The Engagement Chicken is a dish steeped in folklore, love, and a sprinkle of serendipity. So, what is this dish, and why is it associated with marriage proposals? Here’s an in-depth look at the history and meaning of Engagement Chicken.
The Birth of Engagement Chicken
The story of Engagement Chicken started at Glamour magazine in the 1980s. Kim Bonnell, an editor, shared a delicious lemon and herb roast chicken recipe with her assistant, Kathy Suder. Kathy cooked it for her boyfriend, and he proposed shortly after. This coincidence led to the recipe being dubbed ‘Engagement Chicken.’
What Makes Engagement Chicken Special?
Engagement Chicken isn’t inherently different from other roast chicken recipes. It’s a simple dish that combines a whole chicken with fresh herbs, lemon, and a generous amount of seasoning. The allure of Engagement Chicken lies more in the legend that surrounds it than the recipe itself.
The Engagement Chicken Legend
Once the name ‘Engagement Chicken’ was coined, the recipe was passed around the Glamour office, leading to several more proposals. This anecdotal evidence was enough to cement the dish’s reputation. The idea is that it’s so delicious it will make your significant other realize they want to spend the rest of their life with you!
The Impact of Engagement Chicken
Engagement Chicken grabbed the spotlight when Glamour published the recipe in 2004. Since then, many readers and celebrities alike have claimed the dish has led to their engagements. Howard Stern even proposed to Beth Ostrosky after she cooked him this dish!
Final Thoughts
Whether it’s the chicken or the love that goes into preparing the dish that brings on proposals, no one can say for sure. But, if you’re looking for a delicious meal to share with your loved one, why not give Engagement Chicken a try? Who knows, you might just get a ring out of it!
