Dave’s Hot Chicken
Calling these Nashville hot chicken sandwiches sliders is a misnomer; one is plenty big enough to satisfy average appetites. Spiced to order with six proprietary seasoning blends from Lite Mild to waiver-required Reaper, that may be all your tastebuds can handle anyway. 530 Massachusetts Ave., 317-285-0200, daveshotchicken.com
Naptown Hot Chicken
The secret’s in the sauce at this Circle Centre Mall newcomer—five sauces, actually, ranging from Nap Sweet to a Heat River “drip” that comes with a burn warning. Most first-timers opt for the middle-of-the-road Naptown Hot on sandwiches cooled down with creamy coleslaw. 49 W. Maryland St., 317-974-9251, naptownhotchicken.com
Chicken Scratch
Chef Tia’s signature honey hot chicken club sandwich with pepper jack, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and Cajun aioli skillfully tempers heat with sweet. Or, what the heck, go all-in with the mango habanero sauce. 5308 N. Keystone Ave., 317-426-3457, orderchickenscratch.com
Joella’s Hot Chicken
It only makes sense that the seven circles of heat on Joella’s classic chicken sandwiches and Lil’ Sammie sliders culminate in an inferno-level “Fire In Da Hole” made with Carolina Reaper. If you want to try it, you’ll have to sign a waiver. Southern-style sweet tea helps put out the flames. Sort of. Several locations, joellas.com
Big Lug Canteen
This classic Nashville-style hot chicken sandwich arrives on the plate loaded up with pickles, romaine, and green goddess dressing atop a soft brioche knot bun. You can opt for the mild version, but really, why would you? 1435 E. 86th St., 317-672-3503, biglugcanteen.com
World Famous Hotboys
Blazing onto the Fountain Square scene in the former Peppy Grill digs, this Oakland, California–based chain lays down a spicy base for its “sandos” by dusting boneless halal chicken thighs in cayenne, then frying and dressing them with sauce, coleslaw, and pickles. 1004 Virginia Ave., worldfamoushotboys.com
