National Chicken Month

National Chicken Month is an event that fully reflects the culinary preferences of Americans. Look around, and you’ll see chicken prepared in countless ways—fried, baked, boiled in soups. According to Smithsonian Magazine, chicken is a food that can cross cultural boundaries. Yet, how often do we truly appreciate the taste and benefits of this protein source?

History

National Chicken Month has been for more than two decades. Each year, the National Chicken Council, along with the largest chicken producers, unites to boost chicken sales in the United States. Why September? From a sales perspective, it’s the most effective time as people transition from the traditional barbecue and grills of summer to chicken dishes.

Interesting Facts

• Originally domesticated for cockfighting, chickens were later valued for their delicate taste and nutritional benefits, eventually becoming a staple on dinner tables.
• Each family has its own unique recipes with herbs and spices used to prepare flavorful chicken dishes.
• Chickens are the most numerous bird species in the world, with a population of 25 billion.
• Chickens are descendants of dinosaurs, closely linked by an evolutionary chain to these ancient reptiles.
• An average American consumes approximately 83 pounds of chicken each year.

How to take part

The easiest way to participate is to organize a chicken dinner and invite your friends. Ensure that there is chicken in every dish. Appetizers and the main course should be straightforward, but incorporating chicken into dessert poses a more creative challenge. If you’re not up for cooking, visit a restaurant and enjoy delicious dishes prepared by a chef. Expand your cookbook with new chicken recipes. It’s always exciting to try something new.

When is National Chicken Month in 2024?

National Chicken Month is observed on September 1 each year.

Observations