A chicken burger, also referred to as a chicken sandwich in the United States, is a chicken patty or filet, typically fried or grilled, served on a hamburger bun with similar condiments and toppings as on hamburgers. [1] In the United States, the term chicken burger is strictly used with a ground chicken patty. [2]
 | This section relies largely or entirely on a single source .(February 2025) |
Chick-fil-A claims that it invented the fried chicken sandwich in the 1940s. This claim is unsubstantiated, although the Chick-fil-A southern-style chicken sandwich (served with pickles on a steamed roll), introduced in 1964 [3] on March 21, may have been the first chicken sandwich introduced by an American fast food restaurant chain. Other notable vendors of chicken sandwiches include KFC and Popeyes. Today, most major fast food, fast casual and casual dining chains feature some variation of chicken sandwich, even at fast food restaurants where chicken is not a specialty.
In recent years, chicken sandwiches have become increasingly popular as a healthier alternative to burgers made with red meat. [4]
The ongoing competition for market share in the United States in fried chicken sandwich 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 sandwiches on menus nationwide. As of 2024, 47% of restaurant menus feature fried chicken sandwich, compared to 41% for hamburgers. This represents a 10% increase for chicken sandwiches from 2020 to 2021. While beef burgers may still hold the overall popularity edge, the increasing presence of fried chicken sandwiches on menus suggests a growing consumer demand. [5]