Hot chicken

Princes hot chicken

Hot chicken out of the fryer (2547763369)

Hot fish with bread and pickles.jpg

Hot chicken is a type of fried chicken that is a local specialty of Nashville, Tennessee, in the United States. It is typically a portion of chicken (such as a breast, thigh, or wing) that has been marinated in a spicy paste, breaded, fried, and then covered in a cayenne pepper-based sauce. The dish is often served with pickle chips and white bread.

History

The origin of hot chicken is attributed to the African American community in Nashville. The dish is said to have been created by a woman seeking revenge on her unfaithful partner, Thornton Prince, by making his favorite fried chicken extremely spicy. However, he liked it so much that he and his brothers opened a restaurant, Prince's Hot Chicken Shack, which remains a popular destination for hot chicken enthusiasts.

Preparation

Hot chicken is prepared by marinating the chicken in a spicy paste, which typically includes ingredients such as cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and other spices. After marination, the chicken is breaded and deep-fried until crispy. The final step involves coating the fried chicken with a sauce made from the same spices used in the marinade, often mixed with lard or oil.

Serving

Hot chicken is traditionally served with pickle chips and slices of white bread, which help to balance the spiciness of the chicken. The dish can be found in various levels of spiciness, ranging from mild to extra hot, depending on the amount of cayenne pepper and other spices used.

Cultural Impact

Hot chicken has become an iconic dish in Nashville and has gained popularity across the United States. It is celebrated annually at the Music City Hot Chicken Festival, which takes place on the Fourth of July in Nashville. The dish has also inspired numerous restaurants and food trucks outside of Nashville, contributing to its growing popularity.

See also

• Fried chicken
• Nashville, Tennessee
• Cayenne pepper
• African American cuisine