The Best Places to Get Nashville Hot Chicken
- Rachel Harper
- Feb 26
- 3 min read
If there’s one thing that Nashville is known for—besides country music and honky tonks—it’s hot chicken. This spicy, crispy, and downright addictive dish has taken the world by storm, but there’s nothing like having the real thing in Music City itself.
Whether you're a local craving some heat or a visitor on a mission to experience the authentic burn, here are the best places to get Nashville Hot Chicken right now.
1. Prince’s Hot Chicken – The Original Nashville Hot Chicken
📍 Locations: South Nashville & Assembly Food Hall
🔥 Heat Levels: Mild to XXX Hot
You can’t talk about hot chicken without starting with Prince’s—the place where it all began. Legend has it that hot chicken was born when Thornton Prince’s girlfriend spiced up his fried chicken as payback for his late-night antics. Instead of punishment, he loved it—and the rest is history.
The chicken here is crispy, juicy, and fiery, with a spice blend that has been perfected for generations. If you want the true OG experience, this is where you go.
👉 Must Try: The classic hot chicken quarter with white bread and pickles.
2. Hattie B’s Hot Chicken – The Most Famous
📍 Multiple Locations: Midtown, West Nashville, Melrose, and more
🔥 Heat Levels: Southern (No Heat) to Shut the Cluck Up!
If Prince’s is the OG, then Hattie B’s is the place that made hot chicken famous. Known for its long lines and perfectly fried chicken, Hattie B’s has become a must-visit for locals and tourists alike.
With a range of heat levels, you can ease into the spice or go all in with their legendary "Shut the Cluck Up" heat level (fair warning: it’s no joke). Plus, their sides—like pimento mac & cheese and collard greens—are just as good as the chicken.
👉 Must Try: The Hot Chicken Sandwich with Comeback Sauce.
3. Bolton’s Spicy Chicken & Fish – The Underdog
📍 Locations: East Nashville & Antioch
🔥 Heat Levels: Mild to Extra Hot
Bolton’s doesn’t get as much hype as Prince’s or Hattie B’s, but the locals know it’s the real deal. Their version of hot chicken has a slightly different spice profile, packing a cayenne-heavy punch with a slow-building heat.
Unlike other spots, they also serve spicy fried fish, which is just as delicious and fiery. The vibe is no-frills, but the flavor speaks for itself.
👉 Must Try: A hot chicken breast with baked beans and potato salad.
4. 400 Degrees – The Spiciest
📍 Location: The Nations
🔥 Heat Levels: 100° to 400° 🔥🔥🔥🔥
If you think you can handle the heat, 400 Degrees will put you to the test. Their spice levels go from mild (100°) to absolutely insane (400°)—so tread carefully.
Owner Aqui Hines took inspiration from Prince’s but added her own twist, creating a crispy, juicy, and extra-spicy masterpiece. This spot is not for the faint of heart, but for spice lovers, it’s heaven.
👉 Must Try: Leg Quarter at 400° if you dare!
5. Party Fowl – The Best for Brunch
📍 Locations: Downtown, Donelson, Franklin, and more
🔥 Heat Levels: Southern Fried to Poultrygeist
If you want hot chicken with a side of boozy brunch, Party Fowl is your spot. They serve up some of the best hot chicken in town, but their Hot Chicken & Stuffed French Toast is what truly steals the show.
The atmosphere is lively, the drinks are strong, and the menu is full of hot chicken creations, including a hot chicken poutine and even hot chicken gumbo.
👉 Must Try: Hot Chicken & Stuffed French Toast with bourbon syrup.
Honorable Mentions
Helen’s Hot Chicken – A hidden gem in North Nashville with spicy chicken & catfish.
Slow Burn Hot Chicken – A newer player, but they’re making a name for themselves with crispy, perfectly seasoned heat.
Final Thoughts
No matter which spot you choose, you haven’t really experienced Nashville until you’ve had some hot chicken. Whether you go mild or all-in on the heat, one thing’s for sure—you’ll be coming back for more.
What’s your favorite hot chicken spot in Nashville? Let us know in the comments! 🔥🍗
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