a hot chicken

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a hot chicken" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where "hot" refers to spiciness or temperature of the chicken, or in slang to describe an attractive person. Example: "I ordered a hot chicken sandwich for lunch, and it was deliciously spicy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

No one had a hot chicken, though.

The Economist

We've got a hot chicken date.

The Guardian - Travel

They're not busy serving you a hot chicken sandwich at 30,000 feet.

The New York Times

Serve over a piece of plain, steamed or grilled white fish or a hot chicken salad.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I vividly recall a cold, grainy heap of foie-gras powder on one side of a soup bowl that contained a hot chicken consommé.

The New York Times - Magazine

Hollis, naturally, has a pastrami sandwich with chips, and is insisting we go to Hattie B's straight after for a hot chicken chaser - Prince's is the oldest, Hattie B's is the best, apparently.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Other worthwhile entrees were gulnar jalpari, or catfish sautéed in garlic and served with a coconut pepper sauce; a very hot chicken vindaloo, redolent of cilantro; and the biryani, which we had with vegetables but which can also be cooked with lamb, goat, chicken or shrimp.

The New York Times

A local Nashville hot chicken truck opens a shop in Chinatown.

Los Angeles Times

Place 3 kreplach in a bowl of hot chicken broth and serve garnish with a pinch of fresh dill.

WikiHow

Reduce heat to low. 4. Place 3/4 cup avgolemono in a stainless-steel bowl and slowly whisk in a ladle of hot chicken stock from the pot.

The New York Times - Magazine

@savoryexposure has chosen an early dinner for us, at Prince's, a popular "Nashville hot chicken" joint in the north of the city.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to Nashville-style chicken, ensure you're clear about the level of spiciness, as "hot chicken" specifically refers to a very spicy preparation. If not spicy, consider "warm chicken" or "freshly cooked chicken".

Common error

Avoid using "hot chicken" to simply mean chicken that is warm in temperature. The term often implies a specific preparation with significant spiciness, especially in regions familiar with Nashville hot chicken. Using it to mean simply warm can cause confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a hot chicken" functions primarily as a noun phrase with an adjective modifying the noun. The adjective "hot" typically refers to the spiciness of the chicken, although it can also refer to its temperature. The use of article "a" before hot chicken indicates a single serving or instance of it, as seen in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a hot chicken" is a common phrase used to describe chicken that is spicy, often referring to the Nashville hot chicken style. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently encountered in the context of news and media, especially when discussing food and restaurants. When using this phrase, be mindful of the specific meaning, as "hot" typically denotes spiciness rather than temperature. If you need alternatives, consider "spicy chicken" or "freshly cooked chicken" depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spicy chicken

Focuses on the spiciness aspect, removing the temperature connotation.

hot and spicy chicken

Combines both temperature and spiciness.

freshly cooked chicken

Emphasizes the recent cooking, highlighting the temperature aspect.

warm chicken

A less intense way of describing the chicken's temperature.

chicken with heat

Highlights the spicy flavor profile using the word "heat".

chicken with spice

Similar to spicy chicken, emphasizing the flavor.

fresh off the grill chicken

Specifies the method of cooking and implies heat.

just cooked chicken

Highlights the immediacy of cooking, implying it's hot.

hot chicken dish

Focuses on the entire dish being hot, not just the chicken.

freshly prepared chicken

Highlights the freshness of the dish.

FAQs

What is Nashville hot chicken?

Nashville hot chicken is a specific type of fried chicken that is heavily spiced with cayenne pepper and other spices. It's a regional specialty known for its intense heat and is typically served on white bread with pickles.

How spicy is "a hot chicken"?

The spiciness of "a hot chicken" can vary, but it generally refers to chicken with a significant level of heat, often from cayenne pepper or other chili peppers. When referring to Nashville style hot chicken, it indicates an intense level of spiciness.

What can I serve with "a hot chicken"?

Common side dishes for "a hot chicken" include coleslaw, macaroni and cheese, potato salad, and pickles. These sides help to balance the spiciness of the chicken.

Is it correct to say "a hot chicken" or should it be "hot chicken"?

Both are correct depending on the context. "Hot chicken" is often used as a general term for the dish. However, "a hot chicken" is grammatically correct when referring to a single serving or piece of hot chicken.