Chicken Finger Day

Chicken Finger Day: A Celebration of Crispy Goodness

Chicken Finger Day is an annual celebration dedicated to one of the most beloved finger foods—chicken fingers. These crispy, breaded strips of chicken are enjoyed worldwide as a snack, meal, or party favorite. The day honors the versatility and deliciousness of this dish, bringing people together to indulge in their shared love for chicken fingers.

Quick Facts

When is it? July 27th (annually)
Tagged as: Food & Drink
What’s the hashtag? #NationalChickenFingerDay
When was it founded? 2010
Who founded it? Todd Graves, founder of Raising Cane’s

History of Chicken Finger Day

Chicken Finger Day was established in 2010 by Raising Cane’s, a fast-food chain specializing in chicken fingers. Todd Graves, the founder, created this day to celebrate the restaurant’s signature dish and express gratitude to its loyal customers. The origins of chicken fingers themselves trace back to the American South in the late 1900s, where they quickly gained popularity as a meatier alternative to chicken nuggets.

Timeline

1974: Chicken fingers are reportedly first served in Manchester, New Hampshire.
1980s: The dish gains widespread popularity across the United States.
1996: Raising Cane’s opens its first restaurant dedicated to chicken fingers.
2010: National Chicken Finger Day is officially established by Raising Cane’s.

Chicken Finger Day Dates

Year	Month and Date	Day
2025	July 27	Sunday
2026	July 27	Monday
2027	July 27	Tuesday
2028	July 27	Thursday
2029	July 27	Friday
2030	July 27	Saturday

Observed on Chicken Finger Day

On Chicken Finger Day, celebrations often include enjoying chicken fingers at home or dining out at restaurants like Raising Cane’s. Many establishments offer special deals or giveaways, such as free chicken fingers or contests. Families and friends gather to share meals, try new dipping sauces, and even create their own recipes. This day fosters a sense of community and joy through the universal love for this crispy treat.

Fun Facts About Chicken Finger Day

Chicken fingers are also known as tenders, strips, or goujons.
Raising Cane’s has given away over 150,000 chicken fingers during past celebrations.
The term “chicken fingers” likely comes from their finger-like shape.

Quiz

Who founded National Chicken Finger Day?
What year was National Chicken Finger Day created?
What is another name for chicken fingers?
Which fast-food chain is closely associated with this day?
What is the hashtag for National Chicken Finger Day?

(Answers: 1) Todd Graves; 2) 2010; 3) Tenders/Strips/Goujons; 4) Raising Cane’s; 5) #NationalChickenFingerDay)

FAQs

What are chicken fingers made from?
Typically made from white meat (pectoralis minor muscles) coated in breading and fried.
Why are they called “chicken fingers”?
The name likely comes from their elongated shape resembling human fingers.
How can I celebrate Chicken Finger Day?
Enjoy chicken fingers at home or dine out at places like Raising Cane’s.
What dipping sauces pair well with chicken fingers?
Popular options include honey mustard, barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, and Raising Cane’s signature sauce.
Are there vegetarian alternatives for chicken fingers?
Yes! Many brands now offer plant-based “chicken” tenders made from soy or pea protein.

Importance of Chicken Finger Day

Chicken Finger Day serves as a reminder of how food can bring people together. It celebrates a dish that transcends age and cultural barriers, appealing to kids and adults alike. By indulging in this crispy treat on July 27th, people create lasting memories with loved ones while honoring a culinary staple that has become synonymous with comfort food.