It’s no secret that Nashville is famous for its hot chicken. If you’re visiting Music City, tasting this fiery dish is a must.
As someone who has sampled the best spots, I’m here to guide you through the history, heat levels, and top places to enjoy Nashville Hot Chicken.
To save you precious time when it comes to planning your dream trip to Nashville, I’ve put together an 87-page travel guide to the city and surrounding areas. It’s packed with the best areas and hotels to stay at, the best places to eat, the best bars to visit, how to get around, a guide to country music and more!
Related blog posts to read:
- The Best Nashville Tours & Museums to Visit in Tennessee
- Everything You Need to Know About Visiting The Bluebird Cafe, Nashville
- 13 of the Best Bars on Broadway in Nashville
- Nashville Itinerary: How to Spend the Perfect 48 hours in Music City
If you’re planning a trip to Nashville, Tennessee, make sure to check out my YouTube vlog of my third visit to the city below:
What is Nashville Hot Chicken?
Nashville Hot Chicken is a signature dish from Nashville, Tennessee. Known for its intense heat and mouth-watering flavour.
This iconic meal features fried chicken coated in a spicy blend of cayenne pepper, spices, and either lard or butter. Creating a crispy, spicy, and addictive flavour.
But beware, it’s called hot chicken for a reason!
History of Nashville Hot Chicken
Nashville Hot Chicken traces its roots back to the 1930s at Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack.
The legend goes that Thornton Prince’s girlfriend, seeking revenge for his late-night escapades, served him an excessively spicy fried chicken dish for breakfast.
To her surprise, he loved it, and thus, Nashville Hot Chicken was born.
The Spice Spectrum: Levels of Heat in Nashville Hot Chicken
Nashville Hot Chicken comes in various heat levels, from mild to extra-hot, allowing you to choose your preferred level of spiciness.
The heat primarily comes from cayenne pepper and other spices, with some establishments adding extra layers of heat through sauces or marinades.
When they call it “Hot Chicken,” they aren’t kidding. It’s seriously spicy! Unless you’re a spice addict, we recommend starting with medium spice before going any hotter.
Even if you’re feeling brave, be wary!
Why You Need to Try Nashville Hot Chicken
Sampling Nashville Hot Chicken is essential for anyone visiting Music City.
It offers a mild to mouth-on-fire journey for your taste buds and provides insight into Nashville’s rich culinary heritage and cultural traditions.
Plus, the combination of crispy fried chicken and fiery spices is simply irresistible.
Top Spots to Try Nashville Hot Chicken in Nashville
1. Hattie B’s Hot Chicken
Location: Multiple locations in Nashville
Hattie B’s has become synonymous with Nashville Hot Chicken. Offering a range of spice levels from Southern (no heat) to Shut the Cluck Up (extra hot).
Their juicy chicken, served with white bread and pickles, is a must-try. We’ve eaten here a few times and it never disappoints.
You can see Hattie B’s featured in my YouTube vlog above!
2. Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack
Location: Multiple locations in Nashville
As the original seller of Nashville Hot Chicken, Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack remains a beloved institution.
Their chicken is known for its intense heat and bold flavour, making it a favourite among spice lovers.
3. Bolton’s Spicy Chicken & Fish
Location: 624 Main St, Nashville, TN 37206
Another iconic spot for Nashville Hot Chicken is Bolton’s Spicy Chicken & Fish. This no-frills joint serves up fiery chicken with a depth of flavour that keeps locals and tourists coming back for more.
You can see Bolton’s featured in my YouTube vlog above!
4. Joella’s Hot Chicken
Location: 3001 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203
Known for its wide range of heat levels and creative side dishes, Joella’s Hot Chicken offers a modern twist on the classic Nashville dish.
5. Party Fowl
Location: 719 8th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203
While primarily known for its “Nashville Hot” chicken dishes, Party Fowl offers a variety of creative spins on traditional hot chicken. Including hot chicken nachos and hot chicken poutine.
Our Recommendations
We’ve tried Nashville Hot Chicken at Hattie B’s, Prince’s, and Bolton’s. All three are delicious and spicy (especially Bolton’s—that was a different level!).
Hattie B’s and Prince’s are probably the most convenient if you’re on Broadway. But if you want an authentic, no-frills place away from all the tourists, we’d recommend Bolton’s in East Nashville.
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