Picture this: it’s a Friday night, and your stomach chimes in louder than your TV. Takeout menus are sprawled across the kitchen table. You try to decide, but deep down, you know you’re not alone—millions are scrolling, clicking, and dialing for the same go-to dish. There’s one meal that wins the most hearts and gets the most orders. But is it the classic burger, a cheesy pizza, or something that’ll surprise you? The answer isn’t just about comfort food—it’s a snapshot of what we crave as a global tribe of eaters. Ready? Grab a fork. You’ll want to know what you—and everyone else—order more than anything else.
What Takes the Crown? Unveiling the Most Ordered Dish Worldwide
If you thought pizza was a shoo-in for the world’s most ordered dish, you’d be almost right—but not quite. Recent data from global food delivery giants like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Deliveroo reveals that the undisputed champion isn’t pizza or even the mighty burger. It’s chicken. The *chicken sandwich* and its fried cousin, fried chicken, have soared past their competition, claiming the top spot in more countries than you’d expect.
Let’s get specific. In 2024, Uber Eats published their annual “Cravings Report” based on millions of global orders. The chicken sandwich dominated in more than 10 countries, outpacing perennial favorites like pizza and noodle bowls. DoorDash’s stats weren’t much different: chicken items took the top 3 spots, with spicy chicken sandwiches holding a steady lead in the United States, United Kingdom, and even parts of Asia.
Why is the most ordered dish usually something as simple as a fried chicken sandwich? Experts point to its fantastic crunch, portability, and full flavors. It’s easy to eat on the go, customizable with tons of toppings, and usually affordable—so it checks all the right boxes. As work-from-home trends kept growing, quick comfort foods became more popular than ever. Families were ordering by the bucketful, while solo eaters found solace in a single spicy sandwich. Even in places where rice or noodles are staples, fried chicken managed to tap into late-night cravings and lunch hours alike.
For a quick glance at the data, take a look at this global snapshot:
| Country | Most Ordered Dish (2024) |
|---|---|
| United States | Chicken Sandwich |
| UK | Fried Chicken |
| Australia | Chicken Burgers |
| Canada | Poutine (close second: Chicken Tenders) |
| Brazil | Fried Chicken |
| Japan | Karaage (Japanese Fried Chicken) |
| India | Butter Chicken |
| South Korea | Yangnyeom Chicken (Sweet & Spicy Fried Chicken) |
See that trend? There’s something about crispy, golden chicken that transcends language and borders. And yes, pizza clings to its reputation in Italy and New York, and burgers rule in roadside diners, but chicken’s universal appeal can’t be ignored.
Why the Chicken Craze? The Science and Psychology Behind the Top Choice
Let’s break down why chicken rules the takeout world, beyond just taste. First off, fried chicken and chicken sandwiches hit several pleasure points in your brain. Crunchy texture? Check. Savory and juicy insides? Yes. Deep, satisfying flavors loaded with umami? Absolutely. Scientists have found that foods with contrasting textures—like crispy coating and tender meat—are naturally more appealing and memorable to taste buds. This isn’t by accident. Fast food chains spend millions perfecting the balance between crisp and juicy.
There’s also a feel-good factor. With chicken, people get the comfort of home-cooked goodness, even if it’s delivered in a grease-proof bag. When Emilia and I order dinner after a long day, her first pick is usually a spicy chicken sandwich. She claims it brings memories of road trips and lazy Sundays all at once. Turns out, those comfort associations are echoed in studies: when people crave emotional comfort from food, chicken regularly tops the list.
On the health side, chicken feels like a safer bet. It’s leaner than red meat. It can be grilled or baked, not just fried. Delivery menus have learned this, offering “healthier” versions with grilled chicken or plant-based imitations. Even so, the fried version still ranks highest in taste surveys. Food psychologists also say that chicken is a blank canvas—it soaks up whatever flavor is thrown at it. You want spicy? Add chili or Buffalo sauce. Craving sweet? Try honey mustard. Want a global twist? Go Korean-style with garlic-soy glaze or Indian butter chicken. That level of versatility makes it a crowd-pleaser in a way pizza or burgers can’t always match.
Fried chicken’s meteoric rise also owes something to clever marketing and convenience. Believe it or not, in 2023 and 2024, TikTok played a major role in promoting fried chicken sandwiches—from Nashville hot chicken to Japanese karaage. Viral taste tests and “mukbang” videos had millions drooling and ready to order their own basket in minutes. Data shows a spike in chicken orders after every viral trend. Delivery apps kept up, making it easier than ever to add-on fries, sauces, or even a salad to go with your sandwich. You don’t just get food—you get an experience and a bit of fun with every click.
Pizza, Burgers, and the Classics: Where Did the Other Favorites Go?
Not long ago, pizza was the food king. Friday night meant a pizza box was coming through the door. DoorDash’s report notes that while pizza’s ranking has slid behind chicken, it’s still holding strong in certain regions. In Italy, pizza is unbeatable, and in New York, a good slice is never far away. Yet, as more people crave meals with bold flavors and different textures, chicken is expanding its lead. In my house, when the family gets together, it’s a battle of chicken wings versus pepperoni slices. Guess which plate empties first?
Burgers, too, still have their loyal fans—especially since the “smashburger” craze made a comeback. Smashburgers with crispy edges and fancy toppings have a cult following in the US and Australia. But when you check the order stats worldwide, burgers finish just behind fried chicken. They're super customizable, sure, but sometimes too messy for delivery, which counts in an era where eating in the car or at your desk is the norm.
Let’s not forget the power of noodles and rice. In Asian countries, noodle bowls and rice dishes come close to the top, especially during major holidays. Dishes like pad thai, ramen, and bibimbap are super popular in their regions, but their street appeal isn’t quite as universal as crispy chicken. Delivery times can be longer, too, and noodles don’t always survive the trip home looking photo-ready.
If you want the numbers, here’s a peek at where these dishes stand, according to Grubhub’s 2024 Fast Food Index:
| Rank | Dish | Global Orders (Millions) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fried Chicken / Chicken Sandwiches | 3,200 |
| 2 | Pizza | 2,850 |
| 3 | Beef Burgers | 2,600 |
| 4 | Noodle Dishes | 1,750 |
| 5 | Rice Bowls | 1,400 |
That chicken lead is no accident—consistency, flavor, and smart delivery have pushed it to the top, leaving a tasty mark in takeout history.
Regional Twists on the Crowd's Favorite
Chicken might be the champion, but how it’s served is a wild, global adventure. Each region has its own spin that makes the dish feel unique and true to local flavors. In South Korea, for example, yangnyeom chicken comes with a sticky sweet-and-spicy glaze that’s addictively good. It's got so many fans that Korean fried chicken joints have multiplied in cities all over the world. In Japan, karaage chicken—bite-sized, marinated, and deep-fried—shows up in lunchboxes and izakayas.
In the United States, the battle rages between Southern-style buttermilk fried chicken and spicy chicken sandwiches made famous by chains like Popeyes and Chick-fil-A. Each one has real fans who won’t budge on what’s best. Across the pond in the UK, fried chicken tends to come with chips and a swipe of curry sauce, thanks to influences from British-Indian communities. Australia's chicken burger trend takes things up a notch—serving fried thigh fillets with slaw and aioli, with vegan versions catching steam as well.
Don’t ignore the local quirks. In the Middle East, shawarma chicken wraps fly out the door as fast as you can blink. Nigeria's suya chicken skewers, loaded with smoky spices, are a street food favorite that’s made big waves in food delivery apps there. Even India’s beloved butter chicken, creamy and tomato-rich, now rivals biryani as the default comfort dish for big family orders.
What’s wild is how these regional favorites are crossing borders. Globalization (and social media) mean you can get KFC in Bangkok or Nashville hot chicken in London. Last year in Toronto, Emilia and I stumbled on a Korean-Chicken-Poutine joint that proved fusion is only getting started—there were spicy chicken tenders and kimchi-packed gravy over fries. People love to experiment once they trust the basics, and fried chicken is a classic stepping stone.
How to Enjoy the Top Dish at Home: Tips and DIY Hacks
Can’t stop thinking about crispy chicken? You don’t need to order out every time. Here are some pro tips for recreating the world’s most ordered dish in your own kitchen—and a few ways to keep it fresh every single bite.
- Choose the right cut. Boneless thigh meat stays juicier after frying compared to breast. If you want nuggets or tenders, chop them small for max crunch.
- Brine it for flavor. Soaking chicken in buttermilk or pickle juice (yep, that’s the Chick-fil-A secret) keeps the inside tender and helps the outer crust stick. Add spices right to the brine—think cayenne, garlic, or even curry powder.
- Double-dip the coating. Dredge once in seasoned flour, then dip in egg, and coat again in flour or panko crumbs. For serious crunch, add cornstarch or crushed cornflakes to your mix.
- Fry at the right temp. Too hot and you’ll burn the outside. Too cool and it soaks up oil. Go for 350°F (175°C) and keep batches small so the oil stays hot and snappy.
- Let it rest. Place fried chicken on a wire rack, not a plate, to keep it crispy. If you need to reheat leftovers, pop them in the oven at 400°F for a few minutes to revive the crunch.
For those days you want the flavor without the oil, try air-frying or baking. Breadcrumbs tossed in olive oil and paprika give a golden finish with less mess. And don’t forget the sauces—mix up honey sriracha, classic ranch, or a Korean chili glaze for dunking.
Grilling? Rub chicken with spices and a touch of brown sugar before searing. You’ll get that sticky-sweet bark, perfect for creamy slaw or potato salad on the side. Leftover fried or grilled chicken makes killer sandwiches, wraps, and even salads. Chop it up, add pickles, and layer it onto your favorite bread for a meal that’s comforting and customizable.
One last tip: never underestimate the power of a family-style spread. Whether Emilia’s family comes over or it’s just us, setting up a make-your-own sandwich night or fried chicken party pulls everyone to the table. It’s hands-on, super fun, and you can taste-test your way through flavors from around the world without ever leaving home.