The KFC bucket is the most ordered item on the KFC menu worldwide. Each bucket includes the variation of thighs, breasts, wings, and drumsticks with 8, 12, 16, and 21 bucket sizes available on the KFC app.

The first KFC bucket was introduced in 1957 by franchisee Pete Harman. It was marketed as a family meal for $3.50 and included 14 pieces with mashed potatoes and gravy. Since then, the bucket has become a global fast-food icon.

This KFC bucket guide breaks down everything you need to know: bucket sizes, servings, pricing, ingredients, history, and real examples. You’ll see how each bucket compares, what’s included, and how to choose the best one based on your appetite and budget.

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What Is a KFC Bucket?

A KFC bucket is a multi-piece chicken pack served in the brand’s signature red-and-white container. It is available in Original Recipe, Extra Crispy, Hot & Spicy, or a mix, depending on the location. Buckets are designed for sharing and are the most cost-efficient way to order KFC.

Bucket contents vary by size, but a standard chicken-only bucket includes a mix of:

For Example (US 16-pc bucket):
4 breasts, 4 thighs, 4 wings, 4 drumsticks with sauce on request.

History

The KFC bucket was first introduced in 1957. It began as a simple idea: a family-sized meal that people could carry, share, and enjoy at home. Pete Harman, one of KFC’s earliest franchise partners, created the first bucket meal with Colonel Sanders.

The original version was called:

“Feed Your Family for $3.50”

It included:

• 14 pieces of chicken
• 5 bread rolls
• 1 pint of gravy

This launch changed fast food forever. It was the first time a major chain sold a complete family meal in a single package.

Bucket Sizes

The KFC bucket sizes vary by demand. Here is a clean, updated breakdown:

Bucket Size	Pieces	Best For		Calories	Price (US)
8-Pc Bucket	8 pcs	2–3 people		920-2400	$21.99
8-Pc Bucket Meal	8 pcs + 2 Sides + 4 Biscuits	2–3 people		2120-3510	$29.99
12-Pc Bucket	12 pcs	3–5 people		1380-3600	$28.99
12-Pc Bucket Meal	12 pcs + 3 Sides + 6 Biscuits	3–5 people		3450-7200	$39.99
16-Pc Bucket	16 pcs	4–8 people		2040-4800	$34.99
16-Pc Bucket Meal	16 pcs + 4 Sides + 8 Biscuits	4–8 people		4600-9600	$47.99

Nutritional Information

Chicken Piece	Calories	Protein	Fat	Carbs	Sodium
Wing	130	11g	8g	4g	380mg
Drumstick	120	12g	7g	3g	440mg
Thigh	280	19g	21g	8g	800mg
Breast	390	39g	21g	11g	1190mg

Read also: KFC Famous Bowl Price, Recipe & Calories 2025

Allergen Information

KFC chicken contains several common allergens. KFC Original Recipe and Extra Crispy typically include:

These come from:

KFC kitchens share fryers and prep areas. That means:

• Gluten-free orders are not guaranteed gluten-free
• Dairy-free orders may still come into contact with milk-based products

Ingredients

KFC’s chicken uses a mix of simple ingredients plus the famous secret blend of 11 herbs and spices.

How to Customize the 16-Piece Chicken Bucket

A 16-piece KFC bucket is one of the most flexible orders. You can adjust recipes, piece combinations, sides, sauces, and spice levels depending on location rules.

Common Customization Options

• Choose your preferred recipe:
  • Original Recipe
  • Extra Crispy™
  • Spicy (location dependent)
  • Kentucky Grilled
• Swap pieces:
  • All dark meat (drums & thighs)
  • Breast-heavy mix
  • Boneless options (some locations)
• Add-ons (for extra):
  • Sauces like KFC Sauce, Ranch, Honey BBQ
  • Biscuits or sides (not included in bucket)

Piece Customization

Request	Is It Allowed?	Notes
All drums	Sometimes	Depends on stock
All wings	Mostly yes	Wings are usually abundant
No breasts	Often yes	Many customers avoid breasts
Extra thighs	Sometimes	Based on availability
Mix recipes	Yes	Most locations allow this

Top 10 Pairings from Official Menu

Menu Item	Price	Calories
Secret Recipe Fries (Large)	$3.49	840
Mashed Potatoes & Gravy (Large)	$3.49	500
Mac & Cheese (Large)	$3.49	540
Coleslaw (Large)	$3.49	660
Corn on the Cob	$2.49	70
Strawberry Pie Poppers (4 pc)	$2.49	280
Chicken Little	$2.79	350
Medium Pepsi	$2.59	250
Chocolate Chip Cookies (2)	$2.49	300
Sweet Lightning MTN Dew	$2.59	220

For a full meal, many customers choose the KFC bucket price combos that include 2–3 large sides and drinks.

Vegetarian or Vegan?

KFC buckets are not vegetarian or vegan, but some regional items fit plant-based preferences.

For Vegetarians

Available in certain markets:

For Vegans

When Is It Available?

The KFC bucket is available all day, all year. You don’t need to wait for weekends, special events, or holidays. It’s part of the permanent KFC menu in almost every country where KFC operates.

The KFC bucket price may change depending on demand.

Best Value Combos at KFC (2025)

If you’re looking for the lowest KFC chicken bucket price, combos are the smartest choice.

Bucket Size	Pieces	Best For		Calories	Price (US)
8-Pc Bucket	8 pcs	2–3 people		920-2400	$21.99
8-Pc Bucket Meal	8 pcs + 2 Sides + 4 Biscuits	2–3 people		2120-3510	$29.99
12-Pc Bucket	12 pcs	3–5 people		1380-3600	$28.99
12-Pc Bucket Meal	12 pcs + 3 Sides + 6 Biscuits	3–5 people		3450-7200	$39.99
16-Pc Bucket	16 pcs	4–8 people		2040-4800	$34.99
16-Pc Bucket Meal	16 pcs + 4 Sides + 8 Biscuits	4–8 people		4600-9600	$47.99

Check also: KFC Hours: When does KFC Open & Close in 2025?

Making the KFC Bucket Meal at Home | But Better

If you’ve ever wondered whether you can recreate a KFC bucket at home with better flavor and lower cost? the answer is yes. A homemade version gives you full control over seasoning, oil quality, and crispiness.

Ingredients (For the Copycat Recipe)

Biscuits

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2.5 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp (12g) fine sea salt
• 1 tsp (5g) sugar
• 1 cup (225g) very cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 cup (237ml) buttermilk, plus extra for brushing
• Melted butter (optional)
• Flaky sea salt (optional)

Mashed Potatoes & Gravy

Prep Time	25 minutes
Cook Time	30 minutes

Mashed Potatoes

• 3 lbs (1.3kg) russet potatoes, peeled & cut
• Kosher salt, to taste
• 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter
• 1 head garlic, halved
• 1 shallot, quartered
• ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk

Gravy

• 4 Tbsp (56g) unsalted butter
• 4 Tbsp (41g) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (480ml) chicken stock
• 1 Tbsp (12g) mushroom soup seasoning
• 1 tsp (4g) hondashi
• 1 rosemary sprig
• 3 thyme sprigs
• Salt, to taste

Coleslaw

Prep Time	20 minutes
Cook Time	0 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4 cups thin-sliced green cabbage
• 1 red onion, thin-sliced
• 2 carrots, grated
• 2.5 tsp (12g) sugar
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• 2 Tbsp (20g) distilled vinegar
• 3 Tbsp (50g) crème fraîche
• ½ cup (110g) mayonnaise

Fried Chicken (KFC-Style)

Prep Time	12 hours 30 minutes
Cook Time	25 minutes

Marinade

• 2 cups (475ml) buttermilk
• 1 Tbsp (11g) kosher salt
• 1.5 tsp (8g) MSG
• 2 tsp (6g) white pepper
• 1 Tbsp (6g) sweet paprika
• 1 Tbsp (10g) garlic powder
• 4 chicken drumsticks
• 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)

11 Herbs & Spices Dredge

• 3 cups (450g) flour
• 2 tsp (6g) black pepper
• 2.5 Tbsp (28g) kosher salt
• 1.25 Tbsp (18g) MSG
• 2 Tbsp (18g) white pepper
• 1 Tbsp (6g) ginger powder
• 2 tsp (5g) celery powder
• 1 Tbsp (12g) garlic powder
• 2 Tbsp (12g) paprika
• 2 tsp (0.8g) crushed oregano
• 2 tsp (1g) crushed thyme
• 1 Tbsp (6g) mustard powder

Assembly

• 14 cups (3.3L) vegetable oil
• Marinated chicken
• Dredge mixture
• Biscuits
• Coleslaw
• Mashed potatoes and gravy

Instructions

Biscuits

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment.
2. Add flour, salt, and sugar to a food processor. Pulse to combine.
3. Add cold butter and pulse 6–8 times until butter pieces look like peas.
4. Transfer to a mixing bowl. Slowly add buttermilk while stirring with a fork.
5. Turn dough onto a work surface and gently knead until loosely combined.
6. Roll into a ½-inch (12mm) rectangle. Fold like a letter.
7. Roll again to ½-inch thickness. Repeat folding once more.
8. Cut using a 3-inch cutter. Place ½ inch apart on baking sheet.
9. Brush with buttermilk. Bake 10–15 minutes until golden.
10. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle flaky salt if desired.

Mashed Potatoes & Gravy

Mashed Potatoes

1. Boil potatoes in salted water until fork-tender.
2. Drain and press through a potato ricer while hot.
3. Heat butter, garlic, shallot, cream, and milk until nearly boiling.
4. Steep for 5 minutes.
5. Strain half the mixture into the potatoes. Mix gently.
6. Add more cream mixture as needed. Salt generously.

Gravy

1. Melt butter in a saucepan. Add flour and whisk for 30 seconds.
2. Add chicken stock and whisk until smooth.
3. Simmer until thickened.
4. Add mushroom seasoning, hondashi, and herbs.
5. Steep 10 minutes. Remove herbs before serving.

Coleslaw

1. Combine cabbage, onion, and carrots in a bowl.
2. Add sugar, salt, pepper, vinegar, crème fraîche, and mayo.
3. Mix well. Chill until serving.

Fried Chicken

Marinate

1. Mix all marinade ingredients (except chicken).
2. Add chicken and coat well.
3. Marinate at least 5 minutes, but overnight is ideal.

Prepare the Dredge

1. Whisk all dredge ingredients together.

Assembly & Frying

1. Heat oil in a heavy pot to 330°F (165°C).
2. Drizzle some marinade into the flour to create textured bits.
3. Coat each chicken piece firmly in the dredge.
4. Fry in batches for 6–8 minutes until deep golden.
5. Internal temperature must reach 165°F (74°C).
6. Drain on a cooling rack.

FAQs

Conclusion

Whether you’re feeding a crowd, planning a movie night, or craving comfort food, the classic KFC bucket delivers consistent flavor every time.

The KFC bucket price changes by region, but it remains one of the best-value large-meal options in fast food. And if you’re comparing options, the KFC chicken bucket price still beats many competitors on cost-per-piece.

If you want the same experience at home, the full recipe above gives you everything: biscuits, mashed potatoes, gravy, slaw, and crispy chicken—made from scratch.

No matter how you enjoy it, the KFC Bucket stays a timeless favorite, and now you know every detail before your next order.