Which Is Better – Hattie B’s or Prince’s Hot Chicken? A Nashville Foodie’s Perspective

Nashville hot chicken has taken the world by storm in recent years. The fiery, crispy fried chicken coated in a cayenne pepper paste has spawned passionate debates among foodies – especially when it comes to the OG Nashville hot chicken joints, Hattie B’s and Prince’s Hot Chicken. As a Nashville local and self-proclaimed hot chicken connoisseur, I’m here to settle the score on this burning question: which is better – Hattie B’s or Prince’s?

A Quick History of Hot Chicken in Nashville

Before we get to the Hattie B’s vs. Prince’s breakdown let’s do a quick history lesson. Hot chicken was born right here in Nashville way back in the 1930s. As legend goes, Thornton Prince came home late one night after a night of partying. His girlfriend fed up with his carousing, decided to teach him a lesson. She fried up some chicken using extra spices and peppers, thinking the intense heat would punish him. But Thornton loved it! Realizing he was onto something, Thornton opened up his own hot chicken restaurant called BBQ Chicken Shack – later renamed Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack.

Flash forward to the 2000s, and hot chicken was still mainly a local Nashville thing Then along came Hattie B’s, opened by Nick Bishop Jr in 2012. Hattie B’s made hot chicken trendy and helped introduce it to a mainstream audience. Soon, hot chicken restaurants started popping up across the country. But let’s get back to the originals.

Hattie B’s vs. Prince’s – Factors to Consider

I look at the following things when deciding which of Hattie B’s and Prince’s is better:

• Flavor – The most important element is simply – how does it taste? Whose recipe and seasoning blend creates the better flavor?

• Heat Levels – A key component of hot chicken is. the heat! Who offers the best range of spice levels?.

• Breading – The breading and crispiness factor matters too. Whose chicken comes out with the ideal crispy crunch?.

• Sides – Side dishes are crucial for a full hot chicken experience. Who wins on sides?

• Atmosphere – The vibe and dining experience count too. Which joint offers the quintessential Nashville hot chicken ambience?

• Consistency – With multiple locations, how consistent is the chicken at each?

• Prices – Who provides better value for your money?

With all those criteria in mind, let’s compare Hattie B’s and Prince’s head to head.

Hattie B’s Hot Chicken – A Modern Take on a Nashville Classic

Hattie B’s took Nashville by storm when it burst onto the scene in 2012, earning hour-long waits and legions of fans. Here’s what they’re all about:

Flavor

Hattie B’s has come up with a special seasoning mix that strikes a great balance between flavor and heat. You keep coming back for more because the taste is so good. It’s juicy and moist inside, and the skin is a little crispy on the outside.

Heat Levels

Hattie B’s offers six levels of spice – from southern (no heat) up to the fiery “Shut the Cluck Up!” They also let you order different heat levels for each piece of chicken in your meal, ideal for a group with varying tolerance.

Breading

The chicken is double breaded using a well-guarded proprietary technique. The result is a light, crunchy breading that adheres perfectly.

Sides

Along with classics like coleslaw and potato salad, they offer more indulgent sides like cheese grits, mac and cheese, and fried okra. The baked beans have a lovely smoky flavor.

Atmosphere

The bright, modern decor and young vibe creates a fun, laidback setting for enjoying this Nashville specialty. It’s a hip take on hot chicken.

Consistency

With 9 locations across 4 states, Hattie B’s has maintained consistency pretty impressively through strict quality control. Subtle variations can exist but overall it’s reliable.

Prices

Given the generous portion sizes and quality ingredients, Hattie B’s provides solid value. Meals range $11-$15.

Prince’s Hot Chicken – The OG Since 1945

Prince’s lays claim to starting Nashville’s hot chicken craze way back in the 1940s. Here’s what the original is all about:

Flavor

The signature blend of spices and cayenne pepper really shines through. Prince’s chicken packs some serious flavor punch. It has a distinct savory, peppery taste. The chicken is also on the drier side, so the spices absorb nicely.

Heat Levels

There are only 4 heat choices here – mild, medium, hot, and extra hot. Less range than Hattie’s but still enough to satisfy spice fiends.

Breading

The breading has a pleasing crunch but adheres a little less than Hattie B’s. The chicken can sometimes slip around when you bite into it. Still provides texture though.

Sides

Classic hot chicken side options like slaw, beans, fries and pickles. Not as indulgent as Hattie’s array of sides though.

Atmosphere

Stepping into Prince’s feels like going back in time. The no-frills digs overflow with character and nostalgia. A quintessential old-school Nashville vibe.

Consistency

With only 3 locations all in Nashville, Prince’s has less ground to cover. The chicken is fairly consistent but can vary slightly between individual cooks.

Prices

Surprisingly reasonable for the portion sizes. Chicken meals range $8 – $12. Cash only though – be prepared!

The Verdict – Hattie B’s Edges Out Prince’s

Let’s recap the tale of the tape:

• Flavor – While close, I give Hattie B’s seasoning blend the advantage. But you can’t go wrong with either.

• Heat – Hattie B’s wider range of heat levels wins out. Prince’s also brings serious spice though.

• Breading – Hattie’s double breading perfects the crunch factor.

• Sides – More variety and indulgence at Hattie B’s.

• Atmosphere – Both excel in different ways. Prince’s brings the history while Hattie’s delivers a hip, modern vibe. I call it a draw.

• Consistency – A slight edge to Prince’s smaller operation.

• Prices – Comparable value at both.

Adding it all up, I give the hot chicken crown to Hattie B’s by a wing and a prayer! The flavors, heat levels, sides, and breeading all come together for chicken perfection. That said, Prince’s will always have a special place in Nashville’s hot chicken loving heart for getting the craze started.

No matter your preference, you really can’t go wrong with either of these Nashville hot chicken institutions. Just be prepared for lines if you visit at peak times. Some final tips:

• For Hattie B’s, download their app to get in the virtual line before you arrive.

• Bring cash for Prince’s – they don’t accept credit cards.

• Come hungry, this chicken doesn’t mess around!

Whose Nashville hot chicken reigns supreme in your book – Hattie B’s or Prince’s? Let the hot chicken debate rage on!