasts. It’s not available nationally yet, but local markets are reporting on the sandwich, which reportedly consists of these components:

• 2 Original Recipe Filets
• Bacon
• Pepper Jack Cheese
• Swiss Cheese
• Colonel’s Sauce

“We didn’t have room for the bread,” is the official party line from KFC on the new item. Underwhelmed? So were the folks over at FoodGeekery initially when they sampled the Double Down. But that soon changed:

That’s it? That is the sandwich? That’s not worth five dollars. Oh… oh my God. That is the best thing ever. I don’t know what “Colonel’s Sauce” is, but it is like a party in my mouth. This is completely worth the five dollars. Unfortunately I’m going to end up weighing 700 lbs after this, but it is simply amazing.

So how much does it cost to throw a party in your mouth? The sandwich, currently available in Omaha, Nebraska and Providence, Rhode Island, sells for $4.99 a la carte and $6.99 with a side and a drink. And the calorie count? KFC estimates “just under 600 calories,” but the Vancouver Sun estimates a near 1,300 calorie count.

But come on- it’s low carb! Nebraskans, Rhode Islanders- have any of you tried it?