Ready to take a fiery plunge into Nashville’s hot chicken scene? Or maybe crave some delicious chicken fingers? Hold onto your taste buds because we’ve rounded up 8 sizzling spots where you can score your next spicy meal (and next great deal). Whether you're a heat-seeking missile or just looking to dip your toes into the hot chicken pool, these joints will have you sweating, smiling, and begging for more. Let’s get cluckin’!
1. McDougal’s Chicken Fingers & Wings
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Website: mcdougalschicken.com
Instagram: @mcdougalschicken
Rating: 4.5/5
Dish to Try: Buffalo Bleu Chicken Fingers
Review: Right off the bat, we'll throw a zinger, this chicken is hot! (even if it ain't that hot if you know what we mean - unless you try the tearjerker dippin sauce, then you might change your mind.) But when you bite into McDougal’s Buffalo Bleu Chicken Fingers, you get a flavor explosion! The chicken is crispy, juicy, and smothered in their tangy buffalo sauce, with just the right kick. The bleu cheese dip adds a cool, creamy counterpoint, making this dish a standout among Nashville’s hot chicken offerings.
2. Waldo’s Chicken & Beer
Free Cheddar Biscuit Basket with Purchase of Entree (with PassPass)
Website: waldoschicken.com
Instagram: @waldoschicken
Rating: 4.6/5
Dish to Try: Chicken & Waffles
Review: Waldo’s Chicken & Beer has mastered the art of comfort food with their Chicken & Waffles. The chicken is perfectly fried with a crispy golden crust, and the waffles are light, fluffy, and just sweet enough to complement the savory chicken. Drizzle on some syrup and enjoy the perfect balance of sweet and spicy that will make your taste buds dance. Pair it with one of their craft beers, and you’ve got a meal that’s as satisfying as it is indulgent. Waldo’s is the kind of place that makes you feel at home while serving up some seriously good eats.
3. Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack
Website: princeshotchicken.com
Instagram: @princeshotchicken
Rating: 4.7/5
Dish to Try: Hot Chicken Tenders
Review: If you’re chasing the original hot chicken experience, Prince’s delivers with their perfectly seasoned Hot Chicken Tenders. The crispy exterior gives way to tender, juicy meat, and the heat level will have you reaching for that sweet tea. It’s not just hot—it’s a legacy in every bite.
4. Lilly’s Hot Chicken
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Website: lillyshotchicken.com
Instagram: @lillyshotchicken
Rating: 4.8/5
Dish to Try: Hot Chicken Sandwich
Review: Lilly’s Hot Chicken takes the classic hot chicken sandwich to new heights. The chicken is cooked to perfection—crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, and drenched in their signature hot sauce that strikes the perfect balance between heat and flavor. The sandwich is served with pickles and a side of their homemade slaw, adding a refreshing crunch that complements the spicy kick. Whether you're a hot chicken aficionado or a newcomer to the scene, Lilly’s delivers a sandwich that’s both satisfying and memorable. This spot is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience some of the best hot chicken Nashville has to offer.
5. Pepperfire Hot Chicken
Website: pepperfirehotchicken.com
Instagram: @pepperfirehotchicken
Rating: 4.3/5
Dish to Try: Tender Royale
Review: Pepperfire’s Tender Royale is everything you want in a hot chicken dish. The chicken tenders are perfectly crisp, with a spice level that’s bold but not overpowering. The green chili mac and cheese on the side is creamy and rich, adding a delicious contrast to the heat.
6. Hattie B’s Hot Chicken
Website: hattieb.com
Instagram: @hattiebs
Rating: 4.6/5
Dish to Try: Shut the Cluck Up
Review: Hattie B’s lives up to the hype, especially with their infamous Shut the Cluck Up heat level. This chicken is not for the faint of heart—it’s as spicy as it is flavorful. The crispy skin and tender meat combination will make you sweat, but it’s worth every burning bite.
7. Bolton’s Spicy Chicken & Fish
Website: facebook.com/BoltonsSpicyChicken
Instagram: @boltonschicken
Rating: 4.5/5
Dish to Try: Hot Chicken on a Stick
Review: Bolton’s doesn’t mess around with their Hot Chicken on a Stick. The dry rub hits you with a complex spice profile that builds with each bite. Paired with their potato salad, this dish is a must for anyone who likes their chicken old-school and extra fiery.
8. 400 Degrees Hot Chicken
Website: 400degreeshotchicken.com
Instagram: @400degreeshotchicken
Rating: 4.4/5
Dish to Try: 400 Degrees Hot Chicken Sandwich
Review: The 400 Degrees Hot Chicken Sandwich doesn’t just bring the heat—it slaps you with it. That cayenne and habanero duo? It’s like a fiery one-two punch that leaves a smoky, lingering burn you won’t forget. The brioche bun and slaw do their best to cool things down, but let’s be real—this sandwich is for the bold, not the faint of heart. If you think you can handle it, go ahead and take that bite, but don’t say we didn’t warn you!
These hot chicken spots aren’t just serving food—they’re serving up a challenge. So, if you think you can handle the heat, get out there and see if you can survive Nashville’s spiciest dishes. Just don’t forget the napkins, because things are about to get messy!
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