Hot chicken is a mainstay of Southern cooking; the dish can be traced back to Chattanooga, Tennessee. Fried chicken is seasoned with a cayenne pepper-based seasoning and served with pickles as well as white bread. Some restaurants even offer a "shut the chicken up" degree of spiciness, the highest possible heat level for chicken. Hot chicken restaurants have been sprouting up throughout the nation, not only in the South, in recent years. These restaurants include creative takes on the classic dish, with heat levels ranging from "mild" to "super hot" and a variety of unusual accompaniments such as mac &'' cheese, kimchi coleslaw, but instead, collard greens. If you're a spicy food fan, you should try some of these restaurants, which have earned a reputation for serving up delicious, original versions of the dish. Check out these popular hot chicken restaurants to get your feet wet in the spicy food scene.
Exploring The World Of Hot Chicken: The Hottest Chains To Try
Hot chicken is a staple dish in Southern cuisine, with its origins tracing back to Nashville, Tennessee. The word consists of fried chicken seasoned with a spicy cayenne pepper-based rub, typically served with pickles and white bread. The heat level can range from mild to extremely hot, with some restaurants offering a "shut the cluck up" level of spiciness. In recent years, hot chicken has become increasingly popular outside the South, with several hot chicken chains popping up across the country. Here are some of the most sizzling hot chicken chains to check out:
Prince's Hot Chicken Shack
Prince's Hot Chicken Shack in Nashville is considered by many to be the birthplace of hot chicken. The restaurant has been serving its signature dish since the 1930s and is still run by the Prince family. They offer a variety of heat levels, from "mild" to "extra hot," and their hot chicken is served with white bread and pickles. Prince's is a must-visit for any hot chicken lover, as they have been around for a long time and have perfected the art of making hot chicken. The restaurant is also known for its long wait, but it's worth it for the delicious hot chicken.
Hattie B's Hot Chicken
Hattie B's Hot Chicken, also based in Nashville, has quickly become a popular spot for hot chicken lovers. The restaurant offers a range of heat levels, from "Southern" to "Shut the Cluck Up," and serves its hot chicken with sides such as coleslaw, mac and cheese, and baked beans. They also have multiple locations across the South and some parts of the Midwest, making it easy for hot chicken enthusiasts to get their fix. Hattie B's is mainly known for its "Shut the Cluck Up" spiciness, which is not for the faint-hearted.
Hot Joy
The restaurant Hot Joy, which can be found in San Antonio, Texas, provides a novel take on the classic "hot chicken." Hot chicken meals with an Asian influence are served in this restaurant. Some examples of these dishes are "Bangkok Shrimp &'' Grits" as well as "Korean Fried Chicken." In addition, they provide a selection of heat levels, ranging from "moderate" to "extremely spicy," as well as a piece of side dishes, such as fried rice and kimchi coleslaw. If you're searching for something a little bit different, you should try Hot Joy's unique take on hot chicken; the tastes, which are influenced by Asian cuisine, make for a thrilling experience.
Howlin' Ray's
Howlin' Ray's, which can be found in Los Angeles, California, is famous for serving hot chicken in the manner of Nashville. The restaurant serves its hot chicken with sides like mac &'' cheese and coleslaw, and it provides a variety of heat levels, from "mild" to "Howlin' Hot." In addition, you may customize your chicken sandwich with one of their signature toppings, such as slaw or pickles. Howlin' Ray's has been lauded for its establishment's genuineness and the high caliber of their spicy chicken. For fans of the spicy chicken who are in the Los Angeles region, this restaurant is a must-visit destination.
Pecking Order
Pecking Order, based in Denver, Colorado, is a hot chicken chain that offers a unique twist on traditional hot chicken. The restaurant serves sandwiches and salads with its hot chicken and standard hot chicken plates. They also provide a range of heat levels, from "mild" to "extra hot," and various sides, including mac and cheese and collard greens. One of the unique things about Pecking Order is that they use all-natural, hormone-free, and antibiotic-free chicken. This sets it apart from other hot chicken chains and makes it a healthier option for those who are conscious about the ingredients they consume. They also offer vegetarian options like cauliflower and tofu, which is excellent for those who are vegetarian or looking to incorporate more plant-based options into their diet. Pecking Order's unique take on hot chicken makes it an ideal spot for those looking for something different and also for those who are conscious about the ingredients they consume. It's also a perfect spot for hot chicken enthusiasts in the Denver area.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the hot chicken trend is on the rise, and there are a variety of chains to choose from across the country. From Nashville's Prince's Hot Chicken Shack, Hattie B's Hot Chicken, Hot Joy in San Antonio, Howlin' Ray's in Los Angeles, and Pecking Order in Denver, each of these chains offers a unique take on traditional hot chicken, with options for all heat levels and a variety of sides. Whether you're a hot chicken fan or trying it for the first time, these chains are worth checking out for a delicious and spicy dining experience.
