National Chicken Finger Day celebrates America’s beloved crispy, breaded chicken strips that have become a fast-food staple. These tender strips of white meat, coated in golden-brown breading, have won hearts across generations.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: July 27th annually
- Tagged as: Food & Drink Holiday
- What’s the hashtag?: #NationalChickenFingerDay
- When was it founded?: 2010
- Who founded it?: Todd Graves, Raising Cane’s founder
History of National Chicken Finger Day
The holiday was established by Raising Cane’s, a Louisiana-based restaurant chain, to celebrate their signature dish. What started as a simple idea that many doubted has grown into a beloved national celebration, with Raising Cane’s leading the charge in making chicken fingers a cultural phenomenon.
Timeline
- 1974: First chicken fingers created in Manchester, New Hampshire
- 1980s: Chicken fingers gain popularity as an alternative to nuggets
- 1996: Raising Cane’s opens its first restaurant
- 2010: National Chicken Finger Day established
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | July 27 | Sunday |
| 2026 | July 27 | Monday |
| 2027 | July 27 | Tuesday |
| 2028 | July 27 | Thursday |
| 2029 | July 27 | Friday |
How It’s Observed
Restaurants nationwide offer special deals and promotions. Raising Cane’s typically celebrates by giving away free chicken fingers and hosting special events. Home cooks prepare their versions, and families gather for chicken finger feasts.
Fun Facts About Chicken Fingers
- Raising Cane’s has given away over 150,000 chicken fingers during celebrations
- The dish is also known as chicken tenders, strips, or goujons
- The trademark for National Chicken Finger Day was officially registered in 2019
Quiz
- Who founded National Chicken Finger Day?
- In what year was it established?
- Where were chicken fingers first created?
(Answers: 1. Todd Graves 2. 2010 3. Manchester, New Hampshire)
FAQs
Q: What are chicken fingers made from?
A: They’re typically made from white meat chicken breast strips.
Q: How are they prepared?
A: They’re breaded and deep-fried until golden brown.
Importance of National Chicken Finger Day
This celebration highlights the impact of a simple dish that has become a cornerstone of American casual dining. It represents entrepreneurial success and the power of believing in a singular vision.
Related Holidays
- National Fried Chicken Day
- National Fast Food Day
- National Chicken Wing Day
- Southern Food Day