KFC’s New Mini Chicken Buckets: What’s Included and Where to Find Them
KFC has shrunk its famous bucket. The new mini buckets are called Go Buckets, and they hold a snack-sized portion of chicken plus a potato side. They are meant for eating on the go, so the container is built to fit a car cupholder.
The launch is recent. Go Buckets became available at participating KFC restaurants nationwide in the US on Monday, October 5, 2026. KFC pitched them as a way to open up a new snacking occasion, whether you grab one for yourself or a few to share.
The table below has the key details at a glance, and the sections after it cover what you can choose, how much they cost, where to find them, and how they differ from KFC’s other small buckets.
KFC Go Buckets at a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Official name | Go Buckets (mini chicken buckets) |
| Launch date | October 5, 2026 (US) |
| Where | Participating KFC restaurants nationwide in the US |
| What’s in it | One chicken option plus a potato side and a dipping sauce |
| Chicken options | Four nuggets, two Double Crispy Hot Wings, popcorn chicken, or one tender |
| Side options | Fries or potato wedges |
| Starting price | From $3.49 (varies by combo and location) |
| Protein | About 16 to 18 g per bucket, depending on the combination |
| Size | Roughly soda-cup dimensions; fits standard cupholders |
Details are from launch coverage. Menu items, prices, and participation can vary by restaurant, so check KFC’s website or app before you go.
What’s Included
Each Go Bucket pairs a small amount of chicken with a potato side, all in a mini bucket. At launch, the chicken choices are four nuggets, two Double Crispy Hot Wings, one tender, or popcorn chicken, which has been listed on KFC’s website. You pick fries or wedges for the side, and every bucket comes with a dipping sauce of your choice.
KFC says each one has 16 to 18 grams of protein, depending on the combination. The company positions them as a snack, not a full meal, so expect a light portion. KFC hasn’t been quoted here on calories, so check the chain’s nutrition calculator if you are counting.
How Much Do They Cost?
Go Buckets start at $3.49. The final price depends on which chicken you choose and on your location, and I couldn’t find a full price list by combination, so confirm the exact price on KFC’s website or app. Franchise pricing and promotions can differ from one restaurant to the next.
Where to Find Them
The buckets are available at participating KFC restaurants across the US. “Participating” means not every location is guaranteed to carry them, so it is worth checking before you drive over. The easiest way is to look for the Go Bucket listing on the KFC website or app after setting your local restaurant. I did not find confirmation of the launch outside the US, so availability in other countries is unclear.
Do They Replace the Regular Buckets?
No. KFC’s standard buckets are staying on the menu, and the Go Bucket is an addition for smaller appetites and quick snacks. It also isn’t the same product as KFC’s Li’l Bucket kids meal, which comes in a miniature bucket with a drink and a side and has been around for years.
Who Are They For?
- Solo snackers. A small bucket is easier than a full combo when you don’t want a meal.
- Drivers and commuters. The cup-sized shape is designed to sit in a cupholder.
- Groups who want variety. Because they’re small and cheap, you can order several and mix the chicken types.
- People who want to try KFC’s hot wings or nuggets without committing to a big order.
Is It Worth It?
For a quick bite, the low starting price and portion size make sense, especially if you are not hungry for a full meal. Per piece of chicken, small portions of fast food can cost more than a bigger bucket, so if you are feeding a family, a standard bucket or a deal such as the chain’s rotating Bucket of the Day offers may be better value. Whichever you choose, fried chicken and fries are a treat that is high in calories, fat, and sodium, so keep portions in mind.
People with food allergies, high blood pressure, or other dietary restrictions should check KFC’s allergen and nutrition information before ordering.
Tips for Ordering
- Check the app first. KFC often runs app-only deals, and you can confirm your local restaurant carries Go Buckets.
- Pick the sauce carefully. Dips add calories and sodium, so choose one.
- Try a mix. Order two different chicken types and share to compare.
- Eat them hot. Fried chicken and fries are best within a few minutes of leaving the fryer.
- Call ahead if you are making a special trip, since participation can vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are KFC Go Buckets?
They are miniature buckets that hold a snack-sized portion of chicken plus a potato side and a dipping sauce. You choose between four nuggets, two Double Crispy Hot Wings, popcorn chicken, or one tender, and between fries and wedges.
How much do KFC Go Buckets cost?
Prices start at $3.49, but the price depends on the combination and the restaurant. Check KFC’s website or app for the price at your location.
When and where can I buy them?
They became available on October 5, 2026, at participating KFC restaurants in the US. Because not every location may carry them, check the app or call your local restaurant first.
How much protein do they have?
KFC says each Go Bucket has 16 to 18 grams of protein, depending on which chicken and side you pick. For calories and sodium, use KFC’s official nutrition calculator.
