Our Favorite Hot Chicken Spots in Nashville

What started as a spicy revenge plot has turned into the city’s most iconic food – and trust me, tryin’ to pick the best hot chicken joint in Nashville is like tryin’ to name your favorite child. But somebody’s gotta do the hard work! I’ve sweat through enough shirts and burned through enough taste buds to bring you this definitive guide to Nashville’s fieriest fowl.

1. Prince’s Hot Chicken

The OG. The legend. The place that started it all. If hot chicken was a religion, Prince’s would be the holy land. The story goes that a scorned girlfriend doused Thornton Prince’s chicken with cayenne to teach him a lesson after he stayed out all night. Plot twist: he loved it! That was nearly 100 years ago, and we’re all still reaping the benfits. The chicken here comes with a rusty-red glow that warns you before your first bite. And yeah, they actually mean it when they say “XXX Hot” – I once saw a grown man cry at the counter.

Tip: Start with medium if it’s your first time. Their “hot” is everybody else’s “call the fire department.”

2. Hattie B’s

Controversial opinion: sometimes the tourist spots are popular for a reason. Hattie B’s might be where all the out-of-towners line up, but local folks still get their fix here too. The chicken has that perfect crunch-to-juicy ratio, and their heat levels are actually consistent. Plus, their sides game is strong – the pimento mac and cheese deserves its own fanclub.

Tip: Skip the line by ordering online for pickup. Or go at off-hours like 3pm on a Tuesday when you can actually find a place to sit.

3. Bolton’s Spicy Chicken & Fish

Bolton’s don’t play. This joint looks unassuming from the outside, but inside they’re servin up chicken that’ll make you question your life choices. The dry rub style here means the spice clings to every single bite rather than soakin into the meat. It’s a different experience than the saucy version you’ll find elsewhere. The chicken is so good it’s almost spiritual. Almost.

Tip: Their fish is just as legendary as their chicken. Get both and thank me later.

4. 400 Degrees

When your restaurant is literally named after a temperature, you better bring the heat. Owner Aqui Hines definitely delivers. Her chicken has this perfect balance where you can actually taste the chicken through the fire. The heat builds slow, givin you a false sense of security before BAM – your face is melting. Located downtown, it’s smaller than some of the others but worth squeezin into.

Tip: Their “400 Degrees” spice level will have you sweatin, but it’s their “200 Degrees” that hits the sweet spot of flavor and heat for most humans.

5. Pepperfire

Sadly closed during the pandemic, but reopened at a new location (hallelujah!). Pepperfire stands out with their “Tender Royale” – hot chicken tenders on top of deep fried grilled cheese. Yeah, you read that right. It’s basically what would happen if your drunk self designed a menu item, except it’s executed perfectly. The chicken itself has this smoky undertone that makes it unique in the hot chicken landscape.

Tip: Get the Applefire – hot tenders with apple coleslaw. The sweet and heat combo is life-changing.

6. Party Fowl

For the hot chicken curious who ain’t ready to go full Nashville nuclear, Party Fowl offers approachable heat levels in a sports bar atmosphere. Their claim to fame is hot chicken on everything – atop bloody marys, on nachos, in tacos. Some purists might roll their eyes, but innovation keeps things interesting, y’all. Plus, their boozy slushies are the perfect fire extinguisher.

Tip: Their “Poultrygeist” heat level ain’t for rookies, but their “Southern Fried” is perfect for spice wimps who still want the experience.

7. Slow Burn

The new kid on the block that’s earnin its stripes fast. What makes Slow Burn special is right in the name – their chicken brings a heat that develops gradually rather than slappin you across the face immediately. The result? You can actually taste the perfectly fried chicken before your taste buds go numb. Their homemade ranch is also legendary for when you inevitably need relief.

Tip: They’ve got a vegan hot “chicken” option that’s surprisingly good. Drag your plant-based friends along – they don’t have to miss out on the fun!

Nashville’s hot chicken scene is always evolving, with new contenders poppin up and old favorites reinventing themselves. The beauty is in the diversity – each spot brings their own take on the city’s signature dish. Whether you prefer your chicken dry-rubbed or drippin in sauce, mild enough to taste or hot enough to question your sanity, this city’s got something that’ll satisfy your spicy cravings.

Just remember to bring tissues. For the sweat, the tears, and possibly your dignity.