Who has the Best Hot Chicken in Nashville?
Written by Shakira M - December 12, 2025
Nashville hot chicken is a beloved cultural icon, famous for its spicy kick and amazing flavors. When it comes to hot chicken, two places you definitely need to check out are Hattie B's Hot Chicken and Prince's Hot Chicken Shack. Both spots are famous for their deliciously fiery dishes, but they have distinct histories and recipes.
Prince's Hot Chicken or Hattie's Hot Chicken?
Let’s dive into what makes these excellent hot chicken spots a must-visit for all the spice lovers out there!
Would you believe that a woman's vengeance led to the creation of an iconic food?
Thornton Prince lived during the Great Depression. He was a notorious ladies' man, which upset his steady girlfriend. Seeking revenge, she used his love for fried chicken to create a spicy recipe filled with hot peppers. When Prince tasted the chicken, rather than being distressed, he requested seconds, which led to the creation of the legendary hot chicken dish.
Tradition and Legacy
Prince's Hot Chicken has since become a cornerstone of Nashville's culinary history. Nearly 100 years later. Thornton Prince's great niece, Ms. Andre Prince Jeffries, still serves the legendary dish.
Flavors and Heat Levels
Prince specializes in traditional hot chicken, emphasizing intense heat and bold flavors. Their spice levels range from mild to "XXXHot," catering to both cautious diners and those seeking a thrill. The chicken is traditionally served on white bread slices, accompanied by pickles —a classic presentation that stays true to its roots.
Modern Twist on Tradition
Hattie B's Hot Chicken offers a modern twist on hot chicken. Founded in 2012 by father-and-son duo Nick Bishop Sr. and Nick Bishop Jr., Hattie B's quickly gained popularity for its vibrant atmosphere and delicious chicken.
Flavors and Heat Levels
Hattie B's is famous for its diverse heat levels, from "Southern" (no heat) to "Shut the Cluck Up" (very hot). The menu features various side dishes that complement the chicken, including pimento mac and cheese, collard greens, and black-eyed pea salad.
This foodie's thoughts
I tried Hattie's B Southern Salad with fried tender bites with mild sauce. This mild sauce had a good amount of heat, so I enjoyed it with the mixed greens, sweet corn & black-eyed pea succotash, as well as cheddar ( no bacon) & cornbread croutons. It was my first time having black-eyed pea succotash, and I enjoyed the sweet and savory notes. I wasn't a fan of the cornbread croutons - they were too hard.
For sides, I had their crinkle-cut fries and baked mac and cheese. I didn't really enjoy the fries, and the mac and cheese is made with sharp cheddar (which I loved) and red pimentos (which I didn't care for).
The winner - It depends on what you want… Hattie B's for the chicken, but Prince's for the sides. I hope to return to Prince's one day and try their plain fried chicken.
Prince's three locations :
📍 South
5814 Nolensville Pike Nashville, Tennessee 37211
📍Assembly Food Hall (Location I visited!)
5055 Broadway Nashville, Tennessee 37203
📍Tanger Outlets
4060 Cane Ridge Parkway Antioch, Tennessee 37013
Hattie's has 13 locations in Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, Nevada, and Texas. Here are the locations in TN:
📍Franklin
230 Franklin Rd #14b, Franklin, TN 37064
📍Nashville Lower Broad
5069 Broadway Pl, #103 Nashville, TN 37203
📍Nashville Melrose
2222 8th Ave S Nashville, TN 37204
📍 Nashville Midtown (Location I visited!)
112 19th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203
📍Nashville West
5209 Charlotte Ave, Nashville, TN 37209
📍Nashville International Airport
1 Terminal Dr, Nashville, TN 37214
📍 Memphis
596 Cooper St, Memphis, TN 38104