National Curried Chicken Day

Satisfy your taste buds with tender chicken and fragrant spices cooked to perfection in a comforting, warm bowl of savory goodness.

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Drive traffic to Indian restaurants and grocery retailers by positioning National Curried Chicken Day as a cultural celebration and easy at-home cooking moment.

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History

Getting its start approximately 8000 years ago, chicken curry has a long history in kitchens in its originating country of India.

In more recent years, this dish has made its way around the world and is beloved in all sorts of places by people of many cultures.

The presence of curried chicken in Great Britain seems to go back as far as the 1700s, linked to the rise of the British Empire as explorers brought recipes back from their trips.

The first British recipe for chicken curry was printed in The Art of Cookery Made Plain and Easy by Hannah Glasse in 1747, and the recipes continued to evolve and add spices moving forward.

US President Franklin D. Roosevelt and General George S. Patton were famously served curried chicken in 1940, using a recipe by a woman from the state of Georgia. At that time the dish was called “country captain”.

When a chicken curry recipe was used to celebrate the coronation ceremony of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, the dish was then (and often in the future) referred to as “coronation chicken”. And the love that Brits have for chicken curry (and all other sorts of curry too) has just continued on!

Now, National Curried Chicken Day, also referred to as National Chicken Curry Day, is the best time to pay honor to this delicious dish and enjoy everything it has to offer!

With the day falling in the middle of winter in the northern hemisphere, this dish brings a great deal of warmth and comfort to any family table.

How to celebrate

Eat Some Curried Chicken

Those who have a favorite curry house or Indian restaurant can certainly find a simple path to enjoying this day. For popular restaurants or large groups, it might be necessary to make a reservation in advance, or just head on over and request a table at the door. Order up some dishes of curried chicken, complete with rice and naan bread, and enjoy to your heart’s content!

Try Making Chicken Curry at Home

While some curried chicken dishes can be a bit complicated, almost anyone can make it if they simply follow a recipe. Many spices will likely be on the list of ingredients when making this dish for National Curried Chicken Day. This might include spices like ground coriander, cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, black pepper, fennel seeds, mustard and cloves. These spices are what bring out the delicious flavors in a chicken curry!

FAQ

When did chicken curry first appear outside India?

Chicken curry spread globally in the 1700s with British colonization. British soldiers brought recipes home, and it grew in popularity, especially after being included in cookbooks like Hannah Glasse’s The Art of Cookery.

How is curried chicken celebrated in Japan?

In Japan, a version called kare raisu is popular. Served with rice and pickled vegetables, it’s mild compared to Indian versions and has become a comfort food staple.

What’s “Country Captain” chicken, and why is it famous in the U.S.?

Country Captain is a Southern U.S. adaptation of chicken curry, blending Indian and Southern flavors. It was a favorite of Franklin D. Roosevelt and spread its popularity during his presidency.

Is curry powder traditionally used in Indian cooking?

Indian cooks rarely use “curry powder”; instead, they mix spices for each dish. Curry powder was created in Britain to simplify Indian flavors for Western cooks.

What’s the difference between British “curry” and Indian curry?

British “curry” is milder, often creamier, and uses fewer spices. Unlike spicier Indian curries, it reflects British tastes and ingredients like cream and yogurt.

Do any myths surround chicken curry’s history?

Some believe chicken curry was a British invention, but its roots are Indian. British adaptations added to its global appeal, creating confusion over its origins.

How do Caribbean islands adapt chicken curry?

Caribbean versions often add Scotch bonnet peppers for heat and coconut milk for creaminess, merging Indian spices with local ingredients.

What’s the most unusual version of chicken curry?

Singapore’s chicken curry bun is unique. Curry-filled bread is baked and then sliced open. It combines savory curry with soft bread, blending street food and curry.

Why is curried chicken linked to Queen Elizabeth II?

The dish “Coronation Chicken” was invented in 1953 to honor Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation. It includes curry powder, mayonnaise, and fruits like apricots.

How did chicken curry reach such global popularity?

Colonial history, migrant communities, and globalized food trends all contributed as curry adapted to local flavors in various countries.