The Rise of the Popularity of Chicken (and Why It’s the New Burger in Global Food Trends)

Chicken has taken over menus worldwide. Once considered just another protein option, it has surpassed beef as the most adaptable and profitable choice for foodservice operators. Higher beef costs, consumer preferences for leaner meats, and the global obsession with fried chicken sandwiches have driven this shift. For operators, this means one thing: investing in the right fryer is more critical than ever. 

Chicken’s Global Popularity Surge

The demand for chicken isn’t just a passing trend. It’s a full-scale industry shift. Around the world, chicken consumption has skyrocketed, outpacing beef as the go-to protein in both fast food and full-service restaurants.

One key driver is cost; as beef prices continue fluctuating, operators have leaned on chicken as a more affordable and versatile alternative. Beyond economics, consumer preferences have also evolved. Health-conscious diners view chicken as a leaner, high-protein option, while younger generations crave the bold flavors that international fried chicken variations provide. Chains are capitalizing on this shift, expanding their menus with innovative chicken offerings to keep up with demand. As chicken gains more market share, kitchens must have high-performance fryers to handle the increased volume while maintaining product consistency and quality.

Versatility of Chicken Across Cuisines

What makes chicken the ultimate menu powerhouse is its ability to adapt to any cuisine. Whether spicy Nashville hot chicken, double-fried Korean-style wings, or Middle Eastern shawarma, chicken fits seamlessly into global food trends.

The Fried Chicken Sandwich Wars continue to fuel chicken’s popularity, pushing brands to compete with crispier coatings, spicier seasonings, and better frying techniques to stand out. In the U.S., fried chicken sandwiches have dominated quick-service menus, with top brands rolling out new variations to entice customers. Internationally, KFC Korea has perfected ultra-crispy, sweet-and-spicy fried chicken that has developed a cult following.

Global fried chicken trends show consumers are eager for new takes on a familiar favorite. This presents a massive opportunity for foodservice operators but also a challenge: different styles of fried chicken require different fryer capabilities. The right commercial fryer ensures that operators can deliver on taste, texture, and efficiency, whether it’s a high-volume chain or an independent restaurant.

The Role of Fryers in Chicken’s Success

Achieving consistently crispy, juicy fried chicken isn’t just about the recipe. Operators need equipment that provides precise temperature control, efficient oil filtration, and high-volume output to meet demand without sacrificing quality. A fryer that recovers quickly between batches ensures that every piece of chicken, from tenders to bone-in thighs, fries evenly and retains its crunch.

Launching a fried chicken program starts with selecting the right fryer. Whether an operator is scaling up production for a national chain or introducing fried chicken as a new menu item, Pitco’s solutions make it easy to maintain consistency and profitability.

Finding The Right Fryer for Your Chicken Menu

Not all fryers are created equal, and choosing the right one for each foodservice business’s needs can make all the difference. High-volume commercial kitchens frying thousands of pieces per day require different equipment than an operation specializing in hand-breaded, small-batch chicken. That’s where Pitco’s Product Selector comes in. This tool helps operators pinpoint the best fryer based on menu type, kitchen space, and output requirements.

As the fried chicken boom continues, operators must stay ahead by investing in fryers that maximize efficiency and quality. With chicken officially taking center stage in global food trends, now is the time for operators to be ahead of the game with the best frying technology. Explore Pitco’s lineup of commercial fryers and let the Product Selector guide you to the perfect fit for your operation.