Changing Tastes: The Decline of Fried Chicken Buckets
Once a staple in American households, buckets of fried chicken are disappearing from dinner tables, and this transformation has been gradual. By 2025, forecasts suggest a decline in U.S. households purchasing bone-in chicken regularly, as the demand for convenient chicken products like sandwiches and tenders grows.
While Korean fried chicken and chicken wings still see popularity at sports events, the overall trend indicates a shift away from bone-in pieces, prompting restaurants to adapt.
Statistics from Datassential indicate a significant change; over the past four years, listings for boneless fried chicken have fallen by 72%, while those for boneless wings and tenders have risen by 29%. This trend was clear at KFC, which brought back its original recipe after several quarters of disappointing sales.
Despite maintaining global popularity, KFC has reported an 8% drop in U.S. sales, as noted in Yum!’s latest quarterly results. Fox News Digital reached out to KFC but didn’t receive a response right away.
Marketing specialist Crystal Gorges from Clearwater, Florida, attributes this shift to the fast-paced lifestyles of consumers today. She reflects, “Buckets used to symbolize family gatherings around the table. Now, life is just quicker.”
Gorges points out that sandwiches and tenders are easier to grab and eat on the move. They also tend to look better in photos, which is a boon in our social media-driven world.
“These foods are visually appealing and cater to a generation that prioritizes convenience,” she explains. Brands are simply adjusting to meet consumer desires for meals that suit their busy lives.
Brand strategist Jordan Lee echoes this sentiment. He notes that traditional sit-down meals are becoming increasingly rare, replaced by quick bites often consumed while multitasking, like eating on the go or in front of a screen. This shift has led, naturally, to a growing preference for food that is portable and less messy.
Lee highlights that fried chicken sandwiches and tenders are comfort foods that don’t require utensils or plates. They deliver the classic flavors people love but in a more convenient form, perfect for today’s lifestyle. Essentially, it’s about meeting the needs of consumers—especially those scrolling through TikTok—while keeping things simple.
