Nashville’s hot chicken’s distinct flavor, a perfect blend of spice and heat, is a true delight. The hot chicken’s crispy, fried exterior contrasts beautifully with the juicy, spicy interior, creating a burst of flavors that will leave you craving more. When you pair this unique dish with fresh, in-season summer produce, the result is a culinary masterpiece.
The abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables nurtured by the summer sun is a testament to the season’s bounty. When these high-quality, in-season produce are eaten with hot chicken, the result is a harmonious blend of flavors. The sweetness of the produce balances the heat, while its crisp texture adds a delightful crunch. Some summer produce even enhances the peppery spices, elevating the dish to a new level.
Each bite will be a journey of discovery as you experience the crispy chicken coating, followed by the refreshing taste of seasonal produce at its peak.
Tomatoes are among the most popular fruits and vegetables to pair with fried and hot chicken. Tomatoes are in season during the summer, with peak harvest times between June and September.
When tomatoes are ripe and fresh, they make delicious additions to salads, salsas, sandwiches, and more, alongside spicy chicken dishes. The juicy tomatoes help provide a cooling contrast to the chicken’s heat. Sliced tomatoes work well in a salad or sandwich, while diced tomatoes are a tasty garnish as a quick homemade salsa or pico de gallo to drizzle over chicken. Cherry and grape tomatoes can be used whole for a colorful salad topping or snack.
Tomatoes are not just a delicious addition to your hot chicken; they’re also packed with beneficial nutrients. They’re a great source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that gives tomatoes their rich red color. They’re also fat-free, low in sodium, and provide antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. So, not only are you enjoying a flavorful meal, but you’re also boosting your health.
Corn is one of the most popular vegetables to enjoy in the summer. The peak season for corn is June through August when corn is at its sweetest right after harvest. Most corn is harvested by hand, and it only takes 1-2 days to go from the field to your local farmer’s market or grocery store.
Some fun facts about corn:
– “Corn can be produced in various colors including blackish, bluish-gray, purple, green, red and white but the most common color grown is yellow.”
– Corn is grown on every continent except Antarctica.
– The United States produces roughly 40% of the world’s corn supply.
– There are over 3,500 different uses for corn products, from food to fuel to plastics.
When grilling corn, it’s best to leave the husks on. Simply peel away the first few layers, remove the silk, and then fold back up and tie the husks with a string or corn husk. Preparing the husks this way helps steam the corn and keeps it tender and juicy. Grill for 15-20 minutes, turning every 5 minutes. Top grilled corn on the cob with a pat of butter, chili powder, paprika, a squeeze of lime, or a creamy ranch dressing for a perfect summer side.
Peaches are synonymous with summer in the American South. The peach harvest begins in May and runs through August, with peak availability in June and July. Southerners have been growing peaches for centuries. The peach was introduced to North America by Spanish explorers in the 16th century and quickly became a staple crop.
By the 1800s, peaches were grown commercially in states like Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia. Southerners even started referring to the region as the “Peach Belt.” Peach orchards began popping up all over the South, supplying fruit for eating fresh, canning, and preserving.
Peaches have a long history of being used in iconic Southern desserts. Peach cobbler is a staple of Southern cuisine, made by baking fresh peach slices with a sweet biscuit topping. Peach pie is another classic – flaky pie crust filled with juicy peaches and spices. Peach ice cream, peach melba, fried peach pies – peaches are the perfect way to satisfy a sweet tooth during the hot summer months.
Despite the strong association of peaches with the South, California grows the most peaches in the country! Farmers’ markets overflow with bushels of fuzzy, ripe peaches during peach season. Many families make a tradition of picking their peaches at local orchards. A fresh summer peach’s sweet, dripping juice is hard to beat. Pairing peaches with hot and fried chicken creates a delicious sweet and salty dynamic. The peach’s sweetness and juice perfectly balance the heat and crunch of fried chicken. Next time you sit down to a platter of hot chicken this summer, add a fresh peach cobbler or peach pie to complete the meal.
Pairing hot chicken with fresh summer produce results in delicious flavor combinations and added nutrition. This blog has covered some of the best options – tomatoes, corn, and peaches.
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