The fast-food chain’s latest Louisiana-inspired creation combines crispy chicken, succulent prawns and a rich seafood dip. But does this indulgent combination actually work?
KFC has never been shy about experimenting with fried chicken. But its latest creation takes the idea of indulgence to another level.
Imagine a taco without a tortilla, where a large piece of crispy fried chicken becomes the shell, stuffed with prawns, slaw and a generous helping of seafood sauce.
Sounds outrageous? That’s precisely the idea behind KFC’s new Louisiana Surf N’ Turf Kentaco, which launches across Singapore on October 21.
I recently had the opportunity to sample the new range ahead of its official launch, and I must admit that the combination initially left me intrigued.
Chicken and prawns are familiar ingredients. But putting them together in a handheld, all-meat creation inspired by a Louisiana seafood boil is certainly an unconventional approach.
The Kentaco ($8.80 à la carte) uses KFC’s signature Hot & Crispy Chicken fillet as its outer shell. Folded around crispy Ebi Prawns and Southern Slaw, it comes generously dressed with a lobster bisque-inspired Garlic Seafood Dip.
My first impression? This is not something you can eat elegantly!
The chicken shell is substantial, the filling generous, and the sauce makes its presence felt almost immediately. You need both hands, a few napkins and a willingness to get messy.
But the combination works surprisingly well.
The chicken provides the familiar crunchy, savoury foundation, while the Ebi Prawns introduce a contrasting seafood sweetness and a pleasant bite.
What really brings everything together is the Garlic Seafood Dip.
Rich, creamy and packed with umami, it has a distinctive seafood character reminiscent of lobster bisque. Its garlicky depth complements both the chicken and prawns without completely overwhelming either.
For me, this was the standout component of the entire tasting.
The Southern Slaw plays an important supporting role, introducing freshness and crunch to counterbalance the richness of the fried ingredients.
Despite the Louisiana branding, the Kentaco is not particularly fiery. Its appeal lies more in its savoury, seafood-forward flavour than aggressive Cajun heat.
Those expecting a powerful chilli kick might be disappointed, but the relatively restrained spice makes it accessible to a wider audience.
The main drawback is its sheer richness. Between the fried chicken, battered prawns and creamy sauce, the flavours can become heavy after several bites.
A slightly sharper or more acidic element would have helped cut through the indulgence.
Nevertheless, for anyone who enjoys both fried chicken and seafood, this is a satisfying novelty rather than simply a gimmick.
A platter with more variety
I also sampled the Louisiana Surf N’ Turf Platter, which takes a more conventional approach.
Instead of squeezing everything into a chicken shell, it brings together Hot & Crispy Chicken Bites coated in Louisiana Seafood seasoning, Seasoned Ebi Shrimp, coleslaw and Mac N’ Cheese.
I found this easier to enjoy at a leisurely pace.
The chicken bites delivered familiar KFC crunch, while the shrimp provided a welcome change in texture and flavour.
The Mac N’ Cheese added a comforting, creamy dimension, although paired with the fried items and seafood dip, the overall meal was undeniably rich.
The Southern Slaw offered some much-needed freshness.
I particularly appreciated being able to alternate between the chicken, shrimp and sides rather than experiencing everything in one oversized mouthful.
The Garlic Seafood Dip again proved useful, especially with the chicken bites. However, moderation is advisable because its strong flavour can dominate the other ingredients.
For those wanting a less indulgent alternative, KFC is also introducing the Louisiana Loaded Salad Bowl, featuring seasoned chicken bites, lettuce, tomatoes and other vegetables.
I did not sample the salad, but its inclusion offers another way to enjoy the Louisiana-inspired flavours.
Worth trying?
The Kentaco Meal costs $10.95 with regular coleslaw and a regular Sjora drink, while the $13.80 Kentaco Box adds two Original Recipe Tenders and whipped potato.
The limited-time range will be available until November 24, 2026, at participating KFC outlets islandwide, excluding Singapore Zoo and Sentosa.
There is also a quirky promotional diversion: KFC’s new Pets Club merchandise, launching October 28, includes a $45.90 KFC Bucket Bed and $12.90 Chicken Headgear for pets.
As for the food, the Louisiana Surf N’ Turf Kentaco succeeds because its unusual combination delivers genuinely complementary flavours.
It is crunchy, creamy, savoury, seafood-rich and gloriously messy.
Would I order it again? Yes, particularly for that excellent Garlic Seafood Dip.
But I would probably share the indulgence rather than tackle two Kentacos alone.
My verdict: A bold and enjoyable experiment that proves chicken and prawns can make surprisingly good companions — provided you don’t mind getting your fingers dirty.
