Slow Burn Hot Chicken lives up to its name, offering several different heat levels ranging from sprinkle (just a hint of spice) to slow burn and inferno. The cult-favorite Hendersonville restaurant in a former Jack in the Box outpost also offers hot fish, smash burgers, vegan hot “chicken” sandwiches, and a selection of milkshakes and floats.

Whether it’s the spicy fried chicken, fish, brisket, or sides, Moore’s is the real deal, with loyal fans swearing this is the best hot chicken in Hendersonville — if not in Greater Nashville. Run by the eponymous Mr. Moore, be sure you call in your order ahead of time to avoid the long wait at this strip mall standout.

Just 20 minutes northwest of Nashville in the small town of Joelton, Tennessee, Granddaddy’s turns out consistently good hot chicken. Besides the usual fried chicken offered at varying heat levels, Grandaddy’s fans rave about the hot chicken loaded baked potato and various one-off specials like a deep-fried hot chicken chimichanga.

Native Nashvillian and lifelong hot chicken fan Aqui Hines first started 400 Degrees more than 15 years ago, gaining loyal fans via her food truck and her Clarksville Pike restaurant (the airport has a location now, too). Hines’ hot chicken recipe calls for deep-fried rather than skillet-fried chicken, the chief distinction between 400 degrees and most other restaurants.

One of Nashville’s most famous purveyors of hot chicken, Bolton’s — which is named for its late founder, Bolton Polk — has been serving the hot stuff for over 20 years. And while, yes, the chicken is the main attraction at this East Nashville classic, don’t miss out on the hot fish sandwich or the Southern-style sides.

Hattie B’s opened in 2012 and has since become one of the biggest names in Nashville hot chicken. Music City alone has several locations with long lines, but the chain has also expanded across the country, serving not just the coveted hot chicken but also great sides and banana pudding. Pro-tip: The family behind Hattie B’s also owns the casual Bishop’s Meat & Three in Franklin, where you can get the same hot chicken (along with tender chicken and dumplings, meatloaf, catfish, and other staples) with far shorter waits.

Offering more of a full-service restaurant experience than most other hot chicken purveyors, Party Fowl’s menu has a little bit of everything, including signature hot chicken dishes with heat levels ranging from traditional Southern fried to the “Poultrygeist” — the hottest option. Tasty tweaks to the formula include a Nashville hot deconstructed Cobb salad and a hot chicken Cuban sandwich. The local chain has a handful of locations in and around Nashville and has also begun expanding beyond Tennessee.

Nashville native Eric “Red” White’s Midtown restaurant specializes in hot but still incredibly flavorful fried chicken sandwiches, catfish, and stellar sides like pimento mac and cheese and seasoned fries. Red’s 615 Kitchen begins with a 36-hour brine of buttermilk and hot sauce before breading the chicken, letting it rest for two hours, frying it up to order, and dousing it with a proper dose of a secret blend of Nashville hot seasoning and lard. Comeback sauce and slaw balance out the heat nicely in a sandwich, while a fun take on a Crunchwrap is stuffed with hot chicken, pickles, and pimento mac and cheese.

Get your hot chicken fix with a bird that’s packed with a pleasant, flavorful heat. One of the city’s most underrated spots, Subculture will even dish up their hot chicken in ramen, on a taco, or with a side of waffles. You’ll find it just south of town where it can get a bit overshadowed by the nearby OG — Prince’s. Subculture stands out by baking its own bread, making its own sauces, and prioritizing local and organic ingredients.

The granddaddy of them all, Prince’s created Nashville hot chicken and has kept the family business going strong for over 70 years — even snagging a James Beard Award along the way. In Nashville, André Prince Jeffries continues the tradition at this shack on the south side of town and with a limited menu at the Assembly Food Hall downtown, where the line is often fairly short since Prince’s food counter is tucked away on the second floor. Future locations include an outpost on Jefferson Street and in BNA.

In 2019, Mack’s Hot Chicken food truck planted permanent roots on the southeast side of town in Smyrna and began doling out spiced poultry with heat levels ranging from plain to the oh-so-fiery Mack’s Revenge. In addition to the traditional meats and heats, Mack’s serves up solid sides, desserts, and a weekly Wild Wednesday featuring fun iterations on Nashville hot like hot deviled eggs, hot chicken egg rolls, and hot chicken grilled cheese sandwiches.