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Fried chicken ice cream has taken the dessert world by storm, captivating taste buds with its unique blend of sweet and savory flavors. This innovative treat combines the crispy, golden-brown exterior of fried chicken with the creamy, cool indulgence of ice cream, creating a sensation that has food enthusiasts buzzing. The contrast between the crunchy coating and the soft, melting interior has an appeal that’s hard to resist, making it a must-try for adventurous foodies.
This article delves into the world of fried chicken ice cream, exploring its origins and the viral “Not Fried Chicken Ice Cream” phenomenon. Readers will discover top locations to find this delectable dessert and learn how to make their own at home. From ice cream sandwiches with a twist to deep-fried delights drizzled with hot honey, we’ll cover the various forms this trendy treat takes. Whether you’re a fan of waffle ice cream or simply curious about this sweet and savory fusion, you’re in for a mouthwatering journey.
The Viral Sensation: Not Fried Chicken Ice Cream
Origins and Creator
Life Raft Treats, an artisanal ice cream truck in Charleston, South Carolina, has created a buzz with its innovative “Not Fried Chicken” Ice Cream. The mastermind behind this unique creation is Cynthia Wong, a six-time James Beard Foundation Award semifinalist for Outstanding Pastry Chef. Wong’s vision has transformed Life Raft Treats into the only award-winning, chef-driven artisanal ice cream truck in South Carolina.
Unique Ingredients and Preparation
This ice cream novelty looks remarkably like a fried chicken drumstick but is actually a sweet treat. It consists of waffle-flavored ice cream molded around a chocolate-covered cookie “bone.” The exterior is coated with caramelized white chocolate and crushed corn flakes, giving it a crispy, golden-brown appearance similar to real fried chicken. The result is a dessert that’s crispy, crunchy, creamy, salty, and sweet all at once.
Social Media Impact
The “Not Fried Chicken” Ice Cream has taken over social media platforms, particularly TikTok, becoming a viral sensation. Its uncanny resemblance to real fried chicken has sparked joy and surprise among food enthusiasts. Users have shared videos showcasing the loud crunch when biting into the treat, comparing it to the sound of biting into extra crispy fried chicken. This creative ice cream has captured the imagination of social media users worldwide, leading to high demand and widespread popularity.
Top Locations to Find Fried Chicken Ice Cream
Life Raft Treats in South Carolina
Life Raft Treats, founded by Cynthia Wong, a six-time James Beard Foundation Award semifinalist, offers the original “Not Fried Chicken” Ice Cream. This unique creation features waffle-flavored ice cream with a chocolate-covered cookie “bone,” coated in caramelized white chocolate and crushed corn flakes. Visitors can find this treat at their Charleston location or at various independent retailers and Whole Foods Markets in the area.
Goldbelly Online Marketplace
For those outside Charleston, Goldbelly provides nationwide shipping of Life Raft Treats’ “Not Fried Chicken” Ice Cream. Customers can order buckets containing nine pieces of this innovative dessert, which are shipped frozen with dry ice to maintain quality during transit.
Local Food Trucks and Artisanal Ice Cream Shops
Besides Life Raft Treats, food enthusiasts can find similar creations at artisanal ice cream shops and food trucks in select cities. For instance, Foxtrot Market offers “Not Fried Chicken” Ice Cream for delivery or pickup in Chicago, Dallas, and Washington D.C. areas. Additionally, some Whole Foods Markets in Alabama and Florida carry this unique treat.
Also Read : Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting a Perfect Costco Chicken Bake
DIY Fried Chicken Ice Cream at Home
Essential Ingredients
To create this delightful dessert at home, one needs a few key ingredients:
- Vanilla ice cream (store-bought or homemade)
- White chocolate chips
- Coconut oil
- Crushed cornflakes or frosted flakes
- Optional: Dark chocolate for a more realistic color
Step-by-step Preparation Guide
- Prepare the ice cream: Shape vanilla ice cream into chicken-like forms (nuggets, strips, or drumsticks) and freeze for at least 3 hours.
- Create the chocolate coating: Melt white chocolate chips with coconut oil in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth. Let it cool slightly.
- Set up the breading station: Place crushed cornflakes in a shallow bowl.
- Coat the ice cream: Quickly dip each frozen ice cream piece into the melted chocolate, then roll it in the crushed cornflakes.
- Freeze again: Return the coated ice cream pieces to the freezer for another 2-3 hours to set.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the fried chicken ice cream immediately after removing from the freezer. For an extra touch, offer sweet dipping sauces like caramel, honey, chocolate sauce, or strawberry sauce to mimic traditional chicken dipping sauces.
Conclusion
The world of fried chicken ice cream has opened up a new frontier in dessert innovation, blending savory and sweet in a way that’s captivating food lovers everywhere. From Life Raft Treats’ viral “Not Fried Chicken” Ice Cream to homemade versions, this unique treat has an influence on how we think about dessert. Its popularity on social media platforms like TikTok shows how food trends can quickly catch fire in the digital age.
For those eager to try this trendy dessert, options range from ordering online to visiting local artisanal ice cream shops or even making it at home. The DIY approach allows for customization and experimentation, bringing the joy of this creative treat to kitchens everywhere. Whether you’re a foodie looking for the next big thing or just someone with a sweet tooth and a sense of adventure, fried chicken ice cream offers a fun and tasty experience that’s worth exploring.
FAQs
Where can I purchase Not Fried Chicken ice cream if not at Walmart?
Not Fried Chicken ice cream bars are not available at Walmart. You can find them at independent retailers, some Whole Food Markets, Central Markets, Fresh Direct, Foxtrot Market, or Savi Provisions in select states, sold by Little Raft Treats in single packs for $4.99.
Does Not Fried Chicken ice cream actually taste like chicken?
No, it doesn’t taste like chicken. Although it mimics the appearance and sound of fried chicken, it’s made entirely of ice cream with a pretzel stick mimicking the bone. The flavor is reminiscent of corn flakes and cereal, creating a fun and unique eating experience.
Why is Not Fried Chicken ice cream considered expensive?
The higher cost of Not Fried Chicken ice cream is due to the use of local ingredients. Life Raft’s founder, Cynthia Wong, utilizes these quality local sources to create her distinctive desserts, emphasizing the care and detail that goes into each ice cream bar.
Who is the creator of Not Fried Chicken ice cream?
Not Fried Chicken ice cream was created by Life Raft Treats.