People are only just realizing Chili's has discontinued menu favorite - and they're heartbroken

WHAT started as a simple tweet about Original Chicken Crispers, left many Chili's customers devastated.

Last year, the restaurant chain took to Twitter and wrote: "Like this tweet if you're going to miss Original Chicken Crispers."

The news of the discontinued crispers shocked customers enough to take to social media and share their thoughts.

Chili's tried responding to as many of the fan reactions as it could with similar responses like: "we still have crispy and honey chipotle."

However, many OG crisper fans are saying that the other recipe is just not the same.

The Original Chicken Crispers have a tempura-like batter and are different from the Crispy Chicken Crispers, which are said to be much crunchier.

The newer crispers also come in honey chipotle.

The Original Chicken Crispers recipe hit the menu in the 1980s and has been a staple at the chain for many - until they stopped selling.

A spokesperson told the Dallas Morning News that the old Crispers were taken off to simplify the menu as the item wasn't selling enough of them.

While fans are heartbroken over the loss, the outlet also reported that the newer Crispy Crispers actually accounted for 80 percent of all orders - not the original.

The U.S. Sun reached out to Chili's for comment.

FAN OUTRAGE

After the original tweet from Chili's, fans started a petition to bring back the original recipe that about 1,500 people have signed.

While it's been a few months since the first tweet, some fans are just now noticing the change.

One Twitter user wrote: "I just went to eat @Chilis and discovered the original chicken tenders are no longer offered."

"I left and went to @Outback I'm heartbroken! Why didn't they get rid of those nasty crispy ones instead??? Not going back til they come back Sorry Chili's," he added.

Another fan wrote: "Chili’s really took away the original chicken crispers. I need a few days to process this."

One fan had no clue the item was gone as she tweeted: "Chili’s got rid of original chicken crispers??? Well, I’m never eating there again."

OTHER FAST FOOD SHAKEUPS

It's not all bad news for fast food restaurants.

For a limited time, Popeye's brought back its Ghost Pepper Wings after first launching in 2014.

Now through February 12, customers can order six wings for $6 or 12 wings for $12 by the app or online.

The crispy wings are marinated in a ghost pepper spice blend for at least 12 hours, hand-battered, breaded, and served with Popeyes buttermilk ranch. ​

Plus, Chick-fil-A is offering its Original Chicken Sandwich for free until January 28.

The chain decided to offer the free deal this week as a way to begin the new year with customer appreciation.

To redeem the offer, you must order through the mobile app, and certain location restrictions apply.

For a limited time, fans can score this favorite from Taco Bell.

Plus, Popeyes is offering a few favorites, but you have. to act fast.