KFC Brings Back Popcorn Chicken: A Super Simple Explanation

Published: July 13, 2026, 3:23 p.m. ET

What Is Happening?

KFC (a restaurant that sells yummy fried chicken) is bringing back one of its most loved snacks called Popcorn Chicken after a three‑year break (they call that a "hiatus").
This is part of KFC’s plan to change and improve their menu (they call it a "revamp").

• Starting on July 13, 2026, KFC will once again serve its famous Popcorn Chicken.
• It will only be available while supplies last (that means until they run out of chicken!).

Important Point: Popcorn Chicken is only back for a limited time. Once the restaurant runs out, it’s gone again—so don’t wait too long if you want some!

A Little History: When Did Popcorn Chicken First Appear?

• Popcorn Chicken first showed up in the early 1990s. That’s a long, long time ago!
• Back then, kids and grown‑ups couldn’t post online about how much they loved it because the internet wasn’t big yet.
• It disappeared from the menu in 2023. By that time, a huge group of people (like a secret fan club, sometimes called a "cult following") absolutely loved those crispy, bite‑sized pieces. They went on social media to beg KFC to bring it back.

Why Did KFC Decide to Bring It Back?

KFC heard all those calls! On July 13, they announced the return of Popcorn Chicken.

The person in charge of telling people about KFC (the Chief Marketing Officer, Melissa Cash) said this in an official statement:

"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: She basically said, “We saw every message, every private note, and every online sign you sent. We couldn’t ignore you. We are bringing the chicken back because we want to give our biggest fans exactly what they asked for!”

Fun Moving Pictures (Gifs) with Col. Sanders

To celebrate the comeback, KFC teamed up with a website called Giphy (a place where you can find short, looping videos called "gifs").
They made some fun gifs featuring Col. Sanders (the friendly man with the white beard who is the face of KFC). Fans can use these gifs to show how excited they are.

How Can You Order Popcorn Chicken? (Three Choices)

KFC is selling Popcorn Chicken in three different ways. All prices are between $8.49 and $10.99.

• Popcorn Chicken Bucket: A 16 oz shareable bucket of Popcorn Chicken served with four dipping sauces. Price: $10.
• Popcorn Chicken Big Box: 6 oz of Popcorn Chicken, two tenders, a medium order of fries, a medium drink, two dipping sauces, and a chocolate chunk cookie. Price: $10.99.
• Popcorn Chicken Combo: 6 oz of Popcorn Chicken, a medium order of fries, a medium drink, and one dipping sauce. Price: $8.49.

Simple Steps to Get Some

1. Starting July 13, 2026, visit a KFC restaurant (or order like you normally would).
2. Pick one of the three options listed above.
3. Enjoy your crispy chicken—but remember it’s only available while supplies last!

What Are People Saying? (Happy Customers)

KFC also posted about the return on social media (like X, which used to be called Twitter). Fans were super thrilled!

• One person wrote: “Peak KFC is back.”
• Another said: “My prayers have been answered. Thank the Lord” (along 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.”

Clearly, lots of folks are doing a happy dance!

Summary

Let’s recap the big points:

• KFC is bringing back Popcorn Chicken on July 13, 2026 after a 3‑year break.
• It first came out in the early 1990s and disappeared in 2023, making fans very sad.
• KFC listened to fans’ online pleas and is returning it for a limited time (while supplies last).
• You can buy it in three ways: Bucket ($10), Big Box ($10.99), or Combo ($8.49).
• Fun gifs with Col. Sanders are available to celebrate.
• Customers are overjoyed and sharing their excitement online.

This article is based on a story by Drew Pittock, who covers national trending news for USA TODAY. He can be reached at DPittock@usatodayco.com.

FAQ (Questions You Might Have)

1. What exactly is Popcorn Chicken?
It’s small, crispy, bite‑sized pieces of chicken. They’re called “popcorn” because they’re tiny like the popcorn you eat at the movies!

2. When did Popcorn Chicken first appear at KFC?
It debuted in the early 1990s, long before people could hype their love for it online.

3. Why did it go away?
KFC removed it from the menu in 2023. Many fans missed it and used social media to demand its return.

4. How long will it be back this time?
It returns July 13, 2026, but only for a limited time and while supplies last—meaning when the chicken is gone, it’s gone.

5. What are the three ways to buy it and how much do they cost?

• Popcorn Chicken Bucket: $10
• Popcorn Chicken Big Box: $10.99
• Popcorn Chicken Combo: $8.49