National Chicken Tender Day

A child with a big smile on their face, wearing a chicken costume, surrounded by a basket of golden chicken tenders.. — National chicken tender day illustration

Welcome to the clucky article about National Chicken Tender Day! Prepare to be tantalized by the crispy, tender, and oh-so-delicious world of these golden strips of joy!

When is Chicken Tender Day?

It's national chicken tender day on the 27th July.

A Brief History of National Chicken Tender Day

On this special day, we celebrate the glorious creation that is the chicken tender! These delectable morsels have become a beloved staple in the realm of finger foods, captivating hearts and taste buds across the globe.

While the exact origins of National Chicken Tender Day are shrouded in mystery (and perhaps a sprinkling of breadcrumbs), we can safely assume that it was born out of a deep love for these breaded wonders.

Chicken tenders, also known as chicken strips or chicken fingers, are typically made from tenderloins or boneless, skinless chicken breasts. These succulent pieces of poultry are coated in a crispy batter, fried to perfection, and served with various dipping sauces to elevate the taste experience.

Whether you prefer barbecue sauce, honey mustard, ranch dressing, or even a zesty salsa, there's a sauce out there for every chicken tender lover's unique palate.

The Internet's Love Affair with Chicken Tenders

When it comes to the internet's obsession with food, chicken tenders have undoubtedly secured a spot near the top of the list. Countless memes, GIFs, and drool-worthy food photos flood our social media feeds, leaving us craving a taste of tender goodness.

Food enthusiasts, restaurants, and fast-food chains alike have jumped on the chicken tender bandwagon, dishing out endless variations and flavor combinations to satisfy our ever-growing cravings.

Now, let's dig into some fun facts about our beloved chicken tenders:

Did you know that Americans consume approximately 1.25 billion chicken tenders every year? That's enough to encircle the Earth 4 times!
Chicken tenders were first introduced to the masses in the 1980s by food industry giant McDonald's. They quickly gained popularity and spread like wildfire.
The longest chicken tender ever recorded measured a jaw-dropping 12.5 inches. Talk about a clucking beast!

Celebrate National Chicken Tender Day in Style

Now that you're armed with some tasty tidbits of chicken tender wisdom, it's time to celebrate National Chicken Tender Day in style! Gather your loved ones, fire up the fryer (or oven), and indulge in a crispy and scrumptious chicken tender feast.

Whether you prefer a classic recipe or want to experiment with unique flavors, this day is all about embracing the joy that comes from sinking your teeth into a perfectly cooked piece of poultry perfection.

Remember, friends, on this special day, it's perfectly acceptable to wear a chicken nugget crown and declare yourself the ruler of all things tender and tasty. After all, it's not every day we get to honor the beloved chicken tender in all its golden glory!

History behind the term 'Chicken Tender'

1950

The Rise of Fast Food

In the 1950s, the fast-food industry began to flourish in the United States. As people started demanding quick and convenient meals, restaurants started offering single-serve chicken dishes to cater to this need. These dishes often included chicken pieces called 'chicken tenders,' which were breaded and deep-fried for a crispy texture.

1977

Chain Restaurants Introduce Chicken Tenders

In 1977, the famous fast-food chain Hardee's introduced 'Chicken Tenders' as a menu item. This marked the mainstream introduction of the term 'chicken tenders' to describe this particular cut of chicken. Hardee's Chicken Tenders became an instant hit, establishing the term and dish in popular culture.

1983

Fast Food Chains Follow Suit

Throughout the 1980s, other fast-food chains, such as McDonald's and Burger King, noticed the popularity of chicken tenders and added them to their menus. This led to widespread awareness and recognition of the term 'chicken tenders' among consumers, solidifying it as a commonly used phrase to describe this specific poultry dish.

1992

Retail Availability and Home Cooking

Around the early 1990s, chicken tenders became readily available in grocery stores, allowing people to prepare them easily at home. This increased accessibility and convenience further popularized chicken tenders beyond the realm of fast-food restaurants. With various frozen options and pre-packaged chicken tenderloins, individuals could indulge in this beloved dish within the comfort of their own kitchens.

Present

Chicken Tenders in Pop Culture

Chicken tenders have firmly cemented their place in pop culture. They are frequently featured as a staple at fast-food chains, sports events, casual dining restaurants, and even school lunch menus. The term 'chicken tenders' is now synonymous with crispy, flavorful, and convenient finger food enjoyed by people of all ages.