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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.

Monday

July 2026

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

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YEARLY DATEJuly 6

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYFood

SUBCATEGORYMeat

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to celebrate National Fried Chicken Day on July 6 with a delicious meal of fried chicken! The origins of this tasty dish can be traced back to Scotland in the 1700s, but it was brought over to America by Scottish immigrants. Today, fried chicken is enjoyed all over the world in many different flavors and styles. So why not join us for a day full of fried chicken fun?

DEALS & OFFERS

Past offers

No active deals yet — here’s who’s celebrated before.

Nothing yet for 2026

Brands typically announce offers a week before the date. Check back closer to the day.

20 brands have run a deal

Pollo Campero

Popeyes

Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC)

Angry Chickz +12 more

See past offers

TIMELINE

National Fried Chicken Day Timeline

Scottish Fried Chicken Origins

Scottish immigrants were the first to deep-fry chicken in fat (unlike other cultures which baked or boiled chicken), laying the early foundations for modern fried chicken.

Fried Chicken in Slave Cuisine

In the southern United States, African slaves incorporated their own seasonings and spices into the preparation of fried chicken, improving the dish significantly.

Harland Sanders' Service Station

Harland Sanders, founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken), began serving his own variation of fried chicken at his service station in Corbin, Kentucky.

First KFC Franchise Opens

The first Kentucky Fried Chicken franchise opened in Utah in 1952, helping to popularize fried chicken across America and later around the world.

Popeyes Chain Expansion

In the 1980s, Popeyes, another prominent fried chicken fast-food chain, expanded drastically across the United States, offering a distinctively southern-style fried chicken.

Gourmet Fried Chicken Trend

In the 2010s, gourmet variations of fried chicken began to pop up in restaurants around the world, reflecting its global popularity and versatility.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Fried Chicken Day

Cook your own fried chicken

Making your own fried chicken is a great way to celebrate National Fried Chicken Day. You can find a variety of recipes online, and you’ll be able to adjust the flavors and ingredients to your liking.

HOST

Host a fried chicken party

Invite your friends over for a fried chicken potluck or order takeout from a local restaurant. Enjoy the meal together with sides like coleslaw, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, biscuits, and more.

VISIT

Visit a drive-in theater

What better way to celebrate National Fried Chicken Day than by visiting an old-fashioned drive-in movie theater? Pack up some delicious homemade fried chicken and snacks for the occasion.

Share with friends

Make extra fried chicken and share it with family, friends, or neighbors. It’s sure to make their day—and yours! You could also donate some of your extra food to a local charity organization.

Go on a “Fried Chicken Tour”

Find out where all the best fried chicken spots are in your area and plan an epic road trip. Try all the different styles and get ready for some serious flavor overload!

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Fried Chicken Day

Fried chicken can be healthy

Though not traditionally considered as such, fried chicken can actually be quite good for us. When made with a high quality source of fat (like coconut oil or lard) and served without any added sauces or seasonings, fried chicken can be quite nutritious. So go ahead - treat yourself to some nice fried chicken every now and then!

Fried chicken is delicious

From the first crunchy bite to the last, fried chicken is undeniably delicious! It's juicy, savory and always cooked to perfection. Whether you make it yourself or buy it ready-made, frying up some chicken is sure to give your taste buds something to rejoice about!

Fried chicken supports local businesses

When you purchase fried chicken from a local restaurant or stand, you are helping support small businesses in your community. This can have far reaching positive impacts for the local economy, and it also ensures that you get fresh ingredients and quality service each time!