It’s Not Just Kentucky: Best Southern Fried Chicken

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes are as iconic or satisfying as Southern fried chicken.

While Kentucky often steals the spotlight as the birthplace of fried chicken, the South is full of cities, towns, and hidden gems where fried chicken is taken to a whole new level.

If you’re craving that crispy, juicy goodness, get ready to explore the Best Southern Fried Chicken from coast to coast in the South.

Let’s face it—Southern fried chicken is more than just a meal; it’s a tradition, an experience, and an essential part of Southern hospitality.

Whether you’re planning a trip or just dreaming of a foodie adventure, this guide will take you on a journey through the South to discover some of the best fried chicken spots that deserve your attention.

1. Nashville, Tennessee: Where Heat Meets Crispy Perfection

Nashville’s hot chicken isn’t just a food—it’s a culture. This city is famous for its spicy, crispy fried chicken that’s smothered in a fiery cayenne pepper sauce. If you’ve ever heard of Nashville hot chicken, you know it’s not for the faint of heart. But even if you’re not into super spicy food, you’ll want to experience it.

For a true Nashville experience, head to Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack, the spot where Nashville hot chicken was born. They’ve been serving up spicy fried chicken since 1945, and trust me, it’s well worth the wait. The chicken is crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and seasoned with just the right amount of heat.

If you’re flying from Dallas to Nashville, book flights from Dallas to Tennessee for an easy and quick trip to Nashville’s hot chicken scene.

Pro Tip: If you can’t handle the heat, don’t worry—Prince’s offers different spice levels, so you can choose how spicy you want it. But even the mild ones have an unforgettable kick!

2. New Orleans, Louisiana: A Taste of Cajun Spice

When it comes to Southern fried chicken, New Orleans adds a unique twist. The combination of Cajun and Creole influences makes the fried chicken here something truly special. The secret to New Orleans’ fried chicken isn’t just the batter—it’s the spice mix, often with a bit of Cajun seasoning added to bring out deep, bold flavors.

If you’re in New Orleans, you absolutely can’t skip a visit to Willie Mae’s Scotch House. This place is an institution. The fried chicken here has been named the best in the country by several food publications. It’s crispy, juicy, and seasoned just right—no wonder it has such a loyal following.

Traveling from Houston to New Orleans? Book flights from Houston to Louisiana to savor some of the best fried chicken in the South.

Pro Tip: Make sure to pair your fried chicken with a side of red beans and rice—it’s a classic combo and a favorite in New Orleans.

3. Charleston, South Carolina: Southern Charm on a Plate

When you think of Charleston, you think of its rich history, beautiful beaches, and of course, its Southern cooking. Charleston’s fried chicken is a beautiful mix of traditional Southern flavors with a bit of finesse—crispy, golden fried chicken that’s seasoned just right, but with a lighter, more delicate touch than you might find elsewhere.

One of the best places to grab fried chicken in Charleston is Husk, where chef Sean Brock takes Southern classics to the next level. The fried chicken here is perfectly cooked, with a crispy crust and juicy, tender meat inside. The best part? It’s all made using local ingredients, keeping the flavors authentic and fresh.

Pro Tip: Husk is known for its incredible sides too. Don’t skip the biscuits and collard greens—they’re just as delicious as the chicken.

4. Atlanta, Georgia: Fried Chicken with a Modern Twist

Atlanta is one of the most exciting cities in the South, blending modern culture with its rich Southern roots. The fried chicken scene here is no exception. You’ll find everything from classic buttermilk fried chicken to Korean-style fried chicken, which has become a local favorite.

For the best fried chicken in Atlanta, head to Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken, where the crispy, golden fried chicken is slathered in a secret seasoning that makes it irresistible. Whether you like it mild or spicy, Gus’s delivers with every bite. Plus, the relaxed vibe of the restaurant adds to the whole experience.

If you’re flying from Dallas to Atlanta, Take flights from Dallas to Georgia for an easy journey to experience Atlanta’s delicious fried chicken.

5. Birmingham, Alabama: Soul Food at Its Finest

Birmingham, Alabama, has a deep-rooted history in Southern cooking, and its fried chicken is a testament to that tradition. The city’s fried chicken is often paired with classic Southern sides like fried green tomatoes, mac and cheese, and cornbread. There’s nothing quite like digging into a plate of crispy fried chicken in the heart of Alabama.

If you’re looking for a top fried chicken experience, The Fish Market in Birmingham is the place to go. Known for both its seafood and its fried chicken, The Fish Market serves up fried chicken that’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, just the way it should be.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to try the fried catfish at The Fish Market—it’s just as legendary as their fried chicken.

6. Louisville, Kentucky: The Birthplace of Fried Chicken

Kentucky is, of course, where fried chicken originated, and while KFC is the most famous brand to come out of Louisville, the city has a variety of local spots where you can find incredible fried chicken.

One of the standout spots in Louisville is Joella’s Hot Chicken, where you can try fried chicken with a variety of spice levels, from mild to fiery hot. The crispy chicken comes with the option of several different sauces, making each bite full of flavor and heat.

Flying from New York to Louisville? Book flights from New York to Kentucky and dive into this city’s fried chicken history.

Pro Tip: Don’t miss their fried chicken sandwich—it’s the perfect balance of crunch, flavor, and heat.

7. Richmond, Virginia: A Southern Experience You Can’t Miss

Richmond, Virginia, offers a blend of classic Southern comfort food, and their fried chicken is a must-try. The fried chicken here is seasoned and fried to perfection, with a crispy crust and tender meat inside. The addition of local, seasonal ingredients gives Richmond’s fried chicken a unique, flavorful twist.

Mama J’s Kitchen is a local favorite for fried chicken, offering up soul food in a cozy, welcoming environment. Their fried chicken is served alongside classic Southern sides like collard greens, mac and cheese, and cornbread, making it the perfect meal to indulge in.

If you’re traveling from Washington D.C. to Richmond, book flights from Washington to Virginia and treat yourself to Richmond’s delicious fried chicken.

Pro Tip: Mama J’s mac and cheese is a fan favorite and pairs perfectly with their crispy fried chicken.

Conclusion: A Journey to the Best Southern Fried Chicken

Southern fried chicken isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience. From the spicy heat of Nashville to the seasoned perfection of Charleston, there’s no shortage of incredible fried chicken to enjoy across the South.

Whether you’re in Louisville sampling the birthplace of fried chicken or Atlanta trying the best Korean-fried twist, the Best Southern Fried Chicken is something everyone should experience at least once.

If you’re traveling from Dallas to Georgia or Phoenix to Louisiana, make sure to check out these incredible Southern cities and their legendary fried chicken joints.

Each city offers something unique, but all are united by one thing: the love of crispy, juicy, and downright delicious fried chicken.