9 North Carolina Fried Chicken Spots That Deserve National Attention
North Carolina may get most of the love for its barbecue, but its fried chicken game is just as worthy of attention.
Across the state, you’ll find everything from hidden gems in gas stations to longtime family-run joints serving up golden, crispy perfection.
These 9 standout spots prove that North Carolina belongs at the top of every fried chicken lover’s must-try list.
1. Slappy’s Chicken (Winston-Salem)
Crowned Yelp’s top fried chicken destination in North Carolina for 2024, Slappy’s has locals lining up around the block. Their comeback story is as heartwarming as their comfort food is satisfying.
Each piece emerges from the fryer with that perfect golden-brown shell hiding juicy meat that practically falls off the bone.
Their secret seasoning blend has remained unchanged for generations – a testament to the philosophy: why mess with perfection?
2. Bojangles (Charlotte-based chain)
Born in Charlotte but now spreading Southern joy across 14 states, Bojangles has turned Cajun-spiced chicken and buttermilk biscuits into an art form. Their distinctive orange-roofed buildings are beacons for road-trippers craving that signature kick.
While chain restaurants rarely make “best of” lists, Bojangles defies expectations with consistently crispy chicken that never skimps on flavor.
Their breakfast offerings – particularly that chicken biscuit – have rescued countless mornings after late nights.
3. Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q (Eastern NC)
Smithfield’s proves you don’t have to choose between Eastern NC’s two culinary treasures. Since 1964, they’ve been serving crispy fried chicken alongside their vinegar-based barbecue to hungry locals who refuse to pick favorites.
Their chicken achieves that mythical balance – crunchy exterior giving way to tender, flavorful meat that needs no sauce.
Though they’ve expanded to 41 locations, each restaurant maintains that small-town charm where regulars are greeted by name and portions remain generously Southern.
4. Buxton Chicken Palace (Asheville)
Nestled in Asheville’s vibrant food scene, this spin-off from acclaimed Buxton Hall Barbecue focuses solely on fried chicken perfection. The sandwich is a masterpiece of double-fried chicken, house-made pickles, and Duke’s mayo.
Chef Elliott Moss doesn’t cut corners, brining each piece for 24 hours before it meets the fryer. The result? Chicken so unctuous and flavorful it’s been known to silence entire tables of chatty diners.
5. Mama Dip’s Kitchen (Chapel Hill)
When Mildred “Mama Dip” Council opened her restaurant in 1976 with just $64 to her name, few could have predicted her eventual James Beard recognition. Her skillet-fried chicken recipe – passed down through generations – remains the cornerstone of this Chapel Hill landmark.
The chicken arrives with that deep amber color only achieved through patient cooking in well-seasoned cast iron. Each bite delivers crackly skin giving way to tender meat that tastes like Sunday dinner at grandma’s.
The family-run operation ensures Mama’s exacting standards never waver.
6. Buxton Hall Barbecue (Asheville)
Though renowned for whole-hog barbecue, Buxton Hall harbors a magnificent open secret – their fried chicken sandwich that’s earned national acclaim. Chef Elliott Moss double-dips each thigh in buttermilk and dredge before frying it to golden perfection.
The sandwich arrives on house-made bread with pimento cheese, white barbecue sauce, and pickles. This harmonious creation balances crunch, creaminess, tang, and heat in each bite.
No wonder Bon Appétit magazine declared it one of America’s best – this sandwich alone justifies a detour to Asheville.
7. BB’s Crispy Chicken (Raleigh)
When James Beard Award-winning chef Ashley Christensen decided to tackle fried chicken, culinary magic was inevitable. Her venture focuses on one thing, creating the perfect chicken sandwich with obsessive attention to detail.
The Quarter Chicken sandwich combines juicy thigh meat with a shatteringly crisp coating, house-made pickles, and mayo on a potato roll. Each component undergoes rigorous testing – even the fry oil temperature is monitored constantly.
This scientific approach to comfort food delivers consistent excellence that keeps Raleigh residents coming back weekly.
8. Dame’s Chicken & Waffles (Durham)
Dame’s elevated the chicken and waffle combination from novelty to art form. Their crispy, pressure-fried chicken perches atop made-from-scratch waffles, creating a sweet-savory masterpiece that’s drawn national attention.
What sets Dame’s apart is their “schmears” – flavored butters that melt gloriously between hot chicken and waffle. Try the orange-honeycomb schmear with their perfectly seasoned drumsticks for a flavor combination that defies logic.
The Durham original location has spawned several satellites, but locals insist nothing beats the mothership.
9. The Chicken Hut (Durham)
A civil rights-era landmark, The Chicken Hut has fed Durham’s soul since 1957. During segregation, it served as both restaurant and community gathering space – a legacy that infuses every piece of their legendary fried chicken.
Current owner Peggy Tapp continues her father’s traditions, including a closely-guarded seasoning recipe. The chicken emerges with that distinct reddish-gold color that signals proper Southern frying.
Nothing fancy here – just honest cooking that has sustained generations through celebrations and struggles alike.