# Batter-Free Chicken Dinners The New Smokehouse Half Chicken is Free from Batter and Breading By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2016-06-27 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smokehouse-half-chicken References: [brandeating](http://www.brandeating.com/2016/06/churchs-reveals-new-smokehouse-half-chicken.html) & [smokinnakedchicks](http://www.smokinnakedchicks.com/) Although Church's Chicken is famous for its fried chicken, the company is introducing a lighter option in the form of its 'Smokehouse Half Chicken.' With a growing number of consumers looking for lighter options at quick service and fast casual restaurants, this dish serves a healthy alternative to fried chicken. Unlike the chain's other chicken dishes, the new Smokehouse Half Chicken is completely free from marinade and breading. Instead, the half-chicken portion is [seasoned with a flavorful spice rub](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/easy-street-chicken) and just a hint of hickory smoke. The 'naked' chicken option is only available for a limited time and can be ordered with a Honey-Butter Biscuit on the side. The new [breading-free chicken](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lightly-breaded-chicken-breast-chunks) is likely to appeal to consumers looking for a quick meal that is also on the healthy side. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.0/10 - Popularity: 25% | Activity: 26% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Breading-free Options:** Food companies are providing innovative options to satisfy the demand for healthier chicken products. - **Healthier Quick Service Options:** Quick service restaurants are responding to the trend of health-conscious consumers by expanding their menus - **Spice Rubs:** More food businesses will diversify their seasoning options as an alternative to breading to offer consumers a new, flavorful experience. ### Where This Applies - **Quick Service Restaurants:** Quick service restaurants are expanding their menus to include healthier alternatives to keep up with the trend of health-conscious consumers. - **Food Manufacturers:** Food manufacturers have the opportunity to produce a variety of breading-free chicken products with different seasoning options catering to consumer craving diversity. - **Food Service:** The food service industry could benefit from embracing this trend by providing healthier options to their customers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Bacon-Topped Chicken Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/texascut-bacon-churchs-chicken-sandwich.md) - [Delectably Healthy Chicken Bites](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/healthy-chicken-bites.md) - [Sauce-Free Chicken Bites](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chesters-unsauced-chicken-bites.md) - [Breading-Free Chicken Sandwich](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blackened-deluxe-chicken-sandwich.md) - [Juicy Grilled Chicken Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brandnew-grilled-chicken-sandwich.md) - [Frozen Air-Fried Chicken Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-fried-chicken-bites.md) - [Marinated Chicken Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/marinated-chicken-sandwiches.md) - [Mesquite-Smoked Chicken Dishes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smoked-bbq-chicken.md) - [Air-Fried Chicken Tenders](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/true-crispd-chicken.md)