September 1-30

National Chicken Month

Get ready to cluck your way through National Chicken Month with delicious recipes, discounts on your favorite dishes, and fun chicken-themed events!

Yearly Date
September 1
Type
Month

Introduction

Get ready to cluck your way through September because it's National Chicken Month! This month-long celebration was first established in 1994 by the National Chicken Council to honor America's beloved poultry and recognize its contribution to our diets. Did you know that the average American consumes around 92 pounds of chicken per year? From fried chicken to grilled chicken, this versatile protein is a staple in many households and restaurants across the country. So let's give a round of applause for our feathered friends and all the delicious meals they provide us with!

National Chicken Month Timeline

1942
First Commercial Broiler Chickens
The first specially bred chicken to be sold commercially as broilers were introduced, significantly propelling the poultry industry.
1952
Fast Food Fried Chicken
Harland Sanders opens the first Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) franchise in Salt Lake City, popularizing fast food fried chicken.
1969
Chicken Becomes Most Consumed Meat
Chicken surpasses pork as the second most consumed meat in the US, following beef, marking its growing popularity.
1980s
Rise of the Chicken Nugget
McDonald's introduces the Chicken McNugget, making bite-sized chicken pieces a popular fast-food item.
1991
Chicken Beats Beef
Chicken surpasses beef as the most consumed meat in the United States, reflecting changing dietary habits.
1994
First National Chicken Month
The National Chicken Council establishes National Chicken Month in September, recognizing the poultry's significant contribution to American diet.

How to Celebrate National Chicken Month

1

Cook a new chicken dish

Challenge yourself to try a new chicken recipe every week during National Chicken Month. You might discover a new favorite dish!

2

Visit a local farm

Take a trip to a local farm to learn about how chickens are raised and where your food comes from. You can even pick up some fresh eggs to use in your cooking.

3

Host a backyard BBQ

Gather your friends and family for a backyard BBQ featuring different chicken dishes. You can even have a friendly competition to see who can come up with the most creative chicken dish.

4

Volunteer at a soup kitchen

Give back to the community by volunteering at a soup kitchen that serves chicken dishes. Not only will you be celebrating National Chicken Month, but you'll also be helping those in need.

5

Attend a chicken festival

Many cities and towns host chicken festivals during National Chicken Month. Attend one and sample different chicken dishes, participate in fun activities, and learn more about the importance of chickens in our food industry.

Why We Love National Chicken Month

A

It's a versatile protein

From fried chicken to roasted chicken, there are countless ways to prepare and enjoy this tasty protein. Whether you prefer traditional flavors or like to mix things up with new spices and marinades, chicken offers endless possibilities for delicious meals.

B

It's healthier than red meat

Chicken is a great alternative to red meat as it is lower in calories and fat while still providing plenty of protein. It also contains important nutrients like iron, zinc, and vitamin B12, making it a nutritious choice for any meal.

C

It's affordable

Compared to other types of meat, chicken is often more budget-friendly. You can purchase whole chickens or specific cuts at a reasonable price, making it possible to incorporate into your meals without breaking the bank.

National Chicken Month Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Aug 31
Thursday
2024
Aug 31
Saturday
2025
Aug 31
Sunday
2026
Aug 31
Monday
2027
Aug 31
Tuesday