KFC’s 2026 Plans Include Cheap Bowls, Celeb Collabs, and More Boneless Chicken

The start of the year is a busy time for fast food chains. It’s the moment when all the major restaurants nail their flag to the mast, and announce that they’re about to have their biggest year yet, with more new menu items and advancements than we’ve ever seen before, ever, ever. In the last couple of weeks, we’ve seen a pretty dizzying amount of announcements from chains trying to get ahead of the pack with these superlatives, and everyone from Wendy’s (with its new Biggie Deals) and McDonald’s (with its upcoming burger) has jostled for attention.

Well, KFC’s not missing out on all the fun. The chicken chain spent the end of 2026 and the start of 2026 announcing a flurry of plans and new menu items, in a bid to drum up enthusiasm for its food once more. Here’s what we know. 

KFC’s Going Hard on Value This Year

Like basically every other fast food chain going in 2026, KFC has made a lot of noise about keeping spending down for its customers. Two of its most eye-catching new offers reflect this mindset, with its $5 Bowls set to be a core offer for the restaurant this year. KFC is offering five different bowls that combine its nuggets with various other additions, including a Spicy Mashed Potato Bowl and the comeback of its Mac & Cheese Bowl.

KFC has also ushered in a return of its $10 Tuesdays offer, giving customers access to an eight-piece bucket for a single bill. The clue’s in the name, though: That’s only available one day of the week.

A Celeb Chef Joins the Team

As part of the line-up, KFC is also debuting a Cheesy Nuggy Gravy Bowl, its own spin on poutine, which launches in partnership with Canadian chef and The Bear actor Matty Matheson (we can’t help but feel like he should have been part of Arby’s new Italian beef sandwich, but that’s just us). Matheson’s also partnered with KFC Canada to launch three all-new limited-time menu items over in his native country, with the Matty Melt Sandwich and the Matty Mega Melt Poutine looking to be standouts.

Boneless Chicken and New Concepts Will Be Big In 2026

Elsewhere, KFC looks set to keep its emphasis on boneless options in the coming year (and likely beyond). As demand for boneless chicken has increased over the last couple of years, KFC has indicated that it’s gently decreasing the emphasis on its classic drumsticks and thighs, and focusing more on sandwiches and tenders. 

More Saucy by KFC Is Coming

As part of its looking to the future, it also seems like its new concept, Saucy by KFC, will continue to make headway in 2026. The youth-focused spin on KFC’s food, which (as the name suggests) focuses on sauces and condiments, gradually built up more of a presence in 2025, and it’s not done yet. Alongside all this, you can expect KFC (and other Yum Brands restaurants) to tussle with the growing power of AI through various implementations and tools in its stores, with its Byte Coach platform set to be a key training tool for managers.