Alabama takes fried chicken seriously—real seriously. In the Heart of Dixie, crispy, golden-brown chicken isn’t just food, it’s tradition.
Growing up, Sunday dinners at Grandma’s always meant gathering around a table where the bird came out hot, crunchy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside.
That same homestyle magic lives on across the state in beloved chicken joints, where families and friends gather for plates that taste like home. From hidden gas station counters to family-owned institutions passed down for generations, these spots inspire fierce loyalty. Ask an Alabamian their favorite, and you’ll hear passionate defenses every time.
1. Betty Mae’s Restaurant: Huntsville’s Soul Food Sanctuary
The moment that first bite of Betty Mae’s chicken hits your taste buds, you understand why Huntsvillians get misty-eyed talking about this place. Made-to-order birds emerge from the kitchen with a deep amber crust that shatters gloriously between your teeth…