The 6 Inferno Levels: Everything You Need To Know About Houston TX Hot Chicken’s $1,000 Spice Challenge And 2025 Expansion

In the fiercely competitive world of Nashville-style hot chicken, Houston TX Hot Chicken (HHC) has exploded onto the scene, transforming from a small 2020 passion project into a national fast-casual powerhouse. The brand, often simply referred to as "Houston's Hot Chicken," is currently one of the fastest-growing chains, famous not just for its all-natural chicken but for its legendary, multi-tiered spice challenge that dares customers to take on a 2 million Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) inferno. This article, updated for December 2025, dives deep into the company’s founders, its aggressive 2025 expansion plans, and the full breakdown of its menu and notorious heat levels. The company’s growth trajectory is nothing short of meteoric. As of mid-2025, HHC has celebrated the opening of its 25th location and is aggressively on track to reach a staggering goal of 75 stores by the end of 2025, solidifying its status as a major player in the spicy chicken market across the United States.

The Founders and The Explosive Rise of Houston TX Hot Chicken (HHC)

Houston TX Hot Chicken was co-founded in 2020 by two dynamic entrepreneurs, Edmond Barseghian and Houston Crosta. Their vision was to create a superior hot chicken concept, focusing on quality, flavor, and an unforgettable experience.

• Co-Founder: Edmond Barseghian
• Background: Swedish-Armenian race car driver and seasoned entrepreneur.
• Co-Founder: Houston Crosta
• Founding Date: 2020
• Concept: Fast-casual dining specializing in Nashville-style hot chicken sandwiches and tenders.
• Current Status (2025): One of the fastest-growing hot chicken concepts in the nation, with aggressive expansion plans backed by major investment groups like Savory Fund.
• Key Milestone: Opened its 25th location in April 2025 and is targeting 75 locations by the end of the year.

Barseghian and Crosta’s background—particularly Barseghian's high-octane racing career—seems to have influenced the brand's rapid pace and high-impact marketing, often featuring exotic car meets at grand openings alongside the famous spice challenge.

Decoding the Heat: All 6 Spice Levels of Houston TX Hot Chicken

The core of the HHC experience is its spectrum of heat, which caters to everyone from the spice-averse to the true chili-head. The chain offers six distinct spice levels, culminating in a challenge that has become viral on social media. The spice levels are meticulously ranked using the Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) scale, giving customers a clear—and slightly terrifying—idea of what they are ordering.

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Here is the complete breakdown of the Houston TX Hot Chicken spice levels:

• 1. Honey Butter: The entry point, offering zero heat. This level is for those who want the flavor of the seasoning and the signature crispy texture without any burn.
• 2. Mild: A gentle introduction to the heat, measured at approximately 10,000 SHU. This is comparable to a mild jalapeño and is perfect for a slight tingle.
• 3. Medium: Stepping up the game to about 30,000 SHU. This level provides a noticeable, enjoyable warmth that is still manageable for most palates.
• 4. Spicy: This is where the heat gets serious, clocking in at 150,000 SHU. At this level, HHC promises a genuine, lasting burn that separates the casual eater from the spice enthusiast.
• 5. Liftoff: A massive jump to 600,000 SHU. This level is reserved for serious contenders and is named to evoke the feeling of a rocket launch—intense and powerful.
• 6. Houston, We Have a Problem: The ultimate challenge, rated at a blistering 2,000,000 SHU (2 Million SHU). This level is made with some of the world's hottest peppers and is the centerpiece of the famous spice challenge.

The $1,000 Spice Challenge: Can You Handle the Problem?

The "Houston, We Have a Problem" spice level is not just a menu item; it's a competition. The $1,000 Spice Challenge is a major draw for the brand, attracting competitive eaters and social media influencers alike.

The challenge requires participants to consume a piece of chicken prepared with the 2 Million SHU seasoning within a set time limit, often with strict rules against drinking any fluids or using any cooling agents. The prize for successfully finishing the inferno is often $1,000, along with bragging rights and a spot on the wall of fame.

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This challenge, along with the brand's signature taste profile, has been instrumental in generating buzz and driving the rapid franchise success of the HHC concept across the nation. It transforms a simple meal into a memorable, adrenaline-pumping event.

Beyond the Heat: A Look at the Full Houston TX Hot Chicken Menu

While the spice levels grab the headlines, the menu's foundation is built on high-quality, all-natural ingredients and a variety of delicious items designed to complement the heat.

Signature Menu Items and Sides

The menu focuses on simplicity and quality, ensuring every item is a perfect vehicle for their signature spice blends and house sauces.

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• Original Hot Chicken Sandwich: The flagship item, featuring a perfectly fried chicken breast on a bun, customized to the customer's desired spice level.
• Cheesy Hot Chicken Sandwich: An elevated version of the original, topped with a rich, house-made cheese sauce.
• Tenders and Nuggets: Available in meal combos, perfect for dipping and trying multiple spice levels in one sitting.
• Concertina Fries: A unique, crinkle-cut style of fries that are a popular side and an excellent pairing for the hot chicken.
• Loaded Fries: Fries topped with chicken, sauce, and other savory additions, creating a hearty meal.
• Mac & Cheese: A creamy, comforting side that serves as a necessary cool-down for the hotter spice levels.
• Lemonades: A selection of refreshing beverages designed to cut through the heat of the spicier menu items.

2025 Expansion and The Future of HHC

The year 2025 marks a crucial phase for Houston TX Hot Chicken. The company has moved beyond its initial regional footprint and is now a recognized national brand.

The aggressive expansion strategy, which saw the opening of its 25th location in the spring of 2025, includes new markets in states like Ohio and continued growth in key areas such as Arizona, California, Nevada, Washington, Texas, Utah, and Idaho.

The company’s focus on a streamlined fast-casual model, a unique flavor profile, and highly effective marketing—centered around the spice challenge and exotic car culture—has positioned it for continued success. With plans to nearly triple its store count by the end of 2025, Houston TX Hot Chicken is set to become an even more ubiquitous name in the hot chicken landscape, making its world-famous sandwich accessible to millions more spice lovers nationwide. The launch of a dedicated loyalty app in 2024 further underscores their commitment to a modern, customer-focused experience.