Food of the Seventies, Kentucky Fried Chicken's Ribs

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Description
Perhaps they were only sold in the test market I was living in at the time (Pittsfield, MA), but back around 1975-76, Kentucky Fried Chicken sold beef ribs. They were huge, meaty, fatty hunks of beef with a barbeque sauce that has stayed in my taste memory for 30 years and counting. Required lots of wet-naps. They served the meals like their chicken: in white and red boxes with styrofoam cups of peppery mashed potatoes and gravy and cole slaw. And don't forget the spork! My mouth still waters when I think of those ribs.
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User Stories and Comments

The following are comments left about Kentucky Fried Chicken's Ribs from site visitors such as yourself. They are not spell checked or reviewed for accuracy.

Robby Ego - November 13, 2007 - Report this comment
I remember KFC's ribs! They opened a couple of stores in Wichita Kansas (and maybe other places, who knows?) called Kentucky Beef. Yeah, good sauce, and really messy.
Heather - January 24, 2008 - Report this comment
I LOVED the BBQ chicken you use to be able to get at Kentucky Fried Chicken in the 70's and 80's... What happened to the sauce? Why don't they use it anymore? The BBQ sauce they use on their wings now is not the same.
Beau - March 09, 2008 - Report this comment
as far as I know they still make them in Fairbanks Alaska at the kentucky fried chicken there.The best ribs I have ever eaten!!!!
Jobee - May 21, 2008 - Report this comment
I remember them from the 80's in Bath, england. I'm still trying to recreate them. Sweet and sticky - fantastic.......!!
paul - February 08, 2009 - Report this comment
I worked for Kentucky Fried Chicken from 1973 into 1975 when I was in high school. During this time, we started selling pork ribs. After briefly using a brand of ribs I can't remember, we switched to Jimmy Dean and they were consistently good. The secret to the fantastic flavor was that the ribs were floured up with the original recipe Kentucky Fried Chicken flour and then fried under pressure. We would then saturate them with barbeque sauce and leave them in the warmer for a while to let the sauce properly soak in. They were great! I wish they would bring them back.
Mike - February 19, 2009 - Report this comment
Oh, yeah! Those were the best ribs ever! I'd love to find any the tasted even remotely as good. I seem to rmember them coming standing vertically in a bucket swimming in that wonderful sauce
squash - March 13, 2009 - Report this comment
when I lived in London (80's) , my local Kentucky would make them for me specially as I was one of the few people that bought them. I can't imagine why. I could live on those ribs. I just had a craving for them after all these years and stumbled upon this website.
Damo - June 13, 2009 - Report this comment
Hell Yea!! back in the 80`s im 28 now and still dream of them. Been chacing a good recipe, know of anymore?. why dont they bring them back, !!!!please!!!!!
KD - July 04, 2009 - Report this comment
We used to live in Harvey,IL. The KFC there had the best ribs!!! I have tried to tell people, but I have found a rare few that remeber them. They were wonderful!!!
danny - July 20, 2009 - Report this comment
these ribs were truly the best thing i have ever tasted they used to come in boxes of 6 or 8 they were sticky with plenty of meat on them why they stoped doing them well some say it was becuse pork didnt keep to well but im not sure ...and there isnt much information on them on the net its like they never had them
Jim - August 27, 2009 - Report this comment
Well I sure do remember them! I was in the Army stationed in Virginia in 1974. I was there attending Army Band training. It was the biggest treat to go to KFC and order a box of those bad boys! Those ribs seemed to be as thick as a man's forearm, and they were moist, tender, and loaded with a thick sauce that rocked your world. I have to say they were as good as any ribs I've ever had and very different.
KC - September 03, 2009 - Report this comment
Yes, I remember those beef ribs (around (1975 and 76), you got a meal with three thick juicy ribs covered with lots of delicious sticky sauce. Please Colonel, forget that stupid "meat for buns sandwich" thing and bring the beef ribs back.
stevo - November 04, 2009 - Report this comment
Harrow, London area in early eighties , a drunken friday night out with the lads always ended up with a KFC "combo meal" box ,of chicken n ribs, those ribs were fantastic!........why dont they bring them back!
Andre' - November 20, 2009 - Report this comment
Ramstein Germany, 1976 BEST RIBS EVER! We would go to the local KFC down the road off base and bring back as much as we could carry. They always ran out, sometimes to the point of brawls over the last rib. Those were great ribs. Bring them back PLEASE!
G. - December 10, 2009 - Report this comment
I live in Essex UK and the 'Favorite Chicken' KFC lookalike do the IDENTICAL rib.
Mikpug - March 06, 2010 - Report this comment
I remember buying lots of theses ribs in 1983 in Newport Gwent UK. Does any one know if i can get some anywhere? (In the world for that matter!) as i can still taste them and its driving me nuts!! 07788100177
Kirsty - March 26, 2010 - Report this comment
I think those bbq rods that are out now have the same saue on them as the ribs used to have.
SS - March 29, 2010 - Report this comment
My father was stationed in Hanau, Germany. KFC had the best floured bbq ribs ever. This was around 1988...and I still remember them. YUMMY!!! Where or where could we find the recipe?
dan j. - May 11, 2010 - Report this comment
does anyone remember the kentucky beef in enfield,ct. on rt.5 that was a great place to eat
KEVONNE - May 13, 2010 - Report this comment
YEAH
rj dawson - May 30, 2010 - Report this comment
i use to (O D) on them ribs back in canton ohio back be i went into the navy. that was back in the 70s been looking for a bbq fix like that sench
Cheryl - May 31, 2010 - Report this comment
I used to beg my mom to bring me to tht KFC in Enfield CT on RT 5 back in the 70's. OMG 35 years later I still remember how amazing they tasted. KFC should definetly bring them back. They are crazy not to.
ACRB - June 02, 2010 - Report this comment
one of the best, most memorable ribs ever made!
DONNY - July 18, 2010 - Report this comment
WHY DID THEY STOP SELLING THE RIBS IN ENGLAND
pua - July 23, 2010 - Report this comment
Yes, I remember them in Lihue, Kauai, Hawaii and still think about them from time to time. They were yummy.
Peter - August 07, 2010 - Report this comment
I remember the ribs when in the 1980s there were two KFC-Restaurants in Berlin, Germany. Me and my brothers used to spend our last money for a 5-rib-box with coleslaw and and a corncob. I never forgot the taste and would give a lot for this taste.
Eric - August 10, 2010 - Report this comment
Gee, do I remember those ribs ! I still remember the taste after 30+ years. They were the best, even better that homemade. Is there any way of us getting KFC to sell them again ? Can we ban together as a group to let KFC know that it would be a great time to bring back those ribs ? Remember the slogan- "The Coronal's Got Ribs !"
Kim Trevillion - August 23, 2010 - Report this comment
I recall back in the 70's when KFC introduced the ribs. They were awesome. I don't think KFC will ever introduce them back since their is so much competition and new lines of food they are introducing.
John Mcqueeney - September 26, 2010 - Report this comment
best ribs i ever had at KFC in Manchester N.H. .... people think i'm nuts when i talk about them gald i found this site
Dave - October 13, 2010 - Report this comment
Had them in Ann Arbor, Michigan briefly in the mid-70s. I still miss them.
STEVE - October 15, 2010 - Report this comment
I seem to remember that Kentucky Fried Chicken (as it was known before 'KFC') changed the colors of their restaurant to maroon and white to emphasize the barbecue sauce colors of their ribs. Is this correct?
mike - October 17, 2010 - Report this comment
the best ribs ever because great taste and juicy lots of meat so you got your moneys worth only thing in my fridge lots of time in enfield ct, should start a petition
Mark - November 04, 2010 - Report this comment
When I was a kid in the 70's we were poor as dirt. Our special treat was driving to Keyser, WV from Cumberland, MD for the ribs. I have to agree they were the best ribs ever.
Keith - November 29, 2010 - Report this comment
I had them in both Colorado and California. They were the bomb!
Gary, Liverpool - December 14, 2010 - Report this comment
We used to get these ribs from the KFC store on County Rd in Liverpool in the early 1980's... best ribs ever made and probably the best fast food I've ever had. Heard a rumour that they were removed from the menu as all the colourings and e numbers were sending kids crazy. Booooooooo!
Newman Dallas, Texas - December 25, 2010 - Report this comment
The ribs were delicous, but these ribs were sold not just in the seventies, but they started selling these ribs in 1968. it mght have been later to be sold nationaly. If everyone and their friends would contact KFC maybe we could get the ribs back. Remember the treasure chest? I do!
Alison - January 03, 2011 - Report this comment
Maybe we need to start a facebook page to bring them back. It worked for the show the game. I bet we could. They were great. I don't even eat beef or pork but I would eat those LOL
Eric - January 07, 2011 - Report this comment
Alison is right ! We should start a Facebook page to get these ribs back to KFC ! Alison ???
Garry - January 13, 2011 - Report this comment
Yes we used to get them here in Scotland in the eighties too, fantastic ribs with that red sticky sauce that was delicious and very difficult to get off your hands not like the new stuff which is much much darker almost brown and smells of burnt rubber. BRING THEM BACK!!!
Glen - January 30, 2011 - Report this comment
Loved those ribs! Almost cried when they went away.
shaun from London - February 24, 2011 - Report this comment
I remember the ribs my mum would bring me home as a child they used to wrap them in foil...now i will post a link with a recipe just try dipping the raw ribs in a spicy fried chicken flour you can buy from the west indian food shops in black peoples area. then add this recipe sauce
shaun from London - February 24, 2011 - Report this comment
KFC Honey BBQ Sauce (copycat)maybe use just a little honey optional. after coating the ribs in the spicy flour fry or bake them then add this sauce wrap in foil and leave in warm oven to soak in the sauce!!! Ingredients: 1 1/4 cups ketchup 1/4 cup molasses 1 teaspoon liquid smoke 1 teaspoon onion powder 1/3 cup white vinegar 1/4 cup honey 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon chili powder Prep: Combine all the ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir ingredients until well combined. Bring to a boil; reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered for 20 minutes. Bottle and store in the refrigerator.
shaun London - February 24, 2011 - Report this comment
please use rowse honey for the taste
PAUL - February 27, 2011 - Report this comment
cant find any rib sauce anything near them proper tasty as for fav chik cott chik not the same closest your get mind u
Tom - March 03, 2011 - Report this comment
Kentucky Fried Chicken had those ribs in the Chattanooga, TN area during the '70's. They were absolutely delicious! I couldn't believe when they quit serving them. I wish they would bring them back.
Cal P - March 04, 2011 - Report this comment
The fact that I'm looking up "KFC ribs" shows how big an impact they had on me in Georgia in the 70's. I hope they begin selling them again before I die.
fobyac25 - March 18, 2011 - Report this comment
Wow, I thought I was the only one....... anyone know an email address for KFC - we should petition them
Knock - April 11, 2011 - Report this comment
I remember these from a Take out in Dudley, England. I've written to KFC before now asking the saem question's - never got an answer. Best BBQ Ribs I've ever tasted so why doesn't anyone know how to mak them? Surely, someone knows somewhere !!!! ?
Dale - May 19, 2011 - Report this comment
I am from Greenwood, IN and the KFC on South Meridian served 'em....Unless you've had 'em you have no clue what the rest of us are talking about...they were like a Meaty Country Style Rib, Breaded in the Original Recipe coating then Deep Fried in a Pressure Cooker, soooo tender...then seriously sauced up so the breading was completely saturated with this sweet tangy slightly spicy sauce that you could not get enough of....Wow were they good.
Dutch - May 23, 2011 - Report this comment
Ok, enough said ! We all miss those ribs, so I just started a Facebook page for you to leave your comments. The name on the FB page is bringbackbbqribs Send me an invite, and maybe if we can get enough people on this FB site, we can start enjoying those ribs again ! Join the band wagon my friends !
Patrick - July 04, 2011 - Report this comment
I have such fond memories of KFC and of it's ribs. I grew when Evel Knievel was jumping busses, the 4th of July was a VERY big deal in 1976, and KFC had some of the BEST ribs around! I think they stopped selling them because of the new campaign at the time, "All we do is chicken, we do chicken right!" or something like that...
RoadRabbit - July 12, 2011 - Report this comment
KFC bring the ribs back already!
martin bostock - July 28, 2011 - Report this comment
I had them rib,s in Walton Liverpool England wow they where as good as s*x but left a better taste in your mouth after you had finished with the box
jc woods - August 02, 2011 - Report this comment
I tried to tell my wife about the kfc ribs, she didn't believe me. The best ribs ever. I wish they would bring them back.
Paul R - August 04, 2011 - Report this comment
the best thing ever BRING EM BACK KFC
ts - August 04, 2011 - Report this comment
use to buy them high road east finchley early 80's- still talk about them to my kids now lol
Keith - August 09, 2011 - Report this comment
I was Asst manager of a kfc in hollywood ca in 76-77 and I used to cook them. I can tell u they were the best fast food ribs ever. I would wait til we closed the store and cook a box or two every night to take home. Believe it or not they were better tasting without the sauce. Dump the snackers bring back the ribs!!!!
Erik - August 23, 2011 - Report this comment
Of allof the foods I've read about on this site, I can't believe how much I agree with everybody about these ribs. We had them in Steubenville Ohio during the mid-seventies and to this day, I remember the taste. They are tghe best ribs I've ever eaten, and cannot understand for the LIFE of me why KFC stopped making them. Do they realize they've let McRib be the sole fast food memory of ribs to a generation??! Ribs and chicken go together like salt and pepper!! PLEASE KFC BRING THESE BACK!!!
lofty - August 26, 2011 - Report this comment
I fear the reason for the lack of ribs is the banning of the food agent MSG.
cindyoregon - September 05, 2011 - Report this comment
Does any one rember the steak sandwich at Jack-In-The-box and the 70's menu at carrow's oh the good old days of the 70's
cindyoregon - September 05, 2011 - Report this comment
here is KFC email I wrote them and they did write me back they said the had no plan of bring back B-B-Q back but send them a line you'll never know we might get them to change there minds lariortcorp@qwestoffice.net
pattiewesthills - October 24, 2011 - Report this comment
SO GLAD I found this website!! I have dreamed about these ribs since early junior high in LA, CA! Absolutely the BEST RIBS and SAUCE EVER!! MUST BRING THEM BACK!!
Lee b - November 26, 2011 - Report this comment
I've always wondered why they stopped selling these, i always used to buy them in kfc edgware, u.k. I can also vouch for the fact that favourite fried chicken in stevenage u.k sell the identical ribs, so if any americans visiting the u.k look for a FFC, you'll be taken right back to the 70's and 80's!
Ray II - November 30, 2011 - Report this comment
The recipe located in the above comment is the recipe for the honey BBQ that they sell today.The old "Smokey Steve's " sauce was much differant. Its like saying Pepsi is the same as Coke. Somebody must have the original recipe or an address for Smokey Steve's.Please,please,please.
John Portsmouth, England - January 24, 2012 - Report this comment
At Last!!!! Me and my friend are not alone!!! we both remember the ribs from the late 70's early 80's. And yes we can still taste them now. KFC.... BRING THEM BACK.....NOW!!!!!! You'd be mad not too.
Linda - January 24, 2012 - Report this comment
I just posted in a group that in my Town of Fontana, CA in '75 KFC offered those delicious ribs. I don't think anyone believed me! Was glad to find these postings, thanks all.
cindyoregon - January 30, 2012 - Report this comment
here is KFC email I wrote them and they did write me back they said the had no plan of bring back B-B-Q back but send them a line you'll never know we might get them to change there minds lariortcorp@qwestoffice.net
Sharon - New York - March 07, 2012 - Report this comment
I grew up in California and remember these fondly. They opened separate restaurants called Kentucky Fried Beef that sold the ribs and also thinly sliced beef sandwiches (with a yummy horseradish sauce). Bring them back!
booksy - March 14, 2012 - Report this comment
fuc--in grweat wibs--amos
Dava - March 31, 2012 - Report this comment
ha ha. I hate the coating on kentucky but.. THE RIBS!!! winner everytime!!. .. I was telling my daughter bout these the other day.. Answer - What ? KFC selling ribs? .. how long ago?? very early 80s .. what ? kfc has been going that long in Birkenhead?? erm yes .. haha
Tracey kelly - May 05, 2012 - Report this comment
Kentucky ribs are the Best ever apparently U can still get up north of england does anyone know if this is true?
J - May 19, 2012 - Report this comment
No they are not available in the North of England I still tell people how good they where I came on this site looking for the recipe
DGGD - June 01, 2012 - Report this comment
Sure feels good to hear others talk about those KFC Ribs in the 70s. So many have forgotten, and new generations don't even know about it. Those were the best ribs I've EVER had from a fast food place! They should bring them back with the same recipe. The sauce was just... oh soo damn good... with just the right amount of sweetning to it, that clung to the ribs. Even saturated with that basting of sauce, there was a bit of a soft crunch to those delicious MEATY ribs. They were PERFECTION! You didn't even need sauce on the side! I bought so many in a 2-year stretch I could have purchased a franchise! Yes, those were THE BEST ribs ever. Makes me happy just thinking abou them. Had to be some happy cows they got 'em from, 'cause they sure weren't MAD!
Dave - June 12, 2012 - Report this comment
Work at KFC in 74-75. We made these. A whole beef rib. With the inner strap meat rib. (we cut these from racks at the store!) "Secret" dry rub. Dredged in the "original" KFC breading and cooked in the "Collect-O-Mat" Pressure Fryer for about 12 minutes. Removed and drained. Then dredged in the KFC BBQ sauce and placed on drip rack/trays in a convection oven to glazed the sauce. I LOVED THEM! And have unsuccessfully tried to re-create them. Dan things gotta be about 1800 Calories per rib and don't even mention the fat grams.... I mean... They're BEEF RIBS!! Shhut the H' Up!!
Bryan - July 12, 2012 - Report this comment
Does anyone remember when KFC put out a dinner box consisting chicken mashed spuds and peas in gravy.......Yes peas
David - September 24, 2012 - Report this comment
YESSSS!!! These were some of the best ribs I have ever had - even without the caveat of them being fast food. The sauce was absolutely first rate. I wish they would bring them back!!! I remember getting them in Stroudsburg, PA.
Nelson - October 02, 2012 - Report this comment
I just thought of KFC ribs and got on the web looking for the recipie. As a kid in the 70s, the local KFC in Brixton London used to do some juicy sticky ribs, I loved them, still shocked why they stoped doing them! Chinese ribs just aint the same. Don't even mention those KFC imitation places. same
Steve - October 18, 2012 - Report this comment
I loved those ribs. One of the reasons I heard for stopping the sale of them was in fact they were pork and as a result the restaurants turnover was affected as certain religious sects would not even order chicken from the same establishments preparing pork products. Sad really but business is business
Heem - November 07, 2012 - Report this comment
Thank's for the site. I did have ribs at KFC but in my youth.That sauce was the very best.
bev - November 11, 2012 - Report this comment
wow just googled and found this site. I lived on these in England 70's and I so miss them please bring them back - boohoo.
Trevor - November 26, 2012 - Report this comment
I think that during the mid 1970s in the UK KFC was dominating the fast food industry. I don't recall any other fast food businesses that were popular in those days except wimpy who I think have been gradually losing popularity as the years go by and I guess that is due to McDonald's who of course remain ever popular. one is more likely to see empty McDonald's bags and wrappers more than wimpy ones. but my fave fast food in the 70s were Fish and Chips and Chinese take aways and occasionally KFC but that was only once in a while because even then their food was always too expensive for me.
Stephen - December 04, 2012 - Report this comment
Loved them ribs, had them out in S. Calif. I could eat them 3-5 times a week. KFC is just plain stupid for not making them again. I would even pay a extra TAX on them if they came back...
Stephen - December 05, 2012 - Report this comment
KFC has a facebook page, I have posted on it, everyone who wants them pack should do the same. I plan on asking them until they do!
Chrissie - December 29, 2012 - Report this comment
These were absolutely delicious used to go to KFC Crystal Palace and Rayners Lane Yummy!!!
Isfox - January 03, 2013 - Report this comment
Southern Ca late 70's yes we had them an I too still dream about them. How can something so yummy be a thing of the past. Can't they at least bring them Back like once or twice a yr. In retrospect its good to know I'm not the only one that still thinks about these yummies!
FromFlint - January 23, 2013 - Report this comment
I'M WATCHING A GOOD TIMES EPISODE FROM SEASON 3 AND THIS SHOW TOOK PLACE IN DA 70' S. JJ WAS WORKIN AT A CHICKEN PLACE AND ASKED WILLONA WHY HASN'T SHE COME BY AND SHE SAID CUZ ALL Y'ALL GOT IS CHICKEN THE COL' S GOT RIBS!! SO I GOOGLED IT AND COME TO THE CONCLUSION OFF REALLY SOLD RIBS AT ONE TIME.,!! WOW
Art - February 04, 2013 - Report this comment
I remember eating the kfc ribs at a san diego padres game. I believe they were actually being sold in the stadium as a test market. They were great
JERRY - March 16, 2013 - Report this comment
I worked at KFC from 1973 to 1975, when I was in High School. I got to eat for free which was a plus because in those days they sold "The Kentucky" Burger. Working at KFC at that time in my life with friends my own age, it was a Great Time !!!
Chris Ramage - March 21, 2013 - Report this comment
As an Aussie living in London in the early 80's KFC ribs was one of my staples. I absolutely loved that tang red sauce. When i came home to Australia, i wrote to KFC in here In Aust and asked why not here. No answer... I still miss those ribs and that special today. Glad i am not alone on this.
shachicken - April 07, 2013 - Report this comment
Those were the best ribs, bring them back!
LAMaurer - April 14, 2013 - Report this comment
Kentucky burger was awesome! The chicken breast was the bomb with out the rib bones attached. I worked N Canton KFC from 1974-1978 with friends! Best job ever! So fun!
bobby - May 04, 2013 - Report this comment
I remember the KFC pork ribs in the 70's they were my treat every Saturday. I remember very distinctly that when they stopped serving them a sign was put up saying that due to the price of pork they would not be serving them any longer. Apparently beef ribs were served elsewhere but here in S/W GA. it was pork and they were the best ribs I have ever tasted.
farmer - July 15, 2013 - Report this comment
the year was 1974 at the Danville Pennsylvania interstate 80 interchange KFC best ribs ever I'm 54 now haven't found anything close except for my own
D3r3k - October 01, 2013 - Report this comment
Please Please, Please.....has anyone got the recipe for these little wonders?????
Brian - October 16, 2013 - Report this comment
the problem with the "recipe" is that you can't do it at home because they used a big pressure cooker. about 5 gallons of oil in a huge pressure cooker is why they come out so juicy. I worked there in 79, after the rib days but I was just wondering why they don't do bbq chicken anymore. we used to pressure cook the regular chicken, then dunk it in bbq sauce and it was a big seller. now they don't do it. I remember my stoned out boss once we ran out of bbq sauce except for a little bit in the bottom of a plastic bucket, and we said "Bern, we are out of bbq sauce!" and he just went up to the bucket with a garden hose and squirted water into it and said "there, more bbq sauce.
Derek - November 20, 2013 - Report this comment
The interesting thing about this thread is that it's been going on for six years now and yet very few people have noticed the original post was about BEEF ribs. Nearly everyone else including myself remembers PORK ribs and I, like many others fell upon this thread while searching for the original KFC rib sauce. I've invented my own recipe over the years and it's this: Boil the ribs in water for 30 minutes... pressure cooker is even better to get them tender, then coat the ribs in a BBQ sauce and grill. For the sauce, I combine Tomato ketchup with some smoky BBQ sauce, Sweet chilli sauce, a 2 Tbs of sugar and and another of cooking oil. The result is nice and sticky and very close to the KFC original.
Thor - March 08, 2014 - Report this comment
A shop called USA friend chicken in letchworth, hearts, does ribs similar to the old KFC ribs
Maurice - March 26, 2014 - Report this comment
I loved the ribs when KFC first came to Northern Ireland probably around 1980.
kania - June 26, 2014 - Report this comment
YESSSS! I really wish tht kfc would bring them ribs back since u can get tacos which is beef at kfc nw might as well bring them GREAT RIBS, back atleast give them a trial run, ca & watch hw kfc revenue TRIPLE bcuz they was just tht gud back n the day.
Henry B. - July 08, 2014 - Report this comment
The KFC in Mankato, MN had them for awhile in the mid '70s. Oh man, they were good! I never got chicken while the ribs were around. Never knew so many KFCs had them, interesting.
jamie,,England - October 24, 2014 - Report this comment
ribs to die for.... what more can anybody say?????????????????????????????????
Jane - November 02, 2014 - Report this comment
Kentucky Fried Chicken sold beef ribs in during Pittsburgh, PA the 1970's my older sister always reminds me of how they were my favorite food when I was a kid. I also used to love the lemon bucket parfait, strawberry parfait. Later in the 90's when I worked at KFC they pressure cooked their Original chicken and then dipped it in a tangy sweet bbq sauce. It always tasted best when it carmelized on the chicken after sitting in the warming unit. Yes bring bag those KFC barbeque beef ribs!
stan bryan - November 14, 2014 - Report this comment
mid 70's kfc beef ribs were the best ribs ever! Why they don't bring them back is a mystery to me!
l.rodriguez - December 02, 2014 - Report this comment
I remember purchasing the kfc ribs in the 1980's in Barstow,ca. makes famous daves and dickey's ribs far behind kfc. I hope in the future they are brought back on to their menu
Mike F - December 10, 2014 - Report this comment
fantastic ribs from the KFC in Queensferry, North Wales about 30 years ago, also enjoyed the sweetcorn.
Anthony - December 13, 2014 - Report this comment
Oh Ya! Those ribs was great I still remember those in the late 70's early 80's in Wilmington NC. I wish they bring them back!
ED L - December 16, 2014 - Report this comment
I had these ribs as a young boy in the 1970's in Gloversville NY. I will forever remember these amazing beef ribs sold by KFC. My older brother would treat me to these ribs from time to time, and now at 52 years old,I can still remember the taste, texture etc.By far the best ribs I have ever had.I think KFC would have no problem selling these again regardless of price.
Flipflop - December 21, 2014 - Report this comment
I remember my mother cycling to the kfc in Peterborough, UK every Friday to get us ribs and chicken. It was a ritual. I loved those ribs and can only think that kfc stopped selling them because some religions forbid the eating of pork, so they would of boycotted kfc.
Peter Evans - January 14, 2015 - Report this comment
yeah I have to agree...FANTASTIC ribs from the KFC in Queensferry, North Wales about 30 years ago..I used to travel from Prestatyn to buy them every week ABSOBLOODYLUTELY GORGEOUS...they used to be wrapped in foil keeping that lovely sticky sauce all over them... KFC would pull SO many customers back if they started to sell them again....the other fast food outlets wouldn't know what hit them....BRING THEM BACK
Ernestine camille - January 24, 2015 - Report this comment
Wow! I thought I was the only one that loved those KFC BBQ ribs I believe in the 70's. The BBQ chicken was prepared the same way weren't bad at all. My mom and my sisters used to pick up a bucket or box carton to take to the Drive in movies. Good happy eating! Please bring them back.
Paul Digwa - March 05, 2015 - Report this comment
Favourite chicken does the same ribs. Lovely jubbly
petjamrut - March 18, 2015 - Report this comment
As a HGV driver in the eighties these ribs where a real life saver. used to park an artic outside the little KFC by Kew bridge and get the ribs. If I could not park the next stop would be Fleet services. no comparison. Bring em back please
65charlie - March 30, 2015 - Report this comment
I remember when I was growing up, that every weekend of my life, I had KFC. (Either Friday or Saturday) I remember & miss those ribs & BBQ chicken. I'm also missing those good skinny fries they use to make!!!!!!!
73scott - April 05, 2015 - Report this comment
OMG, their BBQ chicken was incredible. I miss it so much! The BBQ wings were the closest things, don't even know of they have those anymore. They should bring it all back for a limited time and see if takes.
zamani - April 22, 2015 - Report this comment
kentucky fried chicken- turnpike lane-wood green-east finchley-hackney- dam i miss those ribs... especially when the bbq sauce melted onto the fries, sticky finger heaven ..
Tim - June 12, 2015 - Report this comment
BRING THEM BACK everthing else has been said
Derek - July 08, 2015 - Report this comment
Hey! Turnpike Lane, Wood Green, East Finchley... I had KFC ribs from all of them as I used to be a mini cab driver working out of East Finchley station. Incredibly, I left London for Cambridgeshire since then and the last place I used to buy them from was in Lincoln Rd, Peterborough which someone also mentioned up the page. I last commented in this thread back in November 2013. As I pointed out then, the Americans remember Beef ribs, the Brits remember Pork ribs. I'm guessing the sauce and cooking method must have been the same since we all agree how great they were. My own recipe is still the closest I can get.... Boil the pork ribs first, then coat with a sauce made from 50% Tomato Ketchup, 25% Smokey BBQ sauce,25% Maggi sweet chilli sauce, tablespoon of sugar and tablespoon of cooking oil. Either oven bake for 10 minutes or cook on the top rack of a BBQ until sizzling. They come out nice and sticky.
Julia - July 14, 2015 - Report this comment
Mid 70's in San Diego I lived walking distance of a KFC and the only thing I ever bought was the ribs and barbeque chicken. Yummy. They really should bring them back.
Petey - September 12, 2015 - Report this comment
Are you kidding me? Bringing these back would bring me back. That and the BBQ chicken.. I remember the campaign "The Colonel's got ribs". Used to have these Sundays over a L.A. Times. C'mon KFC.. Give it a go.
gg - October 07, 2015 - Report this comment
I was stationed at Ramstein AFB back in the 70's and would ride my bicycle to the KFC at Einsiederlerhof to get the ribs. They were so good. Sure do remember them as being some of the best bbq ribs that I ever had.
dave f - October 07, 2015 - Report this comment
Worked on Flatbush and Nostrand AVs in Brooklyn NY. There was a KFC on that corner. The breaded ribs were absolutely delicious. Probably killer sodium and fat. Miss the younger days when I couldn't give a s--t. Could eat like a pig and didn't gain a pound.
Lusty Russ - October 13, 2015 - Report this comment
I used to stand in my front window and smear these bad boys all over my man judders, you know, just for fun.
Spotted Bull - October 22, 2015 - Report this comment
We used to leave the pub on a Sunday night and head down the road for some KFC ribs. These ribs were so tasty that we would usually devour them there and then. Sometimes a few ribs in the red and white livery would make them back home. I would eat them before Dad got to the fridge in the morning.
Kathy - October 23, 2015 - Report this comment
Bring em back! I had a roommate in Burbank CA that worked at KFC in 1979, we ate the ribs almost every night. They were the best, I can still imagine the taste....so so good. Why oh why did they ahve to discontinue?
Larry in Houston - November 10, 2015 - Report this comment
I remember those ribs from my childhood and just had a dream about them a couple of days ago and here i am googling it. It would be a smashing success for KFC to bring them back if nothing else but the promotional value.
Pepper Boy - November 11, 2015 - Report this comment
barbecued chicken and barbecued ribs I remember at KFC in the seventies. I wish all Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurants had the rotating bucket as their sign instead of the flat sign. everything in the seventies and eighties was better quality everything everywhere. I heard I have not confirmed that Kentucky Fried Chicken can no longer use the word chicken in their restaurant title because of FDA laws. another words because there are so many additives in the chicken these days , FDA regulation prohibits Kentucky Fried Chicken to call themselves Kentucky Fried Chicken because the poetry does not qualify to be called chicken because of all the additives, so they can only use KFC, not Kentucky Fried Chicken. can anyone take the time to confirm this true or untrue. I remember when they came out and started with extra crispy, tastes nothing like the original and the original recipe is the best. I remember standing at the counter looking at the glass case heated prep and seeing the barbecued chicken on a tray in the barbecued ribs on a tray as well. KFC coleslaw is excellent. finely chopped great taste cold coleslaw. their current finger licking good sauce is excellent. it's amazing that their gravy comes from a commercial size packet of powder mix in a white plastic bag that's all they do is add water to that KFC gravy. wish they would lower the price on the gravy since it's just hot water and a bag of powdered gravy mix just like the envelopes of gravy you buy at the store, that's how KFC makes the gravy these days
Ric - November 25, 2015 - Report this comment
KFC ribs - I remember walking into the KFC in the 1980's in Walsall and ordering my ribs only to be told they do not do them anymore, I will remember that day forever and ever since have craved for them. They were the best ribs I have ever and will ever taste - that sticky deep red sauce that used to leave a reminder on the side of your lips OH GOD was it GOOD!!, I found this site from searching the web for them in the hope that they still exist somewhere (I would have purchased a plane ticket!) - what the hell is going on! someone must have the damned recipe! Where are the KFC archives? Anyone with me?
Ken - January 21, 2016 - Report this comment
I remember KFC ribs (in London in the 70s and 80s) and miss them badly. They were skinny, dark, chewy things in tin foil, with a thick, sticky, spicy sauce on them. I'd give my left nut for KFC to make them again, or to get a recipe that would allow me to make my own. They were just so damn nice.
Connie C. - March 09, 2016 - Report this comment
How many time I have thought of those KFC beef ribs. The flavor I will never forget. I use to buy them on my way home from work in Pheonix Arizona in the mid 70's WOW I sure wish KFC would bring them back. They are very foolish not to do so, they would be a big hit! How can we get them to bring them back? :-) BEST I've ever had! Is there a FB page for them?
YW - April 09, 2016 - Report this comment
i am watching the tv show "thats my mama" and they mentioned KFC ribs. I Googled and found this page.
Donald - July 24, 2016 - Report this comment
Why does KFC chicken not taste anywhere near as good as it did in the 1970's? WE had Kenny Kings which may be part of it. In the 1970's you could taste and smell the herbs and spices. Today KFC is just bland. I wish they would go back to that recipe. Someone said the chicken used to be pressure cooked, but that takes to long now. Are there any stores that use the old method?
jonboy - August 04, 2016 - Report this comment
There are takeaways dotted about that do a rib very similar to KFC in the seventies.there is one in tooting !
Paul L. - August 22, 2016 - Report this comment
I drove from Elk Grove Vlg., IL to Hanover Park, IL on my lunch hour for these fabulous ribs! I've often remembered them fondly and wish they were still available. Not many folks remember them, but this site proves they were a hit! Bring 'em back!!!
Renee Fugiel - August 24, 2016 - Report this comment
Mailing Address KFC Corporate Address for Customer Comments P.O. Box 725489 Atlanta, GA 31139 KFC Corporate Sponsorship & Donation Let's start a "Bring Back The Ribs" petition: Attn: Community Relations 1900 Colonel Sanders Lane Louisville, KY 40213
Mike S - August 31, 2016 - Report this comment
I remember them too in Pennsylvania back in the 70s. I was only about 8 yrs old and my uncle brought them over in the bucket. They were the best tasting things I ever ate and I too can still remember being completely mesmerized by the flavor.... Enough that I found this website and posted here while looking for info about them.
Gary W - September 05, 2016 - Report this comment
Best Ribs ever. I had these in the early 1980s in Preston England and later Nottingham England. No extras,just the ribs...great. Beats me why there is little info about why these were stopped and not reintroduced.Maybe they had too big an affect on chicken sales lol.
Dave S - September 25, 2016 - Report this comment
Ahh Yes... I remember in the later 1970's my dad would sometimes get the original recipe chicken with that sticky red sauce on it and I tried it once but he stopped buying it or our area store stopped making it. That sauce was great on the chicken but I never had the ribs either the pork or beef ones. I am unsure if they sold them in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin area but I would get them now if they did. Great chicken then and great memories on here now!
Bussypoy Squire - October 22, 2016 - Report this comment
I remember those bbq'ed ribs back in the late 70's. They were incredible. I still miss them, along with H. Salt Fins n Cips....
An De - May 07, 2017 - Report this comment
Didn't realise so many miss those amazing ribs. Been trying to work out a recipe for years and the closest I got was a sauce with a smokey bbq sauce. The best ribs ever and can only be a cost factor as to why they wont reintroduce them, even as an occasional special.
Julie - May 27, 2017 - Report this comment
Omg those ribs, I used to work in the evenings after school at local KFC in Seven Kings, Ilford, Essex. Do not have recipe but would love one, Sauce was in a big plastic bottle that was poured on after being cooked, then left to cook further in the warming ovens ohh yum yum
Michael - September 17, 2017 - Report this comment
I remember buying a box of those ribs back in 76~77 and sitting on my moped after the cinema noring the bones and licking my fingers too. Yummy
Bear - October 04, 2017 - Report this comment
Our Kentucky Fried Chicken locations in Fullerton, California (circa 1976) had these delicious ribs. I remember them being SOOOOOO delicious. Always hopefull they will one bring them back one day.
Michael - October 19, 2017 - Report this comment
I enjoyed the Ribs when when I was growing up in eastern Ohio (mid 70's)....hated it when they stopped having them....wish KFC would bring them back.
Gregg - December 18, 2017 - Report this comment
KFC in paintsville KY had them in the 70s...guess thats why i turned out to be a fat boy...best ribs ever..."little buckets" were great too...sure wish they would bring them back...
MikeS - December 26, 2017 - Report this comment
I also want these ribs. I first met them in Germany, close to Ramstein AFB, in the early 80s. Many years later I had to travel back to that area and the first thing I did upon arrival was visit that ole KFC for the ribs. Who do we need to pay around here to get them back?
Deborah Dunne - February 10, 2018 - Report this comment
OMG The best Beef Ribs I have ever had. and yes theat pressure fry was the key! I am looking to do them myself! NOTHING has ever been that good
Wayne Newman - June 13, 2018 - Report this comment
I am in Dallas, Texas and the ribs were sold in the south too. The Vice President of operations claims that the ribs were too much trouble to make. He said that with having to use the pressure cooker and then waiting for the sauce to congeal that they could cook 86 pieces of chicken so like most CORPORATIONS they only care about the money not the customer; just like the "Treasure Chest" with penny toys for the kids. Not a penny for the customer unless we can get a 600% return on our money. If anyone wishes to start a rib campaign let me know I will help. 202-706-2246
Kimmers - June 18, 2018 - Report this comment
Grew up in Rhode Island in the 70s and yup... I remember those ribs fondly. I kinda thought the sauce was really red... almost like Chinese ribs, but not sure. My mom was the only one to get the ribs. She would share a few but I kinda wanted my own box.
BC in the AV - August 24, 2018 - Report this comment
In 1977, after having braces on my teeth for almost four years, the day I got them off I told my mom "Please I just want ribs from Kentucky Fried Chicken!" Oh, they were so good. Now all the KFC's in my area are gone...replaced with gluten-free and vegan places. Blech
Rob - December 09, 2018 - Report this comment
These ribs would be a gold mine today if KFC or anyone would duplicate it! I was only a child but will never forget how good they were.
Alan - February 17, 2019 - Report this comment
We used to get the KFC Ribs in the UK back in the late 1970's, I was in my early 20's and I would buy the largest box to eat on the way home after a few beers. They were delicious, but they stopped selling them, I asked my local KFC why, and they told me that the company stopping making them because it took too long to make. I guess profit comes before customer like all these big fast food outlets. No I'm in my 60's I wish they would bring them back.
Paul R. - March 21, 2019 - Report this comment
If someone asks me what’s the nicest food I’ve ever tasted I always say KFC ribs from the 80’S it’s unbelievable how you can’t find the recipe anywhere I’d pay a fortune for a box just to taste them again.
gregory - June 28, 2019 - Report this comment
we had KFC ribs in new York late 70's and early 80's OMG I am still trying to make them to this day
NANCY A HOSKINSON - September 14, 2019 - Report this comment
I still remember the delicious taste of those kfc ribs that came in a box and that was about 40 years ago. someone said it earlier, it would be a goldmine for kfc if they started selling that exact same recipe that they had in the late 70's early 80's because people would without a doubt buy them. If this many people on this page can remember the heavenly taste of those ribs, it would for sure be a money maker in bringing them back. why on earth can't KFC see that so many people want these ribs back? It doesn't make sense to me, for them to not bring them back to calif. and all the other places they used to serve these delicious little delights. Please bring back the juicy sticky ribs!
Nancy Harmon - October 13, 2019 - Report this comment
The KFC beef ribs were one of my favorite foods in a lifetime. We lived in Mountlake Terrace, WA. and we loved them so much we quit going to any other restaurant. I'd love to know the recipe for the sauce.... They weren't cheap... but price was no option.... I'd love to see the return of the ribs.....
Kevin - October 30, 2019 - Report this comment
the ONLY KFC in Denmark in the late 70s and early 80s on the outskirts of Copenhagen. Best ribs ever. Sometimes the taste just comes back like tonight and I had to search for them to see if it was all just a ribbed dream. Please bring back the ribs and the sauce!
Liz - December 09, 2019 - Report this comment
I ate those ribs regularly in NYC in the 70's. They destroyed my gastrointestinal system but it was worth it!
Chris - March 14, 2020 - Report this comment
I too remember those ribs. We got them in St Albans Vermont back in the mid 70s. I still remember them to this day. Awesomely tasty.
Cindy Taylor - May 06, 2020 - Report this comment
I remember those KFC ribs too in the late 70s! So tasty and good price. The figure of $1.08 pops into mind for 1, maybe 2 ribs.
Sandra McKay - August 08, 2020 - Report this comment
I remember them at my local KFC in Massachusetts. Those were the best ribs I ever had! They were $1 and if parents had extra money we would get one each.
Knock - August 28, 2020 - Report this comment
Here I am 9 yeras on from April, 2011. Now identified part of the secret from all the others on here... Kentucky Fried Chicken Ribs "KFB" was not KFC's only venture into meat. In the 1970s, the chain experimented with selling "Country Style Ribs." As some former employees recall at inthe70s.com, "The secret to the fantastic flavor was that the ribs were floured up with the original recipe Kentucky Fried Chicken flour and then fried under pressure. We would then saturate them with barbeque sauce and leave them in the warmer for a while to let the sauce properly soak in." Source (excuse the pun!): https://www.metv.com/lists/10-fast-food-failures-you-rightfully-forgot-about
Knock - August 28, 2020 - Report this comment
And again ... Just replace the chicken with ribs!!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZLKj2a_OPM So, the trick is in the flour & spices. Has to include flour, salt & black pepper seasoning, potentially onion and garlic powder (quantities?)
Stephen - November 01, 2020 - Report this comment
Had them in California in the late 70's also! Can't understand why they won't bring them back? My Chicken and Ribs are better now, but I would start going back to KFC if they made them again. They must have enough money?
Hans in london - November 03, 2020 - Report this comment
I remember those ribs as far back as 1977 in London but hated the fact that they where sold by weight. Sometimes more bones then meat and expensive for a university student even with 3 part time jobs they where a weekly treat. Now I have the cash but can not get them anymore. Who says life is fair.
Joey north carolina - December 28, 2020 - Report this comment
Bring back the ribs from the mid 70’s
sailordude - February 01, 2021 - Report this comment
I worked as a cook at KFC in White Plains NY around 1979/1980. We served beef ribs that were first boiled to become tender and then simmered in plenty of sauce. We did not bread ours, just boiled them in a pressure cooker.
MaBaker - May 31, 2021 - Report this comment
Basildon Essex UK. Friday night after shopping at Savacentre my Dad would head around the corner to the KFC and would order 4 boxes of ribs to take away for the family evening treat. As a youngster, I would stand on tip toe and watch the man open the cabinet door, there sitting on racks in individual foil pockets were those amazing ribs! Thick cut and meaty with that tangy, succulent, sweet, spicy sauce which was indeed....”finger licking good”! That was 40 years ago, my Dad wishes he could buy them again! I wish I could recreate that flavour again for him! COME ON KFC.... BRING BACK THE RIBS!!!!
Patricia - August 16, 2021 - Report this comment
Here in Perth Western Australia 'chicken ribs' are used as part of there 'chicken meal'. In fact what you get is pieces of heavily coated 'chicken carcase', thin bones & very little chicken. To me they are part of the chicken that should not be sold for human consumption.
Puddinggow - December 08, 2021 - Report this comment
As a child I absolutely loved those ribs. They were so sticky and getting all the bits off the ribs was the best thing. The chicken was great but ribs out of this world. Fond memories of KFC in South Street Exeter! It would be amazing to be able to eat them again!
Toothdok - July 16, 2022 - Report this comment
Found this conversation because these ribs were on my mind today and its been some forty years later! They were amazing and I loved them. Interesting to hear from a former employee, that they were done up in the KFC spice and then pressure fried. Never realized that because all I could taste was the delcious BBQ sauce they had. Nice to know. Bringing them back would have me rushing there!
DP - March 01, 2023 - Report this comment
All hail KFC Ribs!! Like many of you, I remember the taste distinctly and it has been over 40 years. I would be willing to March on KFC HQ to demand their return!
joe b - April 09, 2023 - Report this comment
I remember the coated barbecue ribs from the late 70' at KFC Wiesbaden, Germany. They were huge, very tasty and kind of very messy to eat. Now I am vegetarian....but if those were back, that could really tempt me
Nancy H - June 23, 2023 - Report this comment
I will NEVER get over how wonderful these were.... never before or since have I had ribs this good... I remember they were a little expensive, but the craving was too much for us.... we had them once a week and cried when they disappeared....
Keith Shanklin - June 27, 2023 - Report this comment
We need to get a petition going please bring them back if you do I promise they will never leave again
Andy R. - August 11, 2023 - Report this comment
I remember these ribs. I had them in the 70's when living in Southern California. They were amazing! My wife gets tired of me reminiscing about them periodically.
Candy - October 04, 2023 - Report this comment
These were remarkable ribs, I don't know why they quit making them. The sauce was amazing.

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