Prince's claims to have developed "The Original Hot Chicken" after founder Thornton Prince's scorned girlfriend spiked his chicken with peppers and spices.
The hot chicken has Sweet Heat sauce, which sets it apart. The formula is top secret, but one can easily discern molasses, honey, and more than a little bit of cayenne.
The first Hattie B's opened in 2010 and rose to fame thanks in no small part to its legendary portion sizes. This also holds true for its on-the-bone Half or Quarter Bird.
A meal at Hattie B's is much like Nashville itself: slightly overwhelming, full of tourists, and always a good time. You can expect long lines, even when ordered ahead.
What sets Pepperfire's hot chicken apart are the thoughtful, novel spins on the tried-and-true Nashville classic. The heat levels on the chicken range from 0 to 6.
The restaurant also offers both takeout and delivery, so you can always enjoy Pepperfire's everything-but-the-kitchen-sink approach to Nashville hot chicken at your home.
Bolton's signature hot chicken recipe goes back generations. After Bolton Matthews learned the secret heirloom recipe from his uncle, he decided it had to be shared.
You can also enjoy a hot fish that's just as good as the chicken. The rest of the menu is basic, consisting of standard chicken wings and tenders, but every item is done well.
This food truck in East Nashville is parked behind No Quarter and Hubba Hubba, where you can stuff your face with some of the best hot chicken sandwiches in Nashville.
Yelpers love this place, with one reviewer stating, "Welcome to the best hot chicken in the city!" For the perfect balance of sweet and spicy, consider using their number 5 sauce.