KFC has launched a nationwide comeback campaign, offering a free eight-piece bucket of chicken or tenders with a $15+ purchase on its app or website. The deal is part of a broader effort to rebuild customer loyalty and regain ground in the competitive fried chicken market.

The company is refocusing on its core menu—Original Recipe® chicken with 11 herbs and spices—and reintroducing Colonel Sanders in marketing as a more serious, chef-like figure. “We’re well aware of the latest fried chicken rankings,” said Catherine Tan-Gillespie, President of KFC U.S., who framed the move as a response to consumer feedback.
The new slogan, “The Colonel Lived So We Could Chicken,” reflects the company’s push to reclaim its identity. Matty Matheson, a chef and actor, appears alongside the Colonel in ads centered on kitchen precision and flavor.
KFC has also added fried pickles and relaunched its $7 Fill Ups, signaling a return to value-based, flavor-focused offerings. The campaign is accompanied by a visual shift—store signage and ads now feature a more stern Colonel, with branding emphasizing the company’s intent to “win back” former customers.
The Free Bucket On Us promotion and rewards program are available only through digital orders at participating U.S. locations.