National Poultry Day (March 19)
National Poultry Day lands on March 19, and it’s exactly what it sounds like, a day centered around chickens, turkeys, ducks, and the meals we make from them.
It’s not a huge, decorated holiday. There aren’t parades. But poultry shows up on dinner tables all the time, whether it’s a quick weeknight chicken dish or something more traditional like roast turkey.
This day is really just a reminder of how common, and important, these birds are in everyday cooking.
When is it?
National Poultry Day falls on March 19 each year. It’s mostly informal, but it gives people a reason to talk about poultry’s role in everyday cooking and farming.
Who Invented the Holiday?
No one seems to know exactly who started it. Like a lot of food holidays, it likely grew out of industry promotion and stuck around because it was easy to celebrate.
The History of the Holiday
Like many quirky food observances, the exact origin of the holiday isn’t clearly documented. It appears to have started in the United States as a way to highlight the role poultry plays in agriculture and everyday cooking.
Poultry refers to domesticated birds raised for meat or eggs, including chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, and quail. Chickens were first domesticated thousands of years ago and remain one of the most widely raised animals worldwide.
In the U.S., chicken and turkey are the most common, while dishes like Peking duck or roast goose carry strong cultural traditions in other parts of the world.
Today, the holiday is mostly informal, a fun excuse to cook something new, learn a little food history, or talk with kids about where food comes from.
Top 5 Facts About Poultry
- Poultry is one of the most commonly eaten proteins worldwide.
- Chickens were first domesticated more than 8,000 years ago in Southeast Asia.
- In the U.S. alone, billions of pounds of chicken and turkey are produced each year.
- Chicken is often considered a lean protein and contains B vitamins and selenium.
- Nearly every cuisine has its own signature poultry dish, from fried chicken to coq au vin to Peking duck.
Coloring Page
If you’re celebrating with kids, this National Poultry Day coloring page adds a simple, creative activity to go along with the facts.
Activities to Celebrate
There’s no complicated way to celebrate this one. Cook something different. That’s honestly enough.
If you usually default to chicken, try turkey cutlets or duck instead. Even changing the seasoning or cooking method makes it feel a little less routine. A new spice blend or marinade can turn a familiar meal into something that feels intentional.
If kids are around, talk about where poultry comes from while you’re cooking. Chickens and ducks aren’t just grocery store items, they’re farm animals that have been raised for thousands of years. It doesn’t have to turn into a full lesson. A quick conversation while dinner is in the oven works.
You could also look up a poultry dish from another country and try that. Butter chicken, roast duck, jerk chicken, every culture does it differently.
Or just make your usual roast chicken and call it good. Not every holiday needs a production.
Related Recipes
- Chicken, Broccoli, & Rice Casserole with Curry is the kind of dinner that shows up when no one wants to think too hard. It’s basic in a good way. Creamy, warm, fills everyone up. We’ve all had some version of it at some point.
- Lemon Rosemary Roasted Quail feels different. Smaller portions, brighter flavor. It’s the sort of thing you make when you want to switch it up from chicken but don’t want anything complicated.
- Turmeric Turkey Breast Fillets are great if you’re looking for something straightforward but flavorful. The spices add color and depth without much extra work.
- Pan Seared Duck Breast with Cranberry Maple Sauce is richer. Crisp skin, sweet sauce. Definitely more of a weekend dinner.
- Roasted Cornish Hens look fancy but aren’t actually difficult. They roast fast and everyone gets their own, which always makes it feel a little special.
- Authentic Jamaican Jerk Chicken brings heat and smokiness, especially when grilled. It’s bold, but balanced with rice or something cooling on the side.
- Classic Roast Chicken with Herbs doesn’t need much explanation. It’s reliable, simple, and always works.
- Dutch Oven Chicken Pot Pie is more comfort food than anything else, creamy filling, flaky crust, and perfect when the weather’s cooler.
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Links to Resources
If you want to look a little deeper into poultry beyond tonight’s dinner, these are worth browsing.
The USDA poultry industry overview gives a big-picture look at how poultry production works in the United States, including regulations and current trends.
If raising chickens has ever crossed your mind, a backyard chicken guide walks through coop setup, feeding basics, and what to expect from egg production.
For kids, the life cycle of a chicken worksheet pairs nicely with this holiday and keeps things educational without feeling heavy. The turkey color by number printable is another easy activity if you’re working with younger learners.
On the cooking side, a solid cast iron skillet is hard to beat for roasting or searing poultry, and a digital meat thermometer simply makes life easier, especially with larger cuts like turkey. If you’re thinking about keeping chickens at home, a basic coop starter kit can help you get started.
Related Holidays
- National Dance Like a Chicken Day (May 14) – A much sillier celebration that’s exactly what it sounds like, flap your arms, squawk a little, and don’t take yourself too seriously. It’s especially fun with younger kids who already know the chicken dance.
- International Bacon Day (Saturday before Labor Day) – This late-summer food holiday celebrates all things bacon, from breakfast plates to creative recipes. It’s technically pork, not poultry, but it often shows up right alongside eggs and other farm favorites.
- National Bacon Lovers Day (August 20) – Another bacon-themed observance for those who think one day isn’t enough. It leans more toward indulgent recipes and comfort food, making it a fun contrast to leaner poultry dishes.
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