About National Rotisserie Chicken Day
Mark your calendars, chicken lovers! June 2nd is a day to rejoice, as we celebrate the golden, juicy, and oh-so-delicious National Rotisserie Chicken Day in the U.S. It's a day dedicated to that perfectly slow-roasted bird that's a staple for quick dinners, delightful lunches, and versatile leftovers.
What is Rotisserie Chicken?
So, what's the big deal about rotisserie chicken? This method of cooking, where the chicken is roasted on a spit, or a rotating rod, allows the bird to cook evenly in its own juices. The result? Incredibly moist meat on the inside and delightfully crispy skin on the outside. It’s a cooking technique that dates back centuries, with medieval Europeans enjoying spit-roasted meats. However, it wasn't until 2015 that National Rotisserie Chicken Day was officially founded by Boston Market, a restaurant chain famous for its rotisserie chicken, along with the National Day Calendar. They wanted to honor this convenient and beloved way of preparing chicken, and we're certainly glad they did!
The popularity of rotisserie chicken in America really took off in the early 1990s, partly thanks to restaurants like Boston Market making it a readily available and wholesome meal option. Today, it's a common sight in supermarkets and a go-to for busy families and anyone craving a flavorful, no-fuss meal.
Did you know? The practice of cooking meat on a rotating spit dates back to medieval times, where "spit boys" were often employed to manually turn the spits for hours!
Did you know? Many supermarkets sell rotisserie chickens as "loss leaders," meaning they sell them at a low price, sometimes even at a loss, to attract customers into the store, hoping they'll buy other, higher-margin items.
Did you know? In Peru, rotisserie chicken, known as "Pollo a la Brasa," is considered a national dish and even has its own dedicated day of celebration on the third Sunday of July!
How to celebrate National Rotisserie Chicken Day
Getting involved in National Rotisserie Chicken Day is as easy as, well, eating rotisserie chicken! Here are a few cluck-tastic ways to celebrate:
Pick Up a Bird (or Two!): The most straightforward way to celebrate is to head to your local grocery store or favorite restaurant and grab a freshly roasted rotisserie chicken. Enjoy it as is with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad.
Get Creative with Leftovers: Rotisserie chicken is incredibly versatile. Use the leftovers (if there are any!) to make chicken salad, add it to soups, shred it for tacos or enchiladas, or toss it into a pasta dish. The possibilities are endless!
Try Roasting Your Own: Feeling adventurous? If you have a rotisserie attachment for your grill or oven, why not try making your own? You can experiment with different marinades and spice rubs for a personalized flavor.
Host a Rotisserie Chicken Potluck: Invite friends over and have everyone bring a dish that incorporates or complements rotisserie chicken. Think different chicken recipes, various side dishes, or even desserts.
Share the Love: Post a picture of your delicious rotisserie chicken meal on social media using the hashtag #NationalRotisserieChickenDay to spread the word and share your culinary creations.
Learn a New Recipe: Look up new and exciting ways to use rotisserie chicken. You might discover your next family favorite!
Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the wonders of slow-roasted poultry, National Rotisserie Chicken Day is the perfect excuse to indulge in this convenient, flavorful, and beloved dish. So, on June 2nd, join the celebration and enjoy a fantastic rotisserie chicken feast!
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