NEW JERSEY -  The Garden State is known for its verdant landscapes, vibrant cities, and diverse culinary scene. Among its offerings, hot chicken has taken the state by storm, with restaurants offering their unique takes on the fiery Nashville-style dish. But with so many options, where does one begin the search for the best?

The Hottest Pursuit: Unveiling the Best Hot Chicken in New Jersey

This article explores some of the top contenders for the title "New Jersey's Best Hot Chicken,"  categorized by region for your convenience. Buckle up, spice lovers, because we'll embark on a fiery journey!

North Jersey:

  • Birdies Hot Chicken (Parsippany-Troy Hills): This restaurant has a near-perfect rating and rave reviews, such as "Best hot chicken for sure!" Birdies offer a classic Nashville-style experience with customizable heat levels.
  • The House of Hot Chicken (Jersey City): This Jersey City gem serves up "one of the best hot chicken sandwiches I've ever had," according to a satisfied customer. Their menu features various chicken dishes and sides, perfect for a satisfying meal.
  • Rooster's Nashville Hot Chicken (Montclair): With the claim of "probably the best chicken I ever had in my life!" Roosters offers a compelling option for Montclair residents and visitors alike.
  • Ara's Hot Chicken (Highland Park): This Halal spot caters to a broader audience, offering delicious hot chicken while adhering to dietary restrictions.
  • HCK Hot Chicken (Paramus): While not quite at the top of the rankings, HCK provides a "pretty good hot chicken" option for those in the Paramus area.

Central Jersey:

  • Good Chicken (Montclair): This spot may not be strictly hot chicken, but their Korean-style fried chicken has earned the title of "the best Korean fried chicken I've ever had" from a happy customer.

South Jersey:

  • Fluffies Hot Chicken - Hackensack: Deemed "easily one of the best hot chicken spots around," Fluffies boasts a high rating and positive reviews, making it a must-try for South Jersey hot chicken enthusiasts.
  • Henri's Hotts Barbeque (Hammonton): While not strictly hot chicken, Henri's offers "the best-fried chicken in New Jersey," according to some, making it a worthy detour for those who appreciate good fried chicken, regardless of spice level.
  • Crown Fried Chicken (Haddon Township & Burlington): This fast-food chain offers a reliable and affordable option for those seeking classic fried chicken, with some customers claiming it to be "the best chicken."
  • Dave's Hot Chicken (Ocean Township): This national chain provides a consistent hot chicken experience, earning the title of "best hot chicken sandwich around" by a satisfied customer.

Additional Options:

  • Simply Fowl (Cherry Hill): While not strictly hot chicken, Simply Fowl offers classic fried chicken with a "slightly spicy buffalo sauce" that might satisfy mild spice cravings.
  • Galore Fried Chicken & Pizza (Somerset): This dual-concept restaurant offers pizza alongside its fried chicken, and according to some, Galore boasts "the best fried chicken."
  • Jersey Fried Chicken (Newark): This Newark institution serves affordable fried chicken, with some claiming it to be "some of the best fried chicken you can get!"
  • Bb. q Chicken H-Mart Paramus: This Korean chain offers various fried chicken options, including a "hot & spicy" variety that has been praised as "the best."
  • Cayenne Nashville Hot Chicken (Denville & Newark): These two locations offer Nashville-style hot chicken, with the Denville location having a lower rating than the Newark location, which boasts a perfect score but only one review.

The quest for the "best" hot chicken is subjective, depending on individual preferences for flavor, spice level, and atmosphere. This list provides a starting point for your exploration, encouraging you to discover your favorite. So, grab some napkins, gather your spice-loving companions, and embark on a fiery adventure to find New Jersey's best hot chicken!