Get Ready to Cluck: National Fried Chicken Day is July 6th!
Hey there, fellow fried chicken lovers! If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably wondered “when is fried chicken day?” at least once in your life. Well, I’ve got some finger-lickin’ good news for you – National Fried Chicken Day falls on July 6th each year in the United States!
This unofficial food holiday is the perfect excuse to indulge in one of America’s most beloved comfort foods. Whether you prefer it extra crispy, spicy, or classic Southern-style, July 6th is YOUR day to celebrate without an ounce of guilt.
In 2025, National Fried Chicken Day lands on a Sunday – which is basically perfect timing for enjoying this crispy delight. The weekend timing means you can take your time to either cook up your own batch or take advantage of the many restaurant deals available (more on those later!).
The Origins of National Fried Chicken Day
Interestingly enough, nobody really knows exactly how National Fried Chicken Day came to be! According to Wikipedia, the origins of this delicious holiday are unclear. But does that really matter when we’re talking about celebrating something as universally loved as fried chicken?
What we do know is that fried chicken has become one of America’s most popular dishes. According to a YouGov poll referenced by USA Today fried chicken ranks among the most popular entrées in America, earning an impressive 83% popularity rating among American adults. It shares this high ranking with hamburgers and grilled cheese sandwiches – truly elite company!
Why Chicken Deserves Its Own Day
Chicken has become America’s preferred meat over the years. The National Chicken Council reports that chicken consumption has increased by about 34% from 2000 to 2025. Americans now consume an estimated 103.7 pounds of chicken per person annually in 2025, compared to just 77.4 pounds back in 2000.
Meanwhile total red meat consumption has declined by approximately 7% during the same period. We’re talking a drop from 120.2 pounds to 110.8 pounds per person. Clearly, chicken has won our hearts (and stomachs)!
How to Celebrate National Fried Chicken Day
There are countless ways to celebrate this special day! Here are some ideas:
- Cook your own: Try out a new recipe at home
- Host a fried chicken party: Invite friends over for a fried chicken feast
- Sample different styles: Try Nashville hot, Korean, Japanese karaage, etc.
- Take advantage of deals: Many restaurants offer special promotions (see below!)
- Learn about fried chicken history: Different cultures have their own versions
Australia’s Fried Chicken Day Difference
Here’s a fun fact – while Americans celebrate National Fried Chicken Day on July 6th, Australians observe it on July 7th! According to Wikipedia, this one-day difference is out of respect for the time zone of origin.
In 2018, KFC Australia even ran a contest where someone could win free fried chicken for an entire year. The winner? A 19-year-old who, along with her friend, got the KFC logo tattooed on her foot! Now THAT’S dedication to fried chicken!
2025 National Fried Chicken Day Deals and Promotions
One of the best parts of National Fried Chicken Day is all the amazing deals from restaurants! Here’s what’s available in 2025:
Fast Food Chains
KFC
- Free delivery on KFC.com and the KFC app from July 2 to July 6
- KFC Fill Ups priced at $7 each
- Limited-edition merchandise collaboration with Market Studios (available at MarketStudios.com)
Burger King
- Royal Perks members get a free Royal Crispy Chicken sandwich with a $1+ purchase on July 6
Popeyes
- $5 three-piece Signature Chicken meal
- Rewards members get free six-piece Spicy Bone-In Wings with any wings purchase through July 22
Church’s Texas Chicken
- Rewards members get a free 2-piece Leg & Thigh order with any purchase on July 6
Jack in the Box
- Free Cluck Chicken Sandwich with a $5 minimum order on July 6
Other Restaurants
Birdcall
- $1 Original Chicken sandwich all day on July 6 (in-store with promo code “ChickenDay”)
Bojangles
- Free Bo’s Chicken Sandwich with a $5 minimum purchase from July 6-11
Bonchon
- $5 off any purchase of $15+ from July 4-6 when ordering through their app or website
Cracker Barrel
- Double Pegs for rewards members on July 6
- BOGO 25% off on select fried chicken entrées from July 2-5
El Pollo Loco
- Rewards members who buy any Chicken Meal on July 6 get a free two-piece Leg & Thigh Meal with next purchase
Grocery Deals
Kroger
- Eight-piece order of Home Chef Fried Chicken for $5.99 with your Kroger Plus card through July 8
The Global Popularity of Fried Chicken
Fried chicken isn’t just an American obsession. This delicious dish has variations all around the world:
- Korean fried chicken: Known for its double-frying technique and sweet-spicy glazes
- Japanese karaage: Marinated in soy sauce, ginger, and garlic before frying
- Taiwanese popcorn chicken: Small pieces with five-spice powder and basil
- Scotch eggs: British dish with hard-boiled eggs wrapped in sausage meat and fried
- Chicken schnitzel: Popular in Germany and Austria, breaded and fried thin cutlets
Make Your Own Amazing Fried Chicken at Home
If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try making your own fried chicken for National Fried Chicken Day? Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:
Classic Southern Fried Chicken Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
- Marinate chicken in buttermilk and hot sauce for at least 4 hours (overnight is better)
- Mix flour and seasonings in a large bowl
- Heat oil to 350°F in a large, deep skillet
- Dredge chicken pieces in flour mixture
- Fry chicken in batches until golden brown and internal temp reaches 165°F
- Drain on paper towels and serve hot
Did You Know? Fun Fried Chicken Facts
- The average American eats nearly 100 pounds of chicken per year
- The world’s largest fried chicken was made in 2010 and weighed over 100 pounds
- Colonel Sanders was actually a real person (Harland Sanders) who started KFC at age 65
- There are more KFC restaurants in China than in the United States
- Some competitive eaters can consume over 100 chicken wings in one sitting
More Chicken Celebrations to Come!
If you can’t get enough chicken, don’t worry! According to USA Today, there are more chicken celebrations coming up:
- National Chicken Finger Day on July 27
- National Chicken Wing Day on July 29
But why wait for those when you’ve got National Fried Chicken Day on July 6th?
So there you have it – National Fried Chicken Day is celebrated annually on July 6th in the United States. Whether you decide to take advantage of the many restaurant deals or cook up your own batch at home, this is definitely a food holiday worth celebrating!
Remember, life’s too short not to celebrate the little things – especially when those little things are as delicious as fried chicken!
Burger King: National Fried Chicken Day free sandwich deal
Members of Burger Kings Royal Perks loyalty program can get a free Royal Crispy Chicken sandwich on Sunday, July 6, with a purchase of $1 or more.
KFC free delivery deal and new limited-time merch
Want your National Fried Chicken Day meal delivered? Theres no delivery charge on KFC.com and the KFC app from July 2 to July 6. Among your options: the recently launched KFC Fill Ups priced at $7 each; choose from Original Recipe Tenders, fried chicken (one piece or two pieces), or the Famous Bowl (chicken nuggets, mashed potatoes, corn, cheese and gravy).Members of the KFC Rewards loyalty program can keep an eye out for additional digital rewards.And timed to National Fried Chicken Day, KFC and streetwear and lifestyle brand Market Studios are releasing a limited-edition line of KFC-related merchandise including T-shirts, hoodies, baseball caps, shorts and more. The collection will be exclusively available at MarketStudios.com while supplies last.
Where To Celebrate National Fried Chicken Day
FAQ
What is National Fried Chicken Day?
National Fried Chicken Day celebrates the popular dish of crispy, seasoned fried chicken. Originating in the southern United States, fried chicken has become a staple in American cuisine. The holiday is observed annually, with many restaurants and eateries offering special deals and promotions on this day.
How do you Celebrate National Fried Chicken Day?
There are a lot of different ways that you can celebrate National Fried Chicken Day. Check out a few of these, just for fun: Of course, heading to your favorite fried chicken restaurant is the perfect way to ensure that this day is a success. You can grab some of your friends and loved ones and tuck into your favorite bucket of chicken.
Should you eat fried chicken on national Fried Chicken Day?
It’s tradition to consume a bucket (or two) of fried chicken. Fried chicken is addictively good and unparalleled in taste. It is consumed in high quantities daily all over the world, but on National Fried Chicken Day, it will be sinful to not indulge in fried chicken.
What restaurants eat fried chicken on national Fried Chicken Day?
In observance of the day, fried chicken is prepared in a variety of ways, and eaten. Some chain fried chicken restaurants such as Church’s Chicken and KFC, and other chain restaurants such as Grandy’s, offer promotions on National Fried Chicken Day.
When is National Fried Chicken Day 2025/2026?
National Fried Chicken Day in 2025/2026 – When, Where, Why, How is Celebrated? When is it? National Fried Chicken Day is an annual holiday celebrated on July 6 th that honors the dish brought to the United States by Scottish and West African immigrants. It has since become one of America’s favorite comfort foods.
Does KFC deliver Fried Chicken on July 6?
Members of Burger King’s Royal Perks loyalty program can get a free Royal Crispy Chicken sandwich on Sunday, July 6, with a purchase of $1 or more. Want your National Fried Chicken Day meal delivered? There’s no delivery charge on KFC.com and the KFC app from July 2 to July 6.
Why do we celebrate National Fried Chicken Day?
National Fried Chicken Day celebrates one of the iconic foods of America. It is believed that Scottish immigrants brought deep-frying chicken to the American South. Fried chicken soon spread around the country and became a staple.
What day is National KFC Day?
What day is chicken sandwich day?
National Chicken Sandwich Day is celebrated annually on November 9th. This day honors the popular chicken sandwich, with many restaurants offering special deals and discounts to celebrate, often featuring fried chicken sandwiches.
Is Chick-fil-A celebrating National Fried Chicken Sandwich Day?
National Fried Chicken Sandwich Day is Saturday Nov. 9, meaning multiple fast-food chains will celebrate with special deals and discounts to get customers flocking to their locations. Popeyes, Chick-fil-A, Burger King, McDonald’s, Wingstop and other popular chains will have juicy deals for participating customers.