Sunday Comes Early At These North Carolina Fried Chicken Restaurants
Fried chicken isn’t just a meal in North Carolina, it’s a reason to gather, laugh, and loosen your belt a notch.
Crispy, golden, juicy, and bursting with flavor, this iconic comfort food has a way of making every bite feel like Sunday dinner at grandma’s.
From bustling city diners to tucked-away small-town gems, North Carolina’s fried chicken spots serve up plates that are as memorable as they are delicious.
These restaurants don’t just fry chicken, they craft experiences, from perfectly seasoned crusts to sides that make your taste buds dance.
Whether you’re chasing that first crackle of crust in the morning or craving late-night crispy goodness, these ten eateries prove fried chicken is an art form.
Get ready to meet the chefs, secret family recipes, and small kitchens where magic happens, because in North Carolina, fried chicken is always worth the hype.
1. Sunrise Biscuit Kitchen
Long lines form before dawn here, and nobody seems to mind the wait.
Sunrise Biscuit Kitchen has earned its reputation one tender, juicy chicken biscuit at a time.
Located at 1305 E Franklin St in Chapel Hill, this breakfast spot knows exactly what hungry folks crave on a Sunday morning.
The chicken arrives hot and perfectly seasoned, tucked inside a fluffy biscuit that melts in your mouth.
Each bite delivers that satisfying crunch followed by moist, flavorful meat that makes you understand why people set their alarms early.
The atmosphere feels welcoming despite the crowd, with staff moving efficiently to keep things flowing.
Regulars know the drill, and newcomers quickly catch on to the rhythm of ordering.
Prices stay reasonable, making this a spot you can visit weekly without breaking the bank.
The simplicity of the menu means everything gets done right, with no distractions from the main event.
Chapel Hill locals consider this place a treasure, and visitors often plan their trips around a stop here.
The chicken biscuit has become legendary in its own right, inspiring devotion across generations.
Early Sunday mornings feel special when you know this kind of breakfast awaits.
2. Beasley’s Chicken & Honey
Honey changes everything when it meets perfectly fried chicken.
Beasley’s Chicken & Honey has mastered this sweet and savory combination at 237 S Wilmington St in Raleigh.
The restaurant takes a modern approach to Southern tradition, creating something both familiar and excitingly different.
Golden chicken pieces arrive glistening with a honey drizzle that adds depth without overwhelming the natural flavors.
The coating stays incredibly crispy even under that sweet glaze, a testament to expert technique in the kitchen.
Inside, the space feels polished yet comfortable, with an atmosphere that works equally well for family gatherings or catching up with friends.
The staff demonstrates genuine hospitality, making recommendations and ensuring everyone feels taken care of.
Beyond the signature dish, the sides deserve attention, too, with classic Southern options prepared with the same care as the main attraction.
Portions satisfy without leaving you uncomfortably full, striking that perfect balance.
Downtown Raleigh provides the backdrop, making this an ideal stop after exploring the city or before catching an event.
The restaurant has become a destination in its own right, drawing chicken enthusiasts from across the region.
Sunday afternoons here feel indulgent in the best possible way.
3. Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q
Some restaurants grow because they consistently deliver what people want.
Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q has expanded to over forty locations across North Carolina, including the spot at 3578 Davis Dr, Morrisville.
This regional chain proves that growth and quality can coexist when done right.
The fried chicken here stays true to Eastern North Carolina traditions, with a crispy coating that shatters at first bite.
Juicy meat inside shows careful attention to cooking times and temperatures, never dry or overdone.
Barbecue shares menu space with the chicken, giving groups options when not everyone agrees on what sounds good.
The casual atmosphere welcomes families with kids, solo diners grabbing a quick meal, and everyone in between.
Prices remain accessible, positioning this as a place for regular visits rather than special occasions only.
The consistency across locations means you know what to expect no matter which one you visit.
Rockingham residents appreciate having this reliable option in their community, a spot that feels both local and part of something bigger.
The combination of chicken and barbecue reflects the diversity of North Carolina’s food culture.
Sunday lunch crowds testify to the enduring appeal of well-executed comfort food.
4. Jay’s Chicken Shack
A shack in name only, this place serves chicken that rivals any fancy restaurant.
Jay’s Chicken Shack sits at 646 N Churton St in Hillsborough, where it has become a Sunday dining tradition.
The unassuming exterior hides the serious chicken skills happening inside those walls.
Each piece emerges from the fryer with a golden-brown coating that crunches audibly with every bite.
The meat underneath stays moist and flavorful, seasoned with a blend that enhances rather than masks the chicken’s natural taste.
Regulars have their favorite pieces and orders, creating a sense of community among the Sunday crowd.
The staff knows many customers by name, adding a personal touch that chain restaurants struggle to replicate.
Hillsborough’s small-town charm extends to this establishment, where the pace feels relaxed and unhurried.
You can taste the care that goes into each batch, the kind of attention that comes from treating cooking as a craft.
The menu keeps things straightforward, focusing on doing a few things exceptionally well rather than offering endless mediocre options.
Sides complement the chicken without competing for attention, supporting the main attraction.
Sunday afternoons here feel like stepping back to a time when meals meant more than just refueling.
5. The Chicken Hut
Family recipes passed down through generations taste different from anything else.
The Chicken Hut has been serving Durham at 3019 Fayetteville St since 1957, making it a true institution.
Three generations have kept the same commitment to quality that started decades ago.
The fried chicken arrives with collards and mac and cheese, forming the holy trinity of Southern comfort food.
Each component receives equal attention, resulting in a plate that satisfies on every level.
That crispy coating holds generations of technique, a recipe refined over countless batches and Sunday dinners.
The meat inside stays tender and juicy, never greasy, despite the frying process.
Inside the restaurant, you can feel the history in the worn booths and familiar faces.
Customers span ages from children experiencing their first bite to grandparents who have been coming here for fifty years.
Durham has changed dramatically since 1957, but The Chicken Hut remains a constant, a reminder of what endures when you focus on doing things right.
The family-run aspect shows in details large and small, from the warm greetings to the consistent quality.
Sunday meals here connect you to something bigger than just lunch, to tradition and community and the simple pleasure of really good fried chicken.
6. Dave’s Hot Chicken
Heat levels let you choose your own adventure with every order.
Dave’s Hot Chicken brings Nashville-style fire to 9711 Northlake Centre Parkway Suite A, Charlotte, where the spice ranges from mild to reaper.
The vibrant atmosphere matches the bold flavors, with colorful art covering the walls and energy filling the space.
Sliders arrive stacked high, with chicken that stays juicy despite the intense seasoning.
The crinkle-cut fries provide a cooling counterpoint, and that signature Dave’s sauce adds creamy richness to balance the heat.
Medium spice delivers a pleasant kick without overwhelming your taste buds, while adventurous eaters can push further up the scale.
Each level gets carefully calibrated, ensuring the flavor comes through along with the fire.
The staff handles the constant Sunday crowds with impressive efficiency and genuine friendliness.
,Clean facilities and quick service make the experience smooth even when the line stretches out the door.
Charlotte’s University City area has embraced this spot enthusiastically, with students and families alike making it a regular destination.
The milkshakes offer sweet relief after tackling spicier options, with creative flavors like fruity pebbles topping.
Sunday visits here feel exciting rather than routine, with that perfect combination of great food and lively atmosphere that keeps people coming back.
7. Chicken Box Cafe
Chicken Box Cafe is a beloved soul food and fried chicken destination in Charlotte, at 1331 W Sugar Creek Road, that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
This Southern classic has been serving up comfort food favorites since 1999, with dishes that take diners straight back to home‑cooked meals from childhood.
Known especially for its crispy fried chicken and generous portions, the cafe’s fried offerings come with perfectly seasoned coatings and juicy meat underneath.
Located on Sugar Creek Road, the menu also features turkey wings, smothered pork chops, gizzards, and classic sides like mac and cheese, collard greens, and fried okra that complete the Southern experience.
Regulars rave about the fresh, made‑to‑order soul food and friendly service, making it a go‑to spot for family meals or a satisfying lunch after exploring Charlotte.
Don’t miss the honey bun cake or sweet tea for a truly sweet finish to your meal.
8. Mama Dip’s Kitchen
Becky’s & Mary’s Restaurant in High Point, at 731 Washington Street, is a beloved hole-in-the-wall fried chicken joint that locals swear by for its crispy, skillet-fried chicken.
Run by two sisters and their family, this humble spot serves chicken that’s golden and crunchy on the outside with juicy, well-seasoned meat inside.
The menu is simple and unpretentious, with handwritten boards listing today’s specials and sides like potato salad and collard greens that perfectly complement the bird.
Diners often praise the flavor and texture of the chicken, calling it “fantastic” and memorable long after the meal is over.
Don’t skip dessert here, banana pudding is a standout sweet finish that regulars rave about, adding even more charm to this High Point favorite
9. Bojangles’
Regional chains can achieve cult status when they nail their signature items.
Bojangles’ started in Charlotte and has spread across the South, but North Carolina still claims it as home.
Multiple locations throughout the state serve that distinctive Cajun-spiced chicken and famous biscuits from early morning through late evening.
The seasoning blend sets this chicken apart from competitors, with a peppery kick that wakes up your taste buds.
Bone-in pieces stay juicy inside their seasoned coating, while tenders offer a quicker option without sacrificing flavor.
Those buttermilk biscuits deserve their own recognition, fluffy and buttery with just the right amount of flakiness.
Combining a biscuit with chicken creates a breakfast or lunch that keeps you satisfied for hours.
The fast-food format means you can get in and out quickly, but the quality exceeds typical drive-through fare.
Prices remain budget-friendly, making this an option for feeding families without financial stress.
North Carolinians grow up with Bojangles’, creating nostalgic connections that run deep.
The brand has become part of the state’s identity, mentioned in the same breath as barbecue and sweet tea.
Sunday mornings often start with a Bojangles’ run, grabbing breakfast for the family before church or activities.
That distinctive red and yellow logo signals comfort and consistency wherever you see it across the state.
10. Lexington Barbecue
Barbecue restaurants that also fry chicken understand the full spectrum of North Carolina food culture.
Lexington Barbecue sits at 100 Smokehouse Lane in Lexington, where the focus usually falls on the famous pork.
But the fried chicken here holds its own, prepared with the same attention to detail as everything else.
Golden and crispy, each piece delivers satisfying crunch followed by tender, well-seasoned meat.
The chicken benefits from being cooked by pitmasters who understand heat, timing, and the importance of proper technique.
While barbecue remains the star, many regulars order the chicken as a change of pace or to satisfy family members who prefer poultry.
The casual atmosphere welcomes everyone from bikers to families to politicians making campaign stops.
Lexington has built its reputation on barbecue, and this restaurant stands as the most famous ambassador of that tradition.
The addition of excellent fried chicken shows versatility and respect for different tastes.
Sunday crowds pack the place, with lines that move steadily thanks to an experienced staff.
The red slaw and hushpuppies that accompany meals represent more regional specialties done right.
Visiting here feels like experiencing an important piece of North Carolina culinary history.
The fried chicken may not get top billing, but it absolutely deserves recognition and appreciation.
