I went for a second time to Hattie B’s, reportedly one of the premier places to get hot chicken in Nashville. For the uninformed, hot chicken is fried chicken that has spices on it that range from mild to rectally scarring (or at least that’s the way I understand it).

I started my hot chicken journey a couple of years back with a trip to Big Shakes, where I ordered the cry-baby version. No, I did not make that up. Yes, it was still hot enough to make me sweat.

This time, I upgraded from mild to medium.

I don’t foresee myself ever going any higher.

That’s about my limit for spiciness where you can still taste what you’re eating. And yes, it was goooooooood.

My next quest for hot chicken to complete the trifecta is Prince’s Hot Chicken on Nolensville Rd.

If you decided to try hot chicken for the first time, I recommend starting off on the low-end, unless you already know you’re a fan of the spicy. I also suggest making sure you have plenty of beverage handy. And napkins. And bread, if you can get it.

I give Hattie B’s two hot thumbs way up. Now all I need is the t-shirt that says, “I ate hot chicken at Hattie B’s and all I got was this lousy t-shirt (and a good meal).”