Crimson Coward and Hangry Joe’s are two growing Nashville hot chicken chains in the US, and on paper they look alike: crispy chicken, a heat scale from zero to dangerous, sandwiches, tenders and wings. The big difference is halal. Crimson Coward is 100% halal at every location, while Hangry Joe’s says most, but not all, of its stores are halal-certified. If that matters to you, Crimson Coward is the easy pick. Here’s the full comparison.
Disclosure: the author provides business services to Crimson Coward.
Quick Verdict
Our pick: Crimson Coward. It’s halal at every location with no exceptions, it uses fresh, never-frozen chicken, and every one of its five heat levels works on every item. Hangry Joe’s is a solid hot chicken spot with a bigger menu of extras, but you may need to check halal status store by store.
Crimson Coward vs Hangry Joe’s at a Glance
| Crimson Coward | Hangry Joe’s | |
|---|---|---|
| Halal | 100% halal, every item, every location | Most stores halal-certified; some items (like wings) may not be |
| Chicken | Fresh never frozen, non-GMO, no hormones or antibiotics | Fried in 100% soybean oil (per its FAQ) |
| Heat levels | 5: Country to Burrrrn, Baby, Burn | 6: No Seasoning to Angry Hot (waiver) |
| Signature item | The Crimson sandwich | Nashville-style Hot Chicken Sando |
| Beyond chicken | sNash smash burgers, Cheez Nugs (mozzarella), loaded fries | Okra, waffle fries, milkshakes |
| Where | 20+ locations in CA, TX, VA, MD, WA and DE | Franchise locations in many states |
Hangry Joe’s details are from its official website and FAQ, checked October 2026.
Halal: The Deciding Difference
This is where the two chains split. Hangry Joe’s FAQ says: “most Hangry Joe’s are HALAL-certified but some may not be due to current supply chains,” and notes that at some stores the wings “may not be HALAL because they are locally sourced.” It recommends checking with a manager before ordering.
That’s an honest answer, but it puts the work on you. Crimson Coward takes the opposite approach: the whole menu is halal at every location, from the sandwiches and Nashville hot wings to the sides. There’s no list of exceptions and no need to ask at the counter. For Muslim diners, or anyone ordering for a group that includes them, that consistency is the main reason to choose Crimson Coward.
Chicken Quality and Flavor
Crimson Coward is unusually specific about its chicken: it’s fresh, never-frozen chicken, non-GMO, raised without hormones or antibiotics, and sourced through a direct relationship with the farmer. Its Crimson Rub goes on 24 hours before cooking, so the seasoning gets into the meat rather than sitting only in the crust. That’s why even the no-heat Country level still tastes like Nashville hot chicken.
Hangry Joe’s is known for a crunchy, saucy style and a fun, loud brand. Its sando (chicken breast, special sauce, pickles and cider slaw on brioche) has a strong following. If you just want a big, messy hot chicken sandwich, both deliver. If you care about where the bird comes from, Crimson Coward gives you more to go on.
Heat Levels
Hangry Joe’s runs six levels: No Seasoning, No Heat, Mild, Medium, Hot and Angry Hot, which requires a signed waiver. Crimson Coward keeps it to five heat levels: Country (no heat), Mild, Medium, Hot and Burrrrn, Baby, Burn.
Fewer levels doesn’t mean less heat. Burrrrn, Baby, Burn is built as a challenge level, and Crimson Coward lets you put any heat on any item, including the Nashville hot chicken tenders, wings, hot chicken sliders and chicken and waffles. First timers should start at Medium at either chain.
Menu
Both chains cover the hot chicken basics: sandwiches, tenders, wings, nuggets and chicken and waffles. Hangry Joe’s adds Southern touches like fried okra and milkshakes. Crimson Coward’s extras lean more creative: Joey-Eat-Fries (chopped hot chicken, sauce, slaw and pickles over fries), Crimson Nugs, a Crimson Burrito, a Garlic Twister wrap and sNash smash burgers for the beef crowd. Sides include mac and cheese, fried pickles, potato salad and the battered Crimson Onion.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Choose Crimson Coward if you want guaranteed halal, better-documented chicken and a menu with more creative hot chicken dishes.
- Choose Hangry Joe’s if there’s one close to you and halal isn’t a concern, or you’re craving okra and a milkshake with your sando.
For most people comparing the two, especially anyone who eats halal, Crimson Coward is the better all-round choice. Find your nearest one on the Crimson Coward locations page. For more options, see our guide to the best Nashville hot chicken in the USA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hangry Joe’s halal?
Partly. Hangry Joe’s FAQ says most of its stores are halal-certified but some may not be, and that wings at some stores may not be halal because they are sourced locally. It advises checking with a manager before ordering.
Is Crimson Coward halal?
Yes. Crimson Coward is 100% halal at every location, and every item on the menu is halal.
Which is spicier, Crimson Coward or Hangry Joe’s?
Both go very hot. Hangry Joe’s top level, Angry Hot, requires a waiver. Crimson Coward’s hottest level is Burrrrn, Baby, Burn. Most people should start at Medium at either chain.
Does Crimson Coward use fresh chicken?
Yes. Crimson Coward uses fresh, never-frozen, non-GMO chicken raised without hormones or antibiotics, seasoned with its Crimson Rub 24 hours before cooking.