If you are local to Nashville, then you know hot chicken is king around these areas. Often duplicated around the country, there is only one place known as the Hot Chicken Capital!
Legend has it, this spicy dish originated in the 1930’s, involving a man named Thornton Prince. One of Thornton’s women got fed up with his philandering ways. He had stayed out all night and come home expecting breakfast. She wanted retribution. That morning, she got up before him. She didn’t make him dry toast or gruel. Oh, no, she made him his favorite. She made him fried chicken. Then, she added the spiciest items she had in her kitchen. But her plan backfired. He loved it. He took it to his brothers. They loved it, too. The woman disappeared from his life, but her hot chicken lived on. The Prince brothers turned her idea into the BBQ Chicken Shack. (via the Bitter Southerner) You can still enjoy Prince’s Hot Chicken to this day!
Nashville Scene’s Hot Chicken Week runs January 29-February 4.
For one week only, 30+ of your favorite restaurants will offer up $7 hot chicken deals just for you! Some restaurants will keep it classic, some will go wild, but it’s up to you to decide who does it best. At the end of Hot Chicken Week, we ask YOU to vote for your favorite dishes in three categories—Best Overall, Best Traditional and Most Unique. The Official Hot Chicken Week app is coming soon! Browse participating locations, view drink special, plot your route and earn points just by downloading the free app.
Check out the list of participating restaurants and an interactive map on the official website. You can even win prizes! Take a photo of your hot chicken and check in at any participating hot chicken restaurant. Post your masterpiece on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter. Tag @nashvillescene and use #hotchickenweek24. When you post your photo, you’ll automatically be entered to win prizes! The more you post, the more entries you’ll receive, so visit all of the participating restaurants to up your odds. Win prizes like gift cards from our Hot Chicken Week Restaurants and some Nashville Scene swag!
#HotChickenweek24 Commandments (via the website)
This isn’t the wild west. There are rules to Hot Chicken Week!
1. DON’T BE A JERK
There are a lot of participating restaurants this year, but there might be an instance of the participating restaurant you visit running out of their #HotChickenWeek24 dish toward the end of a shift. Well, chin up! Go back the next day, this time earlier, order your taco, and thank them for working their butts off to do this for you. DO NOT be rude to restaurant staff.
2. THERE WILL BE WAITS
Don’t be surprised if restaurants have waits..we’re talking about $7 hot chicken here, people! If they do, grab a drink and relax. While you’re at it, make a post on social media using #HotChickenWeek24, and maybe you’ll win some prizes…
3. YOU WILL TIP
$7 brings out the cheap in all of us, but really, you’re getting some of the best hot chicken you’ve ever eaten, so kindly tip at least 20%. The people who are serving you are working hard for you. A kind word will also be welcome—these people are our friends and neighbors, so please do not give them any gristle.
4. YOU REALLY SHOULD BUY A DRINK AND/OR OTHER FOODS
Most #HotChickenWeek24 taco deals are a la carte. Sides are extra. While extra purchases are not a requirement, we gently suggest that you round out that $7 hot chicken selection with some sides or a drink.
5. TAXES STILL EXIST
When you get your bill, and it’s a little over $7, don’t freak out. That’s just Uncle Sam!
We hope you enjoy Hot Chicken Week! Tell us where your favorite hot chicken is!
