How Fried Chicken Etiquette Changed

Etiquette for eating fried chicken has changed since the advent of the first “fast food” chicken offerings. Founded in Illinois in 1952, Chicken Delight came on the scene first. It grew rapidly with home delivery service and a memorable jingle, “Don’t cook tonight, Call Chicken Delight.” Due to Kentucky Fried Chicken also entering the take-out fried chicken market that same year, but with far fewer stores, and its subsequent widespread franchising of fast food restaurants across the nation, KFC overtook Chicken Delight in popularity by the 1970’s. KFC has since become a global phenomenon.

Hands off pieces of chicken! Unless of course, they are “nuggets.”

From the 1930’s: 

DEAR Mrs. Post: Is it incorrect, according to etiquette, to eat even the slightest bit of chicken in the fingers? I don't mean whether it is correct to take up what can be cut off the bone easily enough, but I am referring to the very small bones from which it is impossible to cut meat loose with knife and fork. Aren't good table manners to-day more lenient about these foods, especially if finger bowls are provided?

Answer: No, people are less lenient than they used to be. That is, if we go back to the descriptions given us by the writers of long ago, and as copied for instance in the moving picture of Henry the Eighth, who picked up a whole chicken in his hands and tore it apart, our table manners have become positively finicking. The only thing that could soil the fingers and is not tabooed by the meticulous are lobster claws. And when such lobster is served, finger bowls of hot soapy water should be provided at once. Perhaps, if this practice were followed when serving chicken, there would be no objection to taking the wings in the fingers. – by Emily Post, in Good Taste Today, 1937

 

From the 1970’s: 

According to Amy Vanderbilt, “Chicken must be eaten with fork and knife except at picnics. Bones are not put into the mouth but are stripped with the knife while being held firmly by the fork. Joints are cut if one's knife is sharp enough and it can be done without lifting the elbows from the normal eating position. Chicken croquettes should be cut with the fork only, as are all croquettes and fish cakes, then conveyed to the mouth in manageable pieces.”

From Today: 

According to Maura J. Graber, Etiquipedia© Site Editor and Director of The RSVP Institute of Etiquette, chicken in the form of chicken “nuggets,” “tenders,”“Dino bites,” and the like, are all finger foods. Fried chicken which is designed for enjoying as a finger food looks positively silly when eaten with a knife and fork. That being said, one still has to follow basic table manners, however. There is no finger licking, lip smacking or stuffing one’s mouth to the limit allowed.

 

 🍽️Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber of The RSVP Institute of Etiquette, is the Site Editor of the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia 

Etiquette for Eating Chicken

It is never correct or even permissible to take up any sort of bone in the fingers. It is quite permissible to get the meat from the bone by means of the knife and fork and it is really impossible to take any bone in the right hand without causing the fingers to become greasy or sticky. 

Q. “I read somewhere that it was all right to take up a chicken bone in the fingers, if you did it with your left hand, but I can't remember where I read it. Will you tell me the correct form in this regard.”

A. It is never correct or even permissible to take up any sort of bone in the fingers. It is quite permissible to get the meat from the bone by means of the knife and fork and it is really impossible to take any bone in the right hand without causing the fingers to become greasy or sticky. 

Some persons seem to think that the reason sometimes paper frills are put on drumsticks and rib chops is to facilitate the task of picking up the bone, but this is not so. — By Mary Marshall Duffee, 1918

🍽Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia

“Finger-Eating” Etiquette

Even at formal dinners, “finger-eating” is the well-mannered method for certain foods. Glamorous artichokes are properly eaten with the fingers down to the “heart,” which is in the fork territory. – Above, an individual artichoke plate with bowl for butter.

Green Light Shines On ‘Finger-Eating’

Is it ever proper to eat with your fingers? Etiquette experts say “yes!” Even at formal dinners, “finger-eating” is the well-mannered method for certain foods. Glamorous artichokes are properly eaten with the fingers down to the “heart,” which is in the fork territory. Asparagus, when not covered with a sauce,may be picked up with the fingers in the best of style. There's no need to hesitate to serve guests dishes such as fried chicken or corn on the cob, because they are difficult to eat with knives and forks. Lead the way by picking up the food as a cue to your guests. 

Helpful Deed 

At “sit-down” dinners, the thoughtful hostess provides two large napkins at each place for wiping fingers. Here are some additional socially correct finger foods: 

BACON –If the bacon is crisp, it may be eaten with the fingers. But if you prefer your bacon less than crumble-dry, a knife and fork are required. 

CAKE –Tiny cakes, such as petit-fours, should be eaten with the fingers. Pound cake may be broken into bite-size pieces and also eaten with the fingers. Sticky cake or a larger portion, requires a fork.

 Not in N.Y…

 CHlCKEN— Geography has some effect on chicken manners. According to the experts, fried or broiled chicken may be picked up and eaten with the fingers everywhere, except in New York. In this Eastern area, chicken served at formal dinners calls for knives and forks. Finger eating is for informal occasions only. 

But in other states, it’s considered perfectly acceptable to pick up serving-size pieces of fried or broiled chicken for all occasions. 

RELISHES – Celery and olives should be eaten with the fingers, except when they are a part of a salad or cooked dish. Radishes and small pickles are also finger-food. 

FRUIT – Fresh apricots, cherries, grapes, and plums are always eaten with the fingers. However, when eating fresh apples and pears at the table, peel and quarter with a table knife before eating with the fingers. – Desert Sun, 1963

Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia