National Fried Chicken Sandwich Day falls on November 9th, and it’s the perfect excuse to indulge in one of America’s favorite comfort foods. Whether you’re a spicy chicken enthusiast or prefer the classic original flavor this food holiday gives us all a reason to celebrate the perfect combination of crispy fried chicken nestled between soft buns.
As a dedicated food blogger who’s tried more chicken sandwiches than I care to admit (my waistline knows the truth!), I’m excited to share everything you need to know about this delicious holiday, including the best deals and freebies you can score this year.
The History of National Fried Chicken Sandwich Day
While the exact origins of National Fried Chicken Sandwich Day aren’t well-documented, the popularity of chicken sandwiches has skyrocketed in recent years. We’ve seen the “chicken sandwich wars” play out across fast food chains, with each restaurant claiming their version reigns supreme.
The classic fried chicken sandwich typically consists of:
- Breaded, seasoned chicken breast or thigh
- Toasted bun
- Mayo or special sauce
- Pickles
- Optional toppings like lettuce and tomato
What makes this combination so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors – crunchy, juicy, tender, and often with a hint of heat.
When Exactly Is National Fried Chicken Sandwich Day?
National Fried Chicken Sandwich Day is celebrated annually on November 9th.
This year, that falls on a Saturday, making it the perfect weekend treat! Don’t confuse this with National Fried Chicken Day, which is celebrated on July 6th – that’s a different (but equally delicious) food holiday focusing on all forms of fried chicken
Amazing Deals for National Fried Chicken Sandwich Day 2024
Fast food chains and restaurants across the country are offering special promotions to celebrate this tasty holiday. Here are some of the best deals you can grab on November 9th:
Burger King
Burger King is offering a free Royal Crispy Chicken Sandwich to its reward members with a purchase of at least $5. This is a great opportunity to try their crispy creation if you haven’t already!
McDonald’s
McDonald’s is discounting its McCrispy sandwiches to just $2 until December 2nd. They’re also offering 10-piece Chicken McNuggets for only $1 during the same period. That’s a steal for anyone craving some golden crispy goodness!
Popeyes
Popeyes, often considered a frontrunner in the chicken sandwich wars, is offering customers a free classic, spicy or ghost pepper chicken sandwich with a $10 minimum purchase through their app for mobile order pickup or delivery. The deal runs through Sunday, November 10th, giving you an extra day to celebrate.
Wingstop
If you’re a Wingstop app user, you can score a free chicken sandwich by making a purchase and entering the code FREESAMMY. Their sandwiches are relatively new to the menu but have quickly gained a following.
Chick-fil-A
Some Chick-fil-A locations are running a buy-one-get-one deal on their regular and spicy chicken sandwiches. Check with your local restaurant to confirm if they’re participating.
Jack in the Box
Jack in the Box is offering a free Cluck Sandwich with a $1 minimum purchase. That’s practically giving them away!
Jollibee
Jollibee has an exclusive promo for their rewards members – a buy one, get one chicken sandwich deal when you sign up for a Jollibee Rewards account on November 9, 2024. This offer is available for both their Original and Spicy chicken sandwiches. Their sandwiches feature perfectly seasoned breading and tender chicken that’s hard to resist!
How to Celebrate National Fried Chicken Sandwich Day
There are plenty of ways to celebrate this delicious food holiday beyond just taking advantage of the deals. Here are some ideas:
1. Host a Chicken Sandwich Taste Test
Gather your friends and family for the ultimate showdown. Pick up chicken sandwiches from different restaurants and conduct a blind taste test to determine your group’s favorite. Create score cards for categories like:
- Crispiness of chicken
- Flavor of breading
- Juiciness
- Bun quality
- Sauce/condiments
- Overall experience
2. Make Your Own Gourmet Chicken Sandwiches
Why not try creating your own at home? Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:
Homemade Fried Chicken Sandwich
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 4 brioche buns
- Mayo, pickles, lettuce for serving
Instructions:
- Marinate chicken in buttermilk and hot sauce for at least 4 hours or overnight
- Mix flour and seasonings in a bowl
- Heat oil to 350°F in a large pot or deep fryer
- Dredge chicken in flour mixture, shaking off excess
- Fry until golden brown and internal temp reaches 165°F (about 5-7 minutes)
- Toast buns, spread with mayo, add chicken and toppings
3. Try a Regional Specialty
Different regions have their own spin on fried chicken sandwiches. In the South, you might find pimento cheese on your sandwich, while Nashville-style hot chicken sandwiches feature a distinctive spice blend. Use this holiday as an excuse to explore regional variations!
4. Share on Social Media
Don’t forget to post your chicken sandwich adventures on social media with hashtags like #NationalFriedChickenSandwichDay or #ChickenSandwichDay. It’s a fun way to see what others are enjoying and maybe discover a new place to try.
The Fried Chicken Sandwich Phenomenon
It’s crazy to think how much the humble chicken sandwich has transformed the fast food landscape in recent years. What was once a simple menu item has become the centerpiece of marketing campaigns and the subject of fierce competition among chains.
I still remember the 2019 “chicken sandwich wars” that started when Popeyes introduced their sandwich and promptly sold out nationwide. People were literally waiting in lines around the block, and the sandwich became a cultural phenomenon.
Since then, nearly every fast food chain has revamped their chicken sandwich offerings. The standards have definitely been raised – a basic chicken patty on a bun doesn’t cut it anymore. Consumers expect thick, juicy chicken with crunchy breading, premium toppings, and special sauces.
Nutritional Considerations
Let’s be real – fried chicken sandwiches aren’t exactly health food. But if you’re watching your calories or have dietary restrictions, there are ways to enjoy the day without going overboard:
- Choose grilled options when available
- Skip the mayo or special sauce
- Go bunless or use a lettuce wrap
- Share a sandwich with someone
- Balance your day with healthier choices for other meals
Most fast food chicken sandwiches range from 400-700 calories, with the variation mostly coming from size, breading, and sauce. If you’re treating yourself for the holiday, enjoy it without guilt – that’s what food holidays are for!
Beyond Fast Food: Gourmet Chicken Sandwiches
While the deals at fast food chains are tempting, don’t overlook local restaurants that might be offering special chicken sandwiches for the occasion. Many higher-end establishments have embraced the chicken sandwich trend with gourmet ingredients like:
- Artisanal breads and buns
- House-made pickles and slaws
- Specialty aiolis and sauces
- Locally sourced, free-range chicken
- Unique spice blends and cooking techniques
These sandwiches might cost more than their fast food counterparts, but they often feature higher quality ingredients and more creative preparations. Some restaurants even offer a chicken sandwich with a glass of champagne pairing – proving this comfort food has truly gone upscale!
Chicken Sandwich Fun Facts
- Americans consume more than 2.3 billion chicken sandwiches annually
- The average American eats about 7 chicken sandwiches per year
- The world’s largest chicken sandwich was created in 2010 and weighed over 2,400 pounds
- Some food historians trace the fried chicken sandwich back to the 1940s in Atlanta, Georgia
- The most expensive chicken sandwich sold for $200 at a New York restaurant (it featured gold flakes and truffle mayo)
My Final Thoughts
As someone who’s tried pretty much every chicken sandwich out there (it’s research, I swear!), I think National Fried Chicken Sandwich Day is a perfect excuse to indulge in this beloved comfort food. Whether you prefer spicy, original, or something more gourmet, November 9th is your day to celebrate.
I’ll personally be hitting up a few different places to take advantage of the deals. My strategy is to get the Burger King offer early, then swing by Popeyes for lunch, and finish with the Jollibee BOGO deal for dinner. Too much? Maybe. Worth it? Absolutely!
Don’t forget to mark your calendar for November 9th and plan which deals you want to take advantage of. Some require app downloads or rewards program membership, so you might want to set those up in advance.
FAQs About National Fried Chicken Sandwich Day
Q: Is National Fried Chicken Sandwich Day the same as National Fried Chicken Day?
A: No, they’re different holidays! National Fried Chicken Sandwich Day is on November 9th, while National Fried Chicken Day is celebrated on July 6th.
Q: Do I need to be a rewards member to get these deals?
A: Many of the promotions do require rewards membership or app downloads. It’s worth signing up ahead of time since these programs are typically free to join.
Q: Are these deals available nationwide?
A: Most are available at participating locations across the U.S., but it’s always a good idea to check with your local restaurant to confirm they’re honoring the promotion.
Q: Can the deals be used for delivery orders?
A: Some promotions specify they work for delivery, while others are for in-store or pickup only. Check the specific terms of each deal before ordering.
Q: How long have we been celebrating National Fried Chicken Sandwich Day?
A: While fried chicken has been celebrated for much longer, the specific chicken sandwich holiday is a relatively recent addition to the food holiday calendar, gaining popularity especially after the “chicken sandwich wars” of 2019.
Remember, November 9th is your chance to indulge in crispy, juicy, perfectly-seasoned chicken sandwiches without guilt. It only comes once a year, so make the most of it!
Jack in the Box
Jack in the Box rewards members can score a free Cluck Sandwich with a $1 purchase on National Fried Chicken Sandwich Day.
New Jollibee rewards members who sign up on Nov. 9 can enjoy a buy-one, get-one-free chicken sandwich (original and spicy) deal.
In honor of National Fried Chicken Sandwich Day, KFC is offering customers a free sandwich (regular, spicy or saucy) when they make a purchase of $1 or more.
To celebrate National Fried Chicken Sandwich Day, McDonald’s is running a $2 deal on its McCrispy Sandwich at participating restaurants nationwide on Nov. 9 in the chain’s app.
Pollo Campero is celebrating National Fried Chicken Sandwich Day by giving customers a free regular drink when they buy a sandwich (classic or spicy) as part of a meal or a la carte. The offer is valid in-store and online.
Through Nov. 10, participating Popeyes locations are giving customers a free chicken sandwich (ghost pepper, classic or spicy varieties) when they make any $10+ purchase in the chain’s app for mobile order pickup and delivery.
The offer isn’t valid on third-party delivery or with other discounts and is limited to one per account. It’s not valid with bacon or cheese add-ons.