Plate of flavorful curried chicken with rice and herbs, celebrating National Curried Chicken Day

National Curried Chicken Day celebrates the beloved dish of chicken curry, a flavorful combination of tender chicken cooked in aromatic spices and rich sauce that originated from the Indian subcontinent.

Quick Facts

  • When is it?: January 12th annually
  • Tagged as: Food Holiday, Cultural Celebration
  • What’s the hashtag?: #NationalCurriedChickenDay #ChickenCurryDay
  • When was it founded?: Not officially documented
  • Who founded it?: Origin unclear

History

Chicken curry traces its roots back approximately 8000 years to India. The dish gained international prominence through British colonialism, reaching Great Britain in the 1700s. It achieved notable recognition when served at Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953 as “Coronation Chicken,” while in America, it was known as “Country Captain” when served to President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1940.

Timeline

  1. 1747: First British chicken curry recipe published by Hannah Glasse
  2. 1940: Served to President Roosevelt and General Patton
  3. 1953: “Coronation Chicken” created for Queen Elizabeth II
  4. Present: Global popularity across multiple cuisines

Dates by Next Year

YearDateDay
2025Jan 12Sunday
2026Jan 12Monday
2027Jan 12Tuesday
2028Jan 12Wednesday
2029Jan 12Friday

Observed

The day is celebrated worldwide through cooking competitions, restaurant specials, and home-cooked curry gatherings.

Fun Facts About Curry

  1. “Curry” comes from the Tamil word “Kari”
  2. Britain has nearly 10,000 curry houses
  3. Chicken Naga is the spiciest curry variant
  4. Curry powder is actually a spice blend called “garam masala”
  5. Coconut milk can reduce curry’s spiciness

Quiz

  1. Where did chicken curry originate?
  2. What was curry called at Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation?
  3. How old is the curry tradition?
    (Answers: 1. India, 2. Coronation Chicken, 3. Approximately 8000 years)

FAQs

Q: Is curry powder necessary for chicken curry?
A: No, authentic curries often use fresh ground spices instead.

Q: Can curry be mild?
A: Yes, spice levels can be adjusted to preference.

Importance of National Curried Chicken Day

This celebration highlights cultural fusion in cuisine and recognizes curry’s global impact on food culture. It promotes cultural understanding through food and celebrates culinary diversity.

Related

  • National Indian Food Day
  • International Curry Week
  • World Spice Day
  • Global Food Festival
  • International Chicken Day

On This Day: