MomSkoop
North Carolina takes its fried chicken seriously. From crispy drumsticks to perfectly seasoned wings, the Tar Heel State has birthed some incredible chicken joints that locals absolutely rave about. These homegrown eateries serve up Southern comfort with a side of Carolina pride, becoming cultural landmarks as much as dining destinations.
1. Bojangles’ – The Cajun Chicken King
Charlotte’s gift to the fried chicken world has been making mouths water since 1977. Their distinctive Cajun-spiced chicken delivers that perfect kick that keeps folks coming back for more.
The secret? Fresh chicken that’s marinated overnight before being hand-breaded and pressure-cooked to seal in all those spicy flavors. Pair it with their famous buttermilk biscuits, and you’ve got a combo that’s pure Carolina magic.
With over 750 locations today, Bojangles’ has grown from local favorite to regional powerhouse, but North Carolinians still claim it as their own with fierce pride.
2. Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q – Double Threat Deliciousness
Born in Johnston County back in 1977, Smithfield’s brilliantly combined two Carolina classics: crispy fried chicken and Eastern-style barbecue. The chicken emerges from the fryer with that golden crackly skin that audibly crunches with each bite.
Locals flock here for family meals, where the chicken comes piled high alongside Brunswick stew and those famous crinkle-cut fries. The sweet tea flows freely, served in those iconic plastic cups that seem to be in every Carolina cupboard.
With 41 locations across the state, this chain remains fiercely independent and deeply connected to its North Carolina roots.
3. Cook Out – Late Night Chicken Champions
What started as a single Greensboro location in 1989 has exploded into a late-night legend. Their chicken strips might not get the same attention as their burgers, but locals know they’re some of the juiciest around.
Cook Out’s genius lies in their value – where else can you get chicken, two sides, and a massive milkshake for under $6? Their parking lots become community gathering spots after Friday night football games and weekend adventures.
The chicken strips come perfectly seasoned with a light, crispy coating that doesn’t overwhelm the tender meat inside. Dunk them in Cook Out’s signature sauce for the authentic experience Carolina college students swear by.
4. Biscuitville – Morning Chicken Masters
The aroma of fresh-baked biscuits has been wafting from Biscuitville locations since 1966. Their chicken biscuits transform breakfast into an art form, with juicy fried chicken nestled between flaky, buttery layers of Southern perfection.
Each biscuit is made from scratch every 15 minutes – you can literally watch them being rolled, cut, and baked through the restaurant’s famous “biscuit window.” The chicken filets are hand-breaded and fried to a golden crisp that provides the perfect textural contrast.
Family-owned for generations, Biscuitville steadfastly refuses to compromise on quality, closing daily at 2pm to maintain their focus on breakfast excellence.
5. Hardee’s – Carolina’s Original Fast Food Pioneer
Before becoming a national chain, Hardee’s first fired up its fryers in Rocky Mount back in 1960. Many North Carolinians feel a special ownership of this fast-food giant that got its start on their soil.
Their hand-breaded chicken tenders maintain a loyal following among locals who appreciate the distinct Southern touch that comes from Hardee’s Carolina roots. The chicken has that perfect balance of seasoning – not too spicy, but never bland.
Old-timers still reminisce about the original Hardee’s fried chicken from decades past, though today’s offerings still carry that homestyle quality that separates them from other national chains.
6. Hattie B’s Hot Chicken – Nashville Heat Meets Carolina Charm
When this Nashville hot chicken sensation opened its doors in Raleigh, North Carolinians quickly claimed it as their own. The restaurant brings fiery, cayenne-laden chicken with heat levels ranging from Southern (no heat) to Shut the Cluck Up (extreme).
Black and white checkered paper cradles chicken that’s crispy outside, juicy inside, and painted with that signature red spice oil that leaves lips tingling. The sides provide perfect cooling counterpoints – creamy pimento mac and cheese or cool, tangy coleslaw.
Weekend warriors prove their mettle by attempting the hottest levels, often with tears streaming down their faces. The Carolina location has developed its own unique following and local flair.
7. Zaxby’s – The Athens Import North Carolina Adopted
Though originally from Georgia, Zaxby’s has been embraced so thoroughly by North Carolinians that many mistakenly believe it started there. Their Chicken Fingerz with that addictive Zax Sauce have created a cult following across the state.
College towns particularly cherish their Zaxby’s locations, where the Kickin’ Chicken sandwich and Buffalo wings fuel late-night study sessions. The chicken maintains that perfect balance – crispy exterior giving way to tender, juicy meat.
Local franchisees often get involved in community events, sponsoring little league teams and high school sports, further cementing Zaxby’s place in the Carolina chicken pantheon. Their sauce selection alone deserves its own fan club.
8. Popeyes – The Cajun Transplant That Won Carolina Hearts
While Popeyes originated in New Orleans, North Carolinians have claimed it as their own since the chain’s early expansion into the state decades ago. The spicy chicken option particularly resonates with Carolina palates accustomed to bold flavors.
Long before the chicken sandwich wars of 2019, North Carolina Popeyes locations had loyal customers who would drive past multiple competitors for those distinctive red boxes. The crispy, craggly crust shatters perfectly with each bite, revealing juicy meat marinated in Cajun spices.
Local franchises often incorporate regional touches, with some locations featuring North Carolina memorabilia and locally inspired limited-time offers that you won’t find in other states.
9. Raising Cane’s – The Newcomer Making Waves
As one of the newer chicken chains to enter North Carolina, Raising Cane’s has been welcomed with open arms and watering mouths. Their laser focus on doing one thing perfectly – chicken fingers – has won over skeptical Carolina chicken connoisseurs.
The secret Cane’s sauce has locals attempting countless copycat recipes, though none quite capture the tangy, creamy perfection of the original. Each restaurant makes the sauce fresh daily, guarding the recipe with Fort Knox-level secrecy.
College students from NC State, UNC, and Duke form massive lines at nearby locations, sometimes waiting over an hour for that distinctive yellow box of chicken finger perfection. The Texas toast that comes alongside has its own devoted fan base.