The Most Popular Chicken Recipes from Every Decade

1900: Chicken Stew

Chicken wasn’t commonly seen on dinner tables in the beginning of the 20th century, but the lucky folks who had access used it in simple stews and savory puddings.

1910: Chicken and Dumplings

Though Campbell’s wasn’t cranking out canned soups until the ’30s, families enjoyed the homemade version long before that. A bowl of chicken soup with dumplings was a simple, filling supper.

1920: Chicken a la King

The Roaring ’20s fostered the creation of some more fancy chicken dishes, including chicken a la king. The creamy dish was seen frequently on restaurant menus, and it definitely deserves a comeback!

1930: Chicken Pot Pie

Making the best use of leftovers was essential during the ’30s as the Great Depression took its toll, and a popular way to use day-old chicken was in a hearty pot pie.

1940: Deviled Chicken

No one is a stranger to deviled eggs, but Americans in the ’40s were even more familiar with deviled chicken. The tangy mustard-based sauce gives it a sharp flavor making it worthy of its name.

1950: Fried Chicken

By the ’50s, KFC (formerly known as Kentucky Fried Chicken) was spreading across America, and just like that, our nation’s infatuation with fried chicken was born. The labor-intensive dish became easy to obtain and devour.

1960: Chicken Kabobs

Everyone seemed to be firing up their new gas grills in the 1960s, and meat on a stick was a popular choice thanks to a sudden infatuation with everything Greek.

1970: Pineapple Chicken

Hawaiian life was of interest in the ’70s, and pineapple was turning up in all kinds of dishes (including pizza). Fortunately, its bright sweetness pairs beautifully with chicken.

1980: Shake 'n Bake Chicken

Breaded chicken was a huge hit during these years, partly due to the catchy commercials of the popular Shake ‘n Bake brand. Their products yielded baked meats with breading that mimicked the texture of fried foods.

1990: Chicken Caesar Salad

The popularity of Caesar salads soared in the ’90s, and chicken was one of the top choices for protein. The combination of romaine lettuce topped with Parmesan cheese and that creamy dressing seemed to be on restaurant menus everywhere. Learn how to make a restaurant-quality Caesar salad at home.

2000: Chicken Fajitas

Fajitas began to make their way into casual dining restaurants across America at the start of the 21st century, and let’s face it—no other presentation can top a dish that comes out on a sizzling platter!

2010: Hot Chicken

Though well-known for years in Nashville, hot chicken has only recently spread to the rest of the country. The cayenne-spiced fried chicken is a favorite for those who like to feel a tingle on their tongues.