Facts

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

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