Hot chicken facts for kids
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Hot chicken, also called Nashville hot chicken, is a super spicy type of fried chicken. It's a famous dish that comes from Nashville, Tennessee. People usually make it using parts of the chicken like the breast, thigh, leg, or wing. The chicken pieces are first soaked in a special seasoned water mix. Then, they are coated in flour and cooked. The secret to its heat is a sauce made with lots of cayenne pepper.
Hot chicken is often served with slices of white bread and pickles. Many restaurants in Nashville have their own special recipes for this dish. Its popularity has grown far beyond the Southern United States. In 2016, the fast-food chain KFC started selling hot chicken in its restaurants all over the United States.
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What is Hot Chicken?
Hot chicken is a unique kind of fried chicken known for its fiery taste. It's not just regular fried chicken; it has a special spicy kick. This dish is a big part of the food culture in Nashville, Tennessee. It has become so popular that people all over the world want to try it.
How Is Hot Chicken Made?
Making hot chicken involves a few steps to get that famous flavor.
- First, chicken pieces like breasts, thighs, or wings are used.
- These pieces are often soaked in a special liquid called a marinade. This helps the chicken stay juicy and adds flavor.
- After marinating, the chicken is coated in flour.
- Then, it's fried until it's crispy and golden brown.
- The most important step is adding the spicy sauce. This sauce is usually made with cayenne pepper and other spices. It gives hot chicken its signature heat.
The History of Nashville Hot Chicken
Hot chicken has a long and interesting history in Nashville. It's believed to have started in the 1930s. A man named Thornton Prince III was supposedly served a very spicy chicken dish as a punishment. His girlfriend made it extra hot because she was upset with him. But instead of disliking it, he loved it!
He then opened a restaurant called Prince's Hot Chicken Shack. This restaurant helped make hot chicken famous in Nashville. Over the years, other restaurants started making their own versions. Today, Prince's Hot Chicken Shack is still a very popular place to try the original dish.
Enjoying Hot Chicken Today
Hot chicken is a favorite meal for many people. It's often served simply with white bread and pickles. The bread helps soak up some of the spicy sauce. The pickles offer a cool, sour taste that balances the heat.
You can find hot chicken in many places now. It's not just in Nashville anymore. Restaurants across the United States and even in other countries serve it. Its unique taste has made it a global food trend.
Images for kids
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Nashville-style hot fish
See also
In Spanish: Hot chicken para niños
