It's Team Korea Vs Team Southern: Who's Taking Home The Gold?
This is the only time I will be here for Black and POC's to be at odds with each other.
This is literally the only time I'll be rooting for Black and POC folks to go head-to-head — and trust, it's all love and a whole lot of crunch and heat in the kitchen.
Repping Team Korea, we've got the dynamic duo Jodi and Jiyeon while on the other side, standing strong for Team Southern, it's Angela and Marshay.
Marshay kicks things off with a bold claim — she believed fried chicken originally came from Korea.
Now, I'm not saying she's totally wrong, but according to a few sources, the origins of the popular dish are often credited to Scotland and the American South.
Naturally, Cocoa Butter came through with the receipts. We pointed out that Korean fried chicken as we know it today can be traced back to the 1950s, during the Korean War, when American soldiers introduced fried chicken to Korea — and the rest, as they say, is history.
Jodi jumps in to break down the key difference between Korean and Southern fried chicken, noting that it all comes down to the sauce. That crispy, sticky, sweet-heat glaze is a Korean signature.
You better get you a box of them thangs.
Now this right here? This is history in the making — our very first food swap versus episode, and whew, y'all are in for a treat.
Let's dig in and find out which fried chicken reigned supreme.
Each participant came ready with their best fried chicken recipe to put to the test.
Let's get into it.
First up: Marshay.
She kicks things off by letting the group know this isn't just any fried chicken — it's her grandmother's recipe. And if there's one thing we know, grandmothers don't play when it comes to flavor and love in the kitchen.
Marshay said her recipe gives people that 'home' feeling — the kind that hits no matter where you're from.
The first impressions were strong. You could smell the seasoning before the first bite, and the presentation was on point. Once the forks hit the plate? It was a wrap. Everyone was raving. Jodi said it was the seasoning that sealed the deal for her.
I know that's right, Marshay — shout out to Grandma.
Not only was the love clearly present, but Marshay also revealed her secret weapon: a little mustard in the mix. I might have to try that next time I'm cheffing it up.
Final score: 24
Next up: Jodi.
She brought a twist with Korean coleslaw on the side, and her fried chicken featured a bold plum jalapeño glaze.
Oh girl, I know that chicken had a lil' kick.
Initial reactions were mostly positive — but Jiyeon kept it real and said it wasn't quite her vibe. And listen, we appreciate honesty over here at Cocoa Butter.
While Marshay was going in on that coleslaw, Angela and Jaydon weren't really feeling it. Angela also said she wished the chicken had more seasoning.
Final score: 16
Now it's Jiyeon's turn.
Sis had a lot to say about Jodi's Korean fried chicken, so now it's her moment to step up and show out.
She listed her ingredients with care, and her special ingredient? Her heart. And I've said it before — cooking with love makes all the difference.
But you know what they say: the ones who critique the most? Sometimes they don't deliver when it's their time to shine.
The ladies had thoughts before even tasting it. Words like 'bland,' 'interesting,' and 'no melanin' were flying.
Whew.
Already a rough start.
And after the first bites?
The verdict was: floury, not seasoned enough.
The only silver lining? At least it smelled like Korean fried chicken… so, points for that?
I'm gonna spare Jiyeon and just hit you with the score.
Final score: 13
Last but definitely not least: Angela.
Sis didn't come to play — she came with a whole spread.
Fried chicken, cornbread, green beans, potato salad, banana pudding… and to wash it all down? Grape Kool-Aid.
Oh yes, she understood the assignment.
Angela's secret (besides paprika and parsley)? Making it with love, of course.
Let's see if that love translates.
From the second the plate hit the table, the girls knew — that's southern fried chicken.
Marshay nailed it when she said you could tell it's Southern because 'you got a little bit of diabetes and high blood pressure on the side.'
She is a kiii. Bring her back, immediately.
Once they took a bite?
Eyes rolled back.
Silence. Bliss. That's when you know it's hittin'.
Angela had them shook — from first bite to last crumb.
Final score: 26
Which means Team Southern took the crown. Moral of the story? Always bet on Black.
Now listen — I know my commentary was enough to paint the picture, but trust me, you're gonna want to see their reactions for yourself.
Hit the video below and tap in.
Also… I'm with Marshay — who got Angela's number? Because I need that banana pudding yesterday.
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'One minute can pack in a lot of info if done well.'
