When people ask me what my favorite place for fried chicken is, I have to ask them "Which kind of fried chicken?" There are so many styles, that each is really its own thing. It's hard to beat classic southern-fried chicken, with its mild spices and crispy crust. I also love Korean fried chicken, with its intense sauces. But sometimes, you don't just want flavor and meat - you want heat! That's why Nashville-style hot chicken is gaining in popularity, and the best hot chicken in Iowa is found at a tiny chicken shack in Des Moines. Chicken Heat is an out-of-the-way gem with only a counter and a few tables, so you might find yourself waiting - but oh, boy, is it worth it. The chicken here - whether you want strips, wings, or a sandwich - is on fire with both flavor and heat, and the classic southern sides are the perfect companions.

Chicken Heat is a tiny chicken shack in south Des Moines, but it packs a lot of flavor into small quarters.

It's just a counter and a few tables, but those in the know make themselves repeat visitors.

The specialty here is chicken - wings, drums, sandwiches, and strips - all doused in your choice of fiery sauce.

There are five heat levels here - plain, mild, hot, ghost pepper, and carolina reaper - and they do not hold back.

The sandwiches are the most popular way to enjoy this chicken. The bun and slaw might mild it down a little - but only a little.

And of course, it wouldn't be a hot chicken restaurant without some southern-fried sides. Sweet baked beans, creamy mac and cheese, and crispy onion rings are all on offer.

But we think you should be as bold as the spice levels and try one of the rarer authentic sides - tangy collards or meaty Cajun dirty rice!

Have you eaten at Chicken Heat in Des Moines? Let us know if it is your pick for the best hot chicken in Iowa in the comments section. You can take a look at the full menu on the official Chicken Heat website, and follow the Chicken Heat Facebook page for the latest specials. If you want to try a very different kind of southern restaurant, pay a visit to Bubba - Iowa's fanciest southern dining destination. And if you're on your way out of the city, check out the Baymont by Wyndham Des Moines Airport, if you need a place to stay the night.