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National Chicken Month

Get ready to cluck your way through National Chicken Month with delicious recipes, discounts on your favorite dishes, and fun chicken-themed events!

Tuesday

1–30

September 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEAll of September

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYFood

SUBCATEGORYMeat

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to cluck your way through September because it's National Chicken Month! This month-long celebration was first established in 1994 by the National Chicken Council to honor America's beloved poultry and recognize its contribution to our diets. Did you know that the average American consumes around 92 pounds of chicken per year? From fried chicken to grilled chicken, this versatile protein is a staple in many households and restaurants across the country. So let's give a round of applause for our feathered friends and all the delicious meals they provide us with!

TIMELINE

National Chicken Month Timeline

First Commercial Broiler Chickens

The first specially bred chicken to be sold commercially as broilers were introduced, significantly propelling the poultry industry.

Fast Food Fried Chicken

Harland Sanders opens the first Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) franchise in Salt Lake City, popularizing fast food fried chicken.

Chicken Becomes Most Consumed Meat

Chicken surpasses pork as the second most consumed meat in the US, following beef, marking its growing popularity.

Rise of the Chicken Nugget

McDonald's introduces the Chicken McNugget, making bite-sized chicken pieces a popular fast-food item.

Chicken Beats Beef

Chicken surpasses beef as the most consumed meat in the United States, reflecting changing dietary habits.

First National Chicken Month

The National Chicken Council establishes National Chicken Month in September, recognizing the poultry's significant contribution to American diet.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Chicken Month

Cook a new chicken dish

Challenge yourself to try a new chicken recipe every week during National Chicken Month. You might discover a new favorite dish!

VISIT

Visit a local farm

Take a trip to a local farm to learn about how chickens are raised and where your food comes from. You can even pick up some fresh eggs to use in your cooking.

HOST

Host a backyard BBQ

Gather your friends and family for a backyard BBQ featuring different chicken dishes. You can even have a friendly competition to see who can come up with the most creative chicken dish.

VOLUNTEER

Volunteer at a soup kitchen

Give back to the community by volunteering at a soup kitchen that serves chicken dishes. Not only will you be celebrating National Chicken Month, but you'll also be helping those in need.

ATTEND

Attend a chicken festival

Many cities and towns host chicken festivals during National Chicken Month. Attend one and sample different chicken dishes, participate in fun activities, and learn more about the importance of chickens in our food industry.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Chicken Month

It's affordable

Compared to other types of meat, chicken is often more budget-friendly. You can purchase whole chickens or specific cuts at a reasonable price, making it possible to incorporate into your meals without breaking the bank.

It's a versatile protein

From fried chicken to roasted chicken, there are countless ways to prepare and enjoy this tasty protein. Whether you prefer traditional flavors or like to mix things up with new spices and marinades, chicken offers endless possibilities for delicious meals.

It's healthier than red meat

Chicken is a great alternative to red meat as it is lower in calories and fat while still providing plenty of protein. It also contains important nutrients like iron, zinc, and vitamin B12, making it a nutritious choice for any meal.

Related holidays

FRI

Mar 2026

Animals

National Poultry Day

A food observance on March 19 celebrating domesticated birds raised for meat and eggs, honoring poultry farmers and the role of the poultry industry in the food supply.

National Chicken Lady Day

Celebrate National Chicken Lady Day with the ultimate comfort food - cook up your favorite chicken dish and enjoy it with family and friends!

National Fried Chicken Day

Celebrate National Fried Chicken Day with friends and family! Enjoy crispy, juicy chicken with all the fixings for a delicious meal.

National Meat Month

Indulge in all your favorite meats this National Meat Month - from juicy steaks to savory barbecue, it's time to savor every bite!

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