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Craving something spicy and unapologetically Southern? Meet Nashville Hot Chicken - a fiery fried favourite in the US which is now heating up plates in the UK, too.
This isn’t your average chicken dish. Born from a tale of revenge (with a delicious twist), Nashville Hot Chicken blends crispy fried perfection with a mouth-tingling cayenne kick that leaves you wanting more.
Once a regional secret, it’s now a full-blown food phenomenon, and at Red Dog Saloon, we’re serving it up as authentic as it can get.
If you like spicy fried chicken or you’re just curious about the hype, this blog will dive into the roots of this delicious dish, how it gained cult status, and why we can’t get enough.
Ready to learn about the history of Nashville Hot Chicken? Let’s dig in.
Legend has it that Nashville Hot Chicken started as an act of revenge. In the 1930s, a woman in Nashville tried to punish her unfaithful partner, Thornton Prince, by spicing up his fried chicken with an overload of cayenne pepper.
However, instead of recoiling, Prince loved it and turned the fiery twist into a signature dish. Along with his brother, he went on to open Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack, and the rest is history.
What began as a fiery prank quickly became a local favourite, eventually evolving into an iconic Southern staple with a loyal following far beyond Tennessee’s borders.
Yet to have tried it? Visit one of our restaurant venues.
Wondering what gives Nashville Hot Chicken its signature kick? It all comes down to the fiery spice blend that's slathered on after frying. The base is cayenne pepper (lots of it) mixed with oil from the fryer, giving the heat a smoky depth.
Depending on the recipe, it might also include garlic powder, paprika, brown sugar, or chilli powder for extra layers of flavour. This spicy paste is brushed directly onto the crispy chicken, locking in heat without making the coating soggy.
The result is a perfect balance of crunch, burn, and bold Southern flavour that keeps fans coming back for more.
Nashville Hot Chicken may have started as a local treasure, tucked away in Tennessee kitchens and family-run joints like Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack. But, over time, its popularity has quickly spread.
Food shows, celebrity chefs, and social media spotlighted the dish, and eventually, it started appearing on many fast food menus, in gourmet restaurants, and at food festivals nationwide.
Its irresistible combination of crispy, juicy chicken and spicy flavour turned it into a cult favourite, which is now being served all around the Globe.
Nashville Hot Chicken didn’t stay a Southern secret for long. As the dish gained fame in the US, the flavour and history of Nashville Hot Chicken caught the attention of food lovers around the globe.
The UK’s food scene, which is always hungry for the next big thing, was quick to take notice. Pop-ups, street food markets, and smokehouses started adding their own takes, all while still trying to stay true to the original.
At Red Dog Saloon, we serve authentic Nashville chicken, with crispy, cayenne-coated chicken that delivers the real deal. It's the taste of Tennessee, and we serve it hot in London (Hoxton Square & Soho), Liverpool, Nottingham, and Southampton.
If you're after the real taste of Nashville Hot Chicken without hopping on a flight, our American BBQ restaurants have you covered. We’ve perfected the balance of crispy fried chicken, spicy cayenne glaze, and Southern-style sides to bring you an authentic hot chicken experience right here in the UK.
Plus, we’ve got a variety of other BBQ dishes, including brisket, ribs, burgers and sharing platters that let you taste a little of everything.
Now that you know more about the history of Nashville Hot Chicken and how it became world-renowned, would you like to try it and other BBQ classics?
At Red Dog Saloon, our menu includes hickory-smoked meats, loaded burgers and cocktails. Our award-winning smokers have been imported from the USA and are built to recreate the cooking process of those original fire pits.
With locations across the UK, each saloon is slightly different, but they all offer a laid-back vibe perfect for casual dining or private parties.
Book your table today!