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Nashville, TN

For Hot Chicken in Nashville, the local food press points to Red's Hot Chicken, Brave Idiot, and 400 Degrees. Picks from The Infatuation, updated July 2026.

Editor’s picks

Press picks, until locals rank their own Top 5s. Sourced from the local food press. As seen in The Infatuation. Updated July 2026.

Red's Hot Chicken · Midtown
The hot chicken crunchwrap is the signature.
Brave Idiot · East Nashville
The Infatuation: 'You can taste every individual spice without feeling like your face is melting off.'
400 Degrees · North Nashville
A searing crust available in varying degrees of heat.
Bolton's Spicy Chicken & Fish · Historic Edgefield
A no-frills takeout window running more than 25 years, applying its spice as a dry rub so even a medium order runs hot. The hot fish, catfish or whiting, is often called the real reason to visit, alongside the chicken.

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