Fried chicken has always had a loyal fanbase – but it’s now a fully-fledged national obsession. KFC is part-way through a £1.49 billion investment in its UK and Ireland estate, with 500 new outlets and 200 upgrades planned.

And it’s no longer just KFC. Market analysts Lumina Intelligence forecast that Popeyes will grow its UK turnover by more than 50% in 2026, with Wingstop not far behind at around 45%. McDonald’s says its UK chicken sales now match its beef sales.

The Fried Chicken Boom: What’s Driving It?

New Names on the Block.

More big brands are arriving all the time. Dave’s Hot Chicken opened its first UK site in London in December 2024 and plans at least 60 more. Raising Cane’s, one of America’s largest chicken chains, is on its way to London.

Even the biggest players are changing how they cook. In October 2026, McDonald’s began trialling hand-breaded chicken in Dublin – proof that freshly breaded chicken is where the market is heading.

Want In? Here’s What You’ll Need

The good news? You don’t need a billion-pound budget to cash in. Adding fried chicken to your menu is relatively low-cost, and the profit margins can be excellent.

Here’s the key kit to consider:

Automatic Breading Table – Like the BT2, this saves time, reduces mess, and ensures even, consistent coating. A must for high-throughput kitchens.

Commercial Chicken Pressure Fryer – Pressure frying helps you deliver juicy chicken with a crispy finish and faster turnaround times. It’s the method used by global brands — and it’s now within reach for independent operators.

Chicken storage/prep fridge – Keep raw and prepped portions chilled safely and hygienically.

Seasoning tubs / dredging pans – For manual operations or spice experimentation.

Oil filtration system – Extends the life of your oil and keeps quality consistent.

No Pressure? No Problem – Regular Fryers Still Rule

Pressure fryers are great — but they’re not essential. You can still serve excellent fried chicken using traditional deep fryers. Whether you choose gas or electric, floorstanding or countertop, a well-made fryer with fast recovery times will absolutely get the job done.

Some of our most popular options include:

Infernus LPG Gas Twin Basket Fryer – Single tank, double basket countertop fryer. A fantastic choice for trailers, kiosks, or compact kitchens.

Blue Seal FF18 Gas Fryer – Our best-selling floorstanding gas fryer. Durable, powerful, and built for busy services.

Valentine TF13 Electric Fryer – Precision Swiss engineering in a compact tabletop unit. Ideal for high-end kitchens or delis with limited space.

ACE EN89 Double Tank Electric Fryer – Floorstanding, fully electric, and perfect for consistent high-volume output with separate oil zones.

Countertop or freestanding, gas or electric — whatever your setup, we’ve got the fryer to suit. The key is fast heat recovery, easy clean-down, and reliability during peak service hours.

What About Seasoning?

Your spice blend is where you make it your own. Classic profiles include paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, onion powder, and celery salt. Buttermilk marinades are also popular for adding tenderness and tang.

Our tip? Start simple, then experiment with one or two signature spices to make your chicken stand out. Even a small tweak can turn standard into standout.

Why Fried Chicken Means Business

Fried chicken is no longer a side hustle — it’s a serious revenue stream. Whether you’re running a takeaway, pub kitchen, festival stand or food trailer, it’s a menu addition that can quickly increase turnover and improve margins.

And with modern prep solutions like pressure fryers and breading tables available at sensible price points, it’s never been easier to deliver consistent quality at scale.

Ready to Get Started?

From small independents to food court favourites, the fried chicken movement isn’t slowing down. And with the right kit, you don’t have to be KFC to make it work. Browse our range or call us on 01379 641223 for advice on setup and supply – all with Fast Free UK Mainland Delivery.