National Fried Chicken Day 2024: From Korean Fried Chicken to Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken, 5 Ways Fried Chicken Are Eaten Around the World

National Fried Chicken Day, celebrated annually on July 6, pays homage to one of America's favourite comfort foods: crispy, golden-fried chicken. This day honours the culinary artistry of frying chicken to perfection, creating a dish that's beloved for its crunchy exterior and juicy, tender meat. Fried chicken has a rich history in Southern cuisine but has since become a popular dish enjoyed worldwide, with various regional twists and recipes that highlight different spices, batters, and cooking techniques. As you observe National Fried Chicken Day 2024, we at LatestLY have put together a list of five delicious fried chicken dishes from around the world that showcase the global appeal of this beloved comfort food. From Buttermilk Mix to Korean Style, 5 Different Types of Fried Chicken Recipes That Will Make You Lick Your Fingers.

On National Fried Chicken Day, enthusiasts and food lovers indulge in this iconic dish, whether enjoying it at a restaurant known for its secret recipe, a neighbourhood diner, or homemade with a family recipe passed down through generations. It's a time to savour the delicious simplicity of crispy fried chicken, often served with classic sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, biscuits, and gravy. This day also celebrates the cultural significance of fried chicken as a comfort food that brings people together to share meals, memories, and the joy of good food.

1. Korean Fried Chicken (South Korea)

Known for its crispy exterior and sticky-sweet glaze, Korean fried chicken (KFC) has gained worldwide popularity. The chicken is double-fried for extra crunch and often coated in a sauce made from gochujang (Korean chilli paste), soy sauce, garlic, and honey, creating a perfect balance of flavours.

2. Japanese Karaage (Japan)

Karaage is a Japanese-style fried chicken known for its light, crispy coating. The chicken pieces are marinated in soy sauce, sake, ginger, and garlic and then coated in potato starch or flour before frying. It's typically served with a squeeze of lemon and mayonnaise for dipping.

3. Southern Buttermilk Fried Chicken (USA)

A classic in Southern cuisine, buttermilk fried chicken is known for its tender, juicy meat and crispy, seasoned crust. The chicken is marinated in buttermilk and spices overnight to tenderize and flavour the meat before being dredged in seasoned flour and fried to perfection.

4. Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken (Taiwan)

Taiwanese popcorn chicken, or "salt and pepper chicken," features bite-sized chicken pieces marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and five-spice powder. The chicken is coated in potato starch and deep-fried until golden and crispy, then tossed with salt, pepper, and sometimes chilli peppers for a spicy kick.

5. Indian Fried Chicken (India)

In India, fried chicken often takes the form of pakoras—spiced, battered, and deep-fried chicken pieces. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of yoghurt and spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander before being coated in chickpea flour (besan) and deep-fried until crispy. Pakoras are typically served as a snack or appetizer with chutney or dipping sauces.

These fried chicken dishes from around the world showcase the diversity of flavours, techniques, and cultural influences that have made fried chicken a universally beloved dish. Whether you prefer spicy Korean flavours, Japanese simplicity, Southern comfort, Taiwanese street food, or Indian spices, there's a fried chicken dish to satisfy every craving and introduce you to new culinary traditions.

Wishing everyone a Happy National Fried Chicken Day 2024!

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 05, 2024 10:43 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).