When Nicole Renee’s “Soul Chicken” post went viral, she publicly stated how Facebook should pay her for all of the engagement it received. The thing is that the amazing meal captured in the image did not belong to her.
Renown DMV chef, Alana Hunnicutt-Carroll of @k.p.foods is the sole creator of the “Soul Chicken” dish that Renee reposted without giving credit. The recipe for the meal was included with Chef Alana’s recent interview with Rolling Out.
Only after the truth began to surface did Renee post the image again crediting Chef Alana as the source of the widely praised meal, but still not adding the credit to her original viral Facebook post.
“When my chicken went viral. I didn’t expect to go viral, but that’s how social media works and I’m glad that it works that way. Cooking is my passion, it’s the gift I was given I just cook and post.
“Like most days, I was just having fun in the kitchen and creating dishes when I decided to stuff some of my favorite sides into a bone-in chicken breast. After stuffing the chicken with my six-cheese mac and cheese, smoked turkey collard greens, and my very popular sweet potatoes, I prepped the chicken for its oil bath. When my stuffed chicken breast was done frying, I cut it open and gave it a try. It was so beautiful inside. The chicken was perfectly moist, the skin was a beautiful golden brown, it was crunchy and seasoned to perfection, and all of the stuffing was scrumptious. It just all worked together. I was pleasantly surprised. I knew it was a great dish when I couldn’t stop eating it until it was gone.
“I must say its very flattering to be recognized for something that you’re passionate about. I’ll continue to have fun in the kitchen and share my food with the masses. I hope it inspires someone to have fun in the kitchen as well and cook what comes from the heart.“
Chef Alana ‘s team has tried to contact Nicole Renee, who appears to now be in hiding on social media, to no avail. While Renee eventually posted the image with the appropriate credit, the lack of communication leaves few options outside of taking legal action.
