Fried chicken is one of the most popular dishes among Americans, so it comes as no surprise that there is a National Fried Chicken Day, which takes place on Saturday, July 6th.
Only a few foods are preferred over fried chicken in the U.S.: hamburgers, fries and grilled cheese sandwiches, according to YouGov’s regularly updated list of the most popular American foods. Fried chicken was 83 percent popular among Americans — tied with the cheeseburger — compared to the hamburger (85 percent) and fries and grilled cheese (each 84 percent).
According to the National Day Calendar site, there is no known origin for National Fried Chicken Day, and the National Today site offers no explanation either.
Either way, if you’re planning on celebrating this made-up holiday on Saturday, many fast food restaurants and restaurants will have deals and specials to entice you. Many of them will also be running promotions for National Chicken Finger Day (July 27) and National Chicken Wing Day (July 29) later this month.
Don’t forget to also check the social media accounts of your favorite local eateries for National Fried Chicken Day deals.
More ways to save: Visit USA TODAY’s coupon page for deals from thousands of suppliers
Fried chicken:Vote for your favorite fast food dish: fried chicken.
Burger King: Get a Free Sandwich on National Fried Chicken Day
In celebration of National Fried Chicken Day on Saturday, July 6, members of Burger King’s Royal Perks loyalty program will receive a free Royal Crispy Chicken sandwich when you spend $5 or more.
Shop KFC supplies and get discounts on chicken nuggets and sandwiches
If National Fried Chicken Day automatically makes you think of KFC, the restaurant chain has some new items for you.
KFC teamed up with pop culture-themed merch site Boxlunch for a new KFC collection, including a KFC bucket crossbody bag ($79.90), windbreaker (currently 20% off, $51.92), reversible chicken bucket hat (20% off, $23.12) and bum bag ($44.90). You can enter to win the entire collection over on the BoxLunch website.
And if you’re craving KFC on National Fried Chicken Day, there are deals like 50% off chicken sandwiches (excluding the Chicken Little Sandwich; you must redeem the offer by clicking on the applicable banner before checking out (valid at kfc.com and in the KFC app at participating locations).
KFC Rewards loyalty program members will receive a free Taste of KFC 2-piece meal with any online purchase on Saturday, July 6. Other deals include a free order of 10 Saucy Nuggets with a purchase of $10 or more and a 50-piece nuggets order for $25. All deals only on kfc.com and the KFC app at participating locations (limit 1 per transaction).
Popeyes’ Free Boneless Wings Deal
Popeyes Rewards loyalty program members can get a free 6-pack of boneless wings with any $10 purchase through July 14 (valid only on Popeyes.com or the Popeyes app; also valid on Popeyes delivery. Delivery policies and fees apply.)
The restaurant chain has had boneless wings on its menu since June 25; flavors include Classic, Honey Lemon Pepper, Signature Hot, Honey BBQ, Sweet ‘N Spicy, and Roasted Garlic Parmesan.
The chain also says it used bots on the social network X, formerly known as Twitter, to send thousands of codes to those who spoke out against boneless wings after the chain added the dish to its menu. The codes can be redeemed for a free six-pack of Boneless Wings with any purchase made on the Popeyes website or app on Saturday, July 6.
More offers for National Fried Chicken Day
- Angry girls: The California-based fast casual restaurant chain is having a special deal on $3 sliders on Saturday, July 6 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Large sandwiches: For National Fried Chicken Day, get $3 off chicken sandwiches at the Northern Virginia chain. Choices include Fricken Good Fried Chicken, BYOC and Shirlington Hot Fried Chicken Sammies.
- Bird sound: The Denver-founded chain — 14 restaurants in three states — is offering a $1 Original Chicken sandwich in-store all day Saturday, July 6. (Use promo code “ChickenDay”; limit one per guest.)
- Bonchon: The fast-casual Asian fusion chain is adding a new item to its regular menu on Saturday, July 6: the Bonchon Korean Fried Chicken Sandwich. The chicken fillet is served on a warm brioche bun, is double-fried for extra crispiness, and is served with soy sauce, garlic, spices, or Korean BBQ sauce. Also served with coleslaw and fries.
- BurgerFi: The burger-famous chain is offering a buy-one-get-one-free Fried Chicken Sandwich deal when you dine in on Saturday, July 6. Also available is Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wings Hot Sauce tossed in. Dessert options include a Build Your Own Coca-Cola Freestyle Float made with vanilla frozen yogurt (available at participating locations).
- Lee’s Famous Chicken Recipe: Just in time for National Fried Chicken Day, the chain has a new Buffalo Collection, which includes a Buffalo Chicken Sandwich, Buffalo Mac and Cheese Bowl, and Buffalo Strips. Join the Lee’s Famous Rewards loyalty program to get a free drink and earn rewards points for every $1 spent (available at participating locations).
- Jack in the box: Current and new members of the Jack Pack loyalty program can get a free chicken sandwich with a purchase of $1 or more. Choices include Jack’s Spicy Chicken, Homestyle Ranch Chicken Club, and Grilled Chicken Sandwich. Sign up in the Jack app or at jackinthebox.com to get the deal.
- Jollibee: Get two free pieces of Chickenjoy Fried Chicken with every 10-piece order online at this Asian restaurant chain through July 10 (use code NFCD2024 at checkout).
- Crispy, crunchy chicken: The chain is celebrating National Fried Chicken Day with limited-time deals on “Your Choice” combos starting at $5.99, including the Cajun Chicken Sandwich, Three Tenders or Three-Piece Bone-In Chicken (each dish comes with potato wedges; deals valid at participating locations).
- Pollo Campero: For National Fried Chicken Day, the fast food chain is giving users of its app a $5 credit to use from Friday, July 5 through Sunday, July 7. You can also still order Pollo Campero’s Fourth of July Bundle (available through July 7), which includes 50 pieces of chicken, three sides, and 26 rolls or tortillas (order online; price varies by location).
Follow Mike Snider on X and Threads: @mikesnider & mikegsnider.
What is everyone talking about? Sign up for our trending newsletter to receive the latest news of the day