The Most Popular Type of Fried Chicken, Ranked

Choose the type you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 16, 2024 07:42
In a world brimming with culinary choices, fried chicken holds a special place in the hearts of many. Determining which type rises above the rest can spark lively debates at dinner tables or between friends. Having a clear, community-driven ranking helps settle the score and guides newbies toward what could potentially become their next favorite meal. This live ranking not only reflects current popular opinion but also shifts with new votes, offering an updated snapshot of preferences at any given time. Your vote matters here, as it contributes to the shaping of real-time trends in fried chicken, making each participation a significant ripple in the culinary pond.

What Is the Most Popular Type of Fried Chicken?

  1. 1
    52
    votes
    This type of fried chicken is known for its crispy coating and juicy meat. It is a classic comfort food and a staple in Southern cuisine.
    Southern-style fried chicken is a popular type of fried chicken in the southern regions of the United States. It is known for its crisp and flavorful skin, tender and juicy meat, and traditional seasoning.
    • Cooking Method: Deep-frying in a cast-iron skillet or deep fryer
    • Marinating: Often marinated in buttermilk or seasoned brine for several hours before frying
    • Seasoning: Commonly seasoned with a blend of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika
    • Batter or Breading: Involves coating the chicken in flour or a mixture of flour and cornmeal
    • Spiciness: Can vary from mild to spicy depending on the recipe and personal preference
  2. 2
    42
    votes
    This style of fried chicken is known for its crispy, double-fried coating and sweet and spicy sauce. It has become increasingly popular in recent years.
    Korean fried chicken is a popular and delicious style of fried chicken that originated in South Korea. It is known for its unique crispy and crunchy texture, as well as its flavorful seasoning and sauces. The chicken is typically double-fried, resulting in an extra crispy exterior while still being tender and juicy on the inside. Korean fried chicken is often accompanied by a variety of dipping sauces, such as soy garlic or spicy gochujang sauce, which add depth and tanginess to the dish.
    • Double-frying method: The chicken is fried twice to achieve an extra crispy texture.
    • Crispy and crunchy exterior: The chicken is known for its signature crunch.
    • Tender and juicy interior: The chicken remains moist and flavorful on the inside.
    • Variety of seasonings and sauces: Korean fried chicken can be enjoyed with different flavors, such as soy garlic, sweet and spicy, or honey butter.
    • Accompanied by pickled radishes: Korean fried chicken is often served with pickled radishes, which provide a refreshing and tangy contrast.
  3. 3
    20
    votes

    Nashville hot chicken

    Thornton Prince
    This spicy fried chicken originated in Nashville, Tennessee and is known for its fiery heat and unique seasoning.
    Nashville Hot Chicken is a fiery and flavorful fried chicken dish that originated in Nashville, Tennessee. It is known for its crispy, spicy exterior and tender, juicy interior.
    • Heat Level: Hot
    • Spice Blend: Paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and other spices
    • Breading: Flour and seasoning blend
    • Marination: Dipped in buttermilk and seasoned with spices
    • Frying Technique: Deep-fried in oil
  4. 4
    17
    votes
    Japanese karaage
    Ocdp · CC0
    This type of fried chicken is marinated in soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, giving it a savory flavor. The coating is light and crispy, and it is often served with a side of mayo for dipping.
    Japanese karaage is a popular type of fried chicken in Japan. It is made by marinating bite-sized pieces of chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and other seasonings, then coating them in a light, crispy batter before deep-frying until golden brown. The result is a tender and juicy chicken with a savory and flavorful crispy coating.
    • Type of chicken: Typically made with boneless chicken thighs, but can also be made with other cuts of chicken.
    • Marinade: Marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and often other seasonings like sake or mirin for a few hours to enhance the flavor.
    • Coating: Coated in a thin layer of potato starch or wheat flour batter, which creates a light and crispy texture when fried.
    • Deep-frying: Deep-fried in oil at a relatively high temperature (around 170-180°C or 340-360°F) until golden brown and cooked through.
    • Texture: The combination of a crispy outer coating and a tender and juicy interior is a hallmark of karaage.
  5. 5
    12
    votes

    Buffalo wings

    Teressa Bellissimo
    These spicy chicken wings are coated in a tangy hot sauce and served with blue cheese dressing and celery sticks. They are a popular bar food and game day snack.
    Buffalo wings are a popular appetizer in America. They consist of chicken wings that are deep-fried until crispy and then coated in a tangy and spicy sauce. The wings are typically served with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing on the side.
    • Origin: Buffalo, New York
    • Main Ingredient: Chicken wings
    • Cooking Method: Deep-fried
    • Sauce: Tangy and spicy
    • Serving Style: With celery sticks and blue cheese dressing
    Buffalo wings in other rankings
  6. 6
    10
    votes
    These breaded and fried strips of chicken are popular with children and adults alike. They are often served with a side of dipping sauce, such as honey mustard or ranch.
    Chicken fingers are a popular type of fried chicken dish consisting of strips of boneless chicken breast meat that are breaded and deep-fried until golden and crispy. They are typically served as an appetizer or part of a meal, often accompanied by various dipping sauces.
    • Meat Type: Boneless chicken breast
    • Breading: Coating of bread crumbs or flour mixture
    • Cooking Method: Deep-fried
    • Texture: Crispy and tender
    • Serving Style: Usually served as an appetizer or part of a meal
  7. 7
    13
    votes
    These bite-sized pieces of fried chicken are often served as a snack or appetizer. They are small and easy to eat and are often seasoned with spices or herbs.
    Popcorn chicken is a bite-sized, deep-fried chicken dish that originated in Taiwan. It is made by cutting boneless chicken pieces into small, popcorn-like shapes, coated in a seasoned batter or breading mix, and then deep-fried until crispy and golden. The result is tender, juicy chicken bites that are perfect for snacking or as an appetizer. Popcorn chicken is incredibly popular due to its convenient bite-sized nature and flavorful coating.
    • Size: Small bite-sized pieces
    • Cooking method: Deep-fried
    • Coating: Seasoned batter or breading mix
    • Texture: Crispy on the outside, tender and juicy inside
    • Serving style: Snack or appetizer
  8. 8
    7
    votes

    Indian-style fried chicken

    Colonel Harland Sanders
    This type of fried chicken is often marinated in yogurt and spices, giving it a unique flavor. It is usually served with rice or naan bread.
    Indian-style fried chicken is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines traditional Indian spices with the cooking technique of deep frying. It is known for its crispy exterior and tender interior, with a perfect balance of savory and aromatic flavors.
    • Spices: Indian-style fried chicken typically incorporates a blend of spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, and chili powder.
    • Marination: The chicken pieces are usually marinated in a mixture of yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, and various spices to enhance the flavor and tenderize the meat.
    • Coating: The chicken is coated with a seasoned batter or coating mixture, often made with a combination of flour, cornstarch, and additional spices for added texture and taste.
    • Deep Frying: The chicken is deep-fried in oil until golden brown and crispy, achieving a delightful crunch.
    • Accompaniments: Indian-style fried chicken is often served with various dipping sauces like mint chutney or tamarind chutney, alongside rice or flatbreads like naan or roti.
  9. 9
    12
    votes
    This type of fried chicken is marinated in buttermilk, which helps to tenderize the meat and create a crispy coating. It is often seasoned with herbs and spices.
    Buttermilk fried chicken is a popular type of fried chicken known for its tender and juicy meat with a crispy and flavorful coating. The chicken is marinated in buttermilk, which helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with tangy flavor. It is then coated in a seasoned flour mixture and deep-fried until golden brown. The result is a deliciously moist and crispy fried chicken that is loved by many.
    • Marinating Ingredient: Buttermilk
    • Coating: Seasoned flour
    • Cooking Method: Deep-fried
    • Texture: Tender and juicy meat with a crispy coating
    • Flavor Profile: Tangy, savory, and seasoned
  10. 10
    9
    votes
    This type of fried chicken is often seasoned with chili powder, cumin, and other Mexican spices. It is usually served with a side of salsa or guacamole.
    Tex-Mex fried chicken is a delicious and unique take on traditional fried chicken, combining the flavors of Texan and Mexican cuisines. It is a popular dish known for its bold flavors and crispy texture.
    • Seasoning: Tex-Mex fried chicken is typically seasoned with a blend of spices, including chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika.
    • Marinade: The chicken is often marinated in a mixture of buttermilk, hot sauce, and lime juice to enhance its tenderness and infuse it with flavor.
    • Breading: The chicken is coated in a mixture of flour, cornmeal, and additional Tex-Mex spices to create a crispy and flavorful crust.
    • Deep frying: The chicken is deep-fried until golden brown and crispy, resulting in a juicy and tender interior.
    • Heat level: Tex-Mex fried chicken can vary in heat level, depending on personal preference, with options ranging from mild to spicy.

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Ranking factors for popular type

  1. Texture
    The texture of the chicken, including the crispiness of the breading and the tenderness of the meat, is also an important factor.
  2. Origin/Tradition
    Origin and tradition play a major role in popularizing specific types of fried chicken.
  3. Preparation method
    The preparation method of the chicken, including whether it is marinated, battered, or fried in a particular way, can also influence its popularity.
  4. Availability
    The availability of certain types of fried chicken can also make them more or less popular in certain places.
  5. Accompaniments or side dishes
    Certain types of fried chicken are often served with specific side dishes or accompaniments, which can further add to their popularity.
  6. Price
    The price of the fried chicken can also play a role in its popularity.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular type of fried chicken. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or type is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1913 views
  • 193 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each type once every 24 hours. The rank of each type is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most popular type of fried chicken

Fried chicken is a beloved dish enjoyed by people all over the world. It's crispy, juicy, and full of flavor, making it a comfort food that never goes out of style. While there are many different types of fried chicken, from Southern-style to Korean-style, each with their own unique seasoning and preparation methods, one type stands out as the most popular. This type of fried chicken is crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices that make it irresistible. So, what is the most popular type of fried chicken? Keep reading to find out!

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