I wanted to start with the best. The oldest. Starting with a sure betnand then working down in price, availability, or effort is a practice I follow in other aspects of my life. Hearing that Prince’s doesn’t open Noon was a bummer but I knew 400 Degrees would be an easier path to get my foot into the hot chicken door because it is closer, has much more seating, and a 74% less chance of getting shot.  I ordered their 200º breast quarter which was advertised as hot enough to make my eyes and nose water. I joked that the 100º photo looked like a Wendy’s Spicy Chicken Sandwich. The very friendly people behind the counter informed me that it would be 20+ minutes before my order was ready because it is all made to order and suggested I call in. I already knew this and figured it wasn’t worth calling in four orders when we had already allocated time to crossing the river for Prince’s.  My super crispy and glistening chicken came out first. I ordered a forgettable side of slaw with it thinking I would want it to cool my mouth. I ended up having a harder time combating the hot temperature of the meat as it was fresh from the fryer. 10 minutes of waiting would have been a good decision but we were hungry. The meat was juicy and well cooked but I didn’t find the pieces tasty. Is hot chicken supposed to be? Having a question like that is why I wanted to start at the original. I don’t eat a lot of spicy food but do enjoy heat. The red skin hit the back of my throat a few times and made sent the burning sensation through my head but overall it was a tolerable spicy experience. I think I wanted it a little hotter. No. I definitely wanted it hotter. My mouth was a peace by the time we left which is not usually the case when I eat other spicy foods that escape me at the moment. Advice. Don’t buy their tea; buy a refillable drink at the next stall over. Skip the slaw and think about the fries. Don’t rub your eyes while eating. (I was very careful and successfully avoiding nuking my self.) I wouldn’t feel right without noting that I do not like pickles and wish that they weren’t  on the hot chicken requirements list.
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I wanted to start with the best. The oldest. Starting with a sure betnand then working down in price, availability, or effort is a practice I follow in other aspects of my life.

Hearing that Prince’s doesn’t open Noon was a bummer but I knew 400 Degrees would be an easier path to get my foot into the hot chicken door because it is closer, has much more seating, and a 74% less chance of getting shot. 

I ordered their 200º breast quarter which was advertised as hot enough to make my eyes and nose water. I joked that the 100º photo looked like a Wendy’s Spicy Chicken Sandwich. The very friendly people behind the counter informed me that it would be 20+ minutes before my order was ready because it is all made to order and suggested I call in. I already knew this and figured it wasn’t worth calling in four orders when we had already allocated time to crossing the river for Prince’s. 

My super crispy and glistening chicken came out first. I ordered a forgettable side of slaw with it thinking I would want it to cool my mouth. I ended up having a harder time combating the hot temperature of the meat as it was fresh from the fryer. 10 minutes of waiting would have been a good decision but we were hungry. The meat was juicy and well cooked but I didn’t find the pieces tasty. Is hot chicken supposed to be? Having a question like that is why I wanted to start at the original.

I don’t eat a lot of spicy food but do enjoy heat. The red skin hit the back of my throat a few times and made sent the burning sensation through my head but overall it was a tolerable spicy experience. I think I wanted it a little hotter. No. I definitely wanted it hotter. My mouth was a peace by the time we left which is not usually the case when I eat other spicy foods that escape me at the moment.

Advice. Don’t buy their tea; buy a refillable drink at the next stall over. Skip the slaw and think about the fries. Don’t rub your eyes while eating. (I was very careful and successfully avoiding nuking my self.)

I wouldn’t feel right without noting that I do not like pickles and wish that they weren’t  on the hot chicken requirements list.

4 Notes/ Hide

  1. ericshuff said: 400 degrees is my least favorite hot chicken in Nashville with Prince’s and Bolton’s fighting for the top spot. Both of those places have a much better flavor — Prince’s being the hottest.
  2. christyfrink said: Yeah, +1 for the Bolton’s recommendation. Best chicken, best sides, best atmosphere, best service. Hands down.
  3. bhibbs said: as someone who has had hot chicken at EVERY place in this city, I will tell you that Boltons is far and away the best. Best food and far and away best service.
  4. neuski posted this