Fried chicken and other US dishes win hands down over old-time British favourites like fish and chips or roast beef, says a poll to mark America’s Independence Day (4 July).

More than six out of 10 UK adults (61%) said they preferred US delicacies to traditional British dishes.

“Fried chicken has come a long way from when it first arrived in this country, after the end of World War II,” said Slim Chickens, the fast-casual chicken specialists which commissioned the research.

Almost eight of 10 (78%) say they love the lip-smacking taste. One in five Brits tuck into Southern fried chicken every week and one in 10 every month, according to a survey of 1,500 UK adults.

One in seven said it would be first choice for a Valentine’s Day treat, one in 10 would consider it for their wedding or funeral, and one in five chose fried chicken as their hypothetical ‘death row meal’.

“It is clear that fried chicken has a long-held affection in the UK,” said Richard Pigott, Slim Chickens UK Operations Director.

“But even we were surprised at how much it’s overtaken great British dishes like fish and chips.

“There’s a time, not so long ago when that would have been unthinkable, but people’s tastes change.

“The popularity of authentic fried chicken continues to span generations and we are proud to be part of this continued resurgence.

“Undoubtedly social media has also supercharged demand for US fast food, playing a crucial role in shaping food trends and influencing people’s culinary preferences.”

Today only one in 10 of us enjoy a traditionally British meal every week  – such as fish and chips, bangers and mash or steak and kidney pie.

Eight in 10 of us are eating more international cuisine than ever before.

Almost six out of 10 (59%) said they’d opt for crispy fried chicken over a roast chicken dinner, and almost two thirds (65%) of under-34s said they’d rather eat American fast food than a traditional Sunday roast.

Even more (69%) would opt for an American style ‘shake’ over an ice cream cone or a traditional 99.

A quarter (26%) said that they were more likely to order fried chicken when eating out  than cook it at home.

An adventurous 28% say they actively seek out new restaurants, flavours and limited-edition burgers or meals – for a new twist on their fried chicken hit.

Chicken tenders are favourite (62%), followed by chicken burger (34%) and wings (28%).

To celebrate the UK’s love of all things USA, this Fourth of July Slim Chickens is re-branding Independence Day to Slimdependence Day with new menu items, a New York holiday giveaway and special offers.

To find out more visit www.slimchickens.co.uk or follow @SlimChickensUK for more reveals.