Fried chicken enthusiasts across the United Kingdom now enjoy an unprecedented array of options, as both homegrown establishments and American imports proliferate on high streets nationwide. This expansion prompts a crucial question: can any rival the longstanding dominance of KFC? To find out, a dedicated team embarked on a meticulous four-month tasting mission, evaluating twelve major chains based on branch presence and social media buzz.
The Verdict: American Imports Triumph
The results delivered a significant shake-up. Wingstop, with its focus on wings, clinched the top spot, while the hyped Dave's Hot Chicken secured second place. The Colonel's famous recipe, though still highly regarded, was pushed into a respectable third position. This ranking challenges the conventional hierarchy of the UK's fast-food landscape.
1. Wingstop: The New High Street Staple
Our score: 8.5
Branches: 86
Although not a direct competitor due to its wing-centric menu, Wingstop is rapidly becoming a familiar sight. Testers praised the exceptional texture of the chicken, available as uncoated wings or tenders, complemented by ten flavour-packed sauces ranging from mild to hot. The skin-on fries, particularly with the house seasoning, received high marks, as did the wing burger with its chunky pickle and brioche bun. Service across multiple branches was consistently faultless, though prices are among the highest tested.
2. Dave's Hot Chicken: More Than a Gimmick
Our score: 8
Branches: 5
Famed for its "reaper" spice waiver, Dave's offers a distinct alternative to the traditional herby coatings. Its paprika, cayenne, onion, and garlic blend delivers a robust flavour, with spice levels adjustable to preference. The consistently juicy breast meat, served on absorbent white bread, impressed testers, as did the mildly spiced crinkle-cut chips. The atmosphere, with comfy seating and made-to-order food, elevates the experience beyond typical fast food, despite longer wait times and premium pricing.
3. KFC: The Established Contender
Our score: 7.5
Branches: 1,040
The Colonel's secret recipe remains a benchmark, blending herbs and spices in a way that competitors struggle to match. High turnover helps maintain consistency, with the hot wings singled out for their perfect combination of crispiness, juiciness, and spicing. Affordable single pieces of chicken, available for under £2, add to its appeal, though the fries were noted as a weak point.
Other Notable Performers
Slim Chickens (Score: 7.25) impressed with its crispy chicken and upmarket ambiance, offering 15 sauces but at a higher price point. Morley's (Score: 6) showed potential with flavour close to KFC, though inconsistency between branches was a drawback. Jollibee (Score: 5.75) delivered tasty, crunchy chicken despite a confusing menu, while Popeyes (Score: 5.5) offered impressive crunch but lacked depth of flavour.
The Lower Rankings
The test also highlighted chains with room for improvement:
- Sam's Chicken & Chicken Cottage (Both Score: 5): Offered decent chips and wings but suffered from seasoning issues or dry chicken.
- Dixy Chicken (Score: 4.75): Praised for wings and burgers but let down by pale, loose-skinned chicken pieces.
- Miss Millie's (Score: 4.5): Provided a solid neighbourhood option but fell short of KFC's flavour depth.
- Favorite (Score: 4): Struggled with greasy coating, dry chicken, and an overly complex menu.
This extensive taste test underscores a dynamic shift in the UK's fried chicken scene, where innovation and quality are challenging established giants, offering consumers more choice and flavour than ever before.
