Nashville’s iconic hot chicken takes center stage once again during Nashville Hot Chicken Week 2025, running from January 27 to February 2. This eagerly anticipated event invites spice enthusiasts to dive into a week of fiery flavors and creative takes on the city’s most famous dish. With special $8 dishes from restaurants across Nashville, Hot Chicken Week is the perfect excuse to explore the city’s thriving food scene, all while supporting local businesses.
This year’s event promises to be spicier than ever, with chefs bringing their best to compete for the coveted titles of Best Overall Dish, Best Traditional Dish, and Most Unique Dish. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the classic cayenne-coated chicken or curious about adventurous twists on the dish, this is a can’t-miss week for food lovers.
A Tradition Rooted in Nashville’s Culinary History
Before diving into the 2025 festivities, it’s important to appreciate the roots of Nashville hot chicken. This dish, known for its crispy, fiery exterior and juicy interior, dates back to the 1930s and a now-legendary story involving Thornton Prince. Legend has it that Prince’s girlfriend, fed up with his antics, spiced up his fried chicken as an act of revenge. Instead of being deterred, Prince loved it and perfected the recipe, eventually opening a barbecue chicken restaurant that later transformed into Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack, which remains a cornerstone of the city’s food culture.
Since then, hot chicken has evolved into a signature Nashville dish, inspiring countless variations and spawning a dedicated fan base that spans the globe. Nashville Hot Chicken Week pays homage to this spicy legacy while encouraging innovation and community involvement.
What to Expect During Hot Chicken Week 2025
For an entire week, participating restaurants across Nashville will offer $8 hot chicken specials. These deals make it easy to sample a variety of takes on the dish without breaking the bank. From downtown hotspots to neighborhood gems, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
One of the unique aspects of Hot Chicken Week is the interactive voting system. After indulging in the city’s best hot chicken creations, diners can vote for their favorites in three categories:
- Best Overall Dish – The ultimate crowd-pleaser.
- Best Traditional Dish – The most authentic and classic interpretation of hot chicken.
- Most Unique Dish – The most inventive and creative take on the dish.
Votes can be submitted online and this adds an extra layer of fun and engagement to the event.
Highlights from Participating Restaurants
Each of these restaurants brings its own personality and creativity to the table, making Hot Chicken Week 2025 an unforgettable culinary adventure. If you’re a fan of traditional hot chicken or ready to explore exotic flavors, there’s something for everyone in this year’s lineup!
Prince’s Hot Chicken
Location: Available at Tanger and 5th & Broadway locations.
Special Dish: Thornton’s Colossal Fries.
Why It Stands Out: Prince’s, the originator of Nashville hot chicken, brings a shareable option to the table with their Thornton’s Colossal Fries. Thornton’s crispy fries are topped with chunks of crispy tenders, Cotija cheese, pico de gallo, jalapeños, queso blanco, and a garnish of cilantro and green onions. Choose your desired heat level to customize your experience.
Hattie B’s Hot Chicken
Location: Lower Broadway, Melrose, Midtown, West Nashville, and the Airport.
Special Dish: Leg Quarter with Drinking Buddy Beer Cheese Fries.
Why It Stands Out: A name synonymous with hot chicken, Hattie B’s showcases their classic expertise with a Leg Quarter served alongside crinkle-cut fries smothered in Drinking Buddy Beer Cheese. It’s a hearty, comforting dish with a spicy kick.
Brown’s Diner
Location: Hillsboro.
Special Dish: Brown’s Spicy Wedge.
Why It Stands Out: A Nashville institution since 1927, Brown’s Diner has a no-frills charm and a reputation for serving honest, delicious food. Their Brown’s Spicy Wedge takes hot chicken in a refreshing new direction. Juicy, house-made Calabrian Hot Chicken Tenders sit atop a hearty iceberg lettuce wedge, dressed with blue cheese crumbles, crispy bacon, tomato, red onion, boiled egg, croutons, and ranch dressing.
Germantown Café
Location: Germantown.
Special Dish: Southern Style Slay.
Why It Stands Out: Known for its sophisticated take on Southern cuisine, Germantown Café offers the Southern Style Slay for Hot Chicken Week. Their perfectly crispy fried hot chicken is paired with creamy, tangy coleslaw and thinly sliced kosher dill pickles, stacked high on a freshly toasted brioche bun.
Pepperfire Hot Chicken
Location: The Nations.
Special Dish: Hot Chicken Sandwich & Fries.
Why It Stands Out: Pepperfire sticks to the classics with their Hot Chicken Sandwich & Fries. Freshly fried chicken tenders are topped with Poppyseed Slaw and house-made Sabi sauce for a flavorful kick.
Waldo’s Chicken and Beer
Location: Germantown, West Nashville, and Belle Meade.
Special Dish: Southern Fried Quarter Chicken.
Why It Stands Out: Waldo’s sticks to their roots with the Southern Fried Quarter Chicken. Brined overnight in house-made Sidekick Brine, the bone-in chicken is fried to perfection and served with Texas toast and coleslaw.
Tips for Making the Most of Hot Chicken Week
Plan Ahead: With so many participating restaurants, it’s a good idea to map out your must-try spots. Check out menus online and decide which dishes you want to prioritize.
Pace Yourself: Hot chicken is no joke when it comes to spice. Balance your meals with sides like coleslaw, mac and cheese, or fries to cool your palate.
Vote Wisely: Remember, your vote helps determine the winners! Take notes on flavor, creativity, and overall experience to make an informed decision.
Bring Friends: Hot Chicken Week is more fun with a group. Share dishes and compare notes to maximize your tasting opportunities.
Why Hot Chicken Week Matters
Beyond the delicious food, Nashville Hot Chicken Week is a celebration of the city’s rich culinary heritage and community spirit. The event encourages locals and visitors to support small businesses and discover new favorite spots. For restaurants, it’s a chance to showcase their creativity and connect with a wider audience.
The week also highlights the versatility of hot chicken. While the classic version remains beloved, the inventive dishes featured during this event prove that Nashville’s culinary scene is anything but stagnant. From tacos to waffles, the possibilities are endless, and chefs continue to push the boundaries of what hot chicken can be.
How to Participate
- Visit Dine Nashville’s Hot Chicken Week 2025 website to find a list of participating restaurants and their featured dishes.
- Use the interactive map to plan your hot chicken tour across the city.
- Share your experiences on social media using the hashtag #HotChickenWeek2025.
- Submit your votes for Best Overall Dish, Best Traditional Dish, and Most Unique Dish online by February 3 via the Hot Chicken Week app.
A Look Ahead
As Nashville Hot Chicken Week 2025 approaches, excitement is building for what promises to be one of the tastiest weeks of the year. Whether you’re a spice enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of hot chicken, this event offers something for everyone. So mark your calendars, grab your friends, and get ready to celebrate Nashville’s most famous dish in all its fiery glory.
Who will take home the top honors this year? That’s up to you to decide. See you on the spicy trail!
