7 Restaurant Chains Known for the Best Fried Chicken Buckets

There is something uniquely satisfying about opening a bucket full of fried chicken: the shared experience, the crackling crust, the aroma of seasoned meat. While many fast-food and casual dining brands serve fried chicken, only a few have perfected the art of the bucket. Below are seven restaurant chains known for their standout fried chicken bucket offerings. These picks are based on their bucket legacy, consistency, and popularity among fans. Each chain brings something different to the bucket game, from seasoning to portioning to side pairings.

1. KFC

KFC is the originator of the fried chicken bucket concept. In 1957, Colonel Harland Sanders and his franchisee Pete Harman introduced a “bucket meal” containing chicken, rolls, and gravy, packaged in a bucket. This innovation made the bucket itself a symbol of fried chicken dining. Over decades, KFC has retained that iconic format: portions from 6 to 16 pieces, variety mixes (white, dark, mixed), and side-included buckets. Today, its bucket is not just food packaging but a branding icon known across the globe. Its longevity and influence on bucket culture are unmatched.

2. Popeyes

Popeyes is widely praised for boldly seasoned, spicy fried chicken that holds up well in bucket servings. Its Louisiana-style breading and the option between classic and spicy flavors make its buckets memorable. The chain offers family bucket meals that combine chicken pieces with sides such as biscuits and Cajun fries. In various taste tests, Popeyes frequently ranks high for flavor intensity and crispiness when served from a bucket. It caters well to fans who want strong seasoning in every piece across a shared bucket.

3. Jollibee

Jollibee’s bucket offerings under its “Chickenjoy” brand are a cultural touchstone in the Philippines and increasingly abroad. The chain offers buckets of 6 to 10 pieces and family packs, available in original or spicy versions, with its signature gravy on the side. Many fans praise how the chicken retains crispness even after transport and reheating, making it ideal for bucket sharing. The brand’s emphasis on fried chicken buckets as a family meal deal has helped it grow globally.

4. Dave’s Hot Chicken

Dave’s Hot Chicken brings a twist to the bucket format with its “Hot Box,” or larger bucket portions of chicken tenders or bites tossed in chosen heat levels. Although not always traditional bone-in buckets, the bite-style bucket concept supports sharing and offers variety within one order. Each bucket lets diners sample different heat intensities, making it perfect for group orders where tastes vary. The chain’s spicy branding and customizable options elevate typical bucket expectations.

5. Guthrie’s Chicken

Guthrie’s Chicken offers a bucket-style meal they market as the “Gut Bucket,” featuring fried chicken fingers or pieces paired with signature sides. The brand is known for its Southern style, consistent breading, and convenient combo buckets that make sharing easy. Its buckets tend to be sized for smaller groups and deliver a dependable smoky, crunchy texture with a moderate seasoning profile. Many loyal customers return specifically for the bucket combos that include sides and value portions.

6. Golden Chick

Golden Chick is a regional chain that has earned recognition among fried chicken fans for its family bucket options. Buckets typically include legs and thighs, accompanied by sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and yeast rolls. The chain leans into the comforting, homey style of Southern fried chicken, making its buckets feel like family dinners. Its strength is in offering a traditional bucket structure rather than experimental flavors, which appeals to those seeking classic fried chicken comfort.

7. Krispy Krunchy Chicken

Krispy Krunchy Chicken operates mostly inside grocery stores or convenience outlets, making its buckets ideal for grab-and-go settings. Its buckets include Cajun-style fried chicken pieces and biscuits, catering to convenience without sacrificing flavor. Because the brand’s bucket model is integrated into retail spaces, many customers rely on it as a quick, large chicken order when cooking at home. The chain’s widespread presence in nontraditional venues gives its bucket reach and utility.