North Carolina Fried Chicken Spots That Taste Just Like Grandma’s
There’s something magical about biting into perfectly fried chicken that reminds you of Sunday dinners at grandma’s house.
The crispy skin, juicy meat, and secret seasonings create memories that last a lifetime. I still remember the first time I tried fried chicken at one of these local North Carolina spots-the aroma alone made me feel like I’d stepped into a warm, welcoming kitchen.
North Carolina has some amazing restaurants where talented cooks make fried chicken the old-fashioned way, using recipes passed down for generations.
Have you ever tasted a dish that instantly felt like home? I’m excited to share these special spots with you so you can experience that homemade goodness for yourself, and maybe even discover a new favorite place to relive those comforting flavors.
1. Mama Dip’s Kitchen
Mildred Council, known as Mama Dip, created recipes that became legendary throughout North Carolina.
Her restaurant is located at 408 West Rosemary Street, Chapel Hill, NC 27516.
Walking through the doors feels like visiting a relative’s house where you know amazing food is waiting.
The chicken here has a deep amber color that tells you the seasoning goes all the way through, not just on the surface.
Mama Dip believed in cooking with love, and you can taste that philosophy in every piece.
The crust has just enough crunch while the meat stays incredibly moist.
People travel from all over just to experience these authentic flavors that remind them of their own grandmothers’ kitchens.
2. Dame’s Chicken & Waffles
Sweet and savory flavors come together in a way that makes your taste buds dance with joy.
You can experience this at 530 Foster Street, Durham, NC 27701.
The chicken arrives at your table with a beautiful crispy coating dusted with special spices that make each bite interesting.
What makes this place special is how they pair the chicken with fluffy Belgian waffles and signature flavored butters.
Your grandmother might not have made waffles with her chicken, but she would definitely approve of how perfectly seasoned and crunchy these pieces are.
The combination creates a meal that feels both comforting and exciting at the same time.
Drizzle some syrup over everything and you’ll understand why people line up for this experience.
3. Beasley’s Chicken + Honey
Honey dripping over hot fried chicken creates a sweet-savory combination that might sound unusual but tastes absolutely wonderful.
This innovative spot is at 237 South Wilmington Street, Raleigh, NC 27601.
The chicken comes out with an incredibly crispy exterior that shatters when you bite into it.
Then the honey adds a touch of sweetness that balances the savory spices perfectly.
While your grandma might not have thought to add honey, she would recognize the care and attention that goes into making each piece.
The meat stays juicy and tender inside that crunchy shell.
Food critics have praised this place, but regular folks who grew up eating home-cooked fried chicken love it just as much.
4. The Chicken Hut
Family recipes passed down through generations create flavors that can’t be replicated by big chain restaurants.
The Chicken Hut has been serving families at 1218 West Chapel Hill Street, Durham, NC 27701 since 1957.
When you see the chicken, you’ll notice the deeply bronzed color and textured coating that looks different from other places.
That special coating locks in all the moisture so the meat stays tender and flavorful.
Loyal customers have been coming here for decades, sometimes bringing their own children and grandchildren to share the experience.
The chicken tastes like someone’s grandmother made it with patience and skill.
Simple preparation methods and quality ingredients create results that fancy restaurants can’t match.
5. Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q
Eastern Carolina has its own special way of preparing fried chicken that includes a hint of sweetness in the batter.
Smithfield’s has multiple locations throughout North Carolina, with the original opening in 1964.
The chicken here has a beautiful golden-brown color and a crispy texture that makes that satisfying sound when you bite into it.
That slight sweetness in the coating reminds many people of how their grandmothers added a pinch of sugar to their recipes.
Even though this is a regional chain, the chicken still tastes homemade and authentic.
Each location maintains the same high standards that made the restaurant successful for nearly sixty years.
The flavors represent Eastern Carolina’s rich culinary heritage and traditional cooking methods.
6. Nana Morrison’s Soul Food
Generous portions and perfect seasoning make every meal feel like a special family gathering.
Nana Morrison’s has locations in Charlotte at 5914 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28213, and in Cary.
The name itself tells you that this restaurant is all about that grandmother-style cooking that fills your belly and your heart.
The fried chicken comes out seasoned so well that you don’t need any sauce or extra seasoning.
Each piece is big enough that you might want to share, though you probably won’t want to once you taste it.
The meat is incredibly tender and the coating has that perfect crunch.
This is true Southern comfort food that makes you feel at home no matter where you’re from.
7. Let’s Eat Soul Food
Sunday dinner vibes fill the air at this local favorite where the chicken rivals anything your grandmother made.
You’ll find this welcoming spot at 1015 Holloway Street, Durham, NC 27703.
The atmosphere makes you feel like family from the moment you walk in.
The fried chicken has that homemade quality that tells you someone really cares about what they’re serving.
Each piece is fried to golden perfection with a crispy outside and juicy inside.
The seasoning blend includes traditional spices that create familiar, comforting flavors.
Locals keep coming back because the food consistently tastes like it was made with love in someone’s home kitchen.
Every meal feels like a celebration worth remembering.
8. Mert’s Heart and Soul
Heart and soul aren’t just part of the name, they’re baked into every recipe at this beloved Charlotte restaurant.
Mert’s is located at 214 North College Street, Charlotte, NC 28202.
The fried chicken here has earned a reputation for being some of the best in the city.
The coating is perfectly crispy and seasoned with a blend of spices that create layers of flavor.
What makes it special is how the chicken stays moist and tender even though the outside is super crunchy.
Your grandmother would recognize the traditional cooking methods and quality ingredients used here.
The restaurant serves the kind of food that brings people together and creates happy memories around the table.
9. Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken
Spicy heat and incredible crunch define this Memphis-style chicken that has made its way to North Carolina.
Gus’s has a location at 4101 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28209.
The chicken arrives with a reddish-golden coating that warns you about the spicy kick waiting inside.
While your grandma might not have made hers quite this hot, she would appreciate the perfectly fried texture and quality preparation.
The spices penetrate deep into the meat, creating flavor throughout rather than just on the surface.
Each piece has that satisfying crunch that makes fried chicken so irresistible.
If you like a little heat with your comfort food, this place delivers both in equal measure.
10. Bojangles’
Sometimes the best comfort food comes from a place that started right here in North Carolina.
Bojangles’ has locations throughout the state, with the first one opening in Charlotte in 1977.
The chicken has a unique Cajun seasoning that sets it apart from other fast food options.
That distinctive flavor and crispy coating have made it a favorite for generations of North Carolinians.
While it’s not quite grandma’s kitchen, the chicken delivers that same satisfying crunch and flavorful seasoning.
Many people grew up eating Bojangles’ chicken at family gatherings and special occasions.
The buttermilk biscuits that come with it add to the homestyle experience that keeps customers coming back.
11. Sunrise Biscuit Kitchen
Breakfast just got a whole lot better when you add perfectly fried chicken to a fresh-baked buttermilk biscuit.
This tiny spot is at 1305 East Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, NC 27514.
The chicken here is fried fresh every morning with a light, crispy coating that doesn’t overpower the tender meat.
When you put that chicken on one of their famous biscuits, magic happens.
Your grandmother would love how they make everything from scratch using simple, quality ingredients.
The biscuits are fluffy and buttery, providing the perfect vehicle for that juicy fried chicken.
People line up early because they know this combination of fresh biscuits and fried chicken is worth the wait.
12. Time-Out Restaurant
Casual atmosphere and serious fried chicken make this Chapel Hill spot a favorite among locals and students.
Time-Out Restaurant is located at 201 East Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, NC 27514.
The chicken here follows traditional Southern preparation methods that result in a crispy, golden exterior.
Inside, the meat stays moist and flavorful thanks to careful cooking and proper seasoning.
Nothing fancy happens here, just good old-fashioned cooking that reminds you of eating at a relative’s house.
The portions are generous and the prices are reasonable.
Students and families alike appreciate the homestyle cooking that feels authentic and satisfying.
Every piece of chicken tastes like someone who really knows their way around a kitchen made it.
13. Keaton’s BBQ & Chicken
Barbecue might be the main attraction, but the fried chicken here deserves equal attention and praise.
Keaton’s is at 17365 Pilot Road, Cornelius, NC 28031.
The chicken gets the same care and attention as the famous barbecue, resulting in pieces that are crispy on the outside and juicy inside.
Traditional seasonings create familiar flavors that remind you of family cookouts and Sunday dinners.
Your grandmother would approve of how they don’t take shortcuts or use artificial ingredients.
Each piece is fried to order, ensuring maximum crispiness and freshness.
The combination of great barbecue and excellent fried chicken makes this place special for anyone who loves authentic North Carolina cooking.
