National Fried Chicken Day is an annual celebration dedicated to one of America’s most beloved comfort foods – crispy, golden-brown fried chicken.
Quick Facts
- When is it: July 6th annually
- Tagged as: Food Holiday, Cultural Celebration
- What’s the hashtag: #NationalFriedChickenDay
- When was it founded: Origins unclear
- Who founded it: Unknown
History of National Fried Chicken Day
The tradition of fried chicken in America emerged from a blend of Scottish and West African culinary practices. Scottish immigrants brought their technique of frying chicken in fat, while West African slaves introduced various seasonings and spices, creating what we now know as Southern fried chicken. The first documented fried chicken recipe appeared in Hannah Glasse’s cookbook in 1747.
Timeline
- 1730s: African-American women begin selling fried chicken
- 1747: First documented fried chicken recipe published
- 1830s: Term “Fried Chicken” first appears in American-English
- 1952: Colonel Sanders opens first KFC
- 2019: Popeyes sparks “chicken sandwich wars”
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | July 6 | Sunday |
| 2026 | July 6 | Monday |
| 2027 | July 6 | Tuesday |
| 2028 | July 6 | Thursday |
| 2029 | July 6 | Friday |
Observed
The day is celebrated through special promotions at restaurants, family gatherings, and cooking events. Many restaurants offer special deals and discounts.
Fun Facts About Fried Chicken
- Americans consume over 80 pounds of chicken per year
- There are more chickens on Earth than humans
- The first pressure-fried chicken was created by Colonel Sanders
- Korean fried chicken emerged in the 1970s
- Nashville hot chicken was created as a revenge dish
Quiz
- When was the first fried chicken recipe documented?
- Who introduced seasoned fried chicken to America?
- What year did KFC begin?
(Answers: 1747, West African slaves, 1952)
FAQs
- What oil is traditionally used? Lard, though modern versions use various vegetable oils
- Is it uniquely American? No, many cultures have their own versions
- What makes it crispy? The combination of flour coating and proper oil temperature
Importance of National Fried Chicken Day
This celebration recognizes not just a beloved dish but also acknowledges its historical significance in American culture, particularly its role in African-American entrepreneurship and culinary heritage.
Related
- National Chicken Wing Day (July 29)
- National Chicken Month (September)
- National Chicken Cordon Bleu Day (April 4)
- National Rotisserie Chicken Day (June 2)