Fried chicken is a globally popular, greasy, deliciously indulgent comfort dish. But did you know that the ultimate soul food was created in our own backyard, when Scottish chicken-frying techniques were combined with West African seasoning traditions, resulting in what is now one of the world’s most beloved guilty pleasures? Until World War II, fried chicken was an expensive delicacy, but due to mass production techniques, we can now enjoy it in almost every city for a reasonable price. On July 6, we break out the chicken containers and napkins, as it is National Fried Chicken Day.
The background of National Fried Chicken Day
American fried chicken is considered the finest, but it was not invented in the United States. Europeans were already deep-frying poultry in fat during the Middle Ages, but it was Scottish immigrants to the United States who introduced the practise. Their preferred method of consuming fried poultry lacked seasoning, so their recipe was relatively flavourless. African slaves of Scottish immigrants adopted the recipe for fried chicken, frequently adding more spices as their own distinctive addition to the cooking method. When African slaves became Southern-American cooks, this cuisine became a staple in many households.
This theory is supported in part by James Boswell’s “Journal of a Tour to the Hebrides” journal. In 1773, he wrote that the locals served him fricassee of fowl for supper — “fried chicken or something like that.”
Hannah Glasse published the earliest known recipe for fried chicken in her 18th-century cookbook titled “The Art of Cookery Made Plain and Easy.” In 1747, her recipe titled “To Marinate Chickens” was published for the first time.
The history of fried chicken would be incomplete without mentioning Colonel Harland David Sanders, the monarch of fried chicken. He came up with the brilliant concept of cooking fried chicken quickly using a combination of spices and a pressure cooker after working a variety of jobs. When he first began selling the dish in his Corbin, Kentucky restaurant, it was not an immediate hit. At age 65, he began peddling his fried chicken on the road under the name “Kentucky Fried Chicken.” As part of his professional endeavours, he assumed the title of colonel. When he sold his company in 1964, there were 600 KFC franchises across the nation.
Fried chicken continues to captivate cuisine enthusiasts and consumers. In 2019, Popeye’s debuted a fried chicken sandwich, which caused a major stir. The craze and clamour for the chicken sandwich continue to the present day, with competing franchises engaged in an ongoing “chicken war.”
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Activities associated with National Fried Chicken Day
Cook it yourself
Locate a recipe, enter the kitchen, and begin cooking. Serve the results to your loved ones. They will most likely adore you for it.
Go for genuine
Fast cuisine Fried chicken is delectable, but on this particular day, you should up your game. Try the genuine article by locating a Southern restaurant in your area. Fried chicken likely occupies a prominent position on the menu.
Respect the leader
Traditionally, fried chicken is a family supper shared from a bucket, bowl, or plate. Impress your colleagues by bringing a large bucket of chicken to the office and sharing it with them during lunch. Bring an ample amount of napkins. No one desires grimy keyboards.
5 FACTS CONCERNING FRIED CHICKEN
It took Colonel Sanders a while for his recipe to gain popularity.
A container of KFC is required for Christmas celebrations in Japan.
Prior to World War II, fried poultry was served only for special occasions.
In various parts of the world, chicken is fried differently; in Korea, it is double-fried and coated in sweet and spicy sauce, while in Japan, it is cut into small pieces prior to frying.
In Gainesville, Georgia, it is prohibited to consume fried chicken with a fork or any other implement.
NATIONAL FRIED CHICKEN DAY DATES
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2023 | July 6 | Thursday |
2024 | July 6 | Saturday |
2025 | July 6 | Sunday |
2026 | July 6 | Monday |
2027 | July 6 | Tuesday |