Chicken nuggets hold a special place in the hearts and stomachs of many. These bite-sized pieces of breaded and fried chicken are beloved for their convenience kid-friendliness, and downright addictive flavor. But when did this iconic food become so popular? What’s the origin story behind the chicken nugget? And most importantly when is National Chicken Nugget Day, that delicious day dedicated to appreciating this fried phenomenon?
As a food blogger who loves all things crunchy, salty, and nostalgic, I decided to do a deep dive into the history and background of the chicken nugget to get the answers to these pressing questions. Keep reading to get the inside scoop on National Chicken Nugget Day and learn everything you ever wanted to know about America’s favorite chicken bite.
A Brief History of the Legendary Chicken Nugget
While chicken has been a dietary staple for centuries, the invention of the chicken nugget is surprisingly modern. This innovative way of processing and serving chicken can be traced back to the 1950s and one pioneering food scientist named Robert C. Baker.
Baker was a professor of food science at Cornell University. In the postwar era, poultry consumption was on the rise, and the food industry was looking for new ways to meet demand. Baker took up the challenge, developing a groundbreaking method for processing chicken by grinding up pieces, adding seasonings, and binding the mixture together without needing skin or bone.
This innovation paved the way for the modern chicken nugget to be mass produced, allowing poultry to be shaped into uniform, bite-sized pieces perfect for dipping Baker changed the game when it came to how chicken could be prepared, stored, and eaten Though he never patented his invention, its potential was clear.
Fast forward to 1980 when McDonald’s introduced their famous Chicken McNuggets, taking advantage of Baker’s creation. The quick-service chain realized chicken nuggets’ kid-friendly appeal and convenience value, hitting a sweet spot with their signature nuggets accompanied by dipping sauces. Chicken nuggets became a menu staple and pop culture phenomenon from that point on.
Tracing the Origins of National Chicken Nugget Day on November 14th
With chicken nuggets rising in popularity over the decades thanks to fast food chains like McDonald’s, it was only a matter of time before this beloved food got its own dedicated holiday. Thus, National Chicken Nugget Day was born, celebrated each year on November 14th.
The holiday is a chance for chicken nugget connoisseurs and casual fans alike to pay homage to this appetizing innovation. November 14th appears to have been chosen arbitrarily without much official explanation behind the date. But its proximity to the holiday season makes it a fun pre-Thanksgiving celebration where people can indulge before the big turkey day arrives.
Major fast food chains like Chick-fil-A, Burger King, and of course, McDonald’s often capitalize on the holiday by offering chicken nugget deals and specials. It’s also a time to experiment with homemade nugget recipes, dipping sauces, and restaurant chicken nugget taste tests. From fun foodie events to social media buzz, National Chicken Nugget Day has cemented itself as an official day to show one’s chicken nugget appreciation.
Celebrating This Crispy Holiday and Answering Pressing Nugget Questions
When a food holiday centered around fried chicken comes along, I take it as a journalistic duty to fully immerse myself in the celebrations. In my research on National Chicken Nugget Day traditions, I’ve uncovered the answers to some key questions fellow nugget fans may have:
What’s the best way to celebrate National Chicken Nugget Day? Take advantage of the deals at fast food joints, try new nugget recipes, make homemade dipping sauces, and share the chicken nugget love on social media. Host a nugget taste testing party with friends!
What makes a great chicken nugget? The ideal nugget has a crunchy, seasoned breading on the outside surrounding tender, juicy chicken on the inside. It should hold its shape for perfect dipping.
What are the most popular chicken nugget dipping sauces? Top sauces are honey mustard, BBQ sauce, ranch, sweet & sour, buffalo, and ketchup.
Who has the best restaurant chicken nuggets? Contenders include McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Burger King, and Chick-fil-A. Regional and local restaurants may also have excellent nugget options.
Can you make chicken nuggets at home? You sure can! Homemade baked chicken nuggets are a healthier alternative. Just dice chicken breasts, coat in breadcrumbs and spices, and bake until golden brown.
My Take on This Tasty Food Holiday
As a passionate home cook and proud owner of my family chicken nugget recipe passed down from my great-grandma, I’m thrilled there’s an entire day dedicated to celebrating these miniature meals. Chicken nuggets hold a special nostalgia factor while still satisfying cravings today.
National Chicken Nugget Day gives us an excuse to indulge in moderation, appreciate food innovation, and bond over our collective love of all things crispy. This November 14th, I know I’ll be first in line to get any chicken nugget deals, nuggets in hand ready to dip away. Because when it comes to showing one’s chicken nugget pride, no one does it better than yours truly!
The Origins of Chicken Nuggets
Its hard to imagine a time when chicken nuggets didnt exist, but believe it or not, these bite-sized treasures are a relatively modern invention. The credit for the invention of chicken nuggets goes to Robert C. Baker, a food science professor at Cornell University. In the 1950s, Baker began experimenting with different ways to utilize surplus chicken meat, eventually leading to the creation of the chicken nugget in 1963.
Initially, chicken nuggets were mostly sold in restaurants and school cafeterias. But fast-forward to the 1980s when McDonalds introduced their now-famous Chicken McNuggets, and the popularity of these breaded beauties skyrocketed. Today, chicken nuggets are a staple in fast-food menus and freezer sections of supermarkets around the world, loved by kids and adults alike!
1979
In 1979, McDonalds made a historic decision to add the chicken nugget to its menu. The fast-food giant collaborated with Tyson Foods to create a new and improved version of the chicken nugget. McDonalds introduced the Chicken McNugget, which quickly became a sensation and a popular alternative to their iconic hamburgers.
National chicken nugget day
FAQ
Is there a national chicken nugget day?
Yes, there is a National Chicken Nugget Day, and it is celebrated on November 13th. This day is dedicated to celebrating the beloved crispy, bite-sized pieces of chicken.
Who has 10 piece chicken nuggets for $1?
A 10-piece Chicken McNuggets costs only $1, provided users opt into the McDonald’s Rewards program.
Is there a 50 piece chicken nugget at Wendy’s?
The approximately 50-count party pack comes in crispy or spicy and with dipping sauces on the side. Pick from Ghost Pepper Ranch, BBQ, Sweet & Sour, Honey Mustard, or Buttermilk Ranch. Wendy’s says its nuggets are among the most popular of entrees—in fact, they were the No. 1 order in 2023.
Who ate 1,000 chicken nuggets?
Today, in news that sound totally fake yet they are totally real: the time Usain Bolt ate over 1000 chicken nuggets, broke Olympic records and won Gold medals.
When is national chicken nugget day?
National Chicken Nugget Day is celebrated on November 13th each year. It is a day dedicated to honoring and indulging in one of the all-time favorite fast-food snacks – chicken nuggets. On this day, food enthusiasts, chicken lovers, and fast-food enthusiasts come together to celebrate the joy of these crispy and delicious bite-sized treats.
When is National Fried Chicken Day?
Fried chicken is among Americans’ most favored dishes, so it makes sense there’s a National Fried Chicken Day – and it’s happening Saturday, July 6. Only a few foods are preferred over fried chicken in the U.S.: hamburgers, french fries and grilled cheese sandwiches, according to YouGov’s regularly updated list of The Most Popular American Dishes.
What is a chicken nugget?
The history of the term ‘chicken nugget’ can be traced back to 1950 when Robert C. Baker, a food scientist at Cornell University, popularized the concept. Baker and his team were exploring new ways to utilize low-value cuts of chicken meat.
When is National Chicken Finger day?
Regardless, if you want to celebrate this made-up holiday on Saturday, plenty of fast-food spots and restaurants have deals and specials to tempt you. Many of them will also have promotions later this month for National Chicken Finger Day (July 27) and National Chicken Wing Day (July 29).
Why are chicken nuggets so popular?
As consumer demand grew, companies began offering different flavors, coatings, and dipping sauces, further diversifying the chicken nugget market. Chicken nuggets became a favorite choice among children and adults, solidifying their position as a beloved comfort food.
Does KFC have fried chicken on national Fried Chicken Day?
For National Fried Chicken Day on Saturday, July 6, members of Burger King’s Royal Perks loyalty program can get a free Royal Crispy Chicken sandwich with a purchase of $5 or more. If National Fried Chicken Day automatically brings KFC to mind, the restaurant chain has some new swag for you.