The dish itself is simply fried chicken marinated in buttermilk...tossed in a spice paste made of cayenne pepper and lard. The story of how hot chicken came to be can be traced to the black community in Nashville in the 1930s. As the story goes according to André Prince Jeffries, the owner of Prince's Hot Chicken Shack, her great-uncle, Thornton Prince III’s womanizing ways led to the iconic creation. After a particularly late night out, his then-girlfriend cooked him a fried chicken breakfast with extra pepper as revenge. Instead of soliciting pain, Thornton loved the dish and began perfecting his own recipe before opening a chicken shack selling the now famous creation.
Much time passed in between the present day hot chicken craze and its origins in the 1930s. Many things are attributed to what made it explode in popularity, but everyone seems to agree that the Music City Hot Chicken Festival, which started back in 2007, helped springboard it into the mainstream and beyond. If you find yourself in Nashville over July 4th weekend, this free festival is a can’t-miss that lets you sample many different recipes and restaurants while sharing in the history of the iconic dish.
Locals and visitors alike flock to the many establishments in Music City selling the hot bird. Some do it better than others. Here’s a list of the best of the best, from stand-alone chicken shops to high-end restaurants where it is a signature dish.
Dedicated Hot Chicken Shacks
Prince's Hot Chicken Shack
The original: James Beard Award-winning, authentic, chicken perfection. The accolades are endless, and if authenticity is what you are in search of, there is no reason not to make this your choice to try hot chicken in Nashville. Sure, there are places with better decor that aren’t cash only in better areas of town, but nothing can compare to the iconic Prince’s. All chicken sandwiches are served on two pieces of white bread with pickles, and come in spice levels ranging from plain to extra extra extra hot. We suggest the mild or the medium, unless you’re a true daredevil.
Hattie B's Hot Chicken
Hattie B’s certainly didn’t invent hot chicken, but since it opened in 2012, it’s responsible for exposing the trend to the mainstream, thanks to a hip environment and great marketing. Hattie B’s offers those who are unable to stomach anything too hot sensible options to taste the flavor without committing crimes against your stomach. The concept has now spawned multiple locations all over the country from Las Vegas to Atlanta and shows no signs of slowing down. Also, the chicken is great—you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. Don’t miss their home-cooked sides and desserts like pimento mac n’ cheese and banana pudding that help put out the fire until your next bite.
Photo courtesy of Hattie B's Hot Chicken
Bolton’s Spicy Chicken & Fish
One of the longest-serving hot chicken joints in Nashville, Bolton’s Spicy Chicken & Fish is one of the best—and hottest—in the 615. Don’t let your inner bougie self be turned off by Bolton’s hole-in-the-wall aesthetics; locals know this is where you can get hot chicken without all the added pomp and circumstance. The spicy fish is a less well-known Nashville tradition but is a great option if chicken really isn’t your thing. We’d be remiss not to mention the super tender ribs, as well.
Photo courtesy of Bolton's Spicy Chicken
Casual Restaurants Serving Hot Chicken (and Other Stuff)
Party Fowl
A great place to enjoy some hot chicken, a local brew, and some live entertainment, Party Fowl has 20 local beers on tap and a craft cocktail menu, along with 13 big screen TVs and a music stage. Keep an eye on their specials too—Monday through Thursday they have two-for-one drink specials from 3pm to 6pm.
Pepperfire Hot Chicken
Pepperfire has been an east-side favorite since opening in 2010. Keep in mind that mild has quite the kick, the medium will burn your tongue, and hot sticks around for at least 24 hours—both on your taste buds and gastrointestinally (read: don’t order when sharing a one-bathroom Airbnb with 12 people). In addition to the hot chicken and classic sides (fried okra FTW), Pepperfire has gained notoriety for variations that combine the fiery poultry with waffles, fried apples, and deep-fried grilled cheese. Its expanded (but still cramped) location offers family-style dining, and you can expect a wait if you don’t order ahead.
Photo courtesy of Pepperfire Hot Chicken
The Best of the Rest
The Stillery
This American-style bar takes pub food to the next level, with great pizza and hot chicken that rivals many hot chicken joints in the city. Although the hearty and tasty food grabs a lot of the attention, diners would be remiss to skip out on a mason jar cocktail and the Two-Handed Hot Chicken sandwich.
Photo courtesy of The Stillery
Husk
Husk is a giant feather in Nashville’s ever-growing culinary cap. Locally and regionally sourced ingredients serve as the base for an imaginative, southern-driven menu from James Beard Award-winning chef Sean Brock (he’s since left the group, but the restaurant hasn’t dipped in quality). Husk is situated just south of downtown Nashville in Rutledge Hill, in a historic 1800s mansion where the southern charm just doesn’t stop and patrons glow after taking in a culinary experience they won’t soon forget. Even though the menu changes frequently with regional provider’s availability, the hot chicken and fish dishes are a mainstay as either plate lunches or appetizers before dinner.
