Entries open for the Fried Chicken Championships

Following its triumphant debut in January 2026, the Fried Chicken Championships is returning to London next year, with entries for the crispy cook-off now open.

The Fried Chicken Championships, which was created by the organisers of the National Burger Awards, welcomes recipe submissions from any level of fried chicken operation around the country.

Once operators have submitted their recipe online, 16 dishes will be selected for the final at Big Penny Social in London, which takes place on Tuesday 19 January 2027.

At the cook-off, which is headline sponsored by Meadow Vale Foods, chefs will compete in three rounds. They will put together a Technical Platter, filling a tray of classic fried chicken items and sides, featuring products from the event sponsors. There will also be a Loaded Fries round, sponsored by Lamb Weston. Finally, they will be required to create their signature fried chicken dish, with the winner from this round being named the 2027 Fried Chicken Champion.

In January, that title was won by Stewart Down from 20Ft Fried Chicken, who stormed the inaugural final with his Hot Chicken Burger, made with double-cooked chicken thighs, spice seasoning, vinegar slaw, habanero honey mayo, pickles, signature hot sauce and a soft sesame bun.

The winning dish saw off competition from other impressive finalists, which included Butchies, Wingmans, Chick’N’Sours, Sides, Fortune Fried Chicken, Birds Fried Chicken, Bill’s and The Restaurant Group.

Down’s victory means he joins the judging panel at the 2027 final, alongside a handpicked selection of industry representatives. 

Entries for the Fried Chicken Championships are free and can be submitted at friedchickenchampions.co.uk. Entries close on Friday 20 November 2026.

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