Here's What You're Actually Eating When You Order Florida's Swamp Chicken
When you're out of town and sampling regional food, it's critical to remember one key thing: Names can be deceiving. This is true whether you're chowing down on an order of city chicken (which is actually made from pork) or sampling some Rocky Mountain oysters (which are decidedly nowhere close to seafood). These local delicacies can sometimes be difficult to decipher, including the unusually named swamp chicken. It turns out this Florida classic is really an iconic Sunshine State animal: the alligator.
The name comes from the white meat's resemblance in appearance and flavor to the far more familiar chicken, with a hint of fishiness. It's been a part of authentic Florida cuisine for centuries, dating as far back as the Seminole Native Americans, who lived in the state's dense Everglades. Tail meat is one of the most common varieties, though other parts are also edible, including gator jaw and back strap, among others.
"Swamp chicken" can be prepared in a wide variety of ways, just like its land-based namesake. This includes popular and familiar methods like breading and deep-frying or grilling, along with more unusual options like stewed gator, gator chili, or gator burgers.
From the swamp (or farm) to your plate
Despite what you might imagine based on the state's outlandish reputation, Florida men and women aren't typically making their way into the swamps to bag themselves a wild gator. Alligator hunting is carefully regulated in Florida, with only approved hunters able to take a small number per season. Commercially sold "swamp chicken" is typically raised at one of the state's alligator farms.
Although this distinctive regional delicacy is surprisingly easy to find frozen (including at many everyday supermarkets in the Sunshine State), canned alligator meat also exists, as unlikely as it may sound. That means it's possible for curious foodies to try out this not-quite-chicken in their own kitchens, regardless of how far they are from Florida.
So don't be confused if you see swamp chicken popping up on a menu in Florida or elsewhere in the coastal Deep South. Just remember, it's not poultry on your plate — it's the iconic (and delicious) alligator.