Although trends come and go, chicken remains consumers’ most popular protein choice. According to Technomic’s 2019 Center of the Plate: Poultry Consumer Trend Report, 76% of consumers typically eat chicken as an entree or meal ingredient from a foodservice location at least once a month. Seventy-two percent of consumers say the same about beef and 57% say they eat pork at least once a month.
Chicken is popular for a reason. After all, it is affordable and versatile. It provides the perfect base on which to impart a range of flavors through seasonings, marinades and sauces. For instance, Tyson® Nashville Hot Chicken relies on a chef-developed sauce of cayenne pepper, chili powder and smokiness to deliver a classic Tennessee flavor.
And though Nashville Hot Chicken makes delicious spicy chicken sandwiches, operators should consider all the many ways that the fiery protein can add innovation and convenience to their menus. Doing so might attract business from consumers ages 18- to 34-years old, half of whom say they are interested in trying chicken entrees that are new and unique, according to Technomic’s 2019 Poultry report. But it’s not just younger consumers who are inclined to eat chicken. Across demographics, 33% of consumers overall say they expect to eat more chicken over the next year as well.