In its new 2021 Chicken Global Menu Category Report, Technomic outlines the chicken menu category’s global foodservice sales, COVID-19’s impact on the category, consumer consumption insights and preferences, menu trends and more.

The market research company finds that chicken is poised for big growth, continuing its momentum from previous years with consumers.

“Chicken chains have been resilient amid the pandemic and the menu category remains primed for future growth,” says Aaron Jourden, senior research manager of global at Technomic. “With accelerating competition among chicken chains and crossover competitors looking to grow in this category, it is crucial for operators and suppliers alike to know what the top and fastest-growing chains are, what consumer preferences are across global markets, which menu trends are emerging and what strategies chains are adopting in response to the pandemic.”

Among the report’s findings are that 84% of consumers globally order chicken from a restaurant or dining establishment at least once a month, spicy chicken varieties are common among limited-time offers (with Nashville hot, Korean and mala among the most influential flavors) and 39% of consumers prefer their chicken grilled over fried or roasted.