National Fried Chicken Day

Chef wearing a white apron, holding a tray of golden fried chicken, surrounded by a picnic setting with red and white checkered tablecloth.. — National fried chicken day illustration

Well, hello there, fellow chicken aficionados! Ever wondered why the Internet fried itself on a sun-kissed July day back in 2015? Well, we have two words for you: Fried. Chicken. Crack those knuckles, adjust your reading glasses, and get ready to plunge into the delicious, crispy history of National Fried Chicken Day!

When is Fried Chicken Day?

It's national fried chicken day on the 6th July.

Backstory of the Day

Not all superheroes wear capes, some wear chef hats! National Fried Chicken Day, celebrated each year on July 6th, is one such tasty testament to the power of the humble chicken, conjured tastily into golden goodness. After 'clucking' up a massive 110737 mentions online on July 6th, 2015, this day has become a gastronomic legend in its own right, dedicated to one of the most beloved fast foods on the planet.

Fry-note Worthy Moments

Imagine, sitting by the pool, tasting the summer in your 2015 Chicken Drumstick when suddenly, the internet kind of deep-fries itself. Nothing 'fowl' happened, it was just that everyone else had the same 'peckish' idea. In a bizarrely brilliant testament to culinary unity, we spotted the most mentions of National Fried Chicken Day ever recorded. The day went steeped in oil and coated in batter, sizzling its way into online history.

The Day for the Drumstick

The beauty of National Fried Chicken Day lies within its golden-brown, crispy simplicity. As the web history will testify, this is a day for celebrating the almighty drumstick, the cheeky wing, the low-key thigh, and the humble breast. It's a day for buttermilk baths and secret seasoned crusts, a day to remember why fried chicken is a universal love language.

History behind the term 'Fried Chicken'

18th century

The Early Years

Fried chicken has a long and rich history dating back to the 18th century. While no specific date or person can be attributed to its invention, it is believed to have originated in the United States. Enslaved Africans brought to the country as early as the 1600s played a significant role in the development of this iconic dish. They applied their traditional African cooking techniques to the chicken they had access to, resulting in the delicious fried chicken we know today.

19th century

Spread through the South

Fried chicken continued to gain popularity throughout the 19th century, particularly in the Southern United States. As more African Americans gained their freedom, they brought their culinary expertise with them. Fried chicken became a staple of African American cuisine and played a significant role in family gatherings, celebrations, and community events. It was a symbol of cultural heritage and resilience.

20th century

Commercialization and Pop Culture

In the early 20th century, as industrialization and urbanization took hold, fried chicken started to appear in restaurants and markets. Entrepreneurs recognized the popularity of this finger-licking dish and began selling it to a wider audience. In 1930, Harland Sanders, better known as Colonel Sanders, opened his first fried chicken restaurant. His secret blend of herbs and spices helped popularize fried chicken on a global scale through the establishment of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC). The rise of fast-food chains played a significant role in making fried chicken a household name.

21st century

Culinary Evolution

In the 21st century, fried chicken has evolved to include various regional and international variations. From Korean-style fried chicken to Nashville hot chicken, chefs and home cooks continue to experiment and put their unique spin on this beloved dish. Fried chicken has also gained attention in popular culture with numerous music videos, movies, and viral recipes dedicated to it. It has become a symbol of comfort food, celebration, and togetherness, transcending cultural boundaries.

Did you know?

Did you know that Scotland holds the secret to America's fried chicken obsession? Yes, it's true! The Scots were actually the first to deep-fry chicken in fat (the original way to make fried chicken). The dish was only later perfected in the South!