National Chicken Nuggets Day

Excited child munching on chicken nuggets, wearing a cozy hoodie, colorful playground backdrop, surrounded by friends and laughter.. — National chicken nuggets day illustration

Hey there nugget lovers! Get ready to celebrate National Chicken Nuggets Day, a finger-lickin' good holiday that will bring joy to both your stomach and your soul. Whether you prefer them crispy, spicy, or dipped in sauce, there's no denying the addictive delight that these little bites of chicken goodness bring. So, put on your stretchy pants and let's dive into the fascinating history of these golden nuggets!

When is Chicken Nuggets Day?

It's national chicken nuggets day on the 13th November.

The Origins of Chicken Nuggets

It's hard to imagine a time when chicken nuggets didn't 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 McDonald's 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!

Chicken Nuggets: A Global Phenomenon

While they may have been born in the United States, chicken nuggets have quickly become a global sensation. You can find variations of this beloved treat in almost every corner of the world. In Japan, you'll find karaage chicken nuggets, typically marinated in soy sauce and served with a tangy dipping sauce. Korea offers up dakgangjeong, a sweet and spicy version of chicken nuggets, perfect for those who like a little kick.

In India, you'll find flavorsome chicken pakoras, which are similar to nuggets in terms of their crispy exterior and juicy interior. And let's not forget about Australia, where chicken nuggets, affectionately known as 'chicken nuggets,' are paired with tomato sauce as a must-have party snack. Whether you're in North America or on the other side of the world, it seems that everyone has a unique take on these little chunks of chicken bliss!

History behind the term 'Chicken Nuggets'

1940

The Invention of Chopped Chicken

The culinary history of chicken nuggets can be traced back to 1940, when a professor named Robert C. Baker invented a new technique called "chopped chicken." Baker, a poultry scientist at Cornell University, developed a method to chop chicken meat into a paste-like consistency. This process allowed him to create a variety of chicken-based products, including chicken nuggets.

1963

The Introduction of Chicken Nuggets

Fast forward to 1963, and the term 'chicken nuggets' entered the culinary lexicon. C. Robert Froman, a food science professor at the Georgia Institute of Technology, led a team of researchers to develop a way to bread and fry the chopped chicken meat. They coined the term 'chicken nuggets' to describe these bite-sized pieces of breaded and fried chicken.

1979

McDonald's Launches the Chicken McNugget

In 1979, McDonald's 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. McDonald's introduced the Chicken McNugget, which quickly became a sensation and a popular alternative to their iconic hamburgers.

1983

Chicken Nuggets Go Mainstream

By the early 1980s, chicken nuggets had evolved from a specialty item to a mainstream food. Various food manufacturers jumped on the chicken nugget bandwagon, offering their own versions of this beloved finger food. The demand for chicken nuggets surged among households, leading to their widespread availability in grocery stores and fast-food chains.

Present

Continuing Popularity and Innovation

Chicken nuggets have maintained their popularity over the years and have become a staple in many households. Eateries and food companies continuously innovate, introducing new flavors, shapes, and even vegetarian alternatives to cater to evolving consumer tastes. Today, chicken nuggets are enjoyed by people of all ages and have even inspired creative recipes and variations around the world.

Did you know?

Did you know that the world's largest chicken nugget weighed an astonishing 51.1 pounds? That's right, folks! This colossal nugget was created in the United States and holds the Guinness World Record for the largest chicken nugget ever made. It took a team of chefs and food scientists nearly four hours to cook this massive nugget, which could have easily fed an entire flock of chicken nugget enthusiasts!