Hot Chicken Burger
Nashville hot chicken tenders, comeback sauce, coleslaw and pickles on a brioche bun.
Nutrition Facts
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
The Hot Chicken Burger is a relatively modern creation, building upon the established traditions of Nashville Hot Chicken. Nashville Hot Chicken itself originated in the 1930s, reportedly as an act of revenge by a woman scorned who laced her lover's fried chicken with excessive amounts of cayenne pepper. This fiery chicken became surprisingly popular, leading to the development of Prince's Hot Chicken Shack and the establishment of hot chicken as a Nashville staple. The burger format is a more recent adaptation, catering to contemporary preferences for handheld meals.
The Hot Chicken Burger represents a fusion of Southern culinary traditions with the modern burger format. It embodies the spirit of Nashville's vibrant food scene and its willingness to innovate while respecting its culinary heritage.
Nashville Hot Chicken Legacy
The burger's connection to Nashville Hot Chicken roots it in a specific regional cuisine and its associated history.
Modern American Cuisine
The adaptation of a traditional dish into a burger format reflects the innovative and adaptable nature of modern American cuisine.
Comfort Food Upgrade
The burger elevates comfort food by combining familiar flavors and textures in a convenient and satisfying format.
The Hot Chicken Burger is characterized by a complex interplay of spicy, savory, sweet, and tangy flavors, delivered through the combination of fiery chicken, rich sauce, creamy slaw, and tangy pickles.
The primary flavor driver is the Nashville hot chicken, which offers intense heat from cayenne pepper and other spices, balanced by savory fried chicken notes. The comeback sauce adds a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet element, often featuring mayonnaise, chili sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and other spices. The coleslaw provides a cool, crunchy contrast with sweetness and tang, cutting through the richness of the chicken and sauce. Pickles contribute a sharp, acidic tang that complements the other flavors. The brioche bun provides a slightly sweet and rich foundation, adding textural softness and flavor depth.
Spice Level Customization
Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper in the hot chicken spice blend to control the heat level. Start with a smaller amount and gradually increase to your desired spiciness.
Quality Ingredients
Use high-quality chicken, fresh vegetables for the coleslaw, and a good brioche bun for the best flavor and texture.
Proper Frying Technique
Maintain a consistent oil temperature when frying the chicken to ensure even cooking and crispiness. Avoid overcrowding the fryer.
Coleslaw Consistency
Ensure the coleslaw is not too wet or dry. Adjust the dressing to achieve a slightly creamy and well-coated texture.
Bun Toasting
Toast the brioche bun lightly to prevent it from becoming soggy and to add a textural element.
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