Nashville’s Best Hot Chicken

For decades, cities across America have been synonymous with the food or drinks they’ve made famous. Seattle has coffee, Philly has the Cheesesteak, and New Orleans has the Po’boy. In Nashville, we’ve got the hot chicken! While traveling will include destinations and attractions, you’ve got to eat. And, since the city is full of great places to grab some hot chicken, we’ve decided to round up our favorites for you!

Hattie B’s Hot Chicken

If you are looking for a no-frills establishment, Hattie B’s is right up your alley. They focus most of their attention on delivering delicious and savory food. Their location is in Midtown making it easy for tourists to stop by between attractions. They have a range of temperatures available in case you don’t like spicy, but their hottest flavor is called “Shut the Cluck Up.” It’s known to make even the most experienced hot chicken lovers eyes water.

The Farm House

If you have an interest in dining in a farm-to-table style restaurant but still want to sink your teeth into some hot chicken, try The Farm House. Their specialty is hot chicken in candied skin served over a bed of biscuit puree. Overall the style is a bit more contemporary than anything else you might find on the this list, but the items on their menu still pack a punch. What’s nice about this place is the spiciness is not too hot or not too mild and will suit most taste buds!

Pepperfire Hot Chicken

Pepperfire Hot Chicken is located in Nashville’ East Side. It was established by Isaac Beard after he tried and later became obsessed with hot chicken. Pepperfire is known for their consistent and unique flavors. Their menu offers a variety of taste levels for the new and experienced to find a level of spice that works for them. Their menu is all-inclusive and offers a range of sides and chicken dinners for those who don’t just want wings.

Big Shakes’ Hot Chicken & Fish

For local and intimate hot chicken setting you needn’t look any further than Big Shakes. Owned by Chef Shawn Davis, a.k.a. Chef Big Shake, who started working in a professional kitchen at the ripe age of 12, became head chef within 7-years. Big Shakes has had some professional success appearing on Shark Tank and Man vs Food. The menu is expansive enough to accommodate everyone, but features “The Death Row Hot Chicken Challenge” aimed at “heat seekers.” Winners receive a t-shirt and $100!

Bolton’s Spicy Chicken & Fish

The recipe for Bolton’s Spicy Chicken is a family recipe handed down from generations. When it landed on Bolton Mathew’s lap, he decided to take the opportunity to turn it into a business. The result is hot chicken for the masses. Spicy enough to influence your taste buds, but not too hot that you lose your composure. Bolton’s menu also features catfish, ribs, sandwiches, and seafood. Plus, a whole host of Southern styled sides.

Tenn Sixteen Food and Drink Co.

Located in East Nashville, when Tenn Sixteen first opened their doors hot chicken was not listed on the menu. The head chef was eager to do Nashville proud and wanted to research tastes and flavors before deciding what would be featured on the menu. For inspiration, he traveled to just about every hot chicken sampling dishes until he came up with his own version. The result is a delicious mix of fresh ginger, white pepper, and tender chicken. The menu features classic appetizers like fried pickles and sides are quintessential Southern dishes like fried okra and green beans.

Prince’s Hot Chicken

Probably the most famous name on our list is Prince’s Hot Chicken. Over the years, Prince’s has received numerous awards and featured on television shows like Bizarre Foods America and Man vs Food Nation. Prince’s features six different levels of spiciness to choose from making it easy for anyone to find something on the menu to suit their taste buds. Because it’s a well-known staple here in Nashville it’s very popular; expect a bit of a wait!

If you’re looking for more fun ways to explore Nashville, stop by for one of Tommy’s Tours!