Introduction
Every July 6th, fried chicken lovers across America come together to celebrate National Fried Chicken Day, one of the most mouthwatering unofficial food holidays around. Whether you crave extra-crispy drumsticks, Nashville hot tenders, or a classic Southern fried chicken sandwich, this day is a golden opportunity to treat yourself. Even better, many of your favorite restaurants — from KFC and Popeyes to Chick-fil-A and local diners — roll out unbeatable food deals, discounts, and even freebies to mark the occasion.
In 2025, National Fried Chicken Day is shaping up to be bigger than ever, with a wide range of limited-time offers designed to tempt your taste buds without breaking the bank. With fried chicken being one of America’s most beloved comfort foods, this holiday is more than just a chance to indulge; it’s a celebration of flavor, culture, and community..Fried Chicken Day 2025 Deals You’ll Love
This blog will guide you through the best National Fried Chicken Day food deals of 2025, highlighting where to score the biggest savings, what to expect from major chains, and how to discover hidden gems near you. Plus, we’ll dive into the history of the holiday, offer money-saving strategies, explore healthier fried chicken options, and share tips on celebrating right at home.
So grab a napkin, bring your appetite, and get ready — because National Fried Chicken Day is about to get delicious.
What Is National Fried Chicken Day?
National Fried Chicken Day, celebrated every year on July 6th, is a delicious homage to one of America’s most iconic comfort foods: fried chicken. Whether you like it crunchy, spicy, buttermilk-brined, or gluten-free, fried chicken is a staple of American cuisine with deep cultural roots. This day is all about gathering friends, family, or even flying solo to enjoy your favorite crispy bites.
Restaurants and fast-food chains jump on the trend with exclusive offers, discounts, and limited-time menus, making it a perfect opportunity to indulge while saving some cash. From classic fried chicken buckets to trendy chicken sandwiches and wings, there’s something for every taste.
Beyond the savings and food promotions, National Fried Chicken Day has become a moment to celebrate a dish that transcends borders. Fried chicken is enjoyed in countless global cuisines, including Korean, Japanese, Jamaican, and West African — each with their own take on this crispy delight.
If you’re wondering how to get the most out of National Fried Chicken Day 2025, stay tuned: we’ll be listing the best deals from the biggest brands — plus some tips on how to celebrate at home.
History of the Holiday
The roots of National Fried Chicken Day are hard to trace, but fried chicken itself goes back centuries. Many believe its origins began with the Scottish immigrants who deep-fried unseasoned chicken in the 1700s, later merging with West African culinary traditions of spiced, seasoned frying. This combination created the modern fried chicken that took hold across the American South.
As fried chicken grew popular in the 20th century — thanks to roadside diners, family gatherings, and even church potlucks — it became a deeply rooted part of American social life. By the mid-20th century, national chains like KFC spread the dish globally, cementing fried chicken as an international phenomenon.
Although no single person or group claims to have founded “National Fried Chicken Day,” food culture experts believe it began as a fun, unofficial celebration in the late 20th century and grew thanks to food bloggers, marketers, and fans eager for an excuse to indulge. Today, it’s recognized nationwide, and restaurants actively plan for the day with creative specials..Crispy Chicken Tenders Recipe
Why It Matters to Foodies
You might ask: why is a day about fried chicken such a big deal? The answer is simple — fried chicken means more than just a quick meal. It represents community, family gatherings, game-day parties, backyard barbecues, and regional pride. For many foodies, National Fried Chicken Day is a celebration of memories and heritage as much as flavor.
Additionally, the rise of food culture on social media — think TikTok taste tests, YouTube reviews, and Instagram drool-worthy posts — has made National Fried Chicken Day a trending event every year. It’s a chance for content creators, restaurants, and fans alike to share their favorite recipes, brand loyalty moments, and of course, limited-time deals that go viral.
In 2025, the hype around fried chicken is stronger than ever, thanks to new innovations in recipes, spice blends, and even air-fried or gluten-free alternatives. No matter your dietary preference, there’s a crispy, flavorful option waiting for you to try.
Top Food Deals for National Fried Chicken Day
July 6th is a golden opportunity to scoop up the best fried chicken deals of the year. From massive chain promotions to surprise local gems, National Fried Chicken Day brings out the most finger-lickin’ bargains. Here’s where to look:
KFC: Discounts & Coupons
Kentucky Fried Chicken, a legend in the fried chicken game, rarely disappoints when it comes to National Fried Chicken Day. In 2025, KFC is expected to offer discounts such as $5 fill-up boxes, buy-one-get-one-free chicken sandwiches, and even digital coupons through their app. You might also find family-sized bucket deals with sides included at a reduced price.
Keep an eye on KFC’s website and official app for flash deals, as these can change quickly and sometimes include free delivery promos. Also, consider signing up for their Colonel’s Club email list — subscribers often get exclusive coupon codes around major food holidays.
Popeyes: Freebies & Limited-Time Offers
Popeyes, home of the cult-favorite chicken sandwich, usually goes all out on July 6th. Expect a mix of free tenders with any combo purchase, $0 delivery fees through food apps like DoorDash, and sometimes even spicy chicken sandwich buy-one-get-one deals.
They also tend to showcase new limited-edition sauces or spice blends, giving you a chance to try something unique. Make sure you’re enrolled in Popeyes Rewards, their loyalty program, to unlock even more perks like free sides, drinks, or double points on your purchases.
Chick-fil-A: Special Menu Items & Apps
Chick-fil-A might not always do massive discounts, but they frequently offer free treats through their app on National Fried Chicken Day. For 2025, look out for bonus points, surprise free nuggets, or discounted family meals.
Additionally, Chick-fil-A sometimes experiments with new menu items around July to coincide with National Fried Chicken Day — think spicy grilled sandwiches or limited-time sauces. Pro tip: download their app and turn on notifications so you don’t miss these perks.
Explore Chick-fil-A offers here
Wingstop: Group Deals & Bundles
Wingstop is a fantastic option if you’re planning a party for National Fried Chicken Day. They traditionally offer large bundle discounts perfect for groups, including 20-wing packs with sides for a reduced price, or bonus free flavors with bigger orders.
In 2025, you might see special flavor launches or collabs — for example, limited-time rubs or sauces. Stay connected through their email list and social media, because Wingstop loves teasing flash sales on platforms like Instagram or TikTok.
Local Fried Chicken Spots: Hidden Gems
While the big chains pull in the crowds, don’t overlook your local restaurants. Small fried chicken joints often get creative with National Fried Chicken Day deals — think free biscuits with every order, “buy two get one free” wings, or reduced-price platters.
Search on Google Maps, Yelp, or your local Facebook groups to uncover hyperlocal deals. Sometimes smaller businesses don’t advertise nationally but still put out amazing limited-time offers to get new customers in the door.
You can even call ahead to ask if they’re celebrating the holiday. Supporting local restaurants means you not only score a deal but also keep your community thriving.
Money-Saving Tips for Fried Chicken Deals
Scoring the best National Fried Chicken Day food deals takes a bit of savvy planning. With restaurant promotions, coupons, and loyalty rewards all in play, you can stack multiple savings to get a mouthwatering meal for a fraction of the price. Here’s how:
Mobile Apps & Loyalty Programs
If you haven’t yet downloaded your favorite fried chicken chain’s app, National Fried Chicken Day is the perfect excuse. Brands like KFC, Popeyes, Wingstop, and Chick-fil-A often send exclusive deals and app-only coupons in the days leading up to July 6th.
Loyalty programs can also supercharge your savings. For instance, Popeyes Rewards members frequently score free items or earn double points on National Fried Chicken Day. Chick-fil-A One members sometimes receive surprise treats in their inbox, while KFC’s Colonel’s Club pushes out personalized discounts straight to your account.
Signing up is usually free, and these programs give you access to birthday rewards, early access to new menu items, and sometimes even contests for free food prizes.
Coupon Sites & Promo Codes
Beyond official apps, don’t forget to check popular coupon hubs like RetailMeNot, Coupons.com, or even browser extensions such as Honey. These platforms regularly surface fried chicken discounts, from free delivery codes to buy-one-get-one-free coupons.
In addition, many fast-food chains send discount codes to their email subscribers in the week before National Fried Chicken Day. So, consider subscribing to your favorite brands at least a week ahead of July 6th to ensure you receive the latest updates.
If you prefer social media, check restaurant Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok pages, where brands often announce flash promos and quick giveaways that aren’t listed anywhere else.
Healthier Fried Chicken Options
If you want to enjoy National Fried Chicken Day without the guilt, you’re not alone. More people are exploring healthier fried chicken options that still satisfy those crunchy, savory cravings.
Air-Fried Alternatives
Air fryers have changed the fried chicken game. By using hot circulating air instead of deep oil baths, air-frying cuts down fat and calories dramatically while still keeping the crispy exterior that makes fried chicken irresistible.
Some big chains are beginning to experiment with air-fried products, but you can also whip up a homemade version. Marinate your chicken in buttermilk or yogurt, coat with panko or whole-wheat breadcrumbs, and spritz lightly with cooking oil before air-frying. The result? Golden brown crunch with a fraction of the grease.
Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Picks
Dietary restrictions don’t have to mean missing out. Many fried chicken restaurants now cater to gluten-free and dairy-free customers. For example, some chains offer chicken breaded in rice flour or cornstarch blends, avoiding wheat altogether.
You can also ask for grilled tenders, which are naturally gluten- and dairy-free, and pair them with allergen-friendly sides like coleslaw or green beans.
If you’re cooking at home, it’s easy to make your own gluten-free fried chicken by swapping traditional flour for chickpea or potato flour and using dairy-free plant-based milk in your marinade.
How to Celebrate at Home
Sometimes the best National Fried Chicken Day celebration is in your own kitchen. With a little creativity, you can recreate restaurant-quality chicken and pair it with classic sides for a memorable feast.
DIY Marinades & Spices
The secret to amazing fried chicken often starts with a killer marinade. Traditional buttermilk marinades, spiced with garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of cayenne, help tenderize the chicken and infuse deep flavor. If you’re going dairy-free, coconut milk with lemon juice and hot sauce makes a wonderful substitute.
For an extra punch, season your flour dredge with herbs like thyme, rosemary, and black pepper, or experiment with global spice blends such as Jamaican jerk, Nashville hot, or Korean gochujang. The possibilities are endless!
Marinate the chicken for at least four hours (overnight is even better) for maximum flavor and tenderness.
Homemade Sides to Pair
No fried chicken feast is complete without satisfying side dishes. Here are some crowd-pleasing ideas:
- Coleslaw — creamy or vinegar-based, it balances the richness of fried chicken
- Cornbread — a classic Southern companion
- Mashed potatoes with gravy — the ultimate comfort food pairing
- Pickles — a tangy bite to cut through the savory fried flavor
- Mac and cheese — the crowd-favorite, gooey and rich
If you want to keep things lighter, consider roasted vegetables or a fresh garden salad with a zesty vinaigrette.
Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s tackle the most common fried chicken day questions so you can celebrate with confidence.
When is National Fried Chicken Day?
National Fried Chicken Day is celebrated annually on July 6th. Mark your calendar so you never miss the chance to scoop up discounts and freebies.
Which chains always have deals?
Typically, big brands like KFC, Popeyes, Wingstop, and Chick-fil-A roll out limited-time offers every National Fried Chicken Day. Smaller regional chains and local restaurants often join in as well, so check their social pages a few days in advance.
Can I get freebies without purchase?
Some chains do offer true freebies with no purchase, but these are usually tied to downloading their app, enrolling in a loyalty program, or following them on social media for flash giveaways.
How to find local hidden-gem offers?
Use Google Maps, Yelp, and Facebook community groups to spot small fried chicken restaurants. Many of these businesses offer amazing one-day-only specials that might not be widely advertised.
Best apps to track deals?
For National Fried Chicken Day, apps like DoorDash, Grubhub, and even Too Good To Go often feature local deals. Plus, follow restaurant-specific apps to catch exclusive coupons.
Is fried chicken healthy once a year?
In moderation, enjoying fried chicken once or twice a year is generally fine for most people. If you’re worried about fat content, consider ordering smaller portions or trying air-fried versions to cut calories.
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
National Fried Chicken Day is more than just a chance to grab a tasty deal — it’s a celebration of a beloved food tradition that brings people together. Whether you head to KFC for their classic crispy buckets, treat yourself to a Popeyes chicken sandwich, or whip up a healthier air-fried version at home, July 6th is your day to indulge.
Beyond the flavors, National Fried Chicken Day is also a moment to support local restaurants, discover hidden gems, and share your experience with family and friends. With plenty of discounts, rewards, and freebies available, there’s no reason not to celebrate.
No matter how you choose to mark the occasion, remember that good food tastes even better when shared. So gather your people, explore the best deals, and make National Fried Chicken Day 2025 your most delicious celebration yet.
Name: Classic Buttermilk Fried Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Instructions:
- In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk and hot sauce.
- Add the chicken pieces, making sure they’re fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- In another bowl, mix flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Heat oil in a heavy pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture until fully coated.
- Fry chicken in batches, about 12–15 minutes per batch, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Transfer cooked chicken to a wire rack over a baking sheet to drain excess oil.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces.