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Music City Hot Chicken
Music City is known for its many contributions to society, from a buzzing musical influence to monuments of the past. But, there’s more to add to your bucket list when exploring Nashville; taste the culinary side. In our humble opinion, a trip to Music City is incomplete without at least trying the spice-fest, that is Nashville hot chicken.
This signature Nashvillian food staple isn’t your ordinary fried chicken. Crossing dangerous spice levels, this fried chicken is a fiery affair that will leave your eyes watery and senses tingling.
As many will try to replicate “hot chicken” across the country, all have found themselves subpar of this Southern-born creation. From New York to Chicago, everybody is doing their version of Nashville hot chicken; but nothing beats the taste of Music City.
So, next time when you’re on your way to explore Nashville, you must try the authentic Nashville hot chicken. The city boasts a Nashville hot chicken joint or eatery at every corner, but your first tirade with this iconic dish should be nothing less than an awesome, sweat-inducing, and lip-tingling affair.
So, in this guide, we give you the low-down of the best Nashville hot chicken in town and everything you need to know about them.
The Interesting Origins of Nashville Hot Chicken
Before we roll out the hottest Nashville hot chicken spots, you must know that this fried chicken invention has a backstory almost as spicy as the dish itself. The origin of this hot chicken dish goes back to some 90 years ago with tales of a scorned lover and her mission to seek revenge on her then lover, Thornton Prince. She suspected Thornton to be seeing other women and decided to put extra pepper in his chicken. Thornton liked it so much that he opened the BBQ Chicken Shack in the mid-1930s which would later become Prince’s Hot Chicken – the original. Here we see revenge turned signature cuisine of Nashville. Ain’t that just so Nashville?
The Best Nashville Hot Chicken Places for The Authentic Experience
1. Prince’s – The OG Nashville Hot Chicken
The oldest and original hot chicken shack in Nashville is Prince in the South, serving signature Nashville food. The business has been serving legendary fiery chicken for more than 70 years.
The original recipe by Thornton Prince is being followed by his great-niece, Ms. Andre Prince Jeffries, and making scrumptious hot chicken for the people of Nashville. Did you know that Prince’s Hot Chicken also snagged a James Beard Foundation Award? We highly suggest Prince’s over any other hot chicken place because it is the original and their food has upheld their known quality throughout the years. #Joe-tip- the “mild” flavor is HOTTT with three T’s. So imagine what the next levels of hot are… and proceed at your own risk.
2. Bolton’s – Spicy Nashville Hot Chicken & More
Started by Bolton Polk in 1997, this restaurant is a great place to enjoy flavorsome hot chicken and fish. The menu is said to be built on the family’s secret recipe passed down through generations. Notably, Bolton’s is one of Main Street’s oldest Black-owned businesses and is recognized by the Southern Foodways as a Nashville Food Heritage.
Bolton Matthews, the heir to the secret family recipe, expanded the restaurant’s menu, making it a popular choice amongst locals and tourists alike. *#Joe-tip – Bolton’s is BYOB!
3. 400 Degrees – For Dangerous Levels of Spice
Everything that comes from the kitchens of 400 Degrees is a true inspiration from Prince’s Hot Chicken restaurant. Aqui Hines, the founder, pays homage to Prince and their inspirational signature Nashville food recipe by taking it to the next level.
As the name suggests, 400 Degrees offers the spiciest hot chicken in Nashville, where 400 is the hottest spice level at the restaurant, which is an adorned food truck and table set up. But don’t let the unassuming exterior fool you! Guests often say this is the best or “close best” after Prince’s. What makes 400 Degrees different is that they offer deep-fried chicken, as well as hot shrimp and pork.
These are the most authentic experiences. Let’s take a look at some of the other hot chicken places in Nashville…
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Other Popular Spots for Lip-smacking Nashville Hot Chicken
1. Hattie B’s
Opened back in 2012, Hattie B’s offers delectable hot chicken with tasty banana pudding and unique sides. People love the sauce Hattie B’s provides in with the chicken. It has a fantastic combination of mayo, dry spice seasoning, and honey. This adds an extra layer of sweet heat to the chicken. While this is not the hottest, or the original Nashville hot chicken, Hattie B’s provides guests with the Southern flavors that really put Nashville on the map.. #Joe-tip: Whether you are going to the downtown location or the Music Row location, be prepared for long lines at any time of the day!
2. Pepperfire
Pepperfire has been sizzling the tastebuds of the Nashville people since 2010. As a family owned restaurant, Pepperfire came up with their own original hot chicken recipe and new creative sides to attract their customers and keep them coming back for more. It has recently moved to the Nations district and offers a trendy, cozy atmosphere perfect for the casual lunch.
3. Moore’s Famous Fried Chicken
Moore’s in located in Hendersonville, a quick 10 minute drive from downtown Nashville. But no hot chicken list would be complete without Mr Moore’s take on the classic Nashville dish. Whether it’s spicy fried chicken, briskets, or fish, fans rave about the quality, freshness, and southern hospitality that comes with every meal.
Conclusion
Hot chicken is a Nashville staple that can be found easily, just like visitors in cowboy hats, green party tractors, and live music. But, there are only a few that can claim “the original recipe” and provide the true cuisine experience.
Hands down, the best hot chicken spots are in Nashville; and Joe’s personal favorite being Prince’s Hot Chicken. Others offer great creativity with unique signature dishes, while others follow the OG recipes. Explore Nash for its music but don’t forget to drop by the recommended hot chicken spots and enjoy your fiery affair!
Disclaimer – Mild means Hot; and Hot means …. HOTTTT.
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