When it comes to serving fried chicken, choosing the right chicken bucket size is crucial for both presentation and portion control. Whether you're a restaurant owner, caterer, or food packaging supplier, understanding standard bucket sizes like 64 oz, 85 oz, 130 oz, and 170 oz helps you match the right container to your menu offering. In this guide, we’ll break down the most common chicken bucket sizes, their capacity in both ounces and litres, and how to select the best option for your business.
Standard Chicken Bucket Size Options
Chicken Bucket Size 64 oz (≈ 1.9 L)
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Capacity: 64 oz (~1.9 L), ideal for two people or a small meal share
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Material: durable paper bucket with polyethylene wax lining and matching plastic lid, often grease‑resistant and oil‑proof
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Typical use: small servings, wings, snack portions, takeaway meals for one or two.
Chicken Bucket Size 85 oz (≈ 2.5 L)
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Capacity: 85 oz (~2.5 L), provides moderate portion size suitable for small families or groups
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Slightly taller and wider than 64 oz version, accommodating more pieces or sides.
Chicken Bucket Size 130 oz (≈ 3.8 L)
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Capacity: 130 oz (~3.8 L), supports larger family meals or group servings (~12‑16 pieces)
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Common in branded buckets for family packages; customizable design options available.
Chicken Bucket Size 170 oz (≈ 5.0 L)
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Capacity: 170 oz (~5.0 L), designed for big portions or party-size orders (~16‑24 pieces).
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Generally referred to as “king” size in fast-food packaging; ideal for group meals.
Capacity and Dimensions by Chicken Bucket Size
Bucket Capacity and Piece Count
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64 oz can accommodate roughly 6–8 chicken pieces (e.g. wings or small cuts).
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85 oz typically fits around 8–10 pieces.
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130 oz often used for 12–16 pieces, depending on cut sizes (breasts, thighs, wings).
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170 oz holds approximately 16–24 pieces, depending on average portion size
Physical Dimensions by Chicken Bucket Size
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64 oz bucket: approx. 5 inches tall; bottom diameter ~5½″; top diameter ~6½″
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85 oz bucket: approx. 5¾″ tall; bottom diameter ~5¾″; top diameter ~7½″
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130 oz bucket: size typically larger than 85 oz—height about 6–7″; top diameter ~8″ (consistent with supplier specs)
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170 oz bucket: approx. 8¼″ tall; bottom diameter ~6½″; top diameter ~8¼‑8½″
Choosing the Right Chicken Bucket Size
Comparing Chicken Bucket Size: 64 oz vs 85 oz vs 130 oz vs 170 oz
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64 oz: compact and cost‑efficient, best for individuals or duo servings.
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85 oz: flexible mid‑range choice, suits small families or light group orders.
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130 oz: holds substantial quantity with room for sides or extras, suited for family meals.
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170 oz: optimal for gatherings, parties, corporate orders—maximum capacity with grand presentation.
Recommended Chicken Bucket Size by Serving Scenario
| Scenario | Recommended Size | Typical Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Individual or Duo | 64 oz | Light meal, wings, snacks |
| Small Family (2–4) | 85 oz | Family portion, includes sides |
| Family Meal (4–6) | 130 oz | Balanced serving with variety |
| Party or Group (6–10) | 170 oz | Large group, catering‑style or shared platter |
Food‑Service Context: Fried Chicken Bucket Size for Take‑out
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Smaller buckets (64 oz) reduce waste, lower cost, and simplify storage for quick service or takeaway shops.
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Mid‑size 85 oz or 130 oz buckets offer good cross‑sell opportunities with sides and beverages.
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Larger 170 oz buckets support bulk orders, promotional deals, or eco‑friendly branding for bigger segments, while enabling striking visual branding.
Chicken Bucket Size FAQs
What sizes of chicken buckets does KFC offer?
KFC typically offers small, medium, and large buckets, with popular sizes around 64 oz, 85 oz, and up to 170 oz for family meals.
How many ounces are in a standard chicken bucket?
A standard chicken bucket is around 130 oz, commonly used for family-sized portions.
What size bucket can hold a family-size portion of chicken?
130 oz and 170 oz buckets are ideal for family-size meals, holding 12 to 24 pieces depending on cut size.
How many pieces of chicken fit in a 130-oz bucket?
A 130-oz bucket fits approximately 12 to 16 pieces of fried chicken.
What is the volume of a 170-oz chicken bucket in millilitres or litres?
170 oz is approximately 5,025 millilitres or 5.0 litres.
How do you choose the right chicken bucket size for take-out businesses?
Consider portion size, customer count, and average order volume. 64 oz suits individuals, 85–130 oz suits families, and 170 oz suits groups.
What are common materials used for chicken bucket sizes (paper, plastic)?
Buckets are usually made of coated paperboard (often PE-lined for grease resistance); plastic lids are common for sealing.
Conclusion
Selecting the proper chicken bucket size ensures customer satisfaction, minimizes waste, and improves your foodservice efficiency. From small 64 oz buckets for individual meals to large 170 oz buckets perfect for parties, each size has a specific role in takeout and dine-in service. Evaluate your portion sizes, menu design, and audience needs to find the right fit for your fried chicken offerings.
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