Fried Chicken Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Type (Chicken Cutlet, Chicken Breast, Chicken Wings, Chicken Legs, Whole Chicken, Others), By Application (Grown-ups, Children, Elderly Man, Others), and Regional Insights and Forecast to 2032

Last Updated: 21 July 2025
SKU ID: 28163816

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FRIED CHICKEN MARKET OVERVIEW

The Fried Chicken Market size was valued at approximately USD 35 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 55 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 4.9% from 2023 to 2032.

Fried Chicken worldwide is seeing steady growth as more people continue to enjoy fried chicken from fast food chain and quick service restaurants. Increased demand for convenient, tasty, easy eat meals to drive this market, especially for the consumers who are busy. As more people opt to eat ready to eat food the market is opening, companies are introducing other menu items to catch people’s attention as the target customers. Growth in urbanization and increase in disposable income is pushing the sales of fried chicken. The Fried Chicken market continues to grow due to the innovation and improvements of more brands.

GLOBAL CRISES IMPACTING FRIED CHICKEN MARKET

Fried Chicken Industry Had a Positive Effect Due to Increased Demand for Delivery Services during COVID-19 Pandemic

The global COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with the market experiencing higher-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels. The sudden market growth reflected by the rise in CAGR is attributable to market’s growth and demand returning to pre-pandemic levels.

During the period of the COVID-19 pandemic, the way that people buy food was a factor that has significantly changed the global Fried Chicken market. Under the lockdowns, consumers shifted their demand towards delivery offried chicken. Also, from a health point of view, people grew more interested in healthier options and business went on to change the way they offer. The pandemic pushed consumers into a different behavior when buying and consuming fried chicken.

LATEST TRENDS

Increasing health awareness drives the demand for plant-based alternatives

A plant-based diet is a huge trend right now as more people try to eat healthier, plant-based food. As part of that growing demand, companies now sell plant-based fried chicken to appeal to health-conscious, eco-minded consumers. Combining with global efforts to sustain the food choices and tapping into a new consumer base are helping to deal with increase in market growth.

Global-Fried-Chicken-Market-Share,-By-Type,-2032

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FRIED CHICKEN MARKET SEGMENTATION

By Type

  • Chicken Cutlet: These are boneless pieces of chicken, often breaded and fried. They are popular for their ease of eating and are commonly found in fast-food meals and family dinners.
  • Chicken Breast: This lean part of the chicken is widely preferred for its tenderness and lower fat content. It's a versatile cut that is commonly used in both fast food and home cooking.
  • Chicken Wings: A favorite snack, often served with dipping sauces, these smaller pieces of chicken are perfect for casual eating and are popular in fast-food restaurants and bar menus.
  • Chicken Legs: Known for their rich flavor, chicken legs are a favorite choice for those who enjoy dark meat. They're commonly served in casual dining and fast-food chains.
  • Whole Chicken: This is the entire chicken, often roasted or fried. It’s a popular option for families or larger gatherings where a more substantial meal is desired.
  • Others: This category includes other parts of the chicken, such as thighs, which are used in various recipes across different cooking styles and regions.

By Application

  • Adults: Fried chicken is a popular choice among adults, often served as part of a quick meal or at social gatherings, providing both convenience and taste.
  • Children: Fried chicken is a favorite among children due to its mild flavor and easy-to-eat, crispy texture, often being included in kids' meals at fast-food outlets.
  • Elderly: Older adults also enjoy fried chicken, particularly when served with softer coatings and in more manageable portions, offering comfort food with familiar flavors.
  • Others: This includes various niche groups such as vegetarians opting for plant-based fried chicken, or special dietary preferences, such as gluten-free options.

MARKET DYNAMICS

Market dynamics include driving and restraining factors, opportunities and challenges stating the market conditions.

Driving Factors

Rising Demand for Convenient, Ready-to-Eat Food Options

More busy consumers are looking for quick and easy meal solutions and this is forcing up demand for ready to eat fried chicken products. It becomes easier for fast food chains and quick service restaurants (QSRs)—both primary fast-food outlets providing quick and inexpensive value meals and fast food—is gaining in popularity due to the increasing number of people looking for convenience.

Expanding QSR Chains in Emerging Economies Boost Growth Potential

Urbanization is advancing faster in emerging markets, bringing fast food chains to reach more people with its fried chicken. High disposable income and change in people’s lifestyles create a scope for growth as it needs fast, affordable meal options. With QSRs being so present in each region, these areas give consumers the opportunity to see (and eat) their favorite fried chicken products.

Restraining Factor

Health concerns lead to reduced consumer preference for fried chicken

Consumers who care about health are kept away from fried food due to health concerns about it–namely its high fat content. Excessive fat and calories are gaining more and more people’s attention and fewer people want to have fried chicken anymore. Growth of the market is restricted by series of shift to healthier food options.

Opportunity

Expanding in new regions boosts sales and consumer base

Emerging markets hold great opportunity to branch out, lacking in a convenient food market because of rising disposable income and urbanization. In recent years, people in these regions are looking for fast and highly affordable meals, thereby offering a large opportunity for fried chicken industry to capitalize on this trend, thereby coming up with something new which would attract new consumers.

Challenge

Meeting consumer taste while addressing health concerns proves difficult

The tension is between our desire for delicious fried chicken, and as we fast forward health concerns grow. We’ve got consumers who want to taste chicken that is crispy and delicious, but they also want healthier options. It can be tricky, and expensive, to help companies make their products healthier without altering flavor.

FRIED CHICKEN MARKET REGIONAL INSIGHTS

  • North America 

The North American market, particularly the United States Fried Chicken market, holds a dominant position due to the high demand for fast food. The region is driven by many quick-service restaurant (QSR) chains like KFC and Chick-fil-A, catering to diverse consumer preferences. With a growing inclination toward convenience, home delivery, and online ordering, the market is set to continue its expansion in the coming years.

  • Europe

European market of fried chicken is growing steadily especially in countries like the United Kingdom, France and Germany. Increasingly, European consumers are comfortable with quick or takeaway meals from the likes of quick service and takeaway meals fuel a rise of fried chicken on offer in local food outlets. And there’s the act of keeping up with the market: evolving taste preferences, a rising preference for innovative and international flavors, is driving fried chicken growth.

  • Asia

In the Asia Pacific region, the fried chicken market is growing at a rapid pace, with the developing economy behind urbanisation and increasing disposable incomes being experienced currently in China, Japan and India. At the same time, fast food products are very demanded with both local and international players who are expanding their presence. Also, the development of the market is accelerated by the fact that young consumers in the region are more likely to prefer the fried chicken, which is easy and affordable.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Brands innovate with new products and services to maintain strong customer demand

KFC, McDonald’s, and Zaxby’s are major brands that are constantly refreshing their menus with new flavors, and more healthy options. They are trying to bring faster service, better customer experience and end to end delivery. As more people wanting convenience, these companies are getting smarter by reducing bulky products and incorporating technology, and going into new regions.

List of Top Fried Chicken Companies

  • Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) (U.S.)
  • McDonald's (U.S.)
  • GENESIS BBQ (South Korea)
  • Zaxby’s (U.S.)
  • Bojangles (U.S.)
  • Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers (U.S.)
  • Shake Shack (U.S.)
  • Wingstop (U.S.)
  • Church’s Chicken (U.S.)
  • Jollibee (Philippines)

INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT

March 2023, KFC created a low fat healthier version of its fried chicken in order to reduce calories without sacrificing the flavor. The move was a bid to woo health conscious consumers as an increasing number of people try to eat healthier fast food. But that change is one of many things the company has done to respond to shifting consumer appetite away from greasy burgers and baked potatoes, and toward healthier, faster dishes.

REPORT COVERAGE

This report is based on historical analysis and forecast calculation that aims to help readers get a comprehensive understanding of the global Fried Chicken market from multiple angles, which also provides sufficient support to readers’ strategy and decision-making. The study comprises a comprehensive analysis of SWOT and provides insights for future developments within the market. It examines varied factors that contribute to the growth of the market by discovering dynamic categories and potential areas of innovation whose applications may influence its trajectory in the upcoming years. This analysis encompasses both recent trends and historical turning points, offering a holistic understanding of the market’s competitors and identifying capable areas for growth.

This research report examines the segmentation of the market using both quantitative and qualitative methods to provide a thorough analysis, evaluating the influence of strategic and financial perspectives on the market. Additionally, the report's regional assessments consider the dominant supply and demand forces that impact market growth. The competitive landscape is detailed meticulously, including shares of significant market competitors. The report incorporates unconventional research techniques, methodologies, and key strategies tailored for the anticipated time frame. Overall, it offers valuable and comprehensive insights into the market dynamics professionally and understandably.

Fried Chicken Market Report Scope & Segmentation

Attributes Details

Market Size Value In

US$ 35 Billion in 2023

Market Size Value By

US$ 55 Billion by 2032

Growth Rate

CAGR of 4.9% from 2024 to 2032

Forecast Period

2024-2032

Base Year

2024

Historical Data Available

Yes

Regional Scope

Global

Segments Covered

By Type

  • Chicken Cutlet
  • Chicken Breast
  • Chicken Wings
  • Chicken Legs
  • Whole Chicken
  • Others

By Application

  • Grown-ups
  • Children
  • Elderly Man
  • Others

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