See Your Favorite Music Legends At The Grand Ole Opry House
The Grand Ole Opry is an iconic attraction and not only by Nashville standards. In fact, it feels like a quintessential, American institution. As the home of the Grand Ole Opry broadcast, a popular concert series, the venue has showcased the skills of country artists and other chart-stoppers since 1925.
As a result, the Grand Ole Opry has been called the home of American music and countrys most famous stage. Hundreds of thousands of music lovers have come from all around the world to see their favorite artists live. If you cant attend a show, we recommend signing up for the Oprys exclusive backstage tour, which is offered all year long.
Get The Complete Mind
Use the tongs to carefully pull the chicken pieces from the hot oil and place them on the clean rack. Test the chicken with a meat thermometer The largest pieces should be 165 degrees F inside.
Then place the fried chicken in the oven to keep warm and crisp.
Repeat with the remaining chicken pieces, continuing to place the fried chicken on the rack in the oven as they are cooked. Turn off the stovetop heat as soon as all of the chicken is done.
Hattie Bs Hot Chicken Nashville
The number one spot for tourists version of Hot Chicken is Hattie Bs. They are like the McDonalds of hot chicken here in Nashville. They cater to the tourists with their long lines that encircle the building and for first time hot chicken connoisseurs, they are a good average place for all pallets.
Locals Tip: If you try their downtown location close to Broadway or presumably your hotel, order ahead of time and slip in through the side door. Youll thank me for salvaging more hours of your day.
Hattie Bs has three locations in Nashville, TN
Also Check: Tyson Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
Moore’s Famous Fried Chicken
115 Walton Ferry Road, Hendersonville
Who knew you could find hot chicken nirvana in a Hendersonville strip mall? We’d never heard of Moore’s before several Facebook readers from Sumner County recommended it.
It’s easily worth the trip north. The skin is crispy and crunchy, and there are layers of flavors. It starts out with a slow burn and finishes with just a hint of sweetness. What is that sweetness?
“It’s love,” owner David Moore says. “The secret ingredient is love.”
Moore is running a one-man show, and he’s constantly running between his fryer and always-ringing phone. It’s mostly a take-out place with just a few tables, so be patient if you show up to eat there.
It’s worth the wait.
Granddaddys Famous Hot Chicken
Just 20 minutes northwest of Nashville in the small town of Joelton, Tennessee, Granddaddys is churning out consistently good hot chicken. Besides the usual suspects of meats and varying levels of heats, Grandaddys fans rave about the hot chicken loaded baked potato, hot chicken spring rolls, and deep-fried hotdogs on special.
Nashville native Eric Red Whites new permanent home specializing in fiery fowl is known for its hot, but still incredibly flavorful fried chicken sandwiches, catfish, and stellar sides like pimento mac and cheese and seasoned fries. He begins with 36-hour buttermilk and hot sauce brine, then breads it and lets it rest for two hours before frying it up fresh to order. Then its doused with a proper dose of his secret Nashville hot seasoning and lard blend. A hot chicken sandwich here comes slathered with Comeback sauce and crowned with slaw, which balances out the heat nicely, while a cool Crunchwrap take is stuffed with hot chicken and mac and cheese.
Hurts Hot Chicken is a roving hot chicken source, . Yes, it can be complicated to find a food truck when craving hot chicken. However, seeking out this one is worth it as theyre doling out some of the best hot chicken and fish in the city. Usually found in a Dollar General parking lot in Hermitage, follow along with Lamont Hurts businesss for exact location information and times.
Read Also: Easy Low Carb Chicken Recipes
Visit The Iconic Johnny Cash Museum
Johnny Cash is a legend not only in Nashville but throughout the country music world, so it makes sense that theres a museum dedicated to the The Man in Black. Visitors will be amazed to discover that the Johnny Cash Museum has the most extensive collection of the artists artifacts and memorabilia in the world.
Located in the heart of downtown Nashville, this museum is a must for tourists and locals alike. Visitors can also check out Johnny Cashs Bar & BBQ for authentic Southern food, great drinks, and some of the best music the city has to offer.
Where To Find Nashvilles Best Hot Chicken
Princes Hot Chicken Shack
If youre looking to skip the touristy spots and get right to the heart of Nashvilles hot chicken scene, head to Princes Hot Chicken Shack. This is one of the spots that put this culinary creation on the map, so its a must when in town! Choose from six levels of heat here and enjoy the teary-eyed, tingly-taste bud sensation that is Princes. Good food cannot be rushed, however, and this is a popular spot. Be prepared for a wait when you show up here.
Hattie Bs
Hattie Bs is a household name in Nashville and beyond, and for good reason. The food here will make you want to lick your fingers and get back in line for seconds! True lovers of intensely spicy food will love the Shut the Cluck Up, but most stick to lower levels of spice here . Be sure to add a side of green beans, creamy mac and cheese, or fries. This is another bustling Nashville haunt, so we only recommend going when you have plenty of time to kill.
Big Als
Few experiences demonstrate Southern hospitality better than eating at a locally beloved, down-home Southern diner. Big Als Deli is the place to go in Nashville for just that! The extensive menu features oversized portions of hot chicken, breakfast fare, pork chops, and much more. Here, youll feel like part of the familyBig Al himself may even personally greet you!
400 Degrees
Party Fowl
Read Also: Raw Chicken Good For Dogs
Boltons Spicy Chicken And Fish
4.1Get your dose of historical hot chicken with the folks at Boltons! This family recipe has been passed down for generations and is sure to give you the kick youre looking for. The ambiance gives off a cafeteria nostalgic feel and the menu has dish for everyone. You have your choice between chicken, fish and pork sandwiches. If you want those sides, grab a plate with chicken, fish or pork as well as house pickles and a slice of bread. The savory sides include southern style veggies like corn on the cob, green beans, turnip greens and so much more. No worries, theyve got some of your other favorite chicken companions like mac n cheese, white beans, and fries. Depending on your location, they have another store in Antioch you can stop by. Whether here or there, the chicken will have you begging for more.
See more on
What To Serve With Nashville Hot Chicken
Like at Rockys Hot Chicken Shack or Hattie Bs Hot Chicken, we recommend that you serve Nashville Hot Chicken with the traditional two slices of white bread and pickles.
Enjoy as a main dish with all of your favorite southern side dishes! Some classics include Homemade Mac and Cheese, Potato Salad, Coleslaw, Baked Beans, and Perfect Southern Collard Greens.
Recommended Reading: Whats The Difference Between Chicken Stock And Chicken Broth
Get A Taste Of Local Cuisine With Princes Hot Chicken
Hot fried chicken loaded with peppers and spices is a legendary dish in Nashville. Its even catching on throughout the rest of the South. But if youre looking to dig in for the first time, visiting Princes Hot Chicken, the original spot, is a must.
Owner Thorton Price has said that the recipe was developed by his scorned lover as a sort of revenge. But the hot, spicy chicken didnt exactly send Price reeling. Instead, he love it and ended up creating his own recipe for the now-famed restaurant. Almost 100 years later, Prices is still going strong. In fact, some might call it the hottest dish in Nashville.
The Best Hot Chicken In Nashville
Nashvilles most sublime food experience is not to be found in a fine restaurant or even at a standard meat-and-three cafeteria. It is served on a plate with a slice of Wonder bread and a pickle chip. It is hot chicken, a very spicy panfried delicacy, made with bone-in breast and secret spices.
Legend goes that in the 1930s a woman made an extra spicy dish to punish her philandering boyfriend. But it turned out that he liked it extra hot, and Princes Hot Chicken Shack was born.
A number of shops specialize in this regional treat. If you want perks like indoor seating, air-conditioning, or other menu choices with your hot chicken, you have some options several high-end restaurants offer modern takes on this old favorite. Each restaurant has its special spices, but the basic idea is the same. Order it as spicy as you can take it, but not so hot that you cant enjoy the flavor. Panfrying takes time, so youre likely to wait wherever you go.
Don’t Miss: Chicken Soup For The Soul Cat Food
What Are The Best Nashville Hot Chicken Restaurants
If youve visited Music City, U.S.A. before or know anyone who lives there, you probably know exactly what hot chicken is. Lovingly called HC by locals, this foodie phenomenon is a true Nashville gem. If you arent already aware, this dish is a serendipitously spicy take on Southern fried chicken, and its taken the world by storm. Below, weve compiled just a few of the best Nashville hot chicken restaurants. For an inside scoop on Music Citys restaurants, bars, boutiques, and more, be sure to access our free Nashville Travel Guide!
Slow Burn Hot Chicken
4.6The next spot on our list is one of Nashvilles best kept secrets. Slow Burn Hot Chicken is a mom and pop shop that will have you writing home. Their original location was a little further off the beaten path in Madison, but their East Nashville spot is the talk of the town. They have a fun menu filled with different variations of hot chicken from the traditional dish everyone loves to outside of the box breakfast items you cant miss. Their heat levels start at Southern all the way to their off-menu heat, Elephant Repellant. This one is for our most adventurous spicy eaters because it packs a punch. Stop by for some breakfast goodies and try their hot chicken breakfast burrito, omelets and hot chicken donuts and apple fritters!
See more on
You May Like: Recipe For Leftover Chicken Breast
Boltons Spicy Chicken & Fish
East Nashville & MelroseBoltons is a small concrete hole-in-the-wall that serves traditional-style Nashville hot chicken with the addition of fish. Its version is slightly heavier on the breading, which is a good or a bad thing depending on who you ask. Also, this place seems to use more of a purely dry rub as opposed to other hot chicken dishes that are a bit more on the sticky side. We recommend switching things up when going to Boltons and trying the hot fish. Please note that it does have a very mild option but even that still has a pretty good amount of spice to it.
Gus’s World Famous Hot & Spicy Fried Chicken
Though not classic Nashville-style hot chicken, Gus’s does make chicken, and it is hot and spicy, and therefore, it’s eligible for this list. According to the restaurant’s website, Vernon “Gus” Bonner and his wife Gertrude opened their first location in 1984 in Mason, Tennessee. The chain now boasts a whopping 34 locations. Claimed by some to be the best fried chicken in the world, it’s that secret recipe that remains the key to Gus’s success.
Amateur chefs may obsessively try to recreate the magic at home, but none have been able to match Gus’s recipe. Gus and Gertrude extend the same level of care to their side dishes. “Note the slightly sweet beans and slaw served with every meal,” their restaurant’s website urges. “Gus and Gertrude perfected these recipes, allowing their slight sweetness to offset the spiciness of the fried chicken.”
Also Check: Cook In The Bag Chicken
Have Fun With The Whole Family At The Adventure Science Center Of Nashville
Adventure Science Center is an independent, not-for-profit science and technology center committed to teaching visitors about science and technology. There are over 175 hands-on exhibits focused on everything from biology, astronomy, and physics to earth science, energy, weather, sound, and space. The Adventure Science Center is also home to the Sudekum Planetarium.
Without a doubt, this stop is perfect for families kids will enjoy the hands-on learning experiences, which offer a nice break from traditional museums. Plus, the center offers a variety of workshops and camps. Garnering hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, the Adventure Science Center is a premier attraction in the Nashville area.
Where Else Can I Get Nashville Hot Chicken
Nashville is littered with locations that focus solely on producing their favorite version of Nashville Hot Chicken. From the locals to the hipsters, every resident in Nashville has their favorite spot. Here are a few of the most popular restaurants most known for their delicious Nashville Hot Chicken.
Read Also: Chicken Breast Stove Top Recipes
Hot Spots For Spicy Nashville
From the ones that started it all, to the street vendors pushing the hot chicken scene forward
While spicy fried chicken is nothing new, Los Angeless current swoon over vaguely Nashville-style hot chicken restaurants and pop-ups can often feel like an of-the-moment trend. In reality, some restaurants like Huckleberry and Boneyard Bistro have quietly dabbled in hot chicken for years, and the Prince family that created the dish has its own deep West Coast roots. That said, the modern explosion into the mainstream really began with Howlin Rays, first as a food truck and now as a Chinatown powerhouse. Daves Hot Chicken took the bird to the streets soon after, and now car wash stands, strip mall staples, and standalone restaurants are all getting in on the action. Here are 21 places to try Nashville-style hot chicken around greater Los Angeles, oriented north to south.
A number of LA restaurants have resumed on-site dining service. However, this map should not be taken as endorsement for dining in, as there are still safety concerns: for updated information on coronavirus cases in your area, please visit the Los Angeles Public Health website. Studies indicate that there is a lower exposure risk when outdoors, but the level of risk involved with patio dining is contingent on restaurants following strict social distancing and other safety guidelines.
Note:
How To Make Nashville
Once the chicken has brined for 1 to 8 hours, set out two shallow dishes. Pour the buttermilk and hot sauce into one shallow dish and mix well. In the second dish, combine the flour, cornstarch, and creole seasoning. Mix well.
Now drain the brine off of the chicken, and set out a metal rack. Working one piece at a time, dunk the chicken in the flour mixture, then in the buttermilk mixture, and then dip back in the flour mixture. This double coating dredge makes the crunchiest and crispiest fried chicken skin.
Place the breaded chicken pieces on the wire rack as you go. Pro Tip: Its good for the chicken breading to rest before frying in a pan, so dont heat the oil until all the chicken has been well coated.
After all the chicken is breaded, set a large saucepot on the stovetop and clip a cooking thermometer to the side of the pot. Pour enough frying oil into the pot to fill it about two-thirds full. Turn the heat on medium to medium-high and bring the oil to frying temperature.
Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 250 degrees F. Set another rack on a baking sheet for the cooked fried chicken. You want to hold the chicken in the oven after frying to keep warm as you work in batches.
Once the oil temperature reaches 350 degrees F, carefully place 3-4 pieces of chicken in the fry oil. Use tongs to move the chicken so it doesnt stick to the bottom of the pot. Fry for 7-8 minutes, until golden brown.
Also Check: Temp For Baking Chicken Breast
Princes Hot Chicken Shack
East NashvilleAs much as we wanted to avoid the cliche, and not put Princes at number one, we simply couldnt avoid it. Not only is this place the true originator of hot chicken as we know it today, but its also the absolute best in town. The spice levels range from mild all the way to XXXHot, and its all served in the most traditional form, on top of two slices of plain white bread with a few pickle slices on top. If youre smart, youll order the fries to go with your chicken, to help tame the heat in between bites. for our daily Nashville email and be the first to get all the food/drink/fun the Music City has to offer.Brita Britnell is a Nashville-based food photographer and writer who loves hot chicken even if she does typically order the mild. Follow her at @BBritnell.
- Cookie Settings
How Do You Make Nashville Hot Chicken
Traditional hot chicken is made from whole chicken parts, marinated in a buttermilk and hot sauce brine, coated in a flour mixture, deep fried, and then slathered in a spicy red-hot paste. If youre in the market for a new deep fryer, here is a list of the top deep fryers this year.
Ive gone ahead and made my hot chicken sandwich with boneless chicken thighs and chicken breasts. This makes eating it easier as a sandwich, and reduces the cooking time. If youre using chicken breasts, I highly recommend cutting them into three pieces. Cut the chicken crosswise in half, then take the thicker top half of the chicken and cut it lengthwise, splitting the thickest part. This allows the chicken to cook faster and more evenly.
Follow this breading process for extra juicy, crispy hot chicken!
- Combine buttermilk, hot sauce, eggs, and salt in a large shallow dish.
- Combine flour, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper in another large shallow dish.
- Dip the chicken in the dry flour mixture to coat all sides.
- Then dip and flip the chicken in the buttermilk mixture.
- Dip the chicken back in the dry flour, creating a double coating. This will fry up slightly thicker and stay crisp when you brush the spicy sauce over it.
- Set aside on a large baking pan while you repeat with the remaining chicken pieces.
Place the chicken on the bottom bun, brush the chicken with the spice paste, and then top with pickles and bun top.
Read Also: Temperature To Cook Whole Chicken