Get ready, hot chicken lovers! Nashville’s 9th Annual Hot Chicken Week is just around the corner, running from January 27 to February 2, 2025. This much-anticipated event is a fiery celebration of one of Music City’s most iconic dishes: Nashville Hot Chicken. No matter your spice tolerance, this is the perfect opportunity to dive into the dish that put Nashville on the culinary map.
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What is Hot Chicken Week?
Hot Chicken Week is a week-long culinary extravaganza where over 40 restaurants across Nashville serve up exclusive $8 hot chicken specials. Each restaurant puts its own creative spin on the dish, showcasing everything from classic hot chicken to wildly inventive variations. It’s a chance to taste the evolution of this local legend, all at an unbeatable price.
But the fun doesn’t stop at eating. Part of the excitement is voting for your favorites! Diners get to cast their votes in three sizzling categories:
- Best Overall Dish – The cream of the crop in flavor and execution.
- Best Traditional Dish – Celebrating the timeless, no-frills Nashville Hot Chicken style.
- Most Unique Dish – The most creative and unconventional take on hot chicken.
Voting runs through February 3 at 11 AM, so don’t forget to have your say!
A Look Back at Last Year’s Winners
In 2024, the competition was fierce, with these standout dishes claiming the top honors:
- Best Overall Dish: Prince’s Hot Chicken – The legendary originators of Nashville Hot Chicken showed why they’re still at the top of their game.
- Best Traditional Dish: Hattie B’s Hot Chicken Sandwich – A perfectly crispy, juicy homage to the classic.
- Most Unique Dish: Wilko Fusion Grill’s King Elvis Empanada – A daring and delicious combination that turned hot chicken into a culinary mashup masterpiece.
Who will take home the trophies this year? That’s for you to decide!
Why You Should Attend
Nashville Hot Chicken Week is more than a food festival; it’s a community celebration. This annual tradition lets locals and visitors alike experience the creativity and passion of Nashville’s vibrant culinary scene. With $8 specials and the chance to try both old favorites and innovative new dishes, it’s the best time of year to savor Music City’s signature flavor.
Pro Tips for Hot Chicken Week
- Plan ahead: With over 40 restaurants participating, check the list of specials early to map out your spicy adventure.
- Stay hydrated: Hot chicken is no joke! Grab plenty of water or your favorite milk-based drink to keep the heat in check.
- Try something new: While it’s tempting to stick with the classics, some of the most memorable experiences come from trying the creative spins in the Most Unique category.
- Vote smart: Make sure you try a variety of dishes before casting your votes to ensure the best contenders get their due recognition.
Don’t miss this flavorful celebration of all things spicy, crispy, and quintessentially Nashville. Gather your friends, bring your appetite, and let your taste buds decide the champions of Hot Chicken Week 2025!
Frequently Asked Questions
This FAQ should help you navigate Hot Chicken Week like a pro.
Hot Chicken Week is an annual event in Nashville that celebrates the city’s iconic dish: Nashville Hot Chicken. During the week, restaurants around town offer $8 hot chicken specials, and diners get to vote for their favorites in three categories: Best Overall Dish, Best Traditional Dish, and Most Unique Dish.
Hot Chicken Week runs from January 27 to February 2, 2025. Voting continues until February 3 at 11 AM.
Each participating restaurant offers a special hot chicken dish for $8. You’re free to visit as many restaurants as you like and try multiple dishes!
A full list of participating restaurants can be found here.
Voting is conducted online. After trying a dish, you can head to the Hot Chicken Week website to cast your vote. Voting opens on January 27 and closes on February 3 at 11 AM.
No, but it’s encouraged! You can vote for the categories that match your experience. For example, if you try a traditional dish, you can vote for Best Traditional Dish even if you didn’t try any unique or overall contenders.
This depends on the restaurant. Some offer dine-in only, while others may allow takeout or delivery for the $8 specials. Check with individual restaurants for their policies.
No, the $8 price applies only to the designated Hot Chicken Week special at each restaurant. Other menu items will be regular price.
Absolutely! Many restaurants offer a range of heat levels, from mild to extra hot. Don’t hesitate to ask your server for heat recommendations or request a milder version.
Hot Chicken Week 2025 Map
Here is an interactive map to help you plan your Hot Chicken Week journey.
Plan Your Hot Chicken Tour
Ready to experience Nashville like never before? The Nashville Restaurant Atlas & Food Tour Guide is your passport to the city’s vibrant culinary scene, packed with insider tips, curated dining routes, and must-know details for events like Hot Chicken Week. Whether you’re a local seeking hidden gems or a visitor hungry for authentic Nashville flavors, this guide ensures every meal is unforgettable. With exclusive stories, heat-level tips, and expert recommendations, it’s more than a book—it’s your ultimate key to unlocking Music City’s food culture. Grab your copy today and let your taste buds lead the way!
The Nashville Restaurant Atlas & Food Tour Guide has everything you need to craft your own perfect Hot Chicken tour of Nashville. This book features over 120 of Nashville’s best restaurants. Browse iconic eateries that span over 100 years of Nashville’s culinary history. Get an honest, local perspective on the best places to find real hot chicken.
