When is National Chicken Tender Day? The Ultimate Guide to Your Favorite Crispy Treat

So you’re wondering when to mark your calendar for that special day dedicated to those golden. crispy strips of heaven? Let me clear things up for ya!

National Chicken Tender Day (also known as National Chicken Finger Day) is celebrated annually on July 27th In 2026, it falls on a Monday, giving you the perfect excuse to start your week with some finger-lickin’ goodness!

I’ve been obsessed with chicken tenders since I was a kid and let me tell you this day is worth celebrating! Let’s dive into everything you need to know about this delicious food holiday.

The Finger-Lickin’ History of National Chicken Tender Day

The day was actually created by Raising Cane’s, one of America’s beloved chicken finger specialists, back in 2010. Todd Graves, the founder of Raising Cane’s, established this day to celebrate their signature dish and share the love with chicken finger enthusiasts across the nation.

What’s interesting is that Raising Cane’s even went ahead and trademarked the phrase “National Chicken Finger Day” in 2019, showing just how serious they are about this celebration!

But here’s where things get a bit confusing and kinda funny. While Raising Cane’s calls it “National Chicken Finger Day,” Wingstop filed a trademark application for “National Chicken Tender Day” in 2025, claiming the same date of July 27th! It seems like there’s a bit of a friendly rivalry going on between these chicken chains.

As Wingstop’s Chief Revenue Officer Mark Christenson put it: “Some say that chicken fingers, strips and tenders are the same, but Wingstop isn’t buying it. By filing a trademark application to register ‘National Chicken Tender Day,’ Wingstop is giving the finger to fingers and staking our claim on our distinctive crispy tenders that fans crave.”

Talk about chicken drama!

Where Did Chicken Tenders Come From Anyway?

You might think chicken tenders are a recent fast-food invention, but they’ve been around longer than you’d expect! Their origins can be traced back to the late 1970s, specifically to 1974 in Manchester, New Hampshire, at the Puritan Backroom.

While some restaurants in Georgia and Louisiana have disputed this claim, Manchester is generally considered the birthplace of this popular dish.

Chicken tenders gained significant popularity in the 1980s as a meatier alternative to chicken nuggets. They’re made from the pectoralis minor muscle, aka the tenderloin, of a chicken—hence the name “tender.”

Why We’re Obsessed With Chicken Tenders

Let’s be real, there’s something universally appealing about chicken tenders that makes them a hit with almost everyone. Here’s why we can’t get enough:

• Kid-friendly – Even the pickiest eaters usually love them
• Versatile – Can be paired with countless dipping sauces and sides
• Convenient – Perfect finger food for any occasion
• Satisfying – That perfect combo of juicy meat and crispy coating
• Nostalgic – Reminds many of us of childhood comfort food

How to Celebrate National Chicken Tender Day

1. Get Free Chicken Tenders!

The best part of National Chicken Tender Day? The freebies and deals! In 2025, Raising Cane’s offered a free chicken finger to all customers who purchased a Box Combo on July 27. This was actually the first time they made this deal available to everyone, not just their Caniac Club loyalty members.

According to their records, Raising Cane’s has given away more than 150,000 chicken fingers on this day alone! That’s a lotta chicken!

Other restaurants like Huey Magoo’s have also joined the celebration, offering five free Tender Bites with the purchase of any three-piece or larger Tender Meal.

2. Make Your Own Chicken Tenders

Why not try making your own chicken tenders at home? It’s actually pretty easy and lets you customize the flavors exactly how you like ’em!

Here’s my go-to recipe that never fails to impress:

Homemade Chicken Tenders Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound chicken tenderloins
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Mix flour with salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a shallow dish
2. Beat eggs in a second dish
3. Place panko in a third dish
4. Dredge each chicken tender in flour, then egg, then panko
5. Heat oil to 350°F in a large skillet
6. Fry tenders for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown
7. Drain on paper towels and serve with your favorite dipping sauce

3. Host a Chicken Tender Tasting Party

This is something me and my friends did last year and it was a blast! We bought chicken tenders from 5 different places and did a blind taste test. Everyone had score cards and everything! The winner? Surprisingly, it wasn’t one of the big chains!

4. Create Your Own Signature Dipping Sauce

Let’s be honest, chicken tenders are really just vehicles for amazing dipping sauces. Try making some of these homemade options:

• Honey mustard
• Spicy mayo
• Garlic parmesan
• Buffalo blue cheese
• Sweet and sour
• Ranch with a kick

Chicken Tenders vs. Chicken Fingers: What’s the Difference?

This is where things get confusing! Many people use these terms interchangeably, but technically:

Chicken Tenders – Made specifically from the tenderloin of the chicken breast
Chicken Fingers – Can be made from any part of the chicken breast, cut into strips

In practice though? Most restaurants and people use these terms to mean the same thing. The confusion explains why both Raising Cane’s and Wingstop can claim the same day for slightly different names!

The Best Chicken Tender Chains Across America

If you’re looking to celebrate National Chicken Tender Day at a restaurant known for their tenders, here are some top options:

Raising Cane’s has been rapidly expanding, with over 900 locations across more than 40 states as of 2025. They’ve even announced plans to open more than 100 new restaurants “across several new markets” in 2025.

Interesting Facts About Chicken Tenders

Want to impress your friends with some chicken tender trivia on National Chicken Tender Day? Here ya go:

• The term “chicken fingers” started as slang for chicken tenders
• In England, they’re called “chicken goujons” (fancy, right?)
• Chicken tenders are actually nutritious, providing important amino acids that help repair tissues and maintain muscle mass
• There are literally hundreds of different chicken tender recipes online
• Despite professors and banks discouraging him, Todd Graves raised his own money to start Raising Cane’s, proving all the doubters wrong

Don’t Confuse It With National Chicken Wing Day!

This is important! National Chicken Tender/Finger Day (July 27) is not the same as National Chicken Wing Day, which falls on July 29. They’re just two days apart, so you could theoretically celebrate chicken all week long if you wanted to!

Why This Day Matters

You might be thinking, “It’s just another made-up food holiday,” and yeah, you’re not completely wrong. But I think there’s something kinda special about having a day dedicated to a food that brings so much joy to so many people.

Chicken tenders are more than just a fast food item – they’re comfort food that transcends age, background, and food preferences. They’re what parents order for picky kids, what college students grab after a night out, and what many of us still crave as adults when we need something familiar and satisfying.

Plus, who doesn’t love an excuse to indulge in one of life’s simple pleasures? And if you can score some freebies while you’re at it, even better!

Mark Your Calendar!

So there you have it! National Chicken Tender Day (or National Chicken Finger Day, depending on who you ask) is celebrated on July 27 each year. In 2026, that falls on a Monday.

Whether you plan to take advantage of restaurant deals, make your own at home, or just appreciate these crispy delights from afar, it’s definitely a food holiday worth noting.

I’ve already set a reminder in my phone for next year’s celebration. After all, free chicken is free chicken, and I’m not one to pass that up!

What’s your favorite place to get chicken tenders? Do you prefer them with honey mustard, BBQ, or something else entirely? Whatever your preference, enjoy celebrating these golden strips of deliciousness on July 27!