National Chicken Finger Day arrives every July 27, celebrating the universally loved, crispy, and tender snack. Founded by Raising Cane’s, this day pays homage to the humble chicken finger, a staple in fast-casual dining and home kitchens alike. Gather your favorite dipping sauces, explore new recipes, and share your golden-fried joy with friends and family.
History of National Chicken Finger Day
Chicken fingers are one of the most delicious items you can find on the menu of many fast-food establishments. Just in case you’re living under a rock and haven’t heard of this tasty finger food, let us tell you what to expect. Chicken fingers could also be called chicken goujons, chicken strips, chicken tenders, or chicken fillets. They are made from the white meat from chicken breasts and are prepared by seasoning the chicken strips to your preference, coating them in breading, and deep-frying them. The result is a tasty soft piece of chicken wrapped in a crunchy, golden-brown exterior.
The deliciousness that is chicken fingers might not be as recent a finding as you might think. Its origins have been traced back to the late 1900s at the Puritan Backroom of Manchester, New Hampshire. There have been several oppositions of this fact from restaurants in Georgia and Louisiana, but a consensus crowns Manchester as the winning chicken finger city.
One of the major producers of chicken fingers in America is Raising Cane’s — a Louisiana-based fast-food chain that specializes in a variety of chicken finger dishes. Its founder, Todd Graves was discouraged by college professors and banks who thought the idea of a restaurant serving just chicken fingers wouldn’t fly. Years later Todd raised his own money and was able to launch the first building with the help of an SBA loan. He has now further proven them wrong with over 385 restaurants in over 24 states, as well as some international countries. Raising Cane’s created Chicken Finger Day to honor their love of chicken fingers, and celebrate with their fans and chicken finger lovers across the world.
National Chicken Finger Day timeline
Chicken fingers are made for the first time in Manchester, New Hampshire.
Chicken fingers gain popularity as the meatier substitute for chicken nuggets.
Todd Graves establishes a chicken finger restaurant called Raising Cane’s.
Chicken Finger Day is established on July 27 by Raising Cane’s.
National Chicken Finger Day FAQs
National Chicken Finger Day Activities
Make some chicken fingers
Chicken fingers are a relatively easy dish to make, with numerous recipes online. Whip up your signature dish and have a hearty meal. Test your culinary skills today by trying your hand at any recipe that intrigues you. Come up with your own new recipe if you are daring.
Order from Raising Cane’s
Respect is given to whom it’s due, and Raising Cane’s deserves all our respect for creating such a delicious day and a fast-food chain dedicated to chicken fingers. You can pay your respects by ordering a meal from Raising Cane’s. The great thing is they have several franchises open in nearly every state. You don’t need to worry about indecision because they only serve a variety of chicken fingers.
Have a chicken finger party
Any excuse to throw a party is one we should take with open arms. Chicken Finger Day presents such an opportunity by giving us a tasty reason to throw a party. Whether you’re making your chicken finger dishes or ordering out, make sure to have friends and family over for a delicious dinner and a good ol’ time.
5 Interesting Facts About Chicken Fingers
Fingers is a slang term
The original name for this dish is chicken tenders, however, chicken fingers originated as a slang term for the word.
You may know it as something else
In England, chicken fingers are known as chicken goujons, and could also be called chicken fillets or strips.
It is nutritious
Chicken breasts are already known to hold many nutritional benefits, thereby making chicken fingers just as nutritious.
It builds muscle mass
Chicken and chicken fingers provide important amino acids that can help repair tissues and keep muscle mass.
The varieties are endless
There are hundreds of chicken finger recipes online.
Why We Love National Chicken Finger Day
We love chicken fingers
Who doesn’t love a crunchy set of chicken fingers? That’s what all the rave is about on Chicken Finger Day. It’s a day dedicated to one of the most popular, mass-produced foods in the American fast food industry.
It’s an excuse to eat chicken fingers
We love a good excuse to eat anything at all, but today, chicken fingers take the prize! Chicken Finger Day allows you to eat as many chicken fingers as you want without feeling guilty about it or worrying about carbs.
The kids love it too
Another great thing about chicken fingers is that everyone loves them! Any parent knows just how picky children can be with their food, but chicken fingers are often a hit with the little ones. This means you can enjoy the day without leaving your kids out of the fun.
National Chicken Finger Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | July 27 | Monday |
| 2027 | July 27 | Tuesday |
| 2028 | July 27 | Thursday |
| 2029 | July 27 | Friday |
| 2030 | July 27 | Saturday |
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