How Britain Became a Fried Chicken Nation
Sumayyah Zara Sillah’s eyes sparkle as she clutches a takeaway box brimming with Nashville-style hot tenders, glistening with sauce. I try to be healthy, shares the 19-year-old nursing student, grinning as she enjoys her order from Leicester’s Ragin’ Bird. This youth-driven craze for US-style fried chicken is more than just a fleeting trend—it’s reshaping the British High Street, with chicken shops opening at a breakneck pace, surpassing all other fast-food outlets.
The Fried Chicken Phenomenon in Britain
– The number of chicken shops has surged by 7.2% year-on-year, making it the fastest-growing segment in the fast-food industry, compared to just 1.7% growth for other takeaway options (Data from Meaningful Vision).
– Young consumers drive this trend; in 2025, 52% of Gen Z and 47% of Millennials surveyed reported eating at chicken shops in the past year, compared to only 39% of the overall fast-food clientele (Mintel data).
Till, a 33-year-old digital creator from Bristol, is passionate about fried chicken. It’s the crunch, the visuals, the sauce, and the endless variations, she exclaims. It’s instantly satisfying content.” She notes how pervasive fried chicken has become: “There’s literally a pizza place nearby that sells fried chicken as a side!”
Changing Preferences and Market Dynamics
The rise in chicken shops reflects a deeper transformation in Britain’s takeaway culture. Maria Vanifatova, CEO of Meaningful Vision, highlights that numerous US chains, such as Raising Cane’s, Chick-fil-A, Slim’s Chicken, Dave’s Hot Chicken, Popeyes, and Wingstop, have entered the UK market in recent years. KFC has been a staple for six decades, long before the influx of new players.
Chicken is booming, and we anticipate this trend will continue, Vanifatova states.
Analysts suggest one reason for chicken’s popularity is its affordability compared to other meats. Andrew Crook, a fish and chip shop owner and president of the National Federation of Fish Fryers (NFFF), acknowledges the shift. “The rising prices of fish and energy, coupled with the appeal of diverse chicken meals, are compelling many chippies to diversify,” he remarks. This shift isn’t without repercussions: from around 25,000 fish and chip shops in the 1920s and 30s, the current figure has dwindled to approximately 9,000.
Adapting to Change: Millers Fish & Chips
Millers Fish & Chips in Haxby, near York, exemplifies adaptability. With over sixty years in business, they launched a sister brand, Millers Chicken, to future-proof their operations. Owner David Miller notes, “It’s not a dying trade, but you can get left behind swiftly.”
His son, Nick, whose idea it was to branch into chicken, reports a 10% increase in foot traffic from younger patrons who had previously overlooked their shop. The unique offering of the Irish Spice Bag—a viral dish of crispy fried chicken and chips seasoned and served in a paper bag—has attracted a fresh clientele while still catering to their loyal customers.
Navigating a Crowded Marketplace
Despite the growth, entering the fried chicken market isn’t a guaranteed path to success. Vanifatova warns that the competition is fierce, as many brands are eager to enter, making it challenging for smaller businesses to thrive against the advertising might of large chains. Till adds that while new chains often generate initial excitement, the fervor can fade.
Innovators like Wasim Hussain, owner of Ragin’ Bird in Leicester, navigate this landscape with a unique approach. He founded his shop in 2019 as a passion project while studying medicine, developing recipes that reflect Nashville-style chicken long before the larger chains made their entrance. The rise of big brands has actually benefited me by generating buzz around the style, leading customers to seek out independent spots, he explains.
Among Ragin’ Bird’s fans is Sumayya, who cherishes its distinct flavors and affordability. “It feels more homemade, she reflects, comparing it to experiences at larger chains like Wingstop, where she found the chicken unsatisfactory.
Conclusion: Fried Chicken’s Enduring Appeal
Trends in food are ever-evolving, but fans like Till maintain that fried chicken is here to stay. I’ve always loved it. It’s never just been a trend for me, she affirms.
As Britain embraces its identity as a fried chicken nation, it is clear that this crispy delight is more than just fast food; it has become a cultural staple that appeals to generations, filling the gap left by traditional takeaways and paving the way for a culinary revolution on the nation’s streets.