KFC, short for Kentucky Fried Chicken, has grown from a single roadside restaurant in Kentucky into one of the world’s most recognizable fast-food chains.
With its signature blend of 11 herbs and spices, KFC has found a loyal following across continents, adapting its menu to local tastes while keeping its iconic fried chicken at the core. In some countries, it's more than just a meal, it's a cultural phenomenon.
This article explores the countries with the highest number of KFC outlets, highlighting how and why the brand has flourished in these regions, from Asia’s booming cities to Western fast-food strongholds.
China
Topping the list by a wide margin, China stands as KFC’s largest market. By the end of 2023 and into early 2024, the country boasted roughly 10,000 KFC outlets, making it the global front-runner by store count.
More recent data from Yum China, the company’s local operator, reported over 11,900 stores as of March 2025.
This explosive growth is rooted deeply in China’s expansive middle-class appetite and Yum China's robust logistics, enabling the opening of hundreds of new restaurants each quarter
United States
Not far behind, the United States holds the second spot with approximately 3,900 KFC locations in recent years. More granular data puts the figure at around 4,110 restaurants as of May 2025.
Launched in 1952, KFC has grown steadily across the U.S., with major concentrations in states like California, Texas, and Florida. Though smaller in number compared to China, the U.S. remains one of KFC's most historic and stable markets.
Japan
The third most KFC-heavy country in the world is Japan, home to around 1,200 outlets, according to earlier estimates.
KFC in Japan is woven into cultural traditions, especially at Christmas. Since the 1970s, “Kentucky for Christmas” campaigns turned KFC into a unique holiday staple, anchoring its popularity in Japanese society
Thailand
Following with a similarly strong presence, Thailand holds the fourth-highest number of KFC restaurants worldwide, with about 1,053 locations listed in 2023 data.
Despite fewer detailed insights into the chain’s operations there, it’s clear that KFC has firmly embedded itself within Thailand’s fast-food landscape.
South Africa
Next is South Africa, with just over 1,052 stores, making it the fifth-largest KFC market globally. KFC dominates the South African fast-food scene, operating more outlets than any other brand.
As of 2021, about 960 locations were reported, but more recent figures confirm its ascent to the fifth spot in the global ranking. Its menu often includes local favorites like pap, offering a distinct regional flavor
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom features prominently among KFC’s top ten markets, with 1,001 restaurants as of late 2023. While not at the scale of Asian giants, the UK still represents a major Western market where KFC consistently invests and refreshes its presence.
India
India has also emerged as a significant KFC market, with approximately 950 outlets recorded in 2023. The chain has maintained a growth trajectory there, celebrating milestone openings in regions such as Haryana, signaling ongoing expansion throughout the country.
Malaysia
Malaysia slots into eighth place with about 770 KFC outlets. KFC has been a prominent brand across Southeast Asia, adapting its menus to local preferences, offering KFC “Cheezy Wedges,” for instance, that are wildly popular in Malaysia and neighboring markets.
Australia
Down under, Australia claims ninth place with about 759 KFC locations. KFC has been a staple in Australia for decades, steadily expanding its footprint across both metropolitan and regional areas.
Indonesia
Rounding out the top ten is Indonesia, with around 749 outlets as of late 2023. It has also been widely acknowledged as the largest Western chain in Indonesia.
Earlier figures noted 738 locations as of 2020, though the landscape has shifted due to economic challenges. For example, a reported net loss in late 2024 led to the closure of 47 stores and significant layoffs.
