What the Cluck!

Burgers remain one of the most resilient categories in the fast food sector, and currently it’s fried chicken burgers that are leading the charge. At Middleton Foods, we continue to see strong demand from operators looking to capitalise on this trend, driven by consumers’ appetite for bold flavours, indulgent textures and menu innovation

Chicken burgers now dominate fried chicken menus, offering versatility across quick service, fast casual and delivery-led concepts. According to our ‘What the Cluck’ report, 56% of UK consumers now say chicken burgers are the most popular fried chicken item they purchase from high street and independent outlets. Their appeal lies in the perfect balance of familiarity and excitement - a juicy chicken fillet paired with a crisp, well-seasoned coating, all delivered in a format that customers know and love. In a competitive marketplace, however, consistency and quality are what set successful burgers apart.

That’s where Rooster’s, plays a vital role. The Rooster’s chicken cooking system has been developed specifically for high-volume fast food environments, helping operators achieve reliable results every time. Designed for ease of use and operational efficiency, the system delivers evenly cooked, succulent chicken with a distinctive golden crunch, ideal for standout chicken burgers. Start strong with our Rooster’s Chick Dip or special Rooster’s Flours. This step locks in moisture, infuses bold flavours, and gets your chicken ready for that golden transformation. Whether you’re going for spicy, savoury, or classic, this pre-fry step is where flavour magic begins. Then, coat your chicken in one of Rooster’s iconic blends - whether it’s Spicy, Tasty, Regular or Original, each coating has been crafted to deliver the perfect crunch and mouthwatering flavour. Add it to your open or pressure fryer, and watch as your chicken transforms into golden, crispy perfection. Once your chicken is fried, it’s time to add the final layer of flavour with our Rooster’s Hot Dipping Sauce. With 82% of consumers opting for spicy hot profiles, and nearly 90% buying a sauce with their fried chicken purchases, it’s a no brainer that our spicy sauce is the perfect addition to your fast food menu!

As burger menus continue to evolve, fried chicken burgers show no sign of slowing down. With the right cooking system and breading in place, operators can meet consumer expectations, improve kitchen efficiency and maximise margins, keeping chicken burgers firmly at the heart of fast food success.

For further information about Rooster’s, please visit www.roostersbreading.com. Alternatively, please call Middleton Foods on +44 (0)1902 608122.