10 Fried Chicken Chains Tennesseans Can’t Get Enough Of
Tennessee may wear its country music crown proudly, but for locals, the true rhythm of life comes from the kitchen—the crackle of chicken frying to golden perfection.
From the blazing heat of Nashville hot chicken to the soulful, perfectly seasoned plates you’ll find in Memphis, the state has built a fried chicken legacy that stands tall alongside its music.
I’ve spent years traveling from city diners to roadside joints, chasing that ideal mix of crispy skin and juicy meat. These chains in particular have risen above the rest, securing their spot in Tennessee’s unofficial—but very real—fried chicken hall of fame.
1. Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack: The Original Firecracker
Standing in line at Prince’s feels like a Tennessee rite of passage. The story goes that a scorned lover tried to punish Thornton Prince with painfully spicy chicken, but he loved it so much he opened a restaurant! That happy accident created Nashville’s signature dish.
The chicken here doesn’t just bring heat—it delivers layers of flavor that dance across your taste buds before the burn kicks in. Locals measure all other hot chicken against Prince’s standard.
Even after nearly 100 years, this family-owned institution still packs in crowds willing to wait and sweat for the privilege of authentic Nashville hot chicken.
2. Hattie B’s: Family Tradition With Modern Flair
My first bite at Hattie B’s literally brought tears to my eyes—partly from the heat, mostly from joy. The Bishop family created something magical when they opened their doors in 2012, quickly becoming a statewide sensation with locations from Nashville to Memphis.
What makes Hattie B’s special is their heat scale that welcomes everyone. ‘Southern’ has no heat for beginners while ‘Shut the Cluck Up’ challenges even the bravest spice warriors.
Their perfectly crunchy crust paired with impossibly juicy meat creates an irresistible combination. Don’t skip their banana pudding—it’s the perfect cool-down after their fiery chicken.
3. Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken: Memphis Magic
Walking into Gus’s feels like stepping into a time machine. The checkered tablecloths and simple decor hide the fact that you’re about to experience chicken that’s changed very little since Na and Napoleon Bonner perfected their recipe in the 1950s.
Unlike Nashville’s cayenne-forward approach, Gus’s secret is a peppery batter that creates a thin, impossibly crisp shell around some of the juiciest chicken you’ll ever taste. The spice builds slowly, warming rather than burning.
Tennesseans pack the original Memphis location and newer spots across the state for that distinctive flavor that’s spawned imitators but never equals.
4. Champy’s Famous Fried Chicken: Mississippi Delta Meets Tennessee
Champy’s grabbed my heart the moment I bit into their Mississippi Delta-style chicken while blues music played in the background. Founded in Chattanooga and now with locations across Tennessee, they’ve created the perfect laid-back chicken joint vibe.
Their chicken arrives fresh—never frozen—and is made to order, creating that perfect contrast between crackling skin and tender meat. The seasoning pays homage to chicken traditions from just across the state line.
Beyond incredible chicken, their homemade tamales are a surprising must-try. Tennesseans flock here for the complete package: great food, cold beer, and an atmosphere that feels like a backyard party with all your friends.
5. Waldo’s Chicken & Beer: The New Kid Making Waves
Confession time: I was skeptical about Waldo’s when they first opened. Could Tennessee really need another chicken joint? One bite of their Nashville Hottie sandwich convinced me the answer was a resounding yes!
Waldo’s brilliance lies in offering both southern fried AND fire-roasted chicken, catering to different cravings under one roof. Their scratch-made sides elevate the entire experience—the white cheddar mac and cheese haunts my dreams.
The casual, modern vibe with local craft beers on tap has quickly made Waldo’s a favorite gathering spot. Though newer to the scene, they’ve earned their place in Tennessee’s chicken pantheon through quality and innovation.
6. Bojangles: Southern Sunrise Staple
Nothing beats a Bojangles biscuit and spicy chicken combo on an early Tennessee morning. This Carolina-born chain has become deeply woven into Tennessee’s daily routines, with loyal customers who swear by their distinctive seasoning blend.
Their cajun-inspired spices create a flavor profile entirely different from Nashville hot chicken, offering a tangy, zesty alternative that many locals crave. The chicken stays remarkably crispy even during busy lunch rushes.
What really sets Bojangles apart is their full breakfast menu featuring that famous chicken. Tennesseans start their days here, creating morning rituals around those perfectly flaky biscuits paired with crispy chicken that somehow tastes just as good at 7 AM as it does at 7 PM.
7. KFC: The Colonel’s Tennessee Connection
Most folks don’t realize the Colonel’s famous recipe has deep Tennessee roots! While KFC started in Kentucky, their pressure-cooking technique revolutionized fast food chicken right here in Nashville at one of their earliest locations.
Tennessee KFCs hold a special place in local hearts, often serving as community landmarks where families gather after Sunday services or team celebrations. The familiar red and white buckets are staples at Tennessee picnics and potlucks.
In recent years, they’ve embraced Tennessee’s hot chicken trend with spicier offerings that locals appreciate. When homesick Tennesseans find themselves far from home, that distinctive KFC aroma often triggers powerful memories of family gatherings around the Colonel’s original recipe.
8. Chester’s Chicken: Road Trip Revelation
I discovered Chester’s during a cross-state drive when hunger hit somewhere between Nashville and Knoxville. This gas station chicken changed my road trip philosophy forever—now I look forward to fuel stops!
Chester’s brilliance lies in consistency. Their double-breaded, pressure-fried technique creates chicken that stays remarkably crispy even when you’re munching it one-handed at 70 mph. The seasoning hits that perfect middle ground—flavorful without overwhelming.
Tennesseans have embraced these convenient locations as essential pit stops. There’s something uniquely satisfying about emerging from a travel center with that telltale red box, knowing good chicken awaits regardless of where you’re headed across the Volunteer State.
9. Dave’s Hot Chicken: California Cool Meets Tennessee Heat
The first time I tried Dave’s, I almost laughed at the irony—Californians teaching Tennesseans about Nashville hot chicken? That laughter stopped the moment I tasted their perfectly executed creation.
Founded by four friends in a parking lot, Dave’s skyrocketed to fame with a simple formula: incredibly juicy chicken, seven heat levels, and a few perfect sides. Their kale slaw provides a necessary cooldown between bites of their fiery tenders.
Tennessee locations constantly buzz with activity as locals embrace this West Coast interpretation of our hometown specialty. The modern, street-art filled spaces attract younger crowds looking for Instagram-worthy food that actually delivers on flavor beyond just looking pretty.
10. Grandy’s Country Cookin’: Comfort Beyond the Cluck
My grandmother first took me to Grandy’s after church one Sunday, and I’ve associated their chicken with family everings ever since. While flashier chains get more attention, Grandy’s quiet excellence has built a loyal Tennessee following.
Their chicken delivers old-school, homestyle goodness without pretension. The crust shatters perfectly with each bite, revealing juicy meat that tastes like it came straight from a family recipe book.
What truly sets Grandy’s apart is their sides—those rolls alone are worth the trip! Tennesseans appreciate their consistency and value, making this comfort food haven a regular stop for families seeking a meal that reminds them of Sunday dinners at grandma’s house.