Nashville Hot Chicken Guide: Get Ready to Sweat
Nashville hot chicken is a fried chicken dish that is coated in a fiery cayenne pepper sauce. It's a Nashville staple, and for good reason. The crispy chicken and the spicy sauce are a match made in heaven.
If you're planning a trip to Nashville, you'll definitely want to try hot chicken. But with so many different restaurants to choose from, where do you start?
This guide will help you find the best places to eat Nashville hot chicken, plus give you tips on how to handle the heat.
What is Nashville Hot Chicken?
Nashville hot chicken is a fried chicken dish that is coated in a fiery cayenne pepper sauce. It's typically served with white bread and pickles, which help to cool down the heat.
The dish is said to have originated in the 1930s when a man named Thornton Prince served it to his girlfriend after she complained that his chicken was too bland. She was so impressed with the heat that she told him it was "hot chicken."
Where to Find the Best Nashville Hot Chicken
There are many different places to eat Nashville hot chicken, but here are a few of the most popular:
Prince's Hot Chicken Shack: This is the original Nashville hot chicken restaurant, and it's still one of the best. The chicken is cooked to perfection, and the sauce is perfectly spicy.
Hattie B's Hot Chicken: This popular chain has several locations in Nashville and across the country. The chicken is crispy and flavorful, and the sauce is available in a variety of heat levels.
Bolton's Spicy Chicken & Fish: This East Nashville restaurant is known for its hot chicken, but it also serves some other great dishes, like fried fish and catfish.
Pepperfire Hot Chicken: This newer restaurant has quickly become a favorite among Nashville locals. The chicken is cooked in a unique breading that gives it a crispy outer layer and a juicy interior.
Party Fowl: This restaurant is known for its fun atmosphere and its delicious hot chicken. The chicken is available in a variety of preparations, including tenders, sandwiches, and tacos.
Nashville Hot Chicken Tips
Here are a few tips for enjoying Nashville hot chicken:
Start with a mild heat level. You can always ask for more heat later if you want.
Drink plenty of milk or water. This will help to cool down your mouth.
Take breaks. If you start to feel too hot, take a break from eating.
Don't be afraid to ask for help. If you're struggling to handle the heat, ask your server for recommendations.
Share with friends. Nashville hot chicken is a lot of food, so it's a good idea to share it with friends.
The Different Heat Levels
The heat levels for Nashville hot chicken typically range from mild to extra hot. Here's a breakdown of what each heat level means:
Mild: This is the mildest heat level, and it's a good choice for people who are new to Nashville hot chicken.
Medium: This heat level is a bit spicier than mild, but it's still manageable.
Hot: This heat level is for people who like their food spicy. It's definitely not for the faint of heart.
Extra Hot: This is the hottest heat level, and it's only for the most daring eaters. It's important to note that the heat levels can vary from restaurant to restaurant, so it's always a good idea to start with a mild heat level and work your way up.
What to Eat with Nashville Hot Chicken
Nashville hot chicken is typically served on white bread with pickles. You can also order sides like mac and cheese, cole slaw, and potato salad.
Here are a few other things that you can eat with Nashville hot chicken:
Collard greens: Collard greens are a classic Southern side dish that pairs well with the spicy heat of Nashville hot chicken.
Cornbread: Cornbread is another great Southern side dish that can help to soak up the sauce.
Mashed potatoes: Mashed potatoes are a hearty side dish that can help to cool down your mouth.
Rice: Rice is a neutral side dish that can help to balance out the heat of the chicken.
Slaw: Slaw is a refreshing side dish that can help to cut through the richness of the chicken.
Nashville Hot Chicken Variations
In addition to the traditional Nashville hot chicken, there are a number of variations that you can try. Here are a few of the most popular:
Nashville hot chicken tacos: These tacos are made with Nashville hot chicken, coleslaw, and pickles.
Nashville hot chicken sandwich: This sandwich is made with Nashville hot chicken, white bread, and pickles.
Nashville hot chicken tenders: These tenders are perfect for dipping in your favorite sauce.
Nashville hot chicken wings: These wings are coated in a Nashville hot chicken sauce and served with your favorite dipping sauce.
Nashville hot chicken salad: This salad is made with Nashville hot chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, and your favorite dressing.
Nashville Hot Chicken at Home
If you can't make it to Nashville, you can still enjoy Nashville hot chicken at home. Here's a simple recipe:
Ingredients:
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup hot sauce
1/4 cup butter
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon vinegar
Instructions:
Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper.
Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Fry the chicken until golden brown and cooked through.
In a small saucepan, combine the hot sauce, butter, honey, and vinegar.
Heat the sauce over low heat until the butter is melted.
Toss the chicken in the sauce.
Serve the chicken with white bread and pickles.
If you're looking for a delicious and unique dining experience, be sure to try Nashville hot chicken. With its crispy coating and fiery sauce, it's a dish that's sure to please even the pickiest eater.
And if you're looking for a place to stay while you're in Nashville, be sure to consider Wise Getaways. We offer a variety of vacation rentals in the Nashville area, so you're sure to find the perfect place to stay for your trip.
Book your stay today and experience the best of Nashville!
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