Tennessee-based Weigel’s is rolling out its new Knoxville Hot Dippin’ Chicken, according to a press release sent to NACS. Described as “hand-battered, double-dipped and fried to crispy perfection, this bold new flavor delivers the fiery spice, crunch and flavor that guests have been craving—Weigel’s style,” the retailer said.

For years, hot chicken has been a culinary staple in Tennessee. With “Hey Nashville, We Fixed It” as the campaign tagline, the retailer said the release highlights the bold confidence behind Knoxville Hot while giving guests a uniquely local flavor experience.

“Knoxville Hot Dippin’ Chicken isn’t just another menu item for us—it’s a statement. We listened to our fans, we tested, we tweaked and we brought the heat in a way only Weigel’s can. It’s bold, it’s got personality and like everything we do, it’s made to connect with our community. First, you’ll taste the sweet crunch, then the fire hits—that surprise is what makes it fun. We’re not following trends here, we’re setting them,” said Nick Triantafellou, director of marketing & merchandising at Weigel’s.  

Weigel’s debut of its Knoxville Hot Dippin’ Chicken will be featured on its $6W Menu. Guests can grab the new chicken paired with a can of Liquid Death for six dollars. The chicken is available as tenders, wraps or in combo meals.

“Knoxville Hot was born out of our team’s mission to take a Southern classic and make it better,” said Chef Ryan Blevins, Weigel’s director of food innovation. “We dialed in a touch of sweetness up front before the heat kicks in, layered it with crispy texture and designed it to stand out whether you’re grabbing tenders, a wrap or a meal. It’s bold, addictive and absolutely built for East Tennessee.” 

Weigel’s is also bringing Knoxville Hot to life through gamification in the MyWeigel’s Rewards app. Guests can scratch their way to prizes, with Knoxville Hot featured as one of the spotlight rewards.

Last month, the retailer unveiled an exciting twist to customer loyalty with “Streaks.” The retailer said the new month-long challenge turns daily app check-ins into rewarding moments, “encouraging guests to build a habit of opening the Weigel’s app each day to earn points and unlock milestone rewards.”