Tennessee hot chicken does not mess around.
We’re talking crispy fried chicken coated with cayenne-heavy seasoning, served with cooling pickles, and offered at heat levels that can range from barely spicy to seriously sweat-inducing.
This dish has been a Tennessee favorite for generations, but today you’ll find restaurants putting their own spin on it with sandwiches, juicy tenders, loaded fries, Southern sides, and a few combinations you probably won’t see coming.
Some spots stick closely to the old-school recipe, while others pile on cheese, slaw, special sauces, and creative extras…