North Carolina takes fried chicken seriously, with spots ranging from famous chains to beloved local institutions. When that craving for crispy, juicy chicken hits, nothing else will do. These 9 finger-licking good chicken joints across the Tar Heel State might leave your hands a little greasy, but they’ll satisfy your hunger in the most delicious way possible.
1. Bojangles: The Carolina Classic
The distinctive orange-roofed restaurants have been serving up Cajun-spiced fried chicken since 1977. Their secret blend of seasonings creates that unmistakable flavor that keeps customers coming back despite the telltale grease spots on the takeout bags.
Bojangles’ chicken stays remarkably crispy even when it’s been sitting in your car during the drive home. Paired with their famous buttermilk biscuits and sweet tea, it’s the ultimate Southern comfort meal that defines North Carolina fast food.
2. Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q: Double Threat Delight
Family gatherings in eastern North Carolina often feature boxes from this regional favorite. Founded in 1964, Smithfield’s marries two Carolina culinary traditions: golden fried chicken and vinegar-based barbecue.
The chicken emerges from the fryer with a thin, crackling crust that somehow manages to lock in all the juiciness. Those familiar yellow containers often hold enough food for multiple meals, though the chicken rarely survives long enough for leftovers. Their sweet potato biscuits add a unique twist to the standard chicken dinner.
3. Cook Out: The Unexpected Chicken Champion
Known primarily for burgers and milkshakes, Cook Out hides a crispy chicken secret on its expansive menu. The chicken strips arrive piping hot with a substantial crust that crunches loudly with each bite.
Late-night chicken cravings find their match at Cook Out’s drive-thru windows, which stay open until the wee hours. What makes these strips special is how they maintain their texture even as they cool, unlike many fast-food counterparts that quickly turn soggy. Paired with their legendary milkshakes (available in over 40 flavors), it’s an indulgent combo that satisfies any time of day.
4. White Swan Bar-B-Que & Fried Chicken: Smithfield’s Hidden Gem
This unassuming joint in Smithfield has perfected their chicken recipe over decades of operation. Locals swear the chicken tastes better eaten at the worn formica tables inside, where the smell of frying oil permanently permeates the air.
White Swan’s chicken sports a deeply golden exterior that shatters satisfyingly between your teeth. Their cooking method produces chicken that’s never greasy inside, just perfectly moist meat protected by that exceptional crust. The sides – particularly the Brunswick stew and hush puppies – complement the chicken perfectly, creating a meal that epitomizes North Carolina comfort food.
5. The Chicken Hut: Durham’s Time-Honored Tradition
Serving Durham since 1957, The Chicken Hut stands as a testament to doing one thing perfectly for generations. Civil rights history permeates these walls, where community leaders once gathered over plates of crispy chicken during the movement’s height.
The seasoning here is subtle but distinctive – a closely guarded family recipe that’s never changed. Their chicken maintains the perfect balance: a substantial crust that doesn’t overwhelm the juicy meat beneath. Weekend crowds form early, with families ordering whole fried chickens by the box for gatherings, continuing a tradition that spans decades in Durham’s African American community.
6. Beasley’s Chicken + Honey: Raleigh’s Gourmet Twist
James Beard award-winning chef Ashley Christensen elevated humble fried chicken to culinary heights at this downtown Raleigh hotspot. The signature honey drizzle creates a sweet-savory contrast that’s impossible to forget once you’ve tried it.
Despite its upscale approach, Beasley’s chicken delivers that essential greasy satisfaction that defines great Southern fried chicken. The crust shatters dramatically, revealing juicy meat that’s been brined to perfection. Weekend brunchers wait patiently for the chicken and waffles, where the honey acts as the perfect bridge between sweet and savory elements on the plate.
7. Mama Dip’s Kitchen: Chapel Hill’s Soul Food Legend
The late Mildred Council (known affectionately as Mama Dip) created a Chapel Hill institution where her skillet-fried chicken continues to draw crowds decades later. Her chicken-frying technique – starting in cool oil and slowly bringing it to temperature – creates a distinctively tender result with a thin, flavorful crust.
UNC students introduce their parents during graduation weekends, creating multi-generational fans. The chicken arrives with minimal fuss, accompanied by classic sides like collards and cornbread. Despite Mama Dip’s passing in 2018, her family maintains her exacting standards, ensuring each piece delivers the comfort and flavor that made her famous.
8. Dame’s Chicken & Waffles: Sweet-Savory Perfection
With locations in Durham, Chapel Hill, and Cary, Dame’s has perfected the art of chicken and waffles, elevating this soul food pairing to new heights. Their crispy, well-seasoned chicken creates the perfect contrast to fluffy, Belgian-style waffles.
The magic happens when their signature flavored butters (called “shmears”) melt between the hot chicken and warm waffle. Vanilla almond, chocolate hazelnut, and maple pecan varieties transform an already indulgent dish into something transcendent. Despite expansion, each location maintains quality control that ensures consistent, crave-worthy chicken that strikes the ideal balance between grease and glory.
9. Rocky’s Hot Chicken Shack: Asheville’s Spice Champion
For heat-seekers, Rocky’s in Asheville offers chicken that ranges from mild to face-melting intensity. The Nashville-style hot chicken arrives with a distinctive red glow that serves as both invitation and warning.
Even at milder levels, the complex spice blend delivers remarkable flavor beyond mere heat. The skin maintains perfect crispness despite being coated in spiced oil. Brave souls who attempt the “Mt. St. Hell No” heat level become legends on the restaurant’s wall of fame – if they can finish their meal without surrendering. Cool the burn with their exceptional banana pudding, a sweet reward for surviving the spice challenge.
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