Can’t miss Spots for Nashville Hot Chicken

Yes, THAT Prince. He loved the hot chicken his lady served him so much that he perfected the recipe and opened the original hot chicken restaurant in 1945 — putting the dish on the map. There are six heat levels ranging from Plain to XXXHot (which is not for the faint of heart).

In addition to the chicken, Prince’s has a variety of delicious traditional sides like potato salad, coleslaw and pickles. This Nashville staple now has two locations, making it even easier to stop in and give it a try.

• Locations: Nolensville Pike, Assembly Food Hall, Tanger Outlets, Nashville International Airport
• Menu highlights: The original Nashville hot chicken spot serving its iconic spice levels, classic plates and chicken-and-bread traditions
  
   

Hattie B’s is a more modern take on Nashville Hot Chicken. Even with four locations around the metro area, the lines can be long, so make sure you build in extra time to enjoy the hotness. When ordering chicken, you’ll be asked to choose from one of six heat levels — from Southern (no heat) to Shut the Cluck Up!!!. Make sure you leave room for the famous banana pudding.

Besides the chicken, other favorites include the pimento mac and cheese, southern greens and the black-eyed pea salad. There’s also a killer chicken sandwich and a variety of local beers to wash it all down.

• Locations: Multiple Nashville locations
• Menu highlights: Features a full range of heat levels with tenders, bone-in chicken, sandwiches and popular sides like pimento mac
   

Bolton’s uses a dry rub on its hot chicken, which is different than the oil-based rubs in most recipes, making it a unique and delicious stop on your tour. You can choose from six spice levels, but ordering the hottest might get you a doubtful look (our team voted it the hottest out of the four places we visited). It’s so hot that warnings are posted by the cash register. Pro tip: After eating, wash your hands before touching your face.

All chickened out? Bolton’s also serves mouth-watering fish at the spice level of your choosing. Plus, there’s pork and a variety of traditional sides like beans, greens, corn on the cob, and slaw.

• Locations: 624 Main St, Nashville, TN 37206
• Menu highlights: Famous for intense spice levels on chicken, fish plates and classic Nashville meat-and-three accompaniments
• Parking: Easily accessible paid lot next door
  
   

Pepperfire started in 2010 by self-proclaimed “hot chicken evangelist” Isaac Beard. Pepperfire offers seven levels of spice and menu items you won’t see anywhere else, such as the AppleJack — a deep-fried grilled cheese topped with three chicken tenders (made to your spice preference) and covered in baked apples. But have no fear, Pepperfire has more traditional hot chicken items (tenders, wings, quarter chicken and half chicken), and dishes that incorporate waffles and unique sides like fried okra. 

• Location: 5104 Centennial Blvd, Nashville
• Menu highlights: Offers traditional Nashville hot chicken, signature tenders and specialty items like the “Peppercheese”
• Parking: Shared lot in front of building
   

Head to Party Fowl and order your hot chicken on the bone as a half bird or as a sandwich, alongside beighnets, in a quesadilla, po'boy, Cuban sandwich or double-breaded hot chicken. They also have other offerings like burgers, salads and shepherd's pie with smoked chicken.

• Locations: Donelson, Vanderbilt and more to come
• Menu highlights: Puts a creative spin on hot chicken with sandwiches, entrées and brunch dishes paired with cocktails
   

You'll love the explosive flavor of Helen's Hot Chicken. Starting as a small trailer operation, Helen's has grown to a brick-and-mortar on Jefferson Street in downtown Nashville. Choose your heat from plain, mild, hot and Hella on chicken, catfish, wings, shrimp and whiting fish, alongside waffles, fried okra, Cole slaw or baked beans. One bite will make you want to come back for more.

• Location: 1801 Jefferson St., Nashville
• Menu highlights: Serves straightforward, no-frills hot chicken, tenders and sandwiches with classic Southern sides
• Parking: Lot located in front of building
   

Pose in front of the hot chicken wing mural at 400 Degrees Hot Chicken before stepping inside to try the crunchy and deliciously hot chicken served up Tuesdays - Saturdays. You can get 400 Degrees at Nashville International Airport in Terminal C or on Clarksville Pike. Get classic hot chicken tenders, wings or a breast quarter as well as hot pork chops, shrimp and catfish. Enjoy sides like spicy fries that pack a punch, baked beans or potato salad. 

• Location: 3704 Clarksville Pike, Nashville International Airport
• Menu highlights: Features signature fiery wings, tenders and combos inspired by Nashville’s hottest traditional styles
   

Located within the Nashville Farmer's Market, Lilly's Hot Chicken serves you juicy and crispy chicken with their secret blend of spices just the way you want. Entrees include leg quarters, a Cornish hen fried whole, fish sandwich, chicken tenders and specialties like Jazzy Fries with mild tenders and drizzled with homemade ranch and sprinkled with lemon pepper and sweet heat and the Mac Attack which features chicken tender bites served on mac and cheese and drizzled with ranch. Order fries, collard greens or mac and cheese as your side, but save room for dessert. The peach cobbler is a must.

• Location: 900 Rosa L Parks Blvd, Nashville
• Menu highlights: Offers customizable heat levels, including the ultra-spicy “Fear da’ Reaper,” plus classic sandwiches and plates
• Parking: Free parking surrounding the Nashville Farmer's Market and Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park
   

The family-owned Red's Hot Chicken serves tasty hot chicken in a variety of unique ways. For instance, you have to try the hot chicken mac and cheese crunchwrap which features hot chicken, pimento mac and cheese, bacon, pickles and drizzled in comeback sauce that's all wrapped in a toasted tortilla. Or, how about the hot chicken mac and cheese bowl that is classic comfort food? Grab the snack box and dig into the two buttermilk fried chicken tenders or one boneless thigh made to your spice level (Southern to Nashville Fire) topped with pickles and served with a side like mustard potato salad, Cole slaw or pimento mac and cheese.

• Location: 115 27th Ave N, Nashville
• Menu highlights: Known for extra-crispy tenders and boneless thighs with bold seasoning and generous portions
• Parking: Street parking and lots at Centennial Park

No matter your heat tolerance, each Nashville hot chicken restaurant is bound to have something you’ll love. Stop in and grab a couple tenders during your travels or make a whole day searching for your favorite haunt. Make sure to ask for seconds — Thornton Prince III would have wanted it that way.

For more on Nashville’s food scene, check out this article on Music City’s award-winning cuisine.