KFC’s ‘comeback plan’ includes the return of Popcorn Chicken
The item hasn’t been on the menu since 2023.
July 14, 2026
KFC is bringing back its Popcorn Chicken a year into its “comeback plan,” in response to consumer-led petitions and social media requests for the item’s return.
The company said Popcorn Chicken has “one of the most obsessive fanbases KFC has ever seen.” However, the offering hasn’t appeared on the menu since 2023.
This time around, it will be available in three ways:
$10 Popcorn Chicken Bucket: 16 ounces of Popcorn Chicken served with four dipping sauces.
Popcorn Chicken Big Box: 6 ounces of Popcorn Chicken, plus two tenders, medium fries, a medium drink, two dipping sauces, and a chocolate chunk cookie for $10.99.
Popcorn Chicken Combo: 6 ounces of Popcorn Chicken, medium fries, a medium drink, and one dipping sauce for $8.49.
$10 Popcorn Chicken Bucket: 16 ounces of Popcorn Chicken served with four dipping sauces.
Popcorn Chicken Big Box: 6 ounces of Popcorn Chicken, plus two tenders, medium fries, a medium drink, two dipping sauces, and a chocolate chunk cookie for $10.99.
Popcorn Chicken Combo: 6 ounces of Popcorn Chicken, medium fries, a medium drink, and one dipping sauce for $8.49.
"For years, KFC has heard directly from fans clamoring for Popcorn Chicken's return. We read every comment, every DM, and even every online petition signature, and the message was impossible to ignore," Chief Marketing Officer Melissa Cash said in a statement. "As we continue our Kentucky Fried Comeback journey, this menu item return shows our commitment to listening to our most passionate fans by giving them exactly what they're craving. We're nodding to nostalgia as we simultaneously modernize the brand and how it shows up throughout the world."
KFC launched a new campaign last summer that included the return of Colonel Sanders in marketing spots, as well as the solicitation of consumer feedback. It was introduced shortly after Catherine Tan-Gillespie was appointed president of the U.S. system to turn around recent negative trends at the chain, including seven consecutive quarters of negative same-store sales and a tough 2024 in which sales were down 5.2%.
During a recent interview, Tan-Gillespie said the chain has gained traction from its efforts, including positive same-store sales in the three most recent quarters. KFC also unveiled its “next chapter” positioning that is focused on menu innovation, modernized restaurants, and refreshed branding.
“In an increasingly crowded category, we have a clear opportunity to set the standard for modern chicken in QSR,” KFC Global CEO Scott Mezvinsky said in a statement. “This next chapter brings new energy and expression to what makes us iconic, while doubling down on our chicken and reimagining how fans experience KFC around the world.”
To mark the return of Popcorn Chicken, KFC has partnered with GIPHY to introduce a collection of exclusive Popcorn Chicken GIFs starring the Colonel.
Contact Alicia Kelso at [email protected]
Follow her on TikTok: @aliciakelso
About the Author
Alicia Kelso
Executive Editor, Nation's Restaurant News
Alicia Kelso is the executive editor of Nation's Restaurant News. She began covering the restaurant industry in 2010 for QSRweb.com, FastCasual.com, and PizzaMarketplace.com. When her son was born, she left the industry to pursue a role in higher education, but swiftly returned after realizing how much she missed the space. In filling that void, Alicia added a contributor role at Restaurant Dive and a senior contributor role at Forbes.
Her work has appeared in publications around the world, including Forbes Asia, NPR, Bloomberg, The Seattle Times, Crain's Chicago, Good Morning America, and Franchise Asia Magazine.
Alicia holds a degree in journalism from Bowling Green State University, where she competed on the women's swim team. In addition to cheering for the BGSU Falcons, Alicia is a rabid Michigan fan and will talk about college football with anyone willing to engage. She lives in Louisville, Kentucky, with her wife and son.
Follow her on TikTok @aliciakelso
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