What Is Fried Chicken Ice Cream? The Sweet Deception That’s Taking Dessert World By Storm

Have you ever bitten into what looks exactly like a crispy fried chicken drumstick only to discover it’s actually, ice cream? That’s the delightful surprise of fried chicken ice cream – a mind-bending dessert that’s confusing taste buds and delighting dessert lovers everywhere!

As someone who’s always hunting for the next weird food trend, I couldn’t resist diving deep into this peculiar sweet treat that’s gone viral. Let’s unpack everything about this unusual dessert – what it actually is, where it came from, and yes, how you can make your own at home!

What Exactly Is Fried Chicken Ice Cream?

Contrary to what the name might suggest, fried chicken ice cream doesn’t actually taste like chicken (phew!). Instead, it’s a clever culinary illusion – ice cream crafted to perfectly mimic the appearance of a fried chicken drumstick.

The most famous version comes from Life Raft Treats, created by pastry chef Cynthia Wong, who aptly named her creation “Not Fried Chicken Ice Cream.” Wong, a six-time James Beard Awards’ Outstanding Pastry Chef finalist, designed this dessert with a playful sense of humor and serious culinary skill.

Her creation consists of:

• Waffle ice cream as the base
• A chocolate-covered cookie “bone”
• A coating of caramelized white chocolate
• A crunchy outer layer of crushed cornflakes that mimics fried chicken’s golden crust

The genius of this dessert lies in its perfect visual deception – it really does look exactly like a piece of fried chicken!

The Origin Story: How Did This Bizarre Idea Happen?

The concept of fried chicken ice cream emerged from the creative mind of Chef Cynthia Wong. According to Garden and Gun magazine, Wong was inspired by Drumstick brand ice cream cones, noticing they didn’t actually look like real drumsticks. This sparked her idea to create an ice cream that genuinely resembled a chicken drumstick.

Through her South Carolina-based company, Life Raft Treats, Wong turned this whimsical idea into a viral sensation Her “Not Fried Chicken” has since become the signature offering that put her company on the culinary map

This creation represents the larger trend of savory-sweet fusion desserts that challenge our preconceived notions about flavor pairings and food presentation It’s part of a culinary movement that loves to play with expectations and deliver surprise through food

The Taste Experience: What Does It Actually Taste Like?

Despite its savory appearance, the flavor profile of Not Fried Chicken Ice Cream is decidedly sweet. Here’s what you can expect when biting into this deceptive dessert:

• The ice cream base tastes like waffle cone and vanilla
• The cornflake shell provides a satisfying crunch with a slight saltiness
• The chocolate-covered cookie “bone” adds richness and texture contrast
• Overall, it creates a sweet, creamy, slightly salty experience

The textural elements are particularly important – the crispy cornflake coating providing that satisfying crunch that mimics actual fried chicken skin, while the creamy ice cream interior delivers that classic dessert satisfaction.

Where Can You Get Your Hands on This Novelty?

If you’re eager to try this unique dessert without making it yourself, there are several ways to get your hands on it:

1. Retail stores: Depending on your region, Not Fried Chicken Ice Cream can sometimes be found at upscale grocery stores like Whole Foods or Fresh Direct.

2. Online ordering: The easiest nationwide option is ordering through Goldbelly, where Life Raft Treats sells a bucket of 9 pieces for $109.95. Yes, that’s pricey, but they come in an adorable gold-and-white striped chicken bucket that completes the illusion!

3. Local ice cream shops: Some artisanal ice cream makers have created their own versions inspired by Wong’s original concept.

4. Food festivals: Specialty food events often feature unusual treats like this.

DIY: How To Make Your Own Fried Chicken Ice Cream

Not ready to spend over $100 on novelty ice cream? I get it! Fortunately, you can create your own version at home with a bit of creativity. Here’s how:

What You’ll Need:

• Vanilla or coconut ice cream (or any light-colored flavor)
• Chocolate-covered cookie bars like Twix for the “bones”
• Crushed cornflakes or another golden-colored crunchy coating
• White chocolate for melting
• Optional: caramel coloring or food coloring to enhance the “fried” appearance

The Basic Process:

1. Soften your ice cream slightly so it’s easier to mold.

2. Shape the ice cream around the Twix bar or other chocolate-covered cookie. Use a larger scoop for the top “drumstick” portion and a smaller amount for the “leg” section.

3. Freeze the shaped pieces until solid (at least 2 hours).

4. Melt white chocolate in a double boiler or microwave.

5. Dip or coat the frozen ice cream drumsticks in the melted white chocolate.

6. Roll in crushed cornflakes immediately before the chocolate hardens.

7. Freeze again until ready to serve.

Pro Tips:

• Wear plastic gloves or use plastic wrap when shaping your ice cream to keep your hands clean and prevent fingerprints.
• Work quickly to prevent melting, and return the ice cream to the freezer between steps if needed.
• For extra authenticity, add a touch of golden food coloring to your white chocolate.
• Present your creation in a paper bucket or takeout container for the full effect!

Variations and Creative Twists

While the classic version uses vanilla/waffle ice cream and cornflakes, there’s plenty of room for creative interpretation:

Alternative Ice Cream Flavors:

• Coffee ice cream for a mocha twist
• Salted caramel for a sweet-salty combo
• Coconut for a tropical variation
• Maple for a breakfast-inspired flavor

Different “Bone” Options:

• Kit Kat bars
• Chocolate-covered pretzel rods
• White chocolate sticks
• Chocolate pirouette cookies

Crunchy Coating Alternatives:

• Crushed Honey Grahams cereal
• Golden vanilla wafers
• Crushed potato chips for extra saltiness
• Toasted coconut flakes

Dipping Sauces:

Get extra creative by serving your fake chicken with “dipping sauces” like:

• Melted dark chocolate (looks like BBQ sauce)
• Strawberry sauce (ketchup lookalike)
• Caramel sauce with a hint of spice

The Appeal: Why Are People Obsessed With This?

The fascination with fried chicken ice cream goes beyond just the taste – it’s about the entire experience:

1. The surprise factor: The visual deception creates a moment of genuine surprise and delight.

2. Instagram-worthy: The novelty makes for perfect social media content.

3. Conversation starter: It’s impossible not to talk about it when serving this to friends!

4. Culinary artistry: Food lovers appreciate the creativity and technical skill involved.

5. Playfulness: In a world of serious fine dining, it brings back the pure fun of food.

As one Goldbelly customer review put it: “The look on my friends’ faces when they realized what they were actually eating was worth every penny!”

Frequently Asked Questions About Fried Chicken Ice Cream

Still curious? Here are answers to some common questions:

Does fried chicken ice cream actually contain chicken?

No! Despite its appearance, there’s no actual chicken in authentic fried chicken ice cream. It’s a dessert made with traditional sweet ingredients designed to look like fried chicken.

Is fried chicken ice cream served hot or cold?

It’s served cold, like traditional ice cream. The “fried” appearance is just visual trickery.

Is this just a passing fad?

While it might seem gimmicky, fried chicken ice cream represents a larger trend of culinary experimentation and savory-sweet fusion. Whether it becomes mainstream remains to be seen, but it has certainly established itself as more than just a fleeting trend.

Is fried chicken ice cream healthy?

Like most ice cream treats, it’s definitely not a health food! It contains sugar, fat, and plenty of calories – it’s an indulgence best enjoyed occasionally.

What other savory-themed ice creams exist?

The world of savory ice cream has expanded to include flavors like bacon, avocado, olive oil, and various cheeses. These flavors often pair sweet and savory elements for complex taste experiences.

The Verdict: Worth Trying?

As someone who’s seen plenty of food trends come and go, I think fried chicken ice cream stands out as genuinely innovative rather than just gimmicky. The combination of visual deception, textural contrast, and flavor balance shows real culinary thought.

While the premium price point of the original Life Raft Treats version might be prohibitive for some, making your own at home offers a fun kitchen project with delicious results. It’s perfect for surprising guests at your next dinner party or just satisfying your own curiosity.

At the end of the day, food should be fun, and few desserts embody that principle better than ice cream disguised as fried chicken. Whether you order it or make it yourself, it’s definitely worth experiencing at least once!