8 North Carolina BBQ Joints That Locals Say Have The Best Fried Chicken In The State
North Carolina may be celebrated far and wide for its legendary barbecue, but there’s another delicious secret waiting to be discovered on menus across the state—crispy, golden fried chicken.
Tucked alongside smoky pulled pork and tender ribs, these plates of chicken are every bit as worthy of the spotlight. Last summer, I set out on a mouthwatering road trip across the Tar Heel State, determined to track down the spots where fried chicken is just as iconic as the barbecue itself.
Guided by local recommendations, I uncovered eight unforgettable restaurants, each offering flavors and traditions that keep diners coming back.
1. Grady’s Barbecue: A Family Legacy of Crispy Perfection
The moment you step into Grady’s in Dudley, you’re family. I watched Mr. Grady himself checking on tables during my visit, making sure everyone was happy with their meal.
Their chicken arrives with a golden crust that crackles when your fork touches it, revealing juicy meat underneath that practically falls off the bone. The seasoning is simple but perfect – just the right blend of salt, pepper, and secret spices that they’ve been using since 1986.
Locals often joke that while the barbecue put Grady’s on the map, the fried chicken might be what keeps the doors open. It’s that good!
2. Sam Jones BBQ: Modern Tradition with Crispy Flair
Walking into Sam Jones BBQ in Raleigh feels like stepping into the future of Southern cooking while keeping one foot firmly planted in tradition. Their fried chicken surprised me with its perfect balance – a crackling exterior that gives way to tender, juicy meat that’s clearly been brined before frying.
What makes their chicken special is the subtle smokiness that somehow finds its way into every bite. You can order it grilled or fried, but trust me on this one – the fried version has converted many dedicated grilled chicken fans.
The sides complement rather than compete, especially their creamy mac and cheese.
3. Parker’s Barbecue: Where Chicken Steals the Show
“Y’all need to try the chicken!” That’s what three separate tables told me when they saw me studying the menu at Parker’s in Wilson. This Eastern NC institution has been serving up legendary barbecue since 1946, but their fried chicken has developed a cult following of its own.
The chicken is fried in small batches, ensuring each piece gets the attention it deserves. What struck me most was the consistency – every single piece had the same perfect crunch, the same juicy interior.
The family recipe hasn’t changed in decades, and after one bite, you’ll understand why they haven’t messed with perfection.
4. Bum’s Restaurant: Small-Town Flavor, Big-Time Taste
Bum’s in Ayden isn’t fancy, and that’s exactly the point. The worn wooden booths have hosted generations of chicken lovers, and I couldn’t help but notice how many regulars greeted each other by name.
Their fried chicken has that old-school quality you just can’t fake – crispy without being greasy, seasoned all the way to the bone, and served piping hot. The secret might be in their cast iron skillets, which I spotted through the kitchen window, seasoned by decades of use.
Don’t skip their collard greens as a side – the slight bitterness creates the perfect contrast to the rich chicken.
5. Southern Style Barbecue & Fried Chicken: Truth in Advertising
Sometimes a place puts its specialty right in the name! Southern Style in Clinton doesn’t mess around when it comes to their crispy bird. My first bite revealed chicken that’s clearly been marinated before being dredged in a peppery flour mixture that creates little crispy ridges all over.
The family-run spot has a warmth that extends beyond the food. Miss Peggy, who’s been working the register for over 30 years, recommended I try the chicken with a drizzle of their house-made honey butter.
That combination of salty, crispy chicken with sweet honey butter might be the closest thing to culinary heaven in Clinton.
6. Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q: Chain with Hometown Heart
Don’t let the multiple locations fool you – Smithfield’s earned its reputation honestly. I was skeptical about including a chain, but after three different North Carolina friends insisted I try it, I gave in. I’m glad I did!
Their chicken has a distinctively light, crispy coating that doesn’t overwhelm the meat. The seasoning leans heavily on black pepper, giving it a kick that stands up nicely to their tangy coleslaw.
What impressed me most was the consistency across locations. Whether you’re in Raleigh or Rocky Mount, that chicken comes out with the same golden color and satisfying crunch that has made this chain a North Carolina tradition since 1964.
7. Currituck BBQ Company: Coastal Crunch
The salty air near the Outer Banks seems to make everything taste better. Currituck BBQ Company takes full advantage of their coastal location, serving up chicken that had me questioning my barbecue order.
Their fried chicken has a thicker, more substantial crust than most – almost like a light batter rather than a simple dredge. This creates these amazing crunchy bits that I found myself saving for last. The meat inside stays incredibly moist, likely from a long brine.
Owner Jim told me they use a touch of seafood seasoning in their flour mixture – a nod to their coastal roots that gives their chicken a distinctive flavor you won’t find inland.
8. The Chicken Hut: Durham’s Soul Food Legend
The Chicken Hut in Durham isn’t strictly a barbecue joint, but locals insisted I couldn’t write about North Carolina fried chicken without including this institution. One bite and I understood why.
Open since 1957, they serve the kind of soul food that makes you want to hug the cook. Their chicken has a deeply browned, shatteringly crisp exterior that gives way to some of the juiciest meat I’ve encountered. The seasoning is bold – plenty of salt, pepper, and what I suspect might be a touch of paprika.
The line often stretches out the door, filled with everyone from Duke professors to construction workers, all waiting patiently for their chicken fix.