Fried Chicken Championships to debut next year
A brand-new cooking competition has been launched for fried chicken operators across the UK hospitality industry
The Fried Chicken Championships, which comes from the organisers of the National Burger Awards, is now open for entries, welcoming recipe submissions from any level of fried chicken operation around the country.
With the boom in fried chicken restaurants showing no sign of slowing down, the new cook-off will bring together some of the finest dishes in market, welcoming 16 chefs to a live final in London on Tuesday 20 January 2026.
“Fried chicken outlets are opening at a far greater pace than any other style of cuisine across the country,” says Genna Ash-Brown, editor of Dine Out magazine, which runs the event.
“From homegrown brands like Wingers and Butchies, to those that have arrived from the US, such as Dave’s Hot Chicken and Popeyes, the fried chicken market is electric at the moment. We can’t wait to bring this part of the sector together for one big fried feast.”
How the competition works
Once operators have submitted their recipe online, 16 dishes will be selected for the final at Big Penny Social in London.
At the cook-off, chefs will compete in three rounds. They will put together a Technical Platter, filling a tray of classic fried chicken items and sides, featuring products from the event sponsors. There will also be a Loaded Fries round, sponsored by Lamb Weston. Finally, they will be required to create their signature fried chicken dish, with the winner from this round being named the 2026 Fried Chicken Champion.
On the day, each round will be judged by a handpicked selection of industry representatives.
Entries are free and close on Friday 21 November 2025.
Submit your recipe now: friedchickenchampionships.co.uk
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