Nashville Hot Chicken
to the South’s iconic food journey is not to be underestimated, but we often neglect to give its newest incarnation, Nashville hot chicken, the credit it deserves for reimagining a classic so deliciously. With unique combinations of herbs, spices, or sauces, these restaurants more than 70 years ago. This humble meat-and-three joint in southeast Nashville even earned a James Beard Foundation award for their recipe that blazed a trail for all the others on this list. followed in Prince’s footsteps decades later with their own version of the fiery fowl. What started as an experimental menu item turned into a best seller and, eventually, the creation of , its sister franchise. Many foodies credit Hattie B’s with the popularization of hot chicken over the last several years, and the spread of eight locations over four states speaks to Hattie B’s reputation. But our list of favorites doesn’t stop there. serves what they claim to be the hottest chicken in the Crescent City from their flame red food truck. ’s four heat levels are sure to put the most avid heat lovers in Texas through their paces. even named their top-of-the-line heat level “Poultrygeist” as a clear warning to all whose taste buds can’t stand the heat. in downtown Louisville, Kentucky, doles out their handcrafted chicken as tenders in sandwiches and tacos, and takes those menu staples and expands on them with hot chicken-topped salads served from their downtown Fayetteville, Arkansas, food truck. These are just the tip of the iceberg, believe us. We could go on and on and on. There are plenty of worthy places to order this already iconic dish. And love it or leave it, Nashville hot chicken is most likely here to stay. Did your favorite make this list?
