These 17 Tennessee Fried Chicken Spots Are Still Flying Under The Radar

Tennessee may be famous for fried chicken, but the true treasures lie in the corners most visitors never stumble upon. After years tracking down the crispiest, juiciest bites across the state, I’ve discovered that the most unforgettable plates hide in plain sight.

From Memphis kitchens crafting wings with a crackling, golden crust to Nashville spots serving up fiery hot chicken that dances on the tongue, these under-the-radar gems are where the state’s fried chicken magic truly comes alive.

1. Uncle Lou’s Fried Chicken

Walking into Uncle Lou’s feels like stepping into a Memphis legend that somehow stayed humble. The chicken here isn’t just fried—it’s baptized in a tangy, sweet sauce that locals guard like a family secret.

Every piece comes out shatteringly crisp, then gets drenched in that signature glaze that’s equal parts sweet, spicy, and absolutely addictive.

You’ll find this gem tucked away at 3633 Millbranch Road in Memphis, and trust me, it’s worth the trip. The wings are my personal obsession, but the tenders and thighs hold their own too.

Uncle Lou’s has been feeding the community for decades, and somehow, it still flies under the radar for most visitors.

Grab extra napkins—you’re going to need them. The sauce situation here is messy in the best possible way, and you’ll be licking your fingers long after the last bite.

2. Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken

Despite the “world famous” tag, Gus’s original Memphis location still feels like a well-kept secret compared to its franchise siblings. This place pioneered the spicy, peppery style that so many others try to copy, and the original recipe hasn’t changed since 1953.

Each piece arrives with a crackling crust that’s been seasoned with just enough cayenne to wake up your taste buds without setting your mouth on fire.

The downtown Memphis spot sits at 310 South Front Street, right where it all began. I always go for the half chicken, which gives you a perfect mix of white and dark meat, all equally crispy and flavorful.

The sides are solid too, but honestly, the chicken is the real star here.

Gus’s proves that sometimes simple is best—just perfectly fried chicken with a kick that keeps you coming back.

3. Jack Pirtle’s Chicken

Jack Pirtle’s is a Memphis institution that’s been quietly serving up some of the crunchiest chicken in town since the 1960s. The breading here has this almost shaggy texture that creates extra nooks and crannies for maximum crispiness.

It’s not hot chicken, it’s not saucy—it’s just old-school Southern fried chicken done exactly right, with a golden crust that stays crunchy even after it cools down a bit.

You can find multiple locations around Memphis, but the original vibe lives on at 1217 Union Avenue. The chicken is always fresh, never greasy, and packed with flavor that doesn’t rely on gimmicks or trendy spice levels.

Their sweet tea is dangerously good too, which makes the whole meal even better.

This is the kind of place where regulars have been coming for generations, and once you try it, you’ll understand why loyalty runs deep.

4. Dixie Queen

Dixie Queen has been a Memphis staple since 1946, and somehow it still manages to stay under most food tourists’ radar. This no-frills spot focuses on doing one thing exceptionally well: frying chicken until it’s golden, juicy, and perfectly seasoned.

The crust has a light, delicate crunch that doesn’t overpower the tender, flavorful meat underneath, and every bite tastes like comfort food at its finest.

Located at 2175 Lamar Avenue in Memphis, Dixie Queen keeps things simple with a straightforward menu and zero pretension. I love ordering a few pieces with their homemade sides, especially the coleslaw and beans.

The atmosphere is old-school diner all the way, which only adds to the charm.

If you’re hunting for authentic Memphis fried chicken without the hype or the wait, Dixie Queen delivers every single time without fail.

5. Bolton’s Famous Hot Chicken & Fish

Bolton’s doesn’t mess around when it comes to heat, and that’s exactly why it’s earned such a devoted following among Nashville locals. The hot chicken here comes in multiple spice levels, but even the mild packs a punch that’ll make you reach for your drink.

Each piece is fried to crispy perfection, then dusted with a fiery spice blend that builds slowly, leaving a lingering warmth that’s somehow addictive rather than painful.

The original location at 624 Main Street in Nashville has that authentic, no-frills vibe that makes the experience feel genuine. I always order the hot fish too, which is criminally underrated and just as delicious as the chicken.

Bolton’s has been feeding Nashville since the 1940s, and the family recipes haven’t changed one bit.

Bring your appetite and your courage—this chicken will test your limits and reward your bravery with unforgettable flavor.

6. 400 Degrees Hot Chicken

Named after the perfect frying temperature, 400 Degrees brings serious heat with a side of Nashville soul. The chicken here gets a double dose of flavor: first from the perfectly seasoned breading, then from the cayenne-based paste that gets slathered on right after frying.

It’s messy, it’s spicy, and it’s absolutely worth the inevitable sweat session that follows.

You’ll find this spot at 1716 Division Street in Nashville, right in the heart of the city’s food scene. The tenders are my go-to order, especially at the medium-hot level, which gives you serious spice without completely destroying your palate.

They also serve the chicken on white bread with pickles, keeping it traditional and letting the chicken shine.

Fair warning: the heat here is no joke, but if you can handle it, you’re in for one of Nashville’s best-kept hot chicken secrets.

7. Pepperfire Hot Chicken

Pepperfire takes the Nashville hot chicken tradition and cranks up both the flavor and the fire to impressive levels. The breading here has this incredible texture—super crunchy on the outside while staying juicy inside—and the spice blend they use has layers of complexity beyond just pure heat.

Even their mild option has more kick than most places’ medium, so calibrate your expectations accordingly before ordering.

Located at 2821 Gallatin Pike in Nashville, Pepperfire has become a local favorite for those who want their hot chicken done right. The wings are particularly fantastic, with just the right meat-to-crust ratio that makes every bite satisfying.

I appreciate that they don’t skimp on the spice coating, giving you that authentic Nashville experience.

The staff here knows their stuff and will happily guide you toward the right heat level for your tolerance, which I always appreciate when I’m bringing friends.

8. BJ Hot Chicken

BJ Hot Chicken flies so far under the radar that even some Nashville natives haven’t discovered it yet, which is honestly criminal. This tiny spot serves up some of the most flavorful hot chicken in the city, with a spice blend that tastes like it’s been perfected over decades of trial and error.

The chicken itself is always fresh, never dry, and the heat level is customizable enough to satisfy both beginners and spice veterans alike.

You’ll find this hidden gem at 3703 Clarksville Pike in Nashville, tucked away in a strip mall that’s easy to miss. The portions are generous, the prices are fair, and the chicken delivers every single time without exception.

I’m particularly fond of their chicken sandwich, which comes piled high with crispy, spicy chicken and just enough pickles to cut through the heat.

This is the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve discovered something special that you want to keep secret but also can’t stop talking about.

9. Helen’s Hot Chicken

Helen’s brings a woman’s touch to Nashville’s hot chicken scene, and the difference shows in every carefully prepared piece. The chicken here is tender, juicy, and fried to golden perfection before getting its signature spice treatment.

What sets Helen’s apart is the balance—the heat is present and building, but it never overwhelms the actual flavor of the chicken, which is surprisingly rare in the hot chicken world.

Located at 2911 Whites Creek Pike in Nashville, Helen’s has been quietly serving some of the city’s best hot chicken for years. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, making it a great spot for both hot chicken newbies and seasoned veterans.

I always order a mix of white and dark meat to get the full experience, and the sides here are legitimately good too.

Helen’s proves that hot chicken doesn’t have to be a macho endurance test—it can just be delicious food that happens to have some serious kick.

10. Kennedy Fried Chicken

Kennedy Fried Chicken in Madison serves up New York-style fried chicken with a Tennessee twist, creating something unique that you won’t find anywhere else in the state. The chicken here is always hot, fresh, and incredibly crispy, with a seasoning blend that’s more savory than spicy but packed with flavor.

It’s the kind of place where locals stop by for a quick lunch or dinner and leave completely satisfied every single time.

You’ll find this spot at 1916 Gallatin Pike North in Madison, just outside Nashville proper. The menu is surprisingly extensive, but the fried chicken is definitely the star attraction that keeps people coming back.

I love that you can get individual pieces or full meals, and the prices are more than reasonable for the quality you’re getting.

Kennedy’s might not have the name recognition of some other spots, but it’s been consistently delivering great fried chicken to the community for years without any fanfare.

11. Champy’s World Famous Fried Chicken

Champy’s claims world fame, but in Chattanooga, it still feels like a beloved local secret that hasn’t blown up nationally yet. The chicken here is brined for hours before frying, which creates incredibly juicy meat that stays moist even with the super-crispy coating.

They offer both regular and hot chicken options, and honestly, both are exceptional in their own ways, making it hard to pick a favorite.

Located at 5912 Brainerd Road in Chattanooga, Champy’s has been perfecting their recipe since 2012 and it shows. The atmosphere is casual and family-friendly, with a full bar and plenty of seating for groups.

I’m obsessed with their chicken wings, which might be the best in East Tennessee, and the homemade sides are way better than your typical fried chicken joint fare.

Champy’s is proof that Chattanooga deserves more recognition in Tennessee’s fried chicken conversation, and this place leads that charge beautifully.

12. The Flaming Rooster

The Flaming Rooster brings Nashville-style hot chicken to Chattanooga with serious authenticity and even more serious heat. Each piece of chicken gets fried until it’s perfectly crispy, then coated in a cayenne-based oil that ranges from pleasantly spicy to absolutely punishing, depending on your courage level.

The chicken itself is always tender and flavorful, which is important because it’s easy to hide mediocre chicken under a mountain of spice.

You’ll find this fiery spot at 1025 Riverfront Parkway in Chattanooga, right along the riverfront with great views. The menu keeps it simple, focusing on doing hot chicken right rather than trying to be everything to everyone.

I usually go for the medium heat, which gives you plenty of flavor and spice without completely destroying your taste buds for the rest of the day.

The Flaming Rooster is Chattanooga’s answer to Nashville’s hot chicken scene, and it holds its own remarkably well against the capital city’s best offerings.

13. Jackie’s Dream

Jackie’s Dream has been serving Knoxville’s soul food community since 1989, and their fried chicken remains one of the city’s best-kept culinary secrets. The chicken here is seasoned with a blend of spices that tastes like it came straight from somebody’s grandmother’s kitchen, then fried until the coating is golden and impossibly crunchy.

Every piece comes out hot, fresh, and packed with the kind of flavor that makes you understand why people drive across town for it.

Located at 1708 McCalla Avenue in Knoxville, Jackie’s Dream feels like stepping into someone’s home kitchen rather than a restaurant. The portions are generous, the sides are homemade, and everything tastes like it was made with genuine care and attention.

I always order extra pieces to take home because this chicken is just as good cold the next day.

This is authentic Knoxville soul food at its finest, and Jackie’s Dream deserves way more recognition than it currently gets from food lovers statewide.

14. Myrtle’s Chicken + Beer

Myrtle’s brings a modern twist to classic fried chicken, pairing perfectly crispy bird with an impressive craft beer selection that elevates the whole experience. The chicken here is brined and seasoned before frying, creating meat that’s juicy and flavorful under a coating that stays crunchy bite after bite.

They offer several different styles, from classic Southern to Nashville hot, and honestly, I haven’t found one that disappoints yet.

You’ll find Myrtle’s at 115 South Central Street in Knoxville’s downtown area, making it a perfect stop after exploring the city. The vibe is casual and contemporary, with a full bar and plenty of beer options to help cool down the heat if you go for the spicy varieties.

The chicken sandwich here is legitimately one of the best I’ve had anywhere in Tennessee, piled high with crispy chicken and just the right toppings.

Myrtle’s proves that fried chicken can be both traditional and innovative, and Knoxville is lucky to have this gem in its dining scene.

15. Brooks Shaw’s Old Country Store

Brooks Shaw’s Old Country Store is part restaurant, part throwback to simpler times, and entirely devoted to serving up honest Southern cooking. The fried chicken here is made the old-fashioned way, with a simple seasoned flour coating that lets the quality of the chicken shine through.

It’s not trendy, it’s not trying to be the spiciest or the crunchiest—it’s just really, really good fried chicken that tastes like Sunday dinner at grandma’s house.

Located at 56 Casey Jones Lane in Jackson, Brooks Shaw’s is also home to a country store filled with nostalgic candy, gifts, and memorabilia. The buffet-style service means you can try a little bit of everything, though the fried chicken is definitely the highlight that deserves your full attention.

The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, making it a great spot for families and anyone craving authentic Southern hospitality.

This is Tennessee comfort food at its most genuine, served with a side of nostalgia that makes the whole experience even more special and memorable.

16. ChickFish

ChickFish brings a unique concept to Clarksville, specializing in both fried chicken and fried fish with equal dedication and skill. The chicken here is always fresh, never frozen, and fried to order in a coating that’s perfectly seasoned and incredibly crispy.

What I love about ChickFish is their commitment to quality—every piece is cooked just right, with juicy meat and a golden crust that doesn’t get soggy even after the ride home.

You’ll find this spot at 2820 Wilma Rudolph Boulevard in Clarksville, serving up some of the best fried chicken in this often-overlooked Tennessee city. The menu offers plenty of variety, but the classic fried chicken is where they really shine brightest.

The portions are generous, the prices are reasonable, and the staff is always friendly and helpful with recommendations.

ChickFish might not have the decades of history that some other spots boast, but they’re building a loyal following by consistently delivering excellent fried chicken every single time without fail.

17. Jack Pirtle’s Chicken

This second Jack Pirtle’s location on Jackson Avenue deserves its own mention because it represents the enduring legacy of one of Memphis’s most beloved fried chicken chains. The same shaggy, extra-crispy coating that made the original famous is alive and well here, with chicken that’s consistently fresh, hot, and perfectly fried.

Every piece has that signature crunch that stays satisfying from the first bite to the last, proving that quality and consistency can coexist beautifully.

Located at 5600 Jackson Avenue in Memphis, this location serves the same great chicken that’s been a Memphis staple for decades. The drive-through is always busy, which tells you everything you need to know about how locals feel about this place.

I love that you can get a quick meal here without sacrificing quality or flavor, making it perfect for those days when you need great fried chicken fast.

Jack Pirtle’s Jackson Avenue location shows that sometimes the best food comes from places that have been doing one thing exceptionally well for generations without changing or chasing trends.