A chicken burger is a burger served on a hamburger bun with similar condiments and toppings as found on hamburgers.[1] While most chicken burgers use breaded and fried chicken, a chicken burger may also be made of a grilled or fried patty of ground chicken.[2]
Chick-fil-A claims that it invented the fried chicken burger in the 1940s. This claim is unsubstantiated, although the Chick-fil-A southern-style chicken burger (served with pickles on a steamed roll), introduced on March 21, 1964, was may have been the first chicken burger introduced by an American fast food restaurant chain. Other notable vendors of chicken burgers include KFC and Popeyes. Today, most major fast food, fast casual and casual dining chains feature some variation of chicken burger, even at fast food restaurants where chicken is not a specialty.
The ongoing competition for market share in the United States in fried chicken burger has demonstrably impacted the fast casual and quick-service restaurant industry. This competition has coincided with a significant rise in the prevalence of fried chicken burger on menus nationwide. As of 2024, 47% of restaurant menus feature fried chicken sandwiches, compared to 41% for burgers. This represents a 10% increase for chicken burgers from 2020 to 2021. While beef burgers may still hold the overall popularity edge, the increasing presence of fried chicken burgers on menus suggests a growing consumer demand.[3]