National Fried Chicken Day is an annual celebration dedicated to one of America’s most beloved comfort foods. This unofficial food holiday honors the crispy, juicy, and flavorful dish that has become a staple in American cuisine.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: July 6
- Tagged as: Food holiday
- What’s the hashtag?: #NationalFriedChickenDay
- When was it founded?: Unknown
- Who founded it?: Unknown
History of National Fried Chicken Day
The origins of fried chicken can be traced back to Scottish immigrants who brought their tradition of deep-frying chicken to the American South. African slaves then adapted the recipe, adding their own unique blend of spices and seasonings. Over time, fried chicken became a popular dish throughout the United States, evolving into various regional styles and preparations.
Timeline
- 4th century: First known recipe for deep-fried chicken appears in a Roman cookbook
- 1830s: The term “fried chicken” begins to appear in American cookbooks
- 1930s: Harland Sanders begins selling fried chicken at his restaurant in Kentucky
- 1952: Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) is founded
- Present day: Fried chicken remains a popular dish worldwide, with numerous variations and styles
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Month | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | July | 6 | Sunday |
| 2026 | July | 6 | Monday |
| 2027 | July | 6 | Tuesday |
| 2028 | July | 6 | Thursday |
| 2029 | July | 6 | Friday |
| 2030 | July | 6 | Saturday |
Observed
National Fried Chicken Day is celebrated by enjoying fried chicken at restaurants, picnics, or home-cooked meals. Many fast-food chains and restaurants offer special promotions or discounts on this day. People often share their favorite fried chicken recipes and experiences on social media using the hashtag #NationalFriedChickenDay.
Fun Facts About Fried Chicken
- There are more chickens on Earth than people, with approximately 25 billion chickens worldwide.
- Americans consume over 80 pounds of chicken per person annually.
- The largest serving of fried chicken weighed 2,493 pounds and was prepared by KFC.
- Fried chicken can be prepared using various oils, including vegetable oil, peanut oil, and even lard.
- Colonel Sanders didn’t start KFC until he was 65 years old.
Quiz
- When is National Fried Chicken Day celebrated?
- Who brought the tradition of deep-frying chicken to America?
- What is the fear of chickens called?
- How many chicken wings were consumed during Super Bowl weekend in 2012?
(Answers: 1. July 6, 2. Scottish immigrants, 3. Alektorophobia, 4. More than 1.25 billion)
FAQs
Q: Is fried chicken an American invention?
A: While fried chicken is closely associated with American cuisine, similar dishes existed in other cultures before it became popular in the United States.
Q: What makes fried chicken crispy?
A: The crispy texture comes from the combination of flour coating and hot oil, which creates a crunchy exterior while keeping the inside juicy.
Q: Is there a healthy way to make fried chicken?
A: While traditional fried chicken is typically high in calories and fat, healthier alternatives include air-frying or oven-baking with a crispy coating.
Related
- National Chicken Wing Day
- National Rotisserie Chicken Day
- National Chicken Cordon Bleu Day
- National Curried Chicken Day