My first Hot chicken experience was when I moved to Nashville, TN. It was at a hot chicken joint called Hattie B's. I ordered the highest level of heat they had. Personally, I say if you are going to have hot chicken get it Hot. It's an experience best enjoyed with close friends. Especially since you most likely will be crying, and wiping your nose over and over. Milk seems to help, but I would rather have a cold beer to cool the fire. This experience was with my dad. He ordered his chicken with no heat. He probably made the safe call, but as a chef you've got to take some risks. Right? My half chicken "what the cluck" and his mild were delivered. The journey was about to begin. I took a bite. Then it hit. The explosion of heat, salt, spice and crunch. I was on fire. I began to sweat, a lot. My dad, seeing me sweating and weeping, told me to put the chicken down, but I couldn't. I had to finish what I started. I couldn't help myself. I inhaled the rest of my half chicken. I felt like I had won the Indy 500. I slammed my ice cold beer to extinguish the fire inside my mouth. That didn't work. So I ordered another. The second beer slowly began the comeback from my heat induced food trance. I wiped the sweat off my forehead and smiled. I had just experienced the hottest chicken I ever had , and most importantly joined the mystical Nashville Hot Chicken Experience. It was glorious. I highly recommend it. I gave my dad a high five and we finished our cool frosty beverages and wandered downtown to the lights and music on Broadway. When in Nashville I suggest going to a Hot Chicken Shack such as Prince's, Hattie B's, Bolton's, Party Fowl or 400 degrees. These places know how to hit those hot chicken textures, flavors and side dishes.
When I cook hot chicken at home, I use only the best chicken i can buy. This dish puts hot chicken center stage on top of a Belgian Waffle, maple mascarpone smear, fresh tangy coleslaw, a sunny up egg and topped with thyme infused honey and dill pickles. The dish doesn't come with side dishes. The sides are a part of the dish. You can find this simple recipe I have created to celebrate this classic Americana food star on my website under Recipes. Enjoy and have fun.
When I cook hot chicken at home, I use only the best chicken i can buy. This dish puts hot chicken center stage on top of a Belgian Waffle, maple mascarpone smear, fresh tangy coleslaw, a sunny up egg and topped with thyme infused honey and dill pickles. The dish doesn't come with side dishes. The sides are a part of the dish. You can find this simple recipe I have created to celebrate this classic Americana food star on my website under Recipes. Enjoy and have fun.