Hot chicken — it’s the spicy new trend taking over the Farm-To-Fork Capital’s taste buds, including ours. The specialty from Nashville is recognizable for its fiery red color and Scovillian kick.
To that end, we sweated and cried our way across the area to bring you five hot chicken spots to try.
🍗 Nash and Proper , 1023 K St., Sacramento
Serving hungry Sacramentans since 2018, the signature “Sammich” (a fried boneless chicken thigh topped with coleslaw, “fuego sauce,” and pickles on a bun) is delicious — whether from the Downtown restaurant or its food truck.
🍗 Roostarz Hot Chicken , 10750 Olson Dr., Rancho Cordova
Billing itself as “Nashville-style hot chicken with a California twist,” our favorite dish has to be the Mac-N-Rooz — an order of fries with chopped chicken tenders, smothered in mac ‘n’ cheese.
🍗 Bawk! by Urban Roots , 1409 R St., Ste. 102, Sacramento
Sip on some locally-brewed beers while you chow down on a Fried Chicken BLT for lunch.
🍗 World Famous Hot Boys , 1115 21st St., Sacramento
This Oakland-originating spot uses 100% halal chicken and let’s you select between light or dark meat. Try an Angry Bonut for dessert — a donut with a spice level of your choosing.
🍗 Kiki’s Chicken Place , Various locations
You’ll find this franchise dotted across the Sacramento area — which is great for City Editor Jordan, who is obsessed with Kiki’s Fries. Fried chicken, mozzarella, buffalo sauce, blue cheese, and ranch make them his ultimate “I’ve had a long day” comfort food.
Did we miss your favorite place? Let us know .