The Best Fried Chicken Spots in Tennessee

You can taste Tennessee’s story in every crunchy bite of fried chicken, from fiery Nashville heat to golden classics that make you lick your fingers clean. Whether you chase blistering spice or crave buttery crusts and soulful sides, these spots serve comfort that hits fast and lingers long. Stick around and you will discover neighborhood gems, legendary names, and a few surprises where the lines are worth it. Bring napkins, a little courage, and an appetite for crispy perfection.

1. Hattie B’s Hot Chicken (Nashville)

Hattie B’s Midtown is the spicy heartbeat of Nashville, where the line wraps around for a reason. The heat tiers let you pick your adventure, from mild to shut-the-lights-out hot that tingles your lips and tests your nerve. Pair the juicy chicken with creamy pimento mac, collards, and tangy black-eyed pea salad for balance.

Service moves fast, and the vibe feels like a friendly dare. Crunch gives way to succulent meat, with paprika-cayenne fireworks that never drown the bird. Grab extra pickles and bread to steady the flame, then cool down with banana pudding.

Come early, or commit to the wait. Either way, you will leave planning your next level up. Midtown keeps the bar crispy-high.

2. Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack South (Nashville)

Prince’s is the origin story, the place that turned Nashville heat into legend. The rub dives deep, staining fingers red and hearts happy, with peppery smoke that creeps up slowly. Order medium thinking it is safe, and discover a slow burn that does not let go.

The chicken’s crust crackles like vinyl, then settles into juicy, seasoned meat that feels timeless. White bread and pickles do their essential job, but you will still feel brave ordering extra napkins. Sides are simple, comforting, and secondary to the main event.

Expect a wait and a crowd of true believers. Ask for extra sauce if you dare. Prince’s burns brightest where authenticity matters most.

3. Red’s Hot Chicken (Nashville)

Red’s brings a playful spirit to Nashville heat, serving thick tenders that stay outrageously juicy under a peppery crust. Sauces are the secret weapon, from tangy comeback to smoky sweet heat that keeps you reaching. Crinkle fries catch drippings, and the slaw cools everything down.

The spice runs balanced rather than brutal, so you can taste the chicken first, then the burn. Portions are generous, perfect for sharing or not sharing at all. If you chase crunch, the double-dredge delivers every time.

Grab a basket, add Texas toast, and drizzle honey for that sweet-scorch harmony. Red’s feels friendly, quick, and deliciously consistent. Your lunch break just became a craving you will revisit.

4. Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken (Nashville)

Gus’s delivers a different kind of heat, built right into the batter so every bite hums. The crust is thin and shattering, unveiling chicken that drips flavor without greasiness. Beans, slaw, and white bread set the Memphis-leaning table, but the bird steals the spotlight.

Order half a bird if you are serious, and do not skip the dark meat. Spice whispers at first, then sings, never masking the chicken’s clean savoriness. Sweet tea keeps the rhythm steady, especially when the second piece calls your name.

Service is warm and unfussy, the atmosphere neighborhood-cozy. Come for lunch, stay for seconds. In Nashville, Gus’s proves simple techniques can taste world famous.

5. Brave Idiot (Nashville)

Brave Idiot leans into bold flavors and cheeky attitude, delivering sandwiches stacked high with slaw, pickles, and blistering heat. The buns stay soft but sturdy, soaking up juices without falling apart. It is the kind of place where you chuckle at the name and then sweat happily.

Spice levels run wide, and the hotter tiers bloom with smoky cayenne and garlic. Sides like waffle fries and creamy shakes keep you honest between bites. Vegetarians get a thoughtful cauliflower option that still crunches right.

Expect fast-casual energy and a playlist that keeps things lively. Ask for extra sauce if you like tang. Brave Idiot turns punishment into pleasure, one fearless sandwich at a time.

6. Hattie B’s Hot Chicken (Franklin)

In Franklin’s Factory, Hattie B’s feels like a weekend ritual. Families gather around big tables, comparing heat levels while kids chase mac and cheese. The same signature crust crackles, and the honey-like burn waits patiently for its moment.

Order a two-piece and a side trio, then finish with banana pudding that tastes like a hug. Collards bring smoke, while fries stay crisp even under sauce. Staff keeps lines moving, smiling through the dinner rush.

The setting is festive, with industrial beams and string lights making everything feel special. Pickles and bread still do heroic work calming the fire. If Midtown is the dare, Franklin is the hangout you will revisit.

7. Outlanders Southern Chicken (Nolensville)

Outlanders does Southern comfort with heart, focusing on hand-breaded tenders that crunch loudly and stay tender inside. The seasoning leans savory with peppery warmth rather than full-on fire, perfect for family dinners. Sauces range from sweet heat to tangy ranch, and you will want to sample them all.

Mashed potatoes, green beans, and buttery rolls complete the country spread. Portions land generous without getting messy, making it easy to share or save room for dessert. Service is neighborly, like they already know your order.

Grab a big tray and settle in. It is the kind of place that reminds you why fried chicken comforts so reliably. Nolensville keeps things unfussy, delicious, and welcoming.

8. Mack’s Hot Chicken (Smyrna)

Mack’s is Smyrna’s answer to the heat chase, serving thick-cut tenders and plates that mean business. The spice runs straightforward and satisfying, with cayenne and garlic leading the way. You get that classic Nashville format: white bread, pickles, and a pile of seasoned fries.

Portions are friendly and prices fair, making it easy to feed a crew. The crust holds even under sauce, staying crunchy to the last bite. Ask for extra dipping cups to toggle between comfort and burn.

It is a quick-stop favorite that still feels personal. Grab it to-go and your car will smell amazing. Mack’s proves every town deserves its own hot chicken hero.

9. Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken (Knoxville)

Knoxville’s Gus’s brings that signature thin crust and mellow burn to a lively college-town crowd. The bird stays juicy, and the spice hums through every bite without grandstanding. Beans and slaw balance sweetness and crunch while white bread keeps tradition intact.

Order a three-piece dark and add pecan pie for the full tour. Sweet tea cools the edges, resetting your palate for round two. Service runs quick, even when the dining room fills with game-day energy.

You will appreciate the consistency: same flavor, same crunch, same smile after. It is comfort you can count on. Knoxville gets the world-famous treatment without losing local charm.

10. Monell’s (Nashville)

Monell’s turns fried chicken into a Sunday memory every day, served family style at communal tables. Platters land with golden pieces, biscuits, gravy, skillet corn, and greens you pass like you are home. The crust is seasoned, not scorching, letting pepper and paprika shine.

Conversation flows with refills, and seconds are gently insisted upon. You will taste hospitality in every bite, right down to the peach preserves. Save room for dessert because cobblers arrive like a friendly surprise.

Come hungry and ready to chat with neighbors. The experience is as delicious as the chicken. In a city famous for heat, Monell’s celebrates togetherness and timeless comfort.