Hot chicken is a signature dish of Nashville, Tennessee, and has become a popular food trend across the country.
But where did hot chicken come from, and how did it become a beloved staple of Southern cuisine?
In this blog post, we'll explore the origins of hot chicken in Tennessee.
The annual Nashville Scene's Hot Chicken Week is from Monday, January 29, 2024, through Sunday, February 4, 2024.
But to truly understand the history and roots of hot chicken, let's go back to its origins.
The legend of hot chicken begins with a woman named Andre Prince Jeffries.
In the 1930s, Jeffries' great-uncle, Thornton Prince, owned a bar in Nashville called the BBQ Chicken Shack.
One day, after a night of partying, Prince's girlfriend at the time, a woman named Lucille, decided to get revenge on him by spicing up his fried chicken with extra-hot cayenne pepper.
However, instead of being upset, Prince loved the spicy chicken and began serving it at his restaurant.
Around 1960, Thornton Prince passed away, and the ownership of the chicken shack was transferred to his brother Will.
Eventually, Will left the business to his nephew Bruce, who later passed it down to his daughter Andre Prince Jeffries.
In 1980, Andre took over and renamed the establishment to Prince's Hot Chicken in honor of her great uncle, Thornton Prince, and to preserve the family's heritage.
Hot chicken remained a local specialty for many years, with Prince's Hot Chicken Shack being the only restaurant in Nashville that served the dish.
To this day, many restaurants and establishments continue to follow the tradition of making and serving hot chicken.
Hattie B's is a popular restaurant chain specializing in Nashville hot chicken.
Cofounded by father and son Nick Bishop Sr. and Nick Bishop Jr., Hattie B's Hot Chicken opened its first brick-and-mortar location in Midtown in 2012.
Hattie B's has since expanded to several locations across the United States.
The restaurant offers a range of spicy chicken dishes, sides, and desserts, all made with fresh and high-quality ingredients.
Hattie B's has become a go-to spot for those who love spicy food and want to experience authentic Nashville hot chicken.
With its welcoming atmosphere and delicious food, Hattie B's is a must-visit for anyone looking for a unique and flavorful dining experience.
Today, hot chicken is a beloved dish in Nashville and beyond, with restaurants across the country serving their own takes on the classic recipe. The dish is typically made by marinating chicken in a spicy blend of cayenne pepper and other seasonings, then frying it until crispy.
It's often served with white bread, pickles, and a side of coleslaw to help cool down the heat.
Hot chicken has become trendy in recent years, with food bloggers and celebrity chefs putting their own spin on the classic recipe.
However, at its core, hot chicken remains a beloved Southern comfort food, and a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of the people of Tennessee.
From its humble beginnings as a prank to its status as a Southern staple, hot chicken is a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of the people of Nashville and beyond.
Whether you're a fan of spicy food or simply curious about the origins of this beloved dish, hot chicken is a must-try for anyone visiting Tennessee.