The 5 Best Chicken Sandwiches in Asheville, NC

Few foods inspire as much loyalty as a great chicken sandwich. Whether you prefer crispy Southern-style fried chicken, Nashville heat, tangy pickles, or house-made sauces, Asheville has no shortage of outstanding options.

After plenty of local debate, restaurant visits, and recommendations from Asheville food lovers, these are our picks for the five best chicken sandwiches in Asheville.

1. Sand Hill Kitchen

Exterior view of Sand Hill Kitchen in Enka, North Carolina, showing the restaurant's storefront and parking area within a working gas station complex beneath dramatic mountain skies.
Sand Hill Kitchen’s unassuming exterior gives little hint of the award-winning chicken sandwich waiting inside. Located within a working gas station in Enka, this local favorite has become one of the Asheville area’s most celebrated lunch destinations.

Enka / Candler

Located inside a working neighborhood gas station in Enka, Sand Hill Kitchen has become one of Western North Carolina’s most unexpected culinary success stories. What began as a small breakfast-and-lunch counter has evolved into a destination restaurant, drawing locals and visitors alike for its award-winning fried chicken sandwich. Highly recommend getting the house-made chips along with your chicken sandwich (addictive!) We had gotten a honey-mustard sauce to compliment the sandwich and to be honest, we did not use it. The chicken sandwich was so good by itself. A perfect crunchiness outside with super moist and flavorful chicken inside.

Close-up of Sand Hill Kitchen's fried chicken sandwich served with house-made potato chips, pickle slices, and honey-mustard sauce on a wooden table in Enka, North Carolina.
The award-winning fried chicken sandwich at Sand Hill Kitchen features crispy fried chicken, a soft bun, and house-made potato chips and pickles—a simple but unforgettable combination that has earned a loyal following in the Asheville area.

Why We Love It: House-made pickles, chips, perfectly fried chicken, and a local cult following. Tell Alex we said hello!

2. All Day Darling

Montford

Close-up of All Day Darling's fried chicken sandwich on a brioche bun topped with pickles and served with crispy fries at the popular Montford café in Asheville, North Carolina.
All Day Darling’s fried chicken sandwich combines a perfectly crisp chicken breast, fresh toppings, and a pillowy brioche bun. Served alongside golden fries, it’s one of Montford’s most satisfying lunch favorites and a standout on Asheville’s chicken sandwich scene.

All Day Darling Web Address: 102 Montford Ave, Asheville, NC 28801 Phone: +18285053701

A neighborhood favorite in Montford, All Day Darling puts a chef-driven spin on the classic fried chicken sandwich. Their version balances crunch, freshness, and flavor while fitting perfectly into the restaurant’s elevated café atmosphere. Here’s another chciken sandwich that may require a knife and fork. It’s got some size to it. Pair it with one of their craft coffee drinks or a local beer for the ultimate Asheville lunch.

Why We Love It: Fresh ingredients, thoughtful preparation, and one of Asheville’s best patio settings.

3. Rocky’s Hot Chicken Shack

South Asheville (Arden)

Colorful exterior mural at Rocky's Hot Chicken Shack in Asheville, North Carolina, featuring bold chicken artwork surrounding the restaurant's entrance.
The vibrant entrance to Rocky’s Hot Chicken Shack is as memorable as its famous Nashville-style hot chicken. This Asheville favorite has earned a loyal following for its crispy fried chicken, customizable spice levels, and Southern comfort food.

Rocky’s Hot Chicken Shack Web Address: 1455 Patton Ave, Asheville, NC 28806 Phone: +18285752260

When Asheville locals talk fried chicken, Rocky’s almost always enters the conversation. Known for serving some of Western North Carolina’s favorite hot chicken, Rocky’s offers multiple spice levels ranging from mild to seriously hot (be careful!) Their chicken sandwich delivers a crispy exterior, juicy chicken, and just enough heat to keep you coming back for another bite. Rocky’s has been voted Best Fried Chicken in the region for years. (Rocky’s Hot Chicken Shack)

served with creamy corn pudding and a glass of iced tea.
The Classic Rocky’s Way Chicken Sandwich in the restaurant’s signature Honey Mild heat delivers the perfect balance of sweet and spicy. Paired with Rocky’s famous corn pudding and a refreshing glass of iced tea, it’s a Southern comfort meal that has made this Asheville institution a local favorite for years.

Why We Love It: Customizable heat levels and classic Southern comfort food. Lots of parking, the service is super friendly!

4. Buxton Chicken Palace

Team members behind the counter at Buxton Chicken Palace in downtown Asheville, North Carolina, beneath the restaurant's signature sign advertising fried chicken sandwiches and waffle fries.
The friendly team at Buxton Chicken Palace welcomes guests inside the S&W Market in downtown Asheville. Known for its crave-worthy fried chicken sandwiches and Southern-inspired flavors, Buxton has earned a reputation as one of the city’s essential stops for chicken sandwich lovers.

Downtown Asheville / S&W Building

Buxton’s fried chicken sandwich has achieved near-legendary status. The original version earned national attention and was even recognized by food critics as one of the country’s standout chicken sandwiches. Expect juicy fried chicken, tangy sauces, and plenty of Southern influence. (swmarketavl.com)

Close-up of Buxton Chicken Palace's Original Fried Chicken Sandwich with crispy fried chicken, melted cheese, pickles, and a soft bun, served with waffle fries in downtown Asheville.
Buxton Chicken Palace’s Original Fried Chicken Sandwich keeps things beautifully simple: crispy fried chicken, melted cheese, dill pickles, and a soft toasted bun. Paired with their signature waffle fries, it’s a downtown Asheville classic that proves great ingredients don’t need much embellishment.

Why We Love It: National acclaim with distinctly Asheville roots. Close to many of our downtown vacation rentals!

5. Hail Mary

Exterior of Hail Mary restaurant in West Asheville, North Carolina, featuring its street-facing patio, tropical landscaping, and Haywood Road location under a bright blue sky.
Located along Haywood Road in the heart of West Asheville, Hail Mary has quickly become a neighborhood favorite, serving creative comfort food, craft cocktails, and one of the city’s standout fried chicken sandwiches.

West Asheville

One of Asheville’s newer culinary success stories, Hail Mary has quickly become a favorite among locals looking for elevated comfort food. Located on Haywood Road in the heart of West Asheville, the restaurant combines a laid-back neighborhood atmosphere with chef-driven execution. Their fried chicken sandwich is enormous and delivers the perfect combination of crunch, juiciness, and flavor, making it a worthy addition to any Asheville chicken sandwich tour. You will need a knife and a fork for this sandwich!

Close-up of Hail Mary's fried chicken sandwich in West Asheville, featuring crispy fried chicken topped with creamy slaw and sauce on a toasted brioche bun.
Hail Mary’s signature fried chicken sandwich is piled high with crispy chicken, house-made slaw, and rich sauce on a soft brioche bun. It’s a bold, flavor-packed creation that has helped make this West Asheville restaurant a local favorite.

Why We Love It: Creative comfort food, an excellent funky West Asheville location, and a chicken sandwich that consistently exceeds expectations.

Honorable Mentions

If you’re determined to continue your Asheville chicken sandwich tour, these spots are also worth trying:

  • Daddy Mac’s Down Home Dive
  • W.A.L.K. Asheville
  • Terra Nova Beer Co.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best chicken sandwich in Asheville?

Many locals would point to Sand Hill Kitchen, Rocky’s Hot Chicken Shack, or Buxton Chicken Palace as the top contenders.

Where can I get Nashville hot chicken in Asheville?

Rocky’s Hot Chicken Shack is Asheville’s best-known destination for Nashville-style hot chicken.

Which Asheville chicken sandwich is worth driving for?

Sand Hill Kitchen’s award-winning sandwich has developed a loyal following and routinely appears on local “must-try” lists.

Are there good chicken sandwiches near downtown Asheville?

Yes. Buxton Chicken Palace, All Day Darling, and Daddy Mac’s are all convenient options close to downtown Asheville.

Is Sand Hill Kitchen really inside a gas station?

Yes. Sand Hill Kitchen operates inside a working gas station in the Enka community west of Asheville. Despite its unconventional location, it has earned a reputation as one of the area’s top lunch destinations and is especially known for its fried chicken sandwich.

Final thought: Ranking these tasty chicken sandwiches is an almost impossible task….The Sand Hill sandwich has a slight edge from our team, but you won’t go wrong with whatever choice you make!!