This blog post is all about where to find the best hot chicken spots in Nashville.
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 hot chicken spots in Nashville, I’m here to guide you through the history, heat levels, and top places to enjoy Nashville Hot Chicken.
Whether you’re looking for romantic hot chicken spots in Nashville, cozy hot chicken spots in Nashville, or casual hot chicken spots in Nashville, this list has you covered.
Related Best Hot Chicken Spots in Nashville blog posts to read:
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If you’re planning a trip to Nashville, make sure to check out my 80+ page travel guide eBook which you can download here to help you plan!
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 and see the best hot chicken spots in Nashville that we visited:
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.
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!
The Best Hot Chicken Spots in Nashville
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.
If you’re planning a trip to Nashville, make sure to check out my 80+ page travel guide eBook which you can download here to help you plan!
5 Best Nashville Hot Chicken Spots in Nashville
Below are the top hot chicken spots in Nashville tested by yours truly. I only ever ventured to medium spice level because it gets hot.
If you’re planning a trip to Nashville, I’d recommend doing a Nashville hot chicken tour around the city, trying all of these best hot chicken spots in Nashville to see what your favourite is.
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 Street, 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 also see Bolton’s featured in my YouTube vlog above!
4. Red’s 615 Hot Chicken
Location: 115 27th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37203
Known for its wide range of heat levels and creative side dishes, Red’s 615 Hot Chicken offers a modern twist on the classic Nashville dish.
Fun fact, Red’s 615 Hot Chicken was the first Nashville hot chicken spot I ever tried during my first visit to Nashville in 2020.
5. Party Fowl
Location: 719 8th Avenue South, 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.
My Favourite Spots for Hot Chicken in Nashville
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, I’d recommend Bolton’s in East Nashville.
RELATED Best Hot Chicken in Nashville blog posts to read:
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By Orlagh Shanks
Orlagh Shanks is the Editor of Orlagh Claire, an award-winning travel and lifestyle blog.
After working in the PR & Influencer Marketing industry, Orlagh quit her job to travel Asia for 12 months and moved to Sydney, Australia where she is now a full-time travel blogger and content creator sharing travel tips and recommendations for all 30 of the countries she’s visited so far.
