Hot chicken has become Nashville’s calling card in the past couple of years. The cayenne pepper infused and fried up hot poultry is delicious in its own right, and has spawned a national cult following. We’re proud of our reputation, sure. But we want to show you where to get the REAL hot chicken. We’ve made up the kind of trail that just may burn your mouth a bit, but hey – we all have to live a little! Care to join?

Here’s the map!

  1. Hattie B’s Hot Chicken

Hattie B’s Hot Chicken - Facebook

Hattie B’s Hot Chicken - Facebook Hattie B’s Hot Chicken has made quite a name for itself when it comes to Nashville’s sizzling poultry. The bright, picnic-esque chain has since exploded into neighboring states, but it remains a must-visit in Music City. This is where you bring your out of town best friend who wants to try a bit of hot chicken but isn’t quite ready to go ALL the way. We’d recommend the location on the west side of town, as opposed to midtown. The parking is a bit better and you’ll miss the crowds! (Various Locations)

  1. Prince’s Hot Chicken

Prince’s Hot Chicken - Facebook

Prince’s Hot Chicken - Facebook Prince’s Hot Chicken spices its offerings from mild to ultra-hot, which makes this Nashville hot chicken mecca a winner no matter which side of the spectrum you fall on. There’s a loyal following of locals, so tourists may have to search for this underground eatery. (123 Ewing Drive)

  1. 400 Degrees

400 Degrees - Facebook There’s a new location for 400 Degrees hot chicken fans, so keep that in mind when you see the, “Closed” Yelp notice. It’s still in Nashville, and it’s still fantastic! With a 4.7 rating and a whole lot of juicy, crispy hot chicken for the taking, you don’t want to miss this (seriously) fantastic hot spot. (3704 Clarksville Pike)

  1. Biscuit Love

Biscuit Love - Facebook

Biscuit Love - Facebook Wait, BISCUIT LOVE, you say? The brunch spot? Yes, the brunch spot. Biscuit Love offers a fantastic breakfast indulgence called, “The Princess.” Classic Nashville hot chicken with a side of pickles, mustard and honey will leave your mouth all sorts of happy. This is a must-try! (316 11th Ave S)

  1. Pepperfire Hot Chicken

Pepperfire - Facebook

Pepperfire - Facebook This Zagat-rated small town eatery is one of the most popular in Nashville, with an easy East Nashville location that caters to born and bred Tennesseans as well as the touristy stray. All are welcome, and the crinkle cut fries are a perfect side for the hot chicken.

  1. Edley’s Bar-B-Que

Edley’s Bar-B-Que - Facebook

Edley’s - Twitter Edley’s is better known for their bbq, but there are some great, if somewhat hidden, hot chicken options on the menu as well. We’d recommend a side of macaroni and cheese with a side of banana pudding. The perfect kind of southern meal! (Various Locations)

  1. Bolton’s Spicy Chicken & Fish

Bolton’s Spicy Chicken & Fish - Facebook

Bolton’s Spicy Chicken & Fish - Facebook Bolton’s has a couple of locations, each one very straightforward and affordable. You shouldn’t be expecting anything crazy and out of the way, but this is the kind of spot you meet an old friend and indulge in an equally old favorite. (Various Locations)

Would you walk this incessantly toasty trail? Would you dare? Continue the adventure with this There’s An Adventure Park Hiding In Nashville And You Need To Visit.

Hattie B’s Hot Chicken - Facebook

Hattie B’s Hot Chicken has made quite a name for itself when it comes to Nashville’s sizzling poultry. The bright, picnic-esque chain has since exploded into neighboring states, but it remains a must-visit in Music City. This is where you bring your out of town best friend who wants to try a bit of hot chicken but isn’t quite ready to go ALL the way. We’d recommend the location on the west side of town, as opposed to midtown. The parking is a bit better and you’ll miss the crowds! (Various Locations)

Prince’s Hot Chicken - Facebook

Prince’s Hot Chicken spices its offerings from mild to ultra-hot, which makes this Nashville hot chicken mecca a winner no matter which side of the spectrum you fall on. There’s a loyal following of locals, so tourists may have to search for this underground eatery. (123 Ewing Drive)

400 Degrees - Facebook

There’s a new location for 400 Degrees hot chicken fans, so keep that in mind when you see the, “Closed” Yelp notice. It’s still in Nashville, and it’s still fantastic! With a 4.7 rating and a whole lot of juicy, crispy hot chicken for the taking, you don’t want to miss this (seriously) fantastic hot spot. (3704 Clarksville Pike)

Biscuit Love - Facebook

Wait, BISCUIT LOVE, you say? The brunch spot? Yes, the brunch spot. Biscuit Love offers a fantastic breakfast indulgence called, “The Princess.” Classic Nashville hot chicken with a side of pickles, mustard and honey will leave your mouth all sorts of happy. This is a must-try! (316 11th Ave S)

Pepperfire - Facebook

This Zagat-rated small town eatery is one of the most popular in Nashville, with an easy East Nashville location that caters to born and bred Tennesseans as well as the touristy stray. All are welcome, and the crinkle cut fries are a perfect side for the hot chicken.

Edley’s Bar-B-Que - Facebook

Edley’s - Twitter

Edley’s is better known for their bbq, but there are some great, if somewhat hidden, hot chicken options on the menu as well. We’d recommend a side of macaroni and cheese with a side of banana pudding. The perfect kind of southern meal! (Various Locations)

Bolton’s Spicy Chicken & Fish - Facebook

Bolton’s has a couple of locations, each one very straightforward and affordable. You shouldn’t be expecting anything crazy and out of the way, but this is the kind of spot you meet an old friend and indulge in an equally old favorite. (Various Locations)

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