Tasty Duos: The Best Side Dishes for Nashville Hot Chicken
Nashville hot chicken is the undeniable star of the show, a fiery, crispy masterpiece that commands attention. But every great headliner needs a talented supporting cast, and the side dishes served with hot chicken are more than just an afterthought. They are strategically chosen to balance, cool, and complement the intense heat, turning a meal into a complete culinary experience. From creamy mac and cheese to tangy fried pickles, these pairings are essential for any heat seeker.
Let’s delve into the history and culinary science behind the classic side dishes that elevate Nashville hot chicken to its peak. We’ll uncover fun facts and discover why these specific flavors are the perfect partners for your favorite spicy bird.
Mac and Cheese: The Creamy Counterpart
There’s nothing quite like a spoonful of decadent, cheesy macaroni to soothe a palate set ablaze by hot chicken. This classic comfort food, with a history as rich as its flavor, has been a source of solace for many. While early versions of pasta and cheese dishes existed in Italy, the mac and cheese we know and love was popularized in America by Thomas Jefferson. After discovering the dish in Europe, he served it at a state dinner in 1802, and it has been an American staple ever since.
Why it works: The magic of mac and cheese lies in its dairy content. Milk and cheese contain a protein called casein, which actively breaks down capsaicin—the compound that gives chili peppers their heat. This chemical reaction provides real, scientific relief from the burn, allowing eaters to go back for another bite of even the spiciest chicken. The creamy texture and mild flavor offer a comforting contrast to the crispy, fiery chicken, creating a perfect balance in every meal. It’s like a soothing balm for your taste buds, ensuring each dining experience is both exciting and comfortable.
Potato Salad: A Cool, Classic Companion
Potato salad is a fixture at picnics, barbecues, and, of course, hot chicken joints. Its origins trace back to Spanish explorers who introduced potatoes to Europe from South America. German immigrants are credited with bringing their version—often served warm with a vinegar-based dressing—to the United States in the 19th century. The creamy, mayonnaise-based potato salad popular today became a national favorite with the rise of commercial mayonnaise in the early 20th century.
Why it works: Like mac and cheese, a creamy, mayonnaise-based potato salad helps tame the heat. The cool temperature provides immediate relief, while the fats in the mayo help dissolve the capsaicin oils clinging to the tongue. The starchy potatoes also offer a neutral, hearty base that absorbs some of the spice, giving taste buds a much-needed break. At Crimson Coward, potato salad is the perfect cool and creamy sidekick to a fiery piece of chicken.
Slaw: The Crisp, Tangy Refresher
Coleslaw, often shortened to “slaw,” is a refreshing side that provides a necessary crunch. The name originates from the Dutch term “koosla,” meaning “cabbage salad.” This simple dish of shredded cabbage dressed in vinaigrette became popular in the Netherlands and was brought to the New World by Dutch settlers. The creamy, mayonnaise-based version emerged later, but the purpose remained the same: to offer a crisp, cool, and tangy element to a meal.
Why it works: The cool temperature and crunchy texture of slaw provide a delightful contrast to hot, crispy chicken. The vinegar and sometimes sugar in the dressing cut through the richness of the fried chicken, cleansing the palate. This tangy bite acts as a reset, making each new taste of hot chicken feel as explosive as the first. It’s the textural and flavorful variety a mouth craves when tackling severe heat, adding a new dimension to the dining experience.
Fried Pickles: A Tangy, Crunchy Legend
Fried pickles are a relatively modern culinary invention, but they’ve quickly become a beloved side dish, especially in the South. The exact origin is debated, but one of the most popular claims comes from Bernell “Fatman” Austin of the Duchess Drive-In in Atkins, Arkansas, who reportedly first put them on the menu in 1963. They became a sensation, and the town of Atkins now hosts an annual Picklefest to celebrate this quirky, delicious snack.
Why it works: This side dish is a study in contrasts. The sour tang of the pickle cuts through the heat and fat, while the crispy fried coating echoes the crunch of the chicken. The briny pickle juice helps refresh the palate, much like the way slaw does. It’s a fun, flavorful side that adds another layer of texture and taste to the meal. Dunking a fried pickle into a creamy sauce provides yet another way to cool things down between bites of fiery chicken.
The Ultimate Supporting Cast at Crimson Coward
The right side dishes do more than fill your plate; they elevate the entire Nashville hot chicken experience. They are the unsung heroes that cool the mouth, cleanse the palate, and provide the perfect counterpoint to the exhilarating heat.
At Crimson Coward, we’ve perfected our sides to complement our range of heat levels. Whether enjoying the mild “Country” or braving the “BURRRRN, BABY, BURN,” our mac and cheese, potato salad, slaw, and fried pickles are there to make the journey through spice a delicious one. Stop by and discover the perfect pairing.