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Food & Drink / Fast Food

KFC Doesn’t Offer Free Bucket Refills. Try Telling That to TikTok

Published August 16, 2023•Updated August 17, 2023

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Stamford, CT, USA July 26th, 2011. KFC was founded by Harland Sanders and is headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, U.S.
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Back in March, a viral TikTok video depicting a KFC customer successfully receiving a free refill on a bucket of chicken sent fans into a frenzy. The video, which has since amassed nearly 30 million views, tested a claim that the chain offers free bucket refills as long as customers finish their original order within 60 minutes and do not leave the store. But is this hack true? KFC’s bucket refill policy states otherwise.

In the video, the TikTok user records himself ordering an eight-piece bucket of chicken. After finishing the initial bucket, he returns to the counter and asks for a free bucket refill while mentioning the “refill policy.” The employee refills his bucket, prompting the user to say, “Wow, it works.”

The video spread like wildfire on social media, with hundreds of thousands of users sharing it and trying to replicate the supposed hack. 

“I guarantee [KFC] is going to end that policy today,” wrote one user in the comments, while another said the deal “seemed too good to be true.”

Gallery: 25 Chains That Offer Free Drink Refills

@itsallenferrell

KFC Bucket Refill Policy?? 😎🍗

♬ Classical Music – Classical Music

So, Does KFC Actually Refill Buckets of Chicken for Free?

Unfortunately for those who relish fried chicken, the reality is that KFC does not extend such an offer. A KFC representative confirmed to Cheapism via email that the restaurant chain does not provide free bucket refills. But there’s some good news: free drink refills are offered depending on franchise location.

KFC also responded to the rumor on Twitter, noting that while “the free bucket refill rumor is a lie,” the chain is running an offer for $10 buckets. Fans will also be happy to note the recent (albeit temporary) return of KFC’s much-loved Double Down. 

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Bummed about not getting those extra chicken pieces? There are other actually legitimate secret menus and hacks out there at chains like Chick-fil-A, McDonald’s, and Waffle House. Just remember to be kind to fast food employees while you’re ordering — and don’t believe everything you see on TikTok.

Meet the Writer


Alina A. Wang

A native of Queens, New York, Alina has a bachelor’s degree in corporate communications from Baruch College and enjoys writing about culture, tech, travel, and lifestyle. Prior to joining the Cheapism team, Alina worked as a U.S.-based correspondent for Vision Times and interned for several media outlets during college. In her free time, Alina loves to try out as many new restaurants as she can, go on scenic hikes with friends, tackle a hot yoga class, or spend hours going down a Wikipedia/Reddit rabbit hole. Always looking for ways to stretch her money, Alina loves to stay updated on money-saving tips and helpful life hacks that make everyday chores more manageable. You can reach her at [email protected].

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