National Fried Chicken Day

National Fried Chicken Day is celebrated annually on July 6 in the United States. Fried chicken lovers indulge in their favorite crispy dish at restaurants, picnics, or at home. The dish was introduced to the country by Scottish immigrants and became a staple food in the southern states of America.

History

While fried chicken was common across Europe in the Middle Ages, it was Scottish immigrants who brought the deep-frying method to America. In Scotland, chicken was typically deep-fried without seasoning, which resulted in a somewhat bland taste. Enslaved African Americans in Scottish households adopted the recipe and enhanced it with spices, leading to the flavorful fried chicken widely enjoyed today. This origin theory was first discussed in James Boswell’s *Journal of a Tour to the Hebrides*, published in the 1770s.

Fried chicken became a nationwide sensation thanks to Colonel Harland David Sanders, who perfected his method of pressure-cooking seasoned chicken. His first restaurant, located in Corbin, Kentucky, gained widespread popularity, eventually leading to the founding of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), which spread across the country.

Interesting Facts

• Before the Civil War, fried chicken was a common dish among enslaved African Americans, as they were often allowed to keep chickens on their property.
• The first recorded fried chicken recipe appeared in Hannah Glasse’s *The Art of Cookery Made Plain and Easy* in the 18th century.
• By 1964, there were over 600 KFC franchises operating in the U.S.

How to Take Part

Celebrate National Fried Chicken Day by ordering a bucket of fried chicken to enjoy with family and friends. You can also try making a homemade version by baking or air-frying chicken for a healthier alternative. If you’re at work, surprise your colleagues with a fried chicken treat—just don’t forget the napkins!

When is National Fried Chicken Day in 2025?

National Fried Chicken Day is observed on July 6 each year.

Observations