The Origins and Celebration of National Chicken Wing Day
National Chicken Wing Day is a culinary event celebrated each year on July 29th across the United States. An iconic bar food and sports game staple, chicken wings have soared in popularity over the years, leading to the establishment of a national day to celebrate this beloved snack.
History of National Chicken Wing Day
The idea of National Chicken Wing Day was not borne from ancient culinary history, but rather from a proclamation by the then-mayor of Buffalo, New York, Stan Makowski, in 1977. The day was first celebrated in that city, rightfully so, as Buffalo is famous for the creation of spicy Buffalo chicken wings — a recipe that has been widely adopted and adapted across the country and around the world.
Much like many food-related holidays, National Chicken Wing Day offers restaurants, pubs, and sports bars the opportunity to promote their specific take on this popular dish with special deals and contests.
Chicken Wings in American Culture
Chicken wings have become embedded in American food culture. From humble beginnings as a cheap and disregarded part of the chicken often used for stock or thrown away, wings have been transformed into a covetable dish through innovation and clever marketing.
It’s commonly agreed that the widespread popularity of chicken wings began with Teressa Bellissimo at the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York in 1964. Teressa concocted the original buffalo wing recipe as a quick and tasty snack for her son and his friends — deep-fried wings tossed in a spicy sauce composed primarily of butter and hot sauce.
This simple dish quickly caught on and spread around the US. Today, not only are chicken wings an indispensable part of bar menus and football Sundays, but they’ve also spurred a competitive industry with magazines, websites, contests, and even television shows primarily devoted to finding or preparing the perfect wing.
Events and Promotions
During National Chicken Wing Day, chicken wing enthusiasts can find an array of celebrations happening in their local restaurants or at national chains. Establishments typically offer deals like “all-you-can-eat” wings or discounts per order. There may also be wing-eating contests where quantities consumed are fiercely debated or celebrated with prizes and local acclaim.
Social media floods with hashtags such as #NationalChickenWingDay and #ChickenWings, with people sharing images of their favorite wing meals — be they spicy Buffalo-style wings, sweet BBQ wings, or any one of the countless flavors available now. Home cooks also partake by preparing homemade wing feasts and sharing recipes.
Impact on Poultry Industry
One fascinating storyline in the saga of chicken wings is their impact on the poultry industry. What was once considered an almost waste product is now a prime commodity. Ideal for shared plates in social settings due to their size and ease of eating, the demand for chicken wings has spiked over the years.
Their popularity peaks during certain times of the year such as National Chicken Wing Day or during major sports events like the Super Bowl. The poultry industry has had to adjust accordingly, taking what used to be a low-cost item and elevating it to a premium product that sometimes outpaces other cuts of chicken in price per pound.