If you consider yourself a foodie, you probably know all about Nashville hot chicken already. This crispy, fried dish originated in good old Tennessee, and to this day, no one does it better. Hot chicken places are a dime a dozen in Nashville, though. So how do you know which ones are the best? Well, take it from a team of locals: here’s where to get hot chicken that will blow your mind.
What Makes Nashville Hot Chicken So Great?
Hot chicken in Nashville is unique in that it really piles on the spice. “Hot chicken” isn’t a suggestion: it’s a warning.
Nashville hot chicken is coated with cayenne and hot sauce before being flamed or fried to crispy perfection. Then, the chicken is coated again with a sweet-and-spicy sauce that’s made differently from place to place. Sweet pickles and white bread are included on the side, balancing out the heat.
People love Nashville hot chicken because it doesn’t hold back on spice but still delivers flavor. Each spice blend is different, allowing for a myriad of flavor profiles in town.
The Best Spots for Hot Chicken
If you can only try a few places, these are the can’t-miss hot chicken spots in Nashville.
1. Prince’s Hot Chicken
This is where it all began. Prince’s Hot Chicken shack literally created Nashville hot chicken. If you can only try one hot chicken place while in Nashville, go to Prince’s.
Prince’s has been making their iconic hot chicken for over 80 years. They’ve perfected the recipe, and people still line up at dawn to get a taste.
2. Moore’s Famous Fried Chicken
Moore’s chicken is the most unassuming hot chicken place you’ll find in Nashville. Located in a small Nashville suburb, Moore’s is located in a small strip mall. But their chicken is legendary.
What makes Moore’s chicken stand apart is the sweetness of their chicken. A honey-sweet sauce sits on top of the chicken, adding layers of flavor.
3. Hattie B’s Hot Chicken
If you’re looking for a variety that doesn’t compromise quality, Hattie B’s is your answer. They offer multiple flavor profiles and spice levels, and homemade sides as well.
Hattie B’s has a loyal following and is almost always packed. If you’re planning to go, get there early!
4. 400 Degrees
400 Degrees began as a food truck with a fervent following. Now, there’s a brick-and-mortar location to visit!
The name comes from the temperature the owner considers “real hot”. The flavor is complex but not overwhelming.
5. Bolton’s Spicy Chicken and Fish
If you’re looking for a lot of spice, Bolton’s is your place. Their fiery-hot sauce and spice can be intimidating, but the flavor is worth it. Bolton’s has been in the game a long time, and are proud to be one of the spiciest.
You’re Ready to Sink Your Teeth In
Now that you know who does it best in the Nashville hot chicken game, you’re ready to try for yourself. We guarantee that these hot chicken dishes are worth the trip! If you love it enough, it may even convince you to move to Nashville full-time.
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