(qlmbusinessnews.com . Mon 9th Feb, 2026) London, UK —
Chicken Shops Outpace Fast Food Competition: The UK's Growing Fried Chicken Phenomenon
Sumayyah Zara Sillah's face beams with delight as she clasps a takeaway container overflowing with Nashville-inspired hot chicken tenders, each piece shimmering with a glossy coating of sauce.
“At the heart of it, I aim for a healthy diet,” the 19-year-old nursing student shares, unable to hide her joy with her Ragin' Bird Leicester takeaway feast. “But this? I simply can't resist.”
The American fried chicken craze has taken TikTok by storm, a phenomenon Sumayyah has been keenly observing through vibrant videos captured in brightly lit eateries across the pond.
This trend, fuelled by the younger generation, is swiftly reshaping the British High Street, witnessing a surge in chicken-oriented food outlets surpassing the growth of other fast food options.
Yet, this rise begs the question – what does it mean for the quintessentially British takeaway?
Decked in a beige-grey coat and sporting a green hijab, Sumayyah holds an open white box brimming with seasoned fried chicken within the cosy confines of a fast-food establishment, its walls adorned with menu options and tempting food imagery.
For Sumayyah Zara Sillah, “Fried chicken is always a safe bet.”
Till, a 33-year-old content creator from Bristol with a penchant for food reviews on TikTok, especially fried chicken, echoes this sentiment.
“The allure is multifaceted – the crunch, the visual appeal, the sauces, and the myriad ways to enjoy it,” explains Till. “It's content that satisfies instantly.”
“Escaping fried chicken is impossible when even pizza places are jumping on the bandwagon. My local Italian offers it as a side dish,” she muses.
According to Meaningful Vision, a UK food industry analytics firm, chicken outlets have seen a 7.2% increase in numbers year-on-year – the fastest among fast food sectors, compared to a 1.7% growth for other takeaways.
Furthermore, data from Mintel highlights a younger demographic's preference for chicken shops, with 52% of Gen Z and 47% of Millennial fast food consumers reporting chicken shop visits in the last year, higher than the 39% average across all fast food patrons.
Till, characterised by her long, straight brown hair and statement glasses, shares her culinary adventures from her car, focusing on Bristol's food scene.
Maria Vanifatova, CEO of Meaningful Vision, notes the proliferation of chicken outlets in the UK, with recent entries from several US chains, including Raising Cane's and Popeyes, joining the long-standing KFC.
“Chicken is on the rise, and we anticipate this trend to persist,” she states.
Analysts point to chicken's affordability compared to other proteins as part of its appeal.
Andrew Crook, a Lancashire-based fish and chip shop owner and president of the National Federation of Fish Fryers, acknowledges the cultural shift within Britain's takeaway landscape.
“Chicken, undoubtedly, brings more profit than fish,” he admits.
The once ubiquitous fish and chip shops, numbering around 25,000 in the 1920s and '30s, have dwindled to about 9,000, prompting concerns among traditionalists.
Millers Fish & Chips in Haxby, near York, represents a modern adaptation to this changing market. Launching Millers Chicken as a sister brand was a strategic move to “future-proof” by David Miller, the establishment's proprietor.
“This sector isn't fading, but staying relevant is crucial,” David suggests.
Nick Miller, David's son and the brainchild behind the chicken venture, credits their expanded menu, including trends like the Irish Spice Bag, for a 10% increase in younger clientele.
“It was a gamble,” Nick admits. “But attracting a fresh crowd while retaining our loyal customers has been a victory for us.”
David and Nick, donned in their work attire, share a moment outside their shop, a testament to a business poised to bridge the generational divide with its new chicken offerings.
However, Maria Vanifatova from Meaningful Vision warns of a crowded marketplace, with the dominance of major chains posing significant challenges for smaller players.
Amidst this crowded scene, Wasim Hussain of Ragin' Bird in Leicester stands out, having ventured into Nashville-style chicken as a “passion project” during his medical studies, well before the market saturation.
Wasim believes the influx of big names has inadvertently aided his business by fueling interest in local, independent alternatives.
Sumayya, among others, remains enamored with Ragin' Bird's homely touch, favouring its crispiness over bigger names like Wingstop and Popeyes.
As food trends wax and wane, enthusiasts like Till see fried chicken as a timeless choice.
“Fried chicken is more than a trend; it's a lifelong love,” she declares.
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