These are the best places to get hot chicken in Albuquerque

Andy Glickman Andy Glickman Andy Glickman Special to the Journal

Published August 12, 2024 - 9:14 a.m. Modified August 12, 2024 - 9:14 a.m.

If you love hot chicken and we mean the kind that really makes your mouth burn, you've got a lot of options to pick from now in Albuquerque.

Here the best places to get hot chicken in Albuquerque, according to online reviews.

Chile Chicken Nashville

Address: 3005 Eubank Blvd NE

Hours: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Daily

Website:https://www.chilechicken.com/

Phone: (505) 293-1700

Chile Chicken definitely delivers on variety – not only in terms of menu items but in terms of the spice itself. They have six levels of heat for all of their chicken items, including their popular chicken sandwich, chicken and waffles, or a la carte chicken pieces. And if your mouth is really cluckin’ hot (their hottest level) after the meal, try to cool it down with some banana pudding for dessert.

Nexus Brewery

Address: 4730 Pan American Fwy NE Suite D

Hours: Sunday - Thursday 11 a.m. - 8:30 p.m., Friday & Saturday 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Website:https://restaurant.nexusbrewery.com/

Phone: (505) 242-4100

Nexus provides what they refer to as New Mexican Soul food. That means traditional favorites like catfish and gumbo, but also cajun chicken chicharrones and spice chicken wings or tenders. It all delivers a kick that leaves you drinking copious amounts of water (or beer, as Nexus would prefer it) before consuming more. Diners are amazed at how the great flavor can fight its way through the intense heat.

kūKri

Address: 505 Central Ave NW

Hours: Sunday – Wednesday 11 a.m. - 9 p.m., Thursday – Saturday 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Website:https://www.kukriabq.com/

Phone: (505) 582-8891

kuKri is hailed by many locals as the go-to place for hot chicken, whether in sandwich form or chicken tenders or wings. However you get your hot on, it’s a good idea to complement it with a soothing side dish or beverage. Also, don’t be fooled by the name: the Tikka fries are not just a side order to go with a sandwich. They are a meal unto themselves, and they definitely bring the heat as well.

Frank’s Famous Chicken & Waffles

Address: 400 Washington St SE

Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Website:https://www.franksfamouschickenandwaffles.com/

Phone: (505) 261-9458

Frank’s has developed the reputation as the go-to place for chicken and waffles in the Albuquerque area, but they’re so much more than that. Their wings come in a variety of flavors and heats, but the Nashville Hot seems to be the favorite. Also, enjoy most any dish smothered in Muddy Waters gravy.

Wing It Up

Address: 317 Gold Ave SW

Hours: Monday – Friday 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., Sunday 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Website:https://wingitupllc.com/

Phone: (505) 314-6119

Wing It Up started as a food truck and graduated to a restaurant when they realized they had a good thing going (and could afford it, of course). Being in a brick and mortar has allowed them to expand their menu to go well beyond wings and provide a variety of sauces and rubs, ranging in hotness from one flame to four. The Wing It Up Secret Rub is the one that gets mentioned around town the most.