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Two days after the 4th of July, and I don't know about you, but I'm still craving some picnic fare! There is just something about summer, BBQ, potato and macaroni salad, fresh, cold fruit, and fried chicken! If you are like me, we are in luck as it's National Fried Chicken Day which falls on the 6th of July every year!
Per NationalDayCalendar.com, "Scottish immigrants brought their tradition of deep-frying chicken in fat to the southern United States. After its introduction to the American South, fried chicken soon became a staple. Over time, cooks added seasonings and spices to enrich the flavor of the chicken." Well, I say, "Mòran taing!" which in Scottish Gaelic means "Thanks!"
Sssooo... You know I love a deal... Where are some of the best today? I thought you'd never ask!
Starting out with Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) - It all began with the man, the myth, the legend himself. In 1930, in a humble service station in Corbin, Kentucky, 40-year-old Harland Sanders began feeding hungry travelers. Sanders spent the next nine years (now that's dedication) perfecting his secret blend of 11 herbs and spices and the primary cooking technique we still use today. There are over 24,000 KFC outlets in more than 145 countries and territories worldwide (Source: KFC.com).
KFC has several new menu options and, to celebrate National Fried Chicken Day, you can get free delivery on orders placed on KFC.com or the KFC mobile app (free delivery available through July 9). Among new limited-time menu options: The $20 Fill Up Box, which comes with 12 of KFC's new chicken nuggets, four pieces of chicken, fries, four biscuits, and four dipping sauces, and The Ultimate BBQ Chicken Sandwich, made with an extra crispy white meat filet topped with hickory smoked bacon, KFC's signature honey BBQ sauce, crispy fried onions, melted cheese and pickles, on a premium brioche bun.
When you buy an Ultimate BBQ Fried Chicken Sandwich on the KFC mobile app or kfc.com through Aug. 13, you will get an email with a link to enter the sweepstakes for a four-day, three-night vacation for two to Aruba. Up to 500 other winners will get a one-year premium subscription to travel deal provider Going. KFC has also launched an Ultimate Summer Collection of merchandise, including a KFC bucket hat ($31.95), beach towel ($29.95), and Finger-Lickin' Good Tumbler ($29.95) at its new KFC online shop.
Popeyes' Free Delivery Deal - When you order any chicken sandwich combo – classic, spicy, blackened, or bacon and cheese – through July 9 on the Popeyes app, online or via DoorDash, you'll get a free a la carte chicken sandwich.
Guatemalan-based fast-casual chain Pollo Campero, will give a $5 reward credit on orders placed by the Pollo Campero app (use code POLLO2023). New users get a $10 reward when they download the app and join Campero Rewards, too.
It's National Fried Chicken Day! Here's where to find discounted food with free delivery and more via Mike Snider and The USA Today
One of my absolute favorite Fried Chicken haunts is Roscoe's House of Chicken 'n Waffles, specifically the Downtown Long Beach location, where I have been going for decades, although I've recently discovered the Anaheim location, not too far south of the Disneyland Resort! What do I order/recommend? "Scoe's Special #1" is my standby/go-to! I get it nearly every time! It includes a 1⁄4 chicken, prepared southern style, served with two waffles using Roscoe's own private waffle mix! My mouth is legit watering as I am typing this... 🤤🤤🤤
And while I have not tried it yet, it's definitely on my @15MinuteFoodie list! Plus, there is a deal! 🐥Chicken T.W.I.L.I. (The Way I Like It), at The Brews Hall in Torrance and Hermosa Beach has a bogo offer just for today! So, I could be headed to the South Bay! Other stand-out options for me are:
Jay Bird's Nashville Hot Chicken in Long Beach, Montebello, Huntington Beach, and Rancho Cucamonga,
Main Chick Hot Chicken in Northridge, Woodland Hills, West LA, Koreatown, Long Beach, Pasadena, Clairemont, Carlsbad, and San Diego,
The Crack Shack in Costa Mesa, Encinitas, and Little Italy (San Diego),
Gus's Fried Chicken in Burbank, LA, and Santa Ana
What about you? What are your stand-out Fried Chicken Joints? And what ones do you miss? I loved and miss Pioneer Chicken! Same for the fried chicken from Alpha Beta! Tag me on Instagram with your favorites that are still around so I can check them out! @NickPagliochini, @ThisWeekendWithNick, and/or @15MinuteFoodie. Something more nostalgic? Drop me a line at ThisWeekend@Brickhouse.llc Lookin' forward to hearing from you! In the meantime, be sure to get out there and celebrate #NationalFriedChickenDay!