Cluckin’ Good

(left to right) Rocky's Hot Chicken Shack, Sand Hill Kitchen.

ROCKY’S HOT CHICKEN SHACK  Asheville & Arden
Looking for unbeatable heat? Stop by Rocky’s for a variety of fried chicken options customized to your spice level from plain or mild up unto Rocky’s Hot or Extra Hot, both made with ghost peppers. They also offer grilled and rotisserie chicken options, as well as “not-chicken” cutlets made from Quorn, a micoprotein meat alternative. Pair your Nashville-style meal with a hand-spun chocolate milkshake for the complete Rocky’s experience. 1455 Patton Ave., Asheville, (828) 575-2260; 3749 Sweeten Creek Rd., Arden, (828) 676-3222; rockyshotchickenshack.com

SAND HILL KITCHEN Asheville
Although unassuming at first glance, Sand Hill Kitchen has wowed patrons time and time again from inside their gas station location (or in their drive thru line). Their buttermilk-soaked fried chicken is known for its crunch and Southern flavorings. Their menu rotates seasonally, but their award-winning fried chicken sandwich comes with homemade dilly pickles, cheddar cheese, and herbed Duke’s mayo. 491 Sardis Rd.; (828) 633-6868; sandhillkitchen.com

(left to right) Blue Rooster Southern Grill, Pig & Grits.

PIG & GRITS Burnsville
At the restaurant where “Southern cuisine meets Southern hospitality,” Pig & Grits supplies some tasty fried chicken options. Although barbecue is their main dish of choice, their cast iron buttermilk fried chicken and biscuit breakfast is not to be slept on. The restaurant is supplied by a variety of local purveyors including Watauga County Ham and Annie’s Bakery, making a brunch stop a great way to support local businesses. 620 W. Main St.,(828) 536-0010, pigandgrits.com

BLUE ROOSTER SOUTHERN GRILL Clyde
Voted Best Fried Chicken in Haywood County in 2023 and 2024, Blue Rooster’s crispy, fresh fried chicken—served traditionally or with Texas hot honey—is something to squawk about. The restaurant has an ever-rotating list of Southern specials such as fried squash, fresh collard greens, smoked gouda macaroni and cheese, and pinto beans. Be sure to try their notoriously-delicious coconut pie and a peach mimosa for the complete Blue Rooster experience. 207 Paragon Pkwy., (828) 456-1997, Facebook: Blue Rooster Southern Grill