KFC Brings Back Popcorn Chicken: A Super Simple Explanation

What’s the Big News?

On July 13, 2026, at 3:23 p.m. ET (that’s early afternoon in New York time), a news story told us that KFC is bringing back a beloved menu item.

• KFC is a famous restaurant that sells fried chicken.
• They are doing a revamp (which means they are changing and improving their food choices).
• After a three-year hiatus (a fancy way of saying "a three-year break"), they are serving Popcorn Chicken again!
• Popcorn Chicken is just like popcorn, but instead of corn, it’s tiny, crunchy pieces of chicken.

Important: KFC says the Popcorn Chicken is back only while supplies last. That means when the kitchen runs out, it’s gone again! So don’t wait too long if you want to taste it.

A Quick History Lesson

• Popcorn Chicken first appeared at KFC in the early 1990s. Back then, people couldn’t post pictures of food online like we do today.
• In 2023, KFC stopped selling it.
• Even though it was gone, it had a cult following (imagine a secret club of people who love something a whole lot). Fans went on social media to demand its return.

KFC Heard the Fans!

KFC made an official announcement (called a news release) on July 13: Popcorn Chicken is coming back starting that day.

The person who leads KFC’s advertising, called the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), Melissa Cash, said:

"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. 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.”

In kid words: They read all your messages, your private notes, and even lists where you signed your name asking for the chicken. They realized they had to bring it back!

A Fun Way to Celebrate: Giphy Gifs

To celebrate, KFC teamed up with Giphy (a website where you can find short, looping funny clips called "gifs").

• They made special gifs featuring Col. Sanders (the friendly old man with a white suit and beard on KFC signs).
• Fans can use these gifs to show their excitement online.

Three Yummy Ways to Buy It

KFC now offers Popcorn Chicken in three different packs. Here they are:

• Popcorn Chicken Bucket: A 16 oz (about a pint) shareable bucket of chicken bites with four dipping sauces. Cost: $10.00.
• Popcorn Chicken Big Box: Has 6 oz of Popcorn Chicken, two chicken tenders, a medium fries, a medium drink, two dipping sauces, and a chocolate chunk cookie. Cost: $10.99.
• Popcorn Chicken Combo: Has 6 oz of Popcorn Chicken, a medium fries, a medium drink, and one dipping sauce. Cost: $8.49.

Key Detail: Prices range from $8.49 to $10.99, so you can pick the size that fits your tummy and your piggy bank.

How Did Fans React?

KFC also posted the news on social media (a site called X, once known as Twitter). People were super happy!

• One user wrote: "Peak KFC is back."
• Another said: "My prayers have been answered. Thank the Lord" with a crying emoji, a laughing-crying emoji, and prayer hands.
• Someone else said they hadn’t eaten at KFC since Popcorn Chicken left in 2023: "Haven’t had KFC since 2023. Let’s run it back yall."

It’s like when your favorite playground reopens after being closed — everyone cheers!

Other Related Food News

• In a side note, USA TODAY mentioned another story: a dad’s viral Chick-fil-A menu order that can feed 5 people for $45. (Just a fun extra if you like fast food hacks!)
• Also, USA TODAY has a Shopping section with editor-curated sales in tech, home, fashion, and beauty.

Summary

Let’s recap the whole story in a nutshell:

• KFC’s Popcorn Chicken started in the 1990s, vanished in 2023, and fans missed it terribly.
• On July 13, 2026, KFC announced it’s back for a limited time (while supplies last) as part of a menu makeover.
• You can choose from three options: Bucket ($10), Big Box ($10.99), or Combo ($8.49).
• KFC celebrated with Col. Sanders gifs, and fans are overjoyed.
• The news was reported by Drew Pittock, a writer for USA TODAY covering national trending news.

FAQ (Your Questions Answered)

1. When did Popcorn Chicken first come out at KFC?
It debuted in the early 1990s, before people could hype foods on the internet.

2. Why did KFC bring it back?
Because fans commented, sent messages, and signed online petitions asking for it. KFC’s CMO said they listened to every request.

3. How long will it be available?
Starting July 13, 2026, but only while supplies last — so it could disappear again when they run out.

4. What exactly comes in each option?

• Bucket: 16 oz chicken + 4 sauces ($10)
• Big Box: 6 oz chicken + 2 tenders + fries + drink + 2 sauces + cookie ($10.99)
• Combo: 6 oz chicken + fries + drink + 1 sauce ($8.49)

5. How can I show my excitement like the fans?
You can use the special Giphy gifs KFC made with Col. Sanders, or post on social media like the happy customers did!

That’s all! Now you know everything about KFC’s Popcorn Chicken return in a simple, fun way.