At one point, chicken wings were an unattractive part of the bird. Now, they’re a popular item on menus across the globe. S. will celebrate that on Saturday: National Chicken Wing Day.
I know, we just celebrated National Fried Chicken Day three weeks ago. But in 1977, Stan Makowski, who was mayor of Buffalo, New York, declared July 29 as National Chicken Wing Day because the city is said to be the birthplace of the chicken wing dish known as Buffalo wings. “Every week, Buffalonians eat thousands of pounds of chicken wings in restaurants and pubs across the city,” he said at the time.
Buffalos wing fixation helped spread the dish, but the origin story is a bit hazy. Since then, weve seen the arrival of countless types of wings – honey barbecue, teriyaki, garlic, ultra-hot – and, of course, boneless “wings.”
We continue to gorge ourselves on them, too, eating 4.4 billion chicken wings in the 12 months ending May 2023, from research firm Circanas National Eating Trends and CREST tracking data.
The National Chicken Council estimates were eating about 2% more chicken wings each of the last several years. Consumers began preferring boneless-skinless chicken breast meat in the 80s – instead of cooking the entire chicken – wings became an afterthought, said NCC spokesman Tom Super. Chicken producers began selling them to restaurants and bars, which could price the dish relatively cheaply and, because wings were usually salty and spicy, boost beer sales, Super said.
Why do we love chicken wings? “It is the ultimate and tactile finger food,” said Bon Appetit test kitchen director Chris Morocco in a chicken wing cooking video last year. “The wing is where you get all of the nuance of texture and fattiness and richness and flavor of an entire chicken but distilled down to its own microcosmic universe.”
Hey there, wing fans! If you’ve been wondering when you can eat some crispy, saucy goodness without getting in trouble, I have the answer for you. I promise you that July 29, 2023, will be National Chicken Wing Day 2023. It will be a day to remember! We’re going to have a big party for one of the tastiest snacks in the world. Whether you like things that are hot and spicy or sweet and sticky, today is the day to eat them. Let’s talk about what today is about, where it came from, and how you and your crew can make the most of it.
What’s the Big Deal with National Chicken Wing Day?
Let’s get real—chicken wings ain’t just food; they’re a lifestyle. National Chicken Wing Day is that one special day each year when we all come together to honor these lil’ bites of heaven. It falls on July 29th every dang year, so mark your calendars for 2023 if you haven’t already. It’s a chance to celebrate the flavors, the mess, and the sheer joy of eatin’ wings with your hands like a true savage.
Why is this even a thing? Well, wings have a crazy history, and their rise to fame is something to brag about. Also, Americans eat billions of wings every year, so this isn’t a small issue. It’s a big deal in culture, and I’m going to tell you all about it.
A Quick Trip Down Wing History Lane
Alright, let’s take a lil’ journey back in time to figure out how wings became such a big deal. Picture this: it’s the 1960s in Buffalo, New York, and wings weren’t nothin’ special back then. They were just cheap cuts folks used for soup or tossed aside. But then, some genius decided to fry ‘em up, slather ‘em in hot sauce and butter, and serve ‘em hot. Boom! The Buffalo wing was born, and it changed the game forever.
Fast forward to 1977 and the mayor of Buffalo was like “We gotta celebrate this!” So, they officially declared July 29th as Chicken Wing Day in the city. Word spread, and soon enough, the whole country was in on it. Now, it’s a national thing, and even folks across the globe are gettin’ in on the action. Ain’t that wild? From a throwaway snack to a worldwide obsession, wings have come a long way.
Why July 29th Is Wing Nirvana in 2023
So, why should you care about July 29 2023? ‘Cause it’s more than just a date—it’s a vibe! This is the day to go all out whether you’re hittin’ up your fave wing spot or fryin’ up a batch at home. Restaurants often roll out specials, and there’s even contests and festivals happenin’ in some places. Heck, some areas turn the whole month of July into a wing extravaganza, with events where you can vote for the best wings in town.
I remember last year, me and my buddies went on a wing crawl, tryin’ out different spots and arguin’ over who had the best sauce. By the end of the night, we were stuffed, sticky, and laughin’ our heads off. That’s the kinda magic National Chicken Wing Day brings, and I’m already hyped for 2023.
Fun Facts to Impress Your Wing-Lovin’ Pals
Wanna sound like a wing expert at your next hangout? Here’s some trivia to toss out while you’re munchin’:
- Billions Eaten: Us Americans devour over a billion wings just durin’ the big football game weekend in February. Imagine how many more we eat on July 29th!
- Global Reach: What started in Buffalo is now everywhere. You can find wings in all kinda flavors, from barbecue to honey mustard, in every corner of the world.
- Versatile AF: Wings can be spicy, sweet, tangy, or plain—there’s a style for everyone. And don’t get me started on dippin’ sauces like blue cheese or ranch. Yum!
Ain’t it nuts how much there is to know about somethin’ so simple? Next time you’re at a party, drop one of these facts and watch folks nod like you’re some kinda wing guru.
How to Celebrate National Chicken Wing Day 2023 Like a Pro
We will talk about how to make July 29, 2023, the best wing day ever now that you know when it is. Take a napkin, because things are about to get messy. I have a lot of ideas to get you going.
Hit Up a Local Wing Joint
First off, check out what’s goin’ on in your area. There are deals on wings at many restaurants and bars for the big day. Some even host wing-eatin’ contests if you’re feelin’ competitive. Get together with your friends, choose a spot, and order a huge platter. Do something new and try a flavor you haven’t tried before. Get out of your comfort zone!
Host a Wing Party at Home
If you’d rather stay in, throw a wing bash at your place. Here’s how to make it epic:
- Invite the Crew: Get your friends and fam over for a night of wing madness.
- Set Up a Wing Bar: Lay out different sauces and rubs so everyone can customize their wings. Think hot sauce, garlic parm, and sweet BBQ.
- Crank the Tunes: Play some hype music to keep the vibes right.
- Snap Pics: Take some goofy photos of y’all with sauce all over your faces. Memories, man!
Join a Festival or Event
In some towns, they go big for the whole month of July with wing festivals. There’s tastin’, votin’ for the best local spot, and even photo contests where you could win cool prizes. Check online for what’s happenin’ near you and get in on the action. Me, I’m hopin’ to find one close by in 2023 ‘cause I ain’t missin’ out on that fun.
Cookin’ Up Your Own Wings: A Simple Recipe
If you’re like me and love gettin’ hands-on in the kitchen, why not whip up your own wings for National Chicken Wing Day? I’ve got a super easy recipe that’ll have your taste buds dancin’. No fancy stuff needed—just some basic ingredients and a lotta love.
Classic Hot Wings Recipe
What You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds of chicken wings (split at the joint, tips off)
- 1/2 cup of your fave hot sauce
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Veggie oil for fryin’
How to Make ‘Em:
- Heat up a big pot of oil to about 375°F. If you don’t got a thermometer, just test it by droppin’ in a small piece of bread—if it sizzles, you’re good.
- Pat them wings dry with paper towels. Wet wings don’t crisp up right.
- Fry the wings in batches for ‘bout 10-12 minutes till they’re golden and crispy. Don’t overcrowd the pot or they’ll get soggy.
- While they’re fryin’, mix the hot sauce, melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a big bowl.
- Toss the cooked wings in that sauce mix till they’re nice and coated.
- Serve ‘em up with some celery sticks and a side of blue cheese dip if you’re feelin’ fancy.
These bad boys are spicy, crispy, and straight-up addictive. I usually make a double batch ‘cause they disappear real quick at my house.
Bonus: Sweet and Sticky Wings
If hot ain’t your thing, try this sweeter version:
- Mix 1/3 cup honey, 1/4 cup soy sauce, and a splash of lime juice.
- Bake your wings at 400°F for 40 minutes, brushin’ ‘em with the glaze halfway through.
- They come out sticky, sweet, and oh-so-good.
Cookin’ wings at home lets you play with flavors and make ‘em just how you like. Plus, it’s a fun way to celebrate on July 29th without leavin’ the house.
Pairin’ Your Wings with the Perfect Sides
Wings are awesome on their own, but pairin’ ‘em with the right sides takes it to the next level. Here’s a quick table of my go-to combos for National Chicken Wing Day:
| Wing Flavor | Best Side | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Hot and Spicy | Celery and Blue Cheese | Cuts through the heat with cool crunch. |
| Sweet BBQ | Coleslaw | Balances the sweetness with tangy slaw. |
| Garlic Parmesan | Fries | Extra carbs to soak up that garlicky goodness. |
| Honey Mustard | Carrot Sticks | Sweet and crisp, a perfect lil’ match. |
Throw in a cold drink—soda, beer, whatever you’re into—and you’ve got a feast fit for July 29, 2023. Me and my friends always argue over the best pairin’, so lemme know what you think works best!
Why Wings Are More Than Just a Snack
Here’s the thing: wings ain’t just food—they’re a whole experience. Think about it. When’s the last time you ate wings all proper and dainty with a fork? Nah, you dive in, get sauce all over your fingers, and laugh with your buddies while wipin’ your face. It’s raw, it’s real, and it brings folks together.
I’ve got memories of watchin’ big games with a pile of wings on the table, cheerin’ louder for a good play than for anything else. Or them late-night runs to a wing spot with friends after a long day. Wings got a way of makin’ any moment better, and that’s why National Chicken Wing Day matters. It’s a reminder to enjoy the simple stuff, ya know?
Spreadin’ the Wing Love in 2023
One last thing—don’t keep this celebration to yourself! Spread the word about July 29th. Post on social media with hashtags like #WingDay2023 or whatever’s trendin’. Share pics of your wing feasts or tag your fave local spot to give ‘em some love. The more folks know about National Chicken Wing Day, the bigger it gets every year.
You could even organize a lil’ community event if you’re feelin’ ambitious. Maybe a wing-tastin’ contest at work or a neighborhood cook-off. Last summer, I got my coworkers to do a “wing-off” where we all brought in our own recipes. Man, we had a blast judgin’ who made the best batch. Stuff like that makes the day extra special.
Wrappin’ It Up with Wing-Sized Excitement
So, there ya have it—National Chicken Wing Day 2023 is locked in for July 29th, and it’s gonna be a blast. Whether you’re fryin’ up your own wings, hittin’ a local joint, or joinin’ a big festival, make sure you celebrate in style. Wings are more than just a tasty bite; they’re ‘bout good times, messy hands, and makin’ memories with the people you care about.
I’m already countin’ down the days to stuff my face with some fiery hot wings and maybe try a new flavor or two. What about you? Got any big plans for the day? Drop a comment or hit me up with your fave wing recipe—I’m always down to swap ideas. Let’s make this year’s celebration the sauciest one yet!

Round Table Pizza: Get 6 wings for $8
At Round Table Pizza, you can get a 6-piece order of boneless or classic wings for $8 through Aug. 27 at participating locations.
Buffalo’s Cafe has $1 wings for National Chicken Wing Day
Buffalo’s Cafe has a $1 wing offer for dine-in customers on Saturday at participating locations; you can choose from any of the chain’s 13 sauces.
Buffalo Wild Wings BOGO Boneless Thursday & National Chicken Wing Day 2023| Eat With Us!
FAQ
Does Wingstop give free wings on National Wing Day?
Wingstop. If you buy any chicken at Wingstop on July 29, you can get five free classic or boneless wings.
What day is National Wing Day?
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. National Chicken Wing Day is about to become your new favorite food holiday if you like the most popular type of ranch. National Chicken Wing Day was founded in 1977 by Mayor Stan Makowski who deemed July 29 as a day to celebrate buffalo wings.
Is it true that Wingstop will give free wings on July 29?
National Chicken Wing Day is July 29. Ahead of National Chicken Wing Day this Saturday, Wingstop is ready to celebrate in style. Fans can get five free wings on Saturday, July 29, redeemable with the code FREEWINGS at checkout on Wingstop. com or the app.
Is July 29th National Wing Day?
NATIONAL CHICKEN WING DAY HISTORY After a number of years of different establishments selling their version of Buffalo Wings, the city of Buffalo, NY in 1977 proclaimed July 29th to be National Chicken Wing Day. Establishments like the Anchor Bar, Wings n’ Things, and Duff’s all became famous for their wings.