MEDIA ALERT | NEW DAY PROCLAMATION | NATIONAL GRILLED CHICKEN DAY | September 9
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Inaugural National Grilled Chicken Day Declared for September 9
El Pollo Loco and National Day Calendar® partner to establish an official annual celebration of America’s favorite, fire-grilled protein.
COSTA MESA, Calif. / MANDAN, N.D. — A new culinary tradition is officially firing up the grates. September 9, 2026, marks the inaugural observance of National Grilled Chicken Day, an annual national food holiday established to celebrate America’s most popular protein prepared in its most flavorful, smoke-infused form.
Founded by El Pollo Loco and officially approved by the National Day Calendar Registrar, National Grilled Chicken Day recognizes a staple that transcends demographics—offering a naturally low-carb, high-protein, and gluten-free option loved by home grillers, busy families, and health-conscious foodies alike.
While chicken reigns as the single most consumed protein in the United States, grilling brings out a distinct char-kissed depth of flavor and tenderness that frying or baking simply cannot replicate—all without heavy batters or extra fats.
"For over five decades, fire-grilled chicken has been at the core of our passion and culinary tradition," said a spokesperson for El Pollo Loco. "As we continue expanding our footprint nationwide, we wanted to enshrine this staple on the national calendar and invite everyone—from backyard grillmasters to local diner lovers—to pull up a chair and celebrate."
How to Participate in #NationalGrilledChickenDay on September 9:
Fire Up the Grill: Practice your grilling technique at home using zesty marinades or savory herbs. Remember: the secret to perfect, juicy grilled chicken is reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Support Local Restaurants: Grab a meal at your local El Pollo Loco or visit a favorite local smokehouse, diner, or food truck to order their signature grilled chicken dish.
Smarter Meal Prep: Batch-cook fire-grilled chicken on September 9 to set up a week of nutritious, protein-packed lunches.
Join the Online Sizzle: Share grill marks, secret marinades, and plated masterpieces on social media using the hashtag #NationalGrilledChickenDay.
To learn more about the holiday's origin or to find recipes and celebration tips, visit the official listing on National Day Calendar.
About El Pollo Loco
El Pollo Loco is the nation's leading fire-grilled chicken restaurant chain. Known for its citrus-marinated, fire-grilled chicken cooked over open flames and freshly prepared hand-crafted ingredients, the brand has grown from a local favorite into a expanding nationwide chain with hundreds of locations across the United States.
About National Day Calendar®
National Day Calendar® is the original authority on national days, tracking more than 1,500 national days, weeks, and months. Based in Mandan, North Dakota, its mission is to help people celebrate every day through fun, informative, and engaging content read by millions worldwide.
Media Contacts:
El Pollo Loco
El Pollo Loco
National Day Calendar
Marlo Anderson
[email protected]
(701) 204-6674