Where to Get Fried Chicken Ice Cream: The Ultimate Guide to This Mind-Blowing Treat

Have you ever craved something that’s both sweet and savory, familiar yet completely unexpected? If your taste buds are adventurous enough, fried chicken ice cream might just be the culinary curiosity you need to try! I’ve spent weeks researching this unique dessert, and lemme tell you, it’s not just a gimmick – it’s a legit delicious experience that’s worth seeking out.

What the Heck Is Fried Chicken Ice Cream Anyway?

Before we dive into where to find this crazy treat, let’s clear up what it actually is. Fried chicken ice cream typically involves infusing an ice cream base with the flavors of fried chicken, often incorporating pieces of crispy fried chicken skin or a chicken-flavored syrup The result is this wild blend of sweet, salty, savory, and sometimes even spicy notes

The most famous version comes from Life Raft Treats, created by James Beard award-nominated pastry chef Cynthia Wong in 2018. Their “Not Fried Chicken” ice cream looks EXACTLY like fried chicken but is actually:

• Caramelized white chocolate and corn flakes
• Waffle cone ice cream
• Chocolate-covered pretzel “bones”

This is truly amazing work that has people all over the country going crazy over how real it looks!

Where to Buy Fried Chicken Ice Cream Near You

1. Life Raft Treats – The OG Creator

Life Raft Treats is the place to go if you want the original, which they say is “often copied, never duplicated.” Their shipping is free to the 48 contiguous states, which is pretty cool. Here’s what you can order directly from their website:

• One Not Fried Chicken bucket – $109.00
• Two Not Fried Chicken buckets – $149.00
• Individual Not Fried Chicken ice cream bars – $5.00 each

They also mention that individual Not Fried Chicken drumsticks are available at over 500 independent retailers, grocery chains, and delivery services across the country! So you might be able to find them locally.

2. Specialty Ice Cream Shops

Independent ice cream shops are often where the magic happens with unusual flavors. These spots love pushing boundaries and creating Instagram-worthy treats. Here’s how to find them:

• Call ahead to local specialty ice cream shops and ask if they offer fried chicken ice cream
• Search online using terms like “gourmet ice cream near me” or “unique ice cream flavors”
• Check social media pages of local ice cream shops for special promotions or limited-time offerings

Specialty shops are usually the first to jump on viral food trends, so they’re your best bet for finding creative flavors like this!

3. Pop-Up Events and Food Festivals

Food festivals are GOLD MINES for unusual treats like fried chicken ice cream. These events bring together creative vendors who love showcasing experimental foods. To find them:

• Keep an eye on Eventbrite listings for food festivals in your area
• Follow foodie accounts on Instagram that post about local events
• Check your city’s event calendar for upcoming food-related gatherings

It was crazy, but I tried three different kinds of weird ice cream at a food festival last summer.

4. Restaurants with Bold Culinary Vision

For dessert, some restaurants, especially those that serve fusion food or Southern-style food, might have fried chicken ice cream. To find these places:

• Check online menus of innovative restaurants in your area
• Read reviews on Yelp or TripAdvisor mentioning unusual desserts
• Ask for recommendations in local foodie Facebook groups

I’ve found that restaurants that describe themselves as “elevated comfort food” or “modern Southern” are most likely to experiment with these kinds of crossover dishes.

5. Online Retailers (Limited Options)

While not as common, some smaller artisan ice cream makers might ship nationwide. This can be hit or miss, but worth exploring:

• Search for “artisan ice cream delivery”
• Look for “unique ice cream flavors online”
• Check specialty food delivery services like Goldbelly

Just be aware that shipping ice cream can get expensive because of the need for dry ice and insulated packaging!

DIY Fried Chicken Ice Cream: A Kitchen Adventure

If you can’t find fried chicken ice cream near you, why not try making it yourself? It’s a fun project and you’ll get major bragging rights when you serve it to friends!

Here’s a basic approach to creating your own version:

1. Create the base: Steep fried chicken skin in warm milk and cream to infuse the flavor
2. Make the ice cream: Follow standard ice cream-making procedures with your infused base
3. Add texture: Incorporate crispy fried chicken pieces or skin into the final product
4. Shape and serve: You can form it into “drumstick” shapes for the full effect

Common ingredients you’ll need:

• Ice cream base (cream, milk, sugar)
• Fried chicken pieces (skin works best)
• Flavorings (chicken bouillon, herbs, spices)
• Something sweet like maple syrup or honey to balance the savory

I tried making this at home once and it was messy but SO fun – my friends couldn’t believe it was actually ice cream!

FAQ About Fried Chicken Ice Cream

Does it actually taste like chicken?

Yes! A well-made version should have a recognizable chicken flavor, though it’s balanced by the sweetness of the ice cream base. The chicken flavor intensity varies depending on how it’s made.

Is it vegetarian friendly?

Generally no. Traditional fried chicken ice cream contains actual chicken products. However, some creative vegan versions might exist using plant-based fried chicken alternatives. Always check ingredients if this matters to you.

What other toppings go well with fried chicken ice cream?

Get creative with:

• Maple syrup
• Hot sauce (for the adventurous!)
• Crispy bacon bits
• Candied pecans
• Honey drizzle

How expensive is fried chicken ice cream?

It varies, but expect to pay more than standard ice cream flavors. At specialty shops or restaurants, you’ll pay a premium due to the unique ingredients and preparation. Life Raft Treats charges $109 for a bucket of their Not Fried Chicken ice cream, but individual pieces can be found for around $5 each.

What other savory ice cream flavors are similar?

If you enjoy fried chicken ice cream, you might also like:

• Bacon ice cream
• Pizza ice cream
• Garlic ice cream
• Avocado ice cream

Real Customer Reviews

People are seriously obsessed with this treat! Check out what some Life Raft Treats customers have said:

“One of the best ice creams in the world I can’t see how people can hate them” – Max D.

“We got the Not Fried Chicken for my son’s graduation party, and everyone loved it!” – Capri J.

“This looked so much like real fried chicken and was so much fun to eat!” – Chauncey B.

The Bottom Line on Finding Fried Chicken Ice Cream

Finding fried chicken ice cream requires a bit of detective work, but the hunt is part of the fun! Your best options are:

1. Order directly from Life Raft Treats for nationwide delivery
2. Look for retailers that carry Life Raft Treats products
3. Visit specialty ice cream shops in your area
4. Attend food festivals and culinary events
5. Check innovative restaurants with creative dessert menus
6. Make your own if all else fails!

This treat definitely ain’t your everyday vanilla cone, but that’s what makes it special. The combination of sweet and savory creates an experience that’s totally unique and conversation-worthy. Plus, the reactions you’ll get when serving what looks like fried chicken but tastes like ice cream are PRICELESS!

Have you tried fried chicken ice cream yet? We’d love to hear about your experience in the comments! And if you know of any local spots serving up this crazy dessert, share them with fellow food adventurers!

Now excuse me while I go order a bucket of Not Fried Chicken ice cream… for research purposes, of course!