Fried and tested: Chicken Train Breaders from Kerry Foodservice help operators cash in on the growing demand for fried chicken

Fried and tested
Chicken Train Breaders from Kerry Foodservice help operators cash in on the growing demand for fried chicken

Chicken remains one of the strongest performers on menus, and operators looking to drive profit without adding additional strain are increasingly turning to fried chicken. A Public Attitudes Survey 2025 conducted by Eating Better shows that while 22% of consumers are eating less meat than a year ago, fresh chicken consumption is moving in the opposite direction. More than a quarter (26%) of those surveyed said they are eating more chicken than they were 12 months ago.

Menu favourite 

Affordable, versatile and familiar to customers of all ages, chicken continues to earn its place as a menu favourite. With National Poultry Day falling on Thursday 19th March, now is the ideal time for operators to review their chicken offering and look for ways to stand out. For fish and chip shops in particular, fried chicken presents a straightforward opportunity to broaden appeal and increase spend, without the need for specialist equipment or major changes to existing processes.

The basis of great fried chicken is the breader, and Chicken Train Breaders have been developed specifically to deliver consistency, flavour and performance in busy chip shop environments. With decades of experience producing breaders, Chicken Train is a trusted choice for operators who need reliable results every service. 

The Chicken Train range includes three options: the original and ever-popular Southern Fried Chicken, Southern Fried Hot for customers who like a slight kick, and Southern Fried Light and Crispy, which is lighter in colour and texture and offers a crispier bite. All three are supplied in 12.5kg recyclable packs, making them practical for high volume restaurants and takeaways.

Full control
Breading chicken in-house gives operators full control over flavour, crunch and texture, while ensuring a consistent finish every time. A dependable breader that adheres well to the chicken also helps protect oil quality by reducing fallout in the fryer, supporting both food quality and operational efficiency. 

Chicken Train Breaders are flexible enough to support a wide range of menu ideas. Fried chicken can be served simply with classic sides and sauces or used to build higher value options such as loaded fries and sandwiches, wraps or tacos with premium toppings.

Jennifer O'Sullivan, Insights Specialist at Kerry Foodservice, comments: “A convenient meal option for customers dining in, taking away or having it delivered, fried chicken is in high demand and is seeing steady growth in the fast food and casual dining sectors. With Chicken Train Breaders, fish and chips shops have a reliable, consistent product that gives that crunch and flavour customers crave.”

For more information, visit eu.kerryfoodservice.com/pages/chicken-train. To request a sample or get expert advice, operators can also contact the Frying Squad on 0800 138 1938.