The dynamic city of Nashville, TN, is famous for its mouthwatering hot chicken, a local culinary treasure that attracts food lovers from all around.

This spicy delight has become synonymous with the city's vibrant food scene. Nashville's top neighborhoods and outer suburbs all have establishments where the hot chicken magic happens. From cozy eateries to iconic restaurants, each place offers its unique twist on this fiery dish. Get ready to taste the authentic flavors of Nashville hot chicken and learn why these spots have earned their reputation as the best in the city. Nashville's hot chicken scene is sizzling, and it's time to dig in!

What's the Deal With Nashville Hot Chicken?

This spicy, savory, literal finger-lickin'-good delicacy has become an iconic part of Nashville's culinary landscape, drawing locals and visitors alike in search of that perfectly balanced combination of heat and flavor.

But what, exactly, sets Nashville hot chicken apart from more traditional fried chicken?

Contrary to popular belief, it's not just about the heat. Instead, its distinguishing features include a "dry sauce" (somewhere between a paste and a dry rub) and a buttermilk marinade, which creates that heavenly duo of extra crispy skin and juicy meat. It does, of course, go back to the heat, though—authentic Nashville hot chicken uses copious amounts of cayenne pepper.

History tells us that cayenne being the star ingredient is no accident. The origins of this spicy treat date back to the 1930s with Thornton Prince, an East Nashville man who had quite the reputation as a ladies' man. Prince's steady girl was particularly upset after one of his all-nighters, so she made him a batch of his favorite dish: fried chicken. Except this time, she added what she thought was an enormous amount of peppers and spices, hoping to make it incredibly spicy as a form of revenge.

Although we don't know who that woman was or how much spice she added, we do know that her plan backfired, and Prince loved the chicken. Shortly afterward, Prince opened Nashville's first hot chicken shop, Prince's Hot Chicken Shack.

Prince's Hot Chicken South

If you're on a quest for the original Nashville Hot Chicken experience, look no further than Prince's Hot Chicken, located in Southwest Nashville adjacent to the city of Brentwood. As a true Nashville institution, Prince's is the birthplace of Nashville Hot Chicken, established nearly 100 years ago. You can get anything from chicken tenders to whole chickens and choose from a variety of heat levels.

From plain and "lite mild" to XXX Hot, Prince's has something for every taste and spice tolerance. The no-frills atmosphere in an unassuming strip mall only adds to the authenticity, making the pilgrimage a must for hot chicken enthusiasts. They also have several satellite locations in Tennessee, including the Assembly Food Hall, the Tanger Outlets, and Geodis Park.

Pepperfire Hot Chicken

For Nashville Hot Chicken with a modern twist, Pepperfire Hot Chicken should be your go-to spot. Pepperfire, located in The Nations neighborhood in the West Nashville area, is responsible for both the city's first Nashville hot tenders and for putting hot chicken on a bun. Amazingly, neither of these variations existed until 2010. These contemporary spins on the classic dish maintain the chicken's soul food roots—while also allowing for a crossover with several other cuisine types.

In particular, people come to Pepperfire just for its unique "Tender Royale." This is a take on a chicken tender sandwich, with three Nashville hot tenders served atop a deep-fried grilled cheese sandwich. It's not just any grilled cheese, however—keeping with the "hot" theme, the sandwich uses spicy pepperjack cheese. You can also order it on its own, sans chicken tenders, and it's aptly named the "Peppercheese."

Moore's Spicy Fried Chicken

Ask around town, and many locals may prefer the Nashville Hot Chicken from Moore's Spicy Fried Chicken, a local favorite for years known for its fast service and for making everything fresh to order. Despite being in the city of Hendersonville off the busy tourist path—though it's one of Nashville's best suburbs—you can expect a bit of a wait at peak hours. Thankfully, one of the things Moore's is known for is the ability to call in your order ahead of time—even during busy hours.

Visiting the restaurant, which offers a no-nonsense dining experience situated in a strip mall, is among the most popular things to do in Hendersonville. Even the most seasoned hot chicken connoisseur can enjoy the generous portions and tantalizing spice levels. Regulars recommend not being too adventurous on your first visit and sticking with regular or mild spice. Mr. Moore is known to have a heavy hand when putting the "hot" in Nashville hot! Speaking of Mr. Moore, he is heavily involved in the day-to-day operations, doing everything in the restaurant, from answering the phones to ringing up orders and making hot chicken.

Bolton's Famous Hot Chicken & Fish

Going on three decades in business, Bolton's Famous Hot Chicken & Fish in East Nashville really is famous—it's been on numerous TV shows. The late Anthony Bourdain visited on-air in 2016 and, after trying various spice levels, said the hottest one caused him to hallucinate. Luckily for non-spice junkies, there are several less spicy options, including "non-spicy" and "lite mild." Heed Bourdain's advice, however, and know that even "mild" packs a bit more of a punch than other Nashville Hot Chicken joints.

This family-owned, standalone establishment has a cozy atmosphere and remarkably friendly staff at its location in the Historic Edgefield neighborhood. This location means one of the establishments integral to the history of Nashville Hot Chicken is located in one of Nashville's best historic neighborhoods. It's quite evident they love what they do and hope customers will, too. And because "fish" is in its name, you can rest assured that the fried catfish and whiting are also excellent.

400 Degrees

400 Degrees was born out of a serious love for the original, Prince's Hot Chicken. With that in mind, everything on the menu pays homage to the "father of Nashville Hot Chicken," and many people see some similarities. Located in the Bordeaux Hills neighborhood—one of the best Nashville neighborhoods on the Cumberland River—with another location in the Nashville International Airport, this unassuming joint offers a local favorite hot chicken experience. The local artwork and fun selfie spots in the dining room also help.

400 Degrees' menu keeps things simple but delivers on flavor. Regulars note that the spice level is fairly mild compared to others around town (cleverly indicated by degrees of heat—so 100 degrees is mild, whereas 400 degrees is the spiciest). Spice enthusiasts will want to go for the spicier menu items, while those who prefer a bit less spice might quickly fall in love here. 400 Degrees also offers a variety of chicken tenders and wings, which is somewhat of a rarity among Nashville's hot chicken hot spots.

Taste Buds Sizzle at the Top Nashville Hot Chicken Spots

Nashville's hot chicken scene is a vibrant culinary adventure, offering flavors that ignite the taste buds and warm the heart. These eateries represent the best of this iconic dish, each serving up their special blend of spices and tradition. As you savor the fiery crunch of Nashville's famous hot chicken, remember that each bite carries the city's rich culture and spirited hospitality. So, whether you're on a Nashville vacation or staycation—or a local on your lunch break—make sure to indulge in these top spots where Nashville's hot chicken is not just food but a celebration of flavor and community.

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