11 Tennessee Fried Chicken Shacks Serving Sunday Plates Grandma Would Be Proud Of
Tennessee knows how to fry chicken right. From Nashville’s spicy hot chicken joints to Memphis soul food kitchens, the Volunteer State serves up crispy, juicy birds that taste like Sunday dinner at grandma’s house.
These family-owned shacks and beloved local spots have been perfecting their recipes for generations, creating plates that warm hearts and fill bellies across the state.
1. Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack, Nashville
Thornton Prince started this legendary spot back in the 1930s after his girlfriend got revenge by making his chicken extra spicy.
Turns out, that fiery mistake became Nashville’s most famous food export. The chicken here isn’t just hot, it’s scorching with cayenne paste that’ll make you sweat.
Real locals know to order with plenty of white bread and pickles to cool down between bites of pure perfection.
2. Bolton’s Famous Hot Chicken And Fish, Nashville
Bolton Matthews learned his craft from Prince’s family before opening his own joint in 1982.
His chicken packs serious heat levels from mild to “hot as fire,” but the secret lies in the perfect balance of spices. The crispy coating stays crunchy even under all that spicy oil.
Regulars swear by pairing the chicken with their creamy coleslaw and mac and cheese for the ultimate comfort meal experience.
3. Hattie B’s Hot Chicken, Nashville
Nick Bishop Jr. opened Hattie B’s in 2012, naming it after his great-grandmother who loved feeding people.
Their “Shut the Cluck Up” heat level isn’t joking around, but even beginners can enjoy the mild or medium options. The chicken arrives perfectly seasoned with sides like pimento mac and cheese.
Weekend lines stretch around the block, proving that sometimes newer spots can nail traditional flavors just right.
4. Monell’s, Nashville
Family-style dining reaches its peak at Monell’s, where strangers become friends over shared platters of golden fried chicken.
The servers keep bringing more food until everyone surrenders, including creamy mashed potatoes, green beans, and biscuits that melt in your mouth. Tables seat eight to ten people, creating a true community dining experience.
My cousin once counted fourteen different sides during one visit, though we stopped keeping track after the third helping.
5. Loveless Cafe, Nashville
Started as a roadhouse in 1951, Loveless Cafe still serves chicken the old-fashioned way with cast iron skillets and plenty of love.
Their famous biscuits come with homemade preserves, but the real star is that perfectly seasoned fried chicken with crispy skin. The country ham and red-eye gravy complete the authentic Southern experience.
Tour buses stop here regularly, but locals know to visit on weekday mornings for shorter waits.
6. Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken, Memphis
Napoleon Vanderbilt started frying chicken in Mason, Tennessee, before his recipe made its way to Memphis and beyond.
The chicken here is spicy but not overwhelming, with a secret blend that creates an addictive crust. Each piece comes out juicy inside with that signature reddish coating that sets Gus’s apart.
Their motto “World Famous Fried Chicken” isn’t empty bragging since they’ve expanded nationwide while keeping the original recipe intact.
7. Uncle Lou’s Fried Chicken, Memphis
Lou Martin opened his first location in 1992, bringing together Memphis soul food traditions with his own family recipes.
The chicken gets a special seasoning blend before hitting the fryer, creating layers of flavor that go beyond just crispy coating. Their catfish is equally famous, but the chicken remains the main attraction.
Local families have been coming here for Sunday dinners for over thirty years, creating generations of loyal customers.
8. The Four Way, Memphis
Cleotha and Irene Clemons opened this Soulsville institution in 1946, becoming a cornerstone of the community.
Their fried chicken recipe hasn’t changed in decades, featuring a simple but perfect seasoning that lets the chicken flavor shine through. The restaurant played host to Stax Records artists who needed good food during long recording sessions.
Music history and comfort food collide here, where every plate tells a story of Memphis culture.
9. Champy’s Famous Fried Chicken, Chattanooga
Champy’s brings Louisiana-style fried chicken to Tennessee with a recipe that balances spice and flavor perfectly.
Their chicken marinates overnight before getting coated in seasoned flour and fried to golden perfection. The heat level stays manageable while delivering complex flavors that keep customers coming back weekly.
Located in downtown Chattanooga, this spot attracts both locals and tourists who want authentic Southern comfort food without the fuss.
10. Mama’s Farmhouse, Pigeon Forge
All-you-can-eat fried chicken served family-style makes Mama’s Farmhouse a Smoky Mountain favorite for hungry families.
The servers keep bringing fresh platters of golden chicken along with mashed potatoes, green beans, and cornbread until everyone waves the white flag. Kids eat free with paying adults, making this a budget-friendly option for large groups.
After a day hiking in the mountains, nothing beats unlimited comfort food in a rustic farmhouse setting.
11. Mama’s Chicken Kitchen, Gatlinburg
Mountain comfort food reaches new heights at Mama’s Chicken Kitchen, where every piece of chicken gets hand-breaded and fried to order.
The restaurant sits in the heart of Gatlinburg, serving tourists and locals who crave homestyle cooking after exploring the Smokies. Their chicken and dumplings compete with the fried chicken for most popular menu item.
The portions here are generous enough to fuel another day of mountain adventures or shopping downtown.