At any convenience store in Japan, a glass case of hot food sits next to the register. Steamed buns, frankfurters, and lately even pizza. The most popular of all of them is fried chicken, known here as konbini chicken. Each of the three major chains has its own signature piece, and all three sell well. They have become popular with visitors to Japan too.
So this time we tasted the chicken from all three chains. We also tried six combinations, pairing it with other items bought at the same store.
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How to Order One
Tell the staff what you want and they will take it out of the case for you. Saying the product name works, and if you are unsure of the words, pointing at the case is enough.
The Three Chains, Compared
The three chains each have a signature piece: Nana Chiki (ななチキ) at 7-Eleven, Famichiki (ファミチキ) at FamilyMart, and L-Chiki (Lチキ) at Lawson. The concept is the same, but each chain's character comes through in the coating, the seasoning and the texture.
| Coating | Meat | Seasoning | Overall | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nana Chiki | Thin & Crispy | Juicy | Spicy | Refined |
| Famichiki | Crunchy | Juicy | Salty | Junk Food-Style |
| L-Chiki | Thick & Crunchy | Juicy | Salty | KFC-like |
Nana Chiki (7-Eleven)
Price: ¥250 (tax included)
It comes in packaging designed to keep your hands clean, even when you are eating on the go.
From our team
- The thinnest coating of the three, with a satisfying crisp.
- Juicy meat, seasoned with pepper for a subtly spicy kick.
- Satisfying, but the overall impression is of a relatively light, refined chicken.
Famichiki (FamilyMart)
Price: ¥248 (tax included)
Like Nana Chiki, it comes packaged so your hands stay clean.
From our team
- The coating is crunchy and well salted, with relatively mild spice.
- The chicken is packed with juices.
- The kind of satisfying, junk food style indulgence you would expect.
L-Chiki (Lawson)
Price: ¥248 (tax included)
Like the others, it comes in packaging that keeps your hands clean.
From our team
- The most substantial coating of the three, well salted with a hint of sweetness.
- The meat is thick and substantial.
- A flavor reminiscent of boneless Kentucky Fried Chicken.
All three are delicious in their own way. Each chain also offers other flavors, so try a few and find your favorite.
Combinations
Here are six combinations worth trying with the chicken. Some are official pairings sold by the chains themselves, and others are unofficial ideas we found on social media. Every item involved can be bought at the same store, so nothing here requires a second stop. Take them as a starting point.
Nana Chiki with Pancakes
Pancakes: ¥149 (tax included)
This one is for anyone who loves a sweet and savory balance. Since Nana Chiki is already spicy, the sweetness of the pancake does not make it feel heavy. The soft, chewy texture pairs surprisingly well with the crispy chicken.
Team response: It came down to personal taste, and opinions were split.
Nana Chiki with French Toast
French Toast: ¥149 (tax included)
The sweetness of the French toast and the savory chicken unfold together with each bite. The thickness of the French toast gives the combination a bold, satisfying impact.
Team response: Split again, but worth trying if you enjoy sweet and savory flavors.
Famichiki with the Official Buns
Official Buns: ¥90 (tax included)
FamilyMart sells buns made specifically for Famichiki, complete with tartar sauce. Simply place the chicken in the bun and it turns into something close to a fast food burger. The chicken, bun and tartar sauce are perfectly balanced.
Team response: Being the official combination, it delivers. Every member gave it high marks.
Famichiki with Pizza-man
Pizza-man: ¥160 (tax included)
The savory chicken, the tangy tomato sauce and the rich melted cheese come together into one bold, indulgent bite. It almost feels like a pizza topped with fried chicken.
Team response: Positive overall.
L-Chiki with the Official Buns
Official Buns: ¥84 (tax included)
Just like FamilyMart, Lawson sells buns made specifically for L-Chiki. The bun alone comes with no sauce or toppings. Simple, but surprisingly good: the slight sweetness of the bun balances the saltiness of the chicken, making for an easy, satisfying bite.
Team response: Every member responded positively.
L-Chiki with Tamago Sando
Tamago Sando: ¥343 (tax included)
The smooth, subtly sweet egg softens the saltiness of the chicken and rounds out the overall flavor. It may look like a high calorie combination, but the satisfaction it delivers more than makes up for it.
Team response: Mixed. Some enjoyed the combination, while others preferred each item on its own.
Before You Go
Each of the three has its own character, and all three are worth eating. As for the pairings, the official combinations delivered on quality, while the unofficial ones came down to personal taste.
One more thing we did not cover this time: convenience stores also sell karaage, the bite-sized Japanese style of fried chicken. Lawson's Karaage-kun is especially popular. In March 2026 it was certified by Guinness World Records as the best-selling freshly made Japanese-style fried chicken brand, on the strength of some 287 million servings sold during 2024.
All of the hot snacks are good, and they are easy to eat anywhere along the way. Try a few of them while you are here. And if you have a favorite combination of your own, we would love to hear about it.