Cluck Yeah! Cash In on 2025’s Hottest Food Trend. Move over burgers, the UK is falling head over heels for fried chicken. Popeyes, the US fried chicken brand with 65 restaurants across the UK and Ireland, is announcing ambitious expansion plans (45 new restaurants in 2025 alone, according to The Caterer), so it’s clear this trend is no flash in the frying pan. But what’s driving this crispy craving, and how can your catering business get a piece of the action?

Why Are We’re Going Fried Chicken Crazy?

Comfort Food: In uncertain times, people crave familiar, comforting food. Fried chicken ticks that box, offering a nostalgic and satisfying experience.

Flavour Innovation: It’s not just your basic bird anymore. From Korean-style double-fry to Nashville hot chicken, flavour innovation is keeping things exciting.

Delivery Boom: Fried chicken travels well, making it perfect for the ever-growing delivery market.

Gear Up to Get Your Share:

Ready to ride the fried chicken wave? Here’s the essential equipment you need:

Deep Fryers: The heart of any fried chicken operation. For high-volume, consider floor-standing models like those from Blue Seal, known for their reliability and consistent results. No room for a floor-standing fryer? No problem! If you’re a mobile caterer, food truck, or café with limited space, heavy-duty countertop fryers pack a serious punch in a compact package, with powerful electric or LPG/natural gas options to suit your setup. Take a look at our VanSmart tabletop fryers – high output burners deliver rapid heat-up and recovery times, ensuring peak performance even during busy rushes. These compact powerhouses are designed specifically for smaller spaces, offering the perfect solution for those who need big frying power in a smaller footprint.

Pressure Fryers: Want that extra crispy skin and juicy meat? Pressure fryers are your secret weapon. Henny Penny leads the pack with their high-performance models. If space is tight, Chicken Express countertop pressure fryers offer impressive speed and efficiency.

Breading Tables: Efficiency is key. Infernus breading tables streamline your workflow, keeping your breading organised and your staff productive.

Holding Cabinets: Maintain that perfect crispiness with heated holding cabinets. Look for models with precise temperature control to avoid overcooking, such as the Roller Grill RE2.

Ventilation: Don’t forget proper ventilation. A high-quality extraction system is crucial for a comfortable and safe working environment.

Ventless Options: If traditional ventilation isn’t feasible, explore ventless fryers like the Perfect Fry or consider air frying with models like the Lightfry 12E Standard for a healthier, lower-odour option.

Beyond the Basics:

Flavour Station: Elevate your chicken with a diverse flavour station.

Sauces: Offer classics like BBQ, honey mustard, and blue cheese, alongside trending options like Korean gochujang, spicy mayo, and peri-peri.

Seasonings: Provide a range of dry rubs and spices, from Cajun to lemon pepper, allowing customers to customise their chicken.

Dipping Pots: Don’t forget the sides. Offer pots of gravy, melted cheese, or even garlic butter for dipping.

Packaging: Invest in attractive and functional packaging that keeps your chicken hot and crispy for delivery or takeaway.

Marketing: Shout about your fried chicken. Use social media, local advertising, and tempting visuals to attract customers.

The Bottom Line:

The fried chicken boom presents a fantastic opportunity for caterers. By investing in the right equipment and embracing innovation, you can capitalise on this trend and satisfy the nation’s craving for crispy, flavourful chicken. And we can help you every step of the way, with expert suggestions and competitive prices on all the equipment you need. Don’t miss out – get frying, you’d be clucking mad not to!