Kentucky Fried Chicken has built its reputation on the Colonel’s original recipe, but today’s menu extends far beyond fried chicken pieces. From signature bowls to family-sized buckets and Nashville Hot variations, KFC offers options for quick lunches, family dinners, and everything in between.
This guide covers current menu offerings, typical pricing ranges, and what to expect when ordering. Keep in mind that prices vary by location, and some items may not be available at all restaurants.
Signature Bowls
Famous Bowl
The Famous Bowl has become one of KFC’s most popular items since its introduction. This all-in-one meal layers mashed potatoes, sweet corn, crispy chicken bites, gravy, and three-cheese blend in a bowl format that delivers multiple flavors in each bite.
The portion size makes it substantial enough for a complete meal, and the combination of textures—creamy potatoes, crunchy chicken, and smooth gravy—explains its enduring popularity. Pricing typically falls in the $6-8 range depending on location.
The bowl format appeals particularly to customers seeking comfort food without the mess of handling bone-in chicken pieces, making it a practical choice for eating in cars or at desks.
Mac & Cheese Bowl
A newer addition to the bowl lineup, this option substitutes KFC’s mac and cheese for the mashed potato base while maintaining the layered concept. Crispy chicken, corn, and cheese sauce top the macaroni foundation.
This variation appeals to mac and cheese enthusiasts and provides a slightly different flavor profile than the original Famous Bowl. Expect similar pricing to the standard Famous Bowl.
Nashville Hot Chicken
KFC’s Nashville Hot Chicken represents the chain’s take on the Tennessee specialty that’s gained nationwide popularity. The preparation involves coating chicken in a spicy blend after frying, delivering heat that builds with each bite.
Nashville Hot Tenders
Chicken tenders get the Nashville Hot treatment, offering the spicy flavor in a boneless format. These work well for customers who prefer tender meat without navigating bones, and the strip format makes them suitable for dipping or eating on the go.
Nashville Hot Chicken Pieces
Bone-in chicken pieces are available with Nashville Hot seasoning, bringing the spicy profile to traditional fried chicken. The heat level registers as genuinely spicy rather than mild, so customers sensitive to heat should consider this before ordering.
The Nashville Hot lineup typically carries a small premium over standard fried chicken, usually $1-2 additional per item or combo.
Chicken Buckets and Family Meals
Bucket Sizes and Pricing
KFC’s bucket meals remain core offerings for groups and families:
8-Piece Bucket: Suitable for 3-4 people, typically priced $20-25 depending on location. This size works well for small families or as the centerpiece of a meal supplemented with individual sides.
12-Piece Bucket: The mid-size option feeds 4-6 people and generally runs $28-35. This represents the most popular bucket size for family dinners.
16-Piece Bucket: Larger gatherings require this size, which serves 6-8 people. Pricing typically ranges $38-45.
Buckets include a mix of chicken pieces—drumsticks, thighs, breasts, and wings—though specific piece selection isn’t usually available. Some locations offer all-white-meat buckets at a higher price point.
Family Meal Deals
Complete family meals bundle chicken with sides and biscuits at a slightly lower per-item cost than ordering components separately. Standard family meals typically include:
- 8, 12, or 16 pieces of chicken
- 2-4 large sides (depending on chicken quantity)
- 4-8 biscuits
Total pricing for complete family meals ranges from approximately $25 for smaller packages to $50+ for large gatherings, varying significantly by region.
Fill-Up Meals and Combos
$20 Fill Up
This bundled meal aims to feed four people at the $20 price point. The typical configuration includes 8 pieces of chicken, a large side, 4 biscuits, and sometimes a dessert or additional side depending on current promotions.
The Fill Up represents one of KFC’s better value propositions for families, offering per-person costs considerably lower than individual combos. However, availability and exact contents vary by location and promotional periods.
Individual Fill-Ups
Smaller Fill-Up boxes target individual diners, typically priced around $7-10. These meals include an entrée (chicken pieces, tenders, or a sandwich), a side, a biscuit, and a drink. The combination provides complete meal satisfaction at a moderate price point.
Big Box Meal
The Big Box typically includes multiple chicken tenders or pieces, a side, a biscuit, a cookie, and a drink. Pricing usually falls in the $8-10 range, positioning it as a heartier individual meal option.
Sandwiches
Classic Chicken Sandwich
KFC’s classic offering features a fried chicken breast filet on a bun with pickles and mayo. The sandwich competes in the increasingly crowded chicken sandwich market with a straightforward preparation that emphasizes the chicken itself.
Pricing typically runs $5-7 for the sandwich alone, or $8-10 as part of a combo with fries and a drink.
Spicy Chicken Sandwich
The spicy version adds a pepper-based sauce and spicier breading to the standard sandwich format. While labeled “spicy,” the heat level remains moderate and accessible to most palates.
Both sandwiches are available as meal combos with sides and drinks.
Sides and Extras
KFC’s side dishes complement the chicken-focused entrees:
Mashed Potatoes & Gravy: A staple side featuring the chain’s signature gravy. Individual portions run $3-4, with larger sizes available for group meals.
Coleslaw: The vinegar-based slaw provides a refreshing contrast to fried chicken. Pricing matches other sides.
Mac & Cheese: The newer mac and cheese side has gained popularity and typically costs $3-4 for individual servings.
Corn on the Cob: Available as an individual ear, this side offers a lighter option. Pricing around $2-3 per ear.
Biscuits: KFC’s buttery biscuits can be ordered individually (typically $1-2 each) or come included with most meal combinations.
Fries: Standard french fries are available, though less traditional for KFC than potato-based sides.
Green Beans: For customers seeking vegetable options, green beans provide a less caloric side choice.
Kids Meals
Children’s meals include smaller portions designed for younger appetites. Typical options include:
- Chicken tenders (2-3 pieces)
- Popcorn chicken
- Drumstick or breast piece
Each kids meal includes a side (often fries or mac & cheese), a biscuit, a drink, and sometimes a cookie or toy. Pricing generally ranges $5-7 depending on location.
Chicken Littles
These slider-sized sandwiches feature a chicken tender on a small bun with mayo and pickles. Originally a value menu staple, Chicken Littles now typically appear as promotional items or in some markets as permanent value offerings.
When available, they’re priced around $2-3 each, making them popular for light snacks or as add-ons to larger orders.
Pot Pie
KFC’s Chicken Pot Pie packages chicken, vegetables, and gravy in a flaky pastry crust. This hearty option serves as a complete meal and particularly appeals during cooler months.
Availability varies by location—not all KFC restaurants offer pot pies. Where available, expect pricing around $6-8 per pie.
The pot pie requires slightly longer preparation time than most KFC items since it’s heated individually, so factor in a few extra minutes when ordering.
Breakfast Menu
Select KFC locations offer breakfast items during morning hours, though this remains less universal than lunch and dinner offerings. Breakfast bowls featuring eggs, chicken, and gravy appear at participating locations, along with chicken and biscuit combinations.
Breakfast availability and menu items vary significantly by region, so checking with your local restaurant confirms whether morning service exists.
Delivery and Ordering
KFC partners with major delivery platforms including DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub in most markets. The chain also offers direct delivery through its website and app in many areas.
Delivery Considerations:
- Delivery fees and service charges add $5-10 to order totals
- Minimum order requirements often apply (typically $12-15)
- Fried chicken travels reasonably well, maintaining crispness better than many fried foods
- Bowls and pot pies are particularly delivery-friendly
- Order directly through KFC’s platforms for potential savings versus third-party apps
Pick-Up Orders: Mobile ordering for pickup helps avoid wait times, particularly during lunch and dinner rushes. Most locations support ordering through the KFC app or website with scheduled pickup times.
Specials and Promotions
Tuesday Specials
Many KFC locations offer promotional pricing on Tuesdays, though specific deals vary. Some common Tuesday offers include discounted bucket pricing or multi-piece deals.
Seasonal Items
KFC periodically introduces limited-time items ranging from new sandwich variants to seasonal sides. These promotional items typically run 4-8 weeks before rotating out.
Rewards Program
The KFC Rewards program offers points on purchases redeemable for free food. Birthday rewards typically include a free menu item or special offer for members during their birthday month.
Regional Price Variations
KFC pricing varies significantly based on:
Geographic Location: Urban and coastal markets typically see higher prices than rural and inland areas. A 12-piece bucket might cost $28 in a small Midwestern town but $35 in a major metropolitan area.
Franchise vs Corporate: Individual franchise owners set prices within certain parameters, creating variation even within the same city.
Local Competition: Markets with numerous chicken restaurants often see more competitive pricing and frequent promotions.
For precise pricing in your area, checking the KFC website with your location entered or calling nearby restaurants provides the most accurate information.
What to Expect When Ordering
Freshness: Chicken is prepared in batches throughout the day. Peak times (lunch and dinner) typically mean fresher chicken, while off-hours might involve slightly longer waits if a new batch needs preparation.
Customization: Most KFC orders offer limited customization. You can request specific chicken pieces when available, but heavily modified orders may not be accommodated.
Wait Times: Counter service typically takes 5-10 minutes during normal periods, with drive-through slightly faster. Large orders or items like pot pies require additional time and benefit from calling ahead.
Portions: KFC portions tend toward generous, particularly in family meals and buckets. Individual meals and combos provide substantial servings likely to satisfy most appetites.
Making the Most of Your KFC Visit
Best Value Options: Fill-Up meals and bucket combinations typically offer better per-serving prices than individual combos. For groups, family meals provide significant savings versus separate orders.
Trying New Items: Nashville Hot variations and the Famous Bowl represent relatively recent additions worth sampling for customers familiar mainly with traditional fried chicken.
Sides Strategy: Mixing sides provides better meal variety. Pairing a creamy side (mashed potatoes or mac & cheese) with a lighter option (coleslaw or green beans) creates better balance.
Timing Visits: Avoiding peak lunch (12-1 PM) and dinner (6-7 PM) hours results in shorter waits and potentially fresher chicken if you arrive shortly before or after rushes.
