Fried chicken is a popular dish around the world, with many countries and cultures having their own variations. In Mexico, fried chicken has become an increasingly popular item on menus and in homes over the last few decades. While Mexico has its own unique food culture and culinary traditions, the influence of American fast food and fried chicken chains has led to this dish becoming more widespread across the country.
The history of fried chicken in Mexico
Fried chicken has long been a staple of southern American cooking, brought over by African slaves and evolving into popular soul food dishes like fried chicken and waffles. In the mid-20th century, as American fast food chains spread internationally, the popularity of fried chicken expanded beyond the United States.
Chains like KFC and Popeyes opened their first locations in Mexico in the 1970s and 1980s. Mexicans initially viewed these as novelty items or “gringo” food. However, over time, young people and families increasingly incorporated American fast food into their diets. The concept of fried chicken as crunchy, quick, casual food caught on.
By the 1990s and 2000s, fried chicken was cemented as a classic antojo (craving or snack) for many Mexicans. KFC remains the most popular fried chicken chain, with over 500 locations around Mexico. Popeyes, Church’s Chicken, and Texas Chicken have also expanded significantly in the country. Independent, non-chain fried chicken restaurants and street food stalls have risen in popularity as well.
Fried chicken dishes and styles
While American-style fried chicken is most common, chefs and home cooks in Mexico have also put their own spin on the dish. Some examples of popular fried chicken styles and dishes in Mexico include:
- Pollo frito – simple fried chicken, typically marinated and then seasoned with salt, pepper, and other spices after frying
- Pollo empanizado – chicken fried in a breadcrumb or panko coating
- Milanesa de pollo – chicken fried in a thin, flattened cutlet style
- Pechuga empanizada – fried chicken breast cutlets
- Pollo enchips or chips de pollo – fried chicken chopped into small pieces and served as an appetizer
- Fried chicken tacos and quesadillas – very popular street food and restaurant items
- Fried chicken tortas – served on crusty rolls with avocado, refried beans, onions, jalapeños, etc.
These dishes come from all regions of Mexico. More authentic Mexican spices like oregano, cumin, chili powder, garlic, and lime juice are often used in marinades or sauces served with the chicken.
Fried chicken at Mexican celebrations and gatherings
In addition to being a popular everyday food, fried chicken has also become a staple at celebrations, parties, and family gatherings in Mexico.
The concept of polladas, or chicken fundraising parties, came from the United States in the mid-1900s. Groups like schools, churches, and sports teams realized they could buy large volumes of fried chicken from American chains and resell it as a fundraiser. Polladas remain very common ways for organizations to raise money today.
For birthday parties, weddings, quinceañeras, graduation parties, and other events, fried chicken and sides like fries or potato salad are often served buffet-style as quick, casual fare for guests. Buckets of fried chicken from KFC or platters from a local fried chicken restaurant are inexpensive, crowd-pleasing options.
On Christmas and New Year’s Eve, many Mexican families serve fried chicken as part of the holiday meal or as snacks for parties. The Christmas Eve tradition of Nochebuena dinner typically consists of bacalao (salt cod), romeritos (shrimp), and turkey or chicken dishes. Fried chicken provides a quick protein when cooking elaborate holiday feasts.
Regional popularity of fried chicken
While fried chicken is available nationwide, some parts of Mexico have especially embraced the dish in their local food culture.
In northern Mexico, particularly the states along the U.S. border, the influence of Tex-Mex cuisine and proximity to American chains like Popeyes, Church’s, and Chick-fil-A has made fried chicken very popular. Cities like Tijuana and Monterrey are home to hundreds of fried chicken restaurants catering to local tastes.
In Mexico City and the central Mexican highlands, the crispy fried chicken milanesa is beloved. Street food stalls offer late-night snacks of tortas loaded with milanesa, while cafes offer pollo empanizado with sides and drinks.
Coastal cities like Acapulco, Veracruz, and Cancun have mixed American fast food with their fresh seafood and tropical fruit cuisine. Tourists often seek out the familiar flavor of KFC or grab fried chicken from a beachside stand.
The data below shows the top 5 Mexican states for KFC locations, indicating the regional popularity of the fried chicken chain:
| State | Number of KFC Locations |
|---|---|
| Mexico City | 91 |
| Nuevo Leon | 55 |
| Jalisco | 52 |
| Veracruz | 46 |
| Puebla | 45 |
Fried chicken trends and popularity going forward
As Mexican consumers become wealthier and more heavily influenced by U.S. food culture, fried chicken will likely continue growing in popularity.
New quick-service brands like Jollibee, a popular Filipino fried chicken chain, have recently entered the Mexican market. There is room for more competition and specialization at a quick, inexpensive price point. High-end restaurants may also innovate with gourmet Mexican-inspired fried chicken.
Health-conscious diners are a trend to watch. While many still view fried chicken as an indulgent treat, some restaurants have started offering lower-calorie, less greasy options. Versions made with baked or air-fried chicken could draw interest from millennials and urban professionals.
Another rising trend is incorporating more authentic, regional Mexican flavors into fried chicken. Using chile peppers, Mexican herbs and spices, salsas, and other traditional ingredients can make standard fried chicken feel more homemade. This gives regional chefs and home cooks more ability to put their own stamp on the dish.
Food media and influencers will continue driving enthusiasm and buzz around new fried chicken spots that offer great flavors, concepts or experiences. As Mexico’s middle class expands and becomes more digitally connected, trends can emerge and spread faster nationwide.
Conclusion
While fried chicken traces its roots to the American South, the dish has undoubtedly become a mainstream addition to Mexico’s culinary landscape over the past 50 years. The rapid growth of fried chicken chains, the inclusion of chicken in traditional events and celebrations, and the development of regional Mexican flavors and twists all demonstrate its popularity.
Looking ahead, fried chicken has established itself as an affordable, customizable, and well-liked food across Mexico. Changing tastes, health trends and influencer culture will shape how it evolves. But with deep roots now planted, Mexicans are likely to continue enjoying pollo frito as a guilty pleasure, comfort meal and party snack for decades to come.