A perfectly golden-brown rotisserie chicken, glistening with herbs, surrounded by vibrant sides like roasted vegetables and fresh herbs, captured in natural light, centered composition

National Rotisserie Chicken Day celebrates the beloved slow-cooked, juicy, and flavorful chicken that has become a staple in homes and stores across America. This culinary celebration honors the cooking method that seals in flavors while producing tender, delicious meat[1].

Quick Facts

  • When is it?: June 2nd annually
  • Tagged as: Food & Drink
  • What’s the hashtag?: #NationalRotisserieChickenDay
  • When was it founded?: April 2015
  • Who founded it?: Boston Market Corporation

History of National Rotisserie Chicken Day

Boston Market established this day to celebrate their signature dish and remind people of their specialty in rotisserie chicken. The cooking method itself dates back to the Middle Ages, where meat was manually turned over fires. Initially, hogs were the popular choice, but chickens and other fowl eventually became common choices for this cooking method[2].

Timeline

  • 1300s: First documented rotisserie cooking methods
  • 1930s: Stores begin selling rotisserie chicken
  • 1985: Boston Market (then Boston Chicken) opens
  • 2015: National Rotisserie Chicken Day established

Dates by Next Year

YearDateDay
2025June 2Monday
2026June 2Tuesday
2027June 2Wednesday
2028June 2Friday
2029June 2Saturday

Observed

The day is celebrated nationwide with special promotions from restaurants and grocery stores. Many people celebrate by purchasing rotisserie chickens or preparing their own at home[3].

Fun Facts About Rotisserie Chicken

  • Costco sells over 100 million rotisserie chickens annually
  • The cooking process takes approximately 1.5 hours
  • Medieval recipes included versions with saffron, ginger, and pepper
  • It’s often considered a “loss leader” in supermarkets

Quiz

  1. When was National Rotisserie Chicken Day established?
  2. How many rotisserie chickens does Costco sell annually?
  3. What was Boston Market’s original name?

(Answers: 2015, Over 100 million, Boston Chicken)

FAQs

Q: Why is rotisserie chicken so popular?
A: It’s convenient, cost-effective, and healthier than many other prepared foods.

Q: How long does rotisserie cooking take?
A: Typically about 1.5 hours for a whole chicken.

Importance of National Rotisserie Chicken Day

This day celebrates a cooking method that has revolutionized convenient dining while maintaining quality and flavor. It recognizes the significance of rotisserie chicken in American food culture and its role in providing affordable, healthy meal options[3].

Related

  • National Chicken Day
  • National Fast Food Day
  • World Food Day
  • National Cooking Day

On This Day: