National Chicken Month

National Chicken Month is observed every September to celebrate one of America’s most popular and versatile foods. Chicken can be fried, roasted, grilled, baked, simmered in soup, added to salads, or used in dishes from many different culinary traditions. The month is a good time to try new recipes, learn more about chicken production, and appreciate a protein that appears on dinner tables across the country.

History of National Chicken Month

National Chicken Month is connected with the U.S. chicken industry and its efforts to promote chicken as an affordable, flexible, and widely available food. According to the National Chicken Council, September became National Chicken Month in 1989 as a way to extend the summer grilling season and encourage chicken consumption into the fall.

The observance has been supported by the National Chicken Council and the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association. September was a natural choice because it comes after the height of summer barbecue season, when families begin turning to heartier meals, school-night dinners, casseroles, soups, and roasted dishes.

Over time, chicken has become one of the most commonly eaten meats in the United States. It is used in home cooking, restaurants, school meals, fast food, meal prep, and holiday dishes, making National Chicken Month a celebration of both everyday meals and regional food traditions.

Interesting Facts About National Chicken Month

• Chicken is one of the most widely consumed meats in the United States.
• The National Chicken Council says USDA estimated that Americans would eat a record 104 pounds of chicken per person in 2025.
• Chickens were domesticated thousands of years ago from wild junglefowl in Asia.
• Chicken can be used in many cuisines, including American, Mexican, Chinese, Indian, Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Middle Eastern dishes.
• Popular chicken dishes include fried chicken, roast chicken, chicken noodle soup, chicken pot pie, chicken curry, chicken tacos, chicken salad, and grilled chicken.
• For food safety, chicken should be handled carefully and cooked thoroughly before serving.

How to Take Part in National Chicken Month

National Chicken Month can be celebrated by cooking a favorite chicken recipe or trying something new. You might make roasted chicken, chicken soup, grilled chicken skewers, chicken tacos, a spicy curry, a casserole, or a simple weeknight sheet-pan dinner.

You can also visit a local restaurant, share a family chicken recipe, learn about safe food handling, or explore dishes from different cultures. If you enjoy cooking, use the month to add new chicken meals to your recipe collection and experiment with herbs, spices, sauces, and cooking methods.

When Is National Chicken Month in 2026?

National Chicken Month is observed annually throughout September, beginning on September 1.

Observations