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Welcome to Jay's Chicken Shack

At Jay’s Chicken Shack, we celebrate the art of comfort food with a commitment to quality and flavor. Nestled in Hillsborough, NC, our story is deeply rooted in a passion for perfectly cooked fried chicken, featuring generous portions and an irresistible light breading. Our menu showcases a variety of homemade sides, with standout offerings like our golden biscuits, hand-cut fries, and flavorful collard greens. Customers rave about the juiciness of our chicken, crafted with care to ensure every bite is tender and satisfying. With friendly service and a welcoming atmosphere, Jay's Chicken Shack is your new go-to for Southern comfort food.

Jay's Chicken Shack: Reviews & Ratings

Trinten M
Trinten M

Since talking about food is very subjective, I'm going to use the baseline comparison of the giant "three letter" fried chicken chain as a base of reference. Let's start with the main attraction, the chicken! The chicken pieces were generous in size. A thigh and a breast (along with sides) were easily enough for me. Fried chicken (specifically in the case of pressure cook frying, which I believe is how they cook their chicken, given the commercial pressure cookers) is a science. Once you close that clamp and flip the switch, you need to trust you have your temperature, time, amount of food, etc all right. Jay's nailed it. Especially with the chicken breast, which came out properly cooked and still amazingly juicy. This is not as easy as it sounds. It means they are probably good with their suppliers on getting consistent sized chicken pieces, or have had the practice to know how to adjust the time and temperature. My dad had a leg and a thigh, and said they were both tender and juicy - which means even the smaller pieces of chicken are turning out well. Again this is a balancing act that is tough to do. Overall, definitely juicier than the baseline comparison chain. Also, they don't keep a lot of chicken cooked ahead of time, which is nice! The woman who took my order was polite in pointing that out when I ordered, so I was aware of the wait time. Indirectly this also told me the chicken would be juicier, which it was. The breading is light, meant to carry the spice mixture. If you like a heavy breading, like the 'extra crispy' from the baseline chain, this will not be in that same realm. I like both light and heavy breading, so I was perfectly happy still. The coleslaw was a middle ground between creamy and vinegar based. So a little creamier than the baseline, but not as sweet. It's perfectly good, though in this instance, I personally prefer the baseline's coleslaw. The onions rings are a standard commercial onion ring, very uniform in size, easy to share, and cooked perfectly. A good price for the quality and quantity of the side. The biscuits are another highlight! Though I did not ask, I am confident these are made from scratch. They are perfectly golden brown on the top and bottom, split apart evenly and easily and by far one of the best biscuits I've ever paired with honey. Overall, this place is definitely worth the 20 minute drive to get chicken and biscuits. The next time the craving strikes, this is where I plan to go.

Mike Flintosh
Mike Flintosh

This place is unbelievable. Totally worth the ride from Raleigh. The wings were huge, juicy and perfectly cooked. Hot honey sauce was really good. Could've been a little hotter but still really tasty. The wings were lightly breaded and not greasy at all. Fried okra was fresh made and the collards were seasoned nicely. Leg and thigh combo was off the hook too. Perfectly cooked and the seasoning is great. Mashed potatoes are real and delicious. Fries are hand cut and fried to perfection. The rest of the menu looked great too. Staff were very friendly and so is the owner. Definitely worth your business.

Fern Reny
Fern Reny

Wow! I ordered the 2 piece dark chicken meal and I was NOT disappointed. Flavorful juicy chicken with great, fresh cut fries. The fries were so good that I didn't want to use ketchup! Also, probably the best biscuit I've ever had in any restaurant, crusty exterior with soft pillowy center. I'm so glad I tried it. I'll definitely be back.

Robin Spears
Robin Spears

This was our first time here. The chicken was delicious. We also had mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, okra, and greens along with biscuits. Was not disappointed. If ever back in this area we will eat here again.

Han Stw
Han Stw

Stopped by and ordered the Fried Chicken Gizzards platters, which comes with 2 sides. I chose collard greens and fries for the sides. The gizzard was really tasty and crispy. The collard green was also well seasoned. The fries was fresh but could be a little crispier in my opinion. Friendly staff. Quick service. Indoor and outdoor seatings available. Overall the food was delicious!

Trevor Jordan
Trevor Jordan

Delicious! I unwittingly ordered a meal just before closing. The staff were still friendly and welcoming and the food and service were better than you'll get most places. The chicken was cooked fresh and everything was nice and hot, and very tasty at that. Definitely the best chicken in the area and has to be one of the best in the state.

Nickie
Nickie

Surprise. Excellent first time experience. This place has the best fried chicken around. I got a two piece white meat chicken combo, with Mac and cheese. It was delicious, love the biscuit, French fries, sweet tea, everything was just absolutely perfect. Really good friendly service, they all work together to make it right.

Abigail Scoggins
Abigail Scoggins

They accidentally messed up my order but, I’m glad they did. I ordered a chicken biscuit and was given a country ham, egg, and cheese biscuit. Not only did they make the order right but they let me keep the “incorrect” biscuit, which was far better than the already good chicken biscuit.

Location

Welcome to Jay's Chicken Shack, a hidden gem located at 646 N Churton St, Hillsborough, NC 27278. This cozy eatery has quickly become a favorite destination for fried chicken aficionados and soul food lovers alike. With a commitment to serving juicy, flavorful dishes, Jay’s Chicken Shack captures the essence of comfort food.

Step inside and you’ll be welcomed by friendly staff who are eager to assist you in exploring a diverse menu. The star of the show is undoubtedly their fried chicken, which has garnered rave reviews for both its size and taste. Prepared with care, each piece of chicken—from the crispy wings to the meaty thighs—ensures a satisfying experience, with customers noting the chicken's juiciness and light breading composition that carries a balanced spice mixture.

  • Chicken Party Packs: For gatherings, their chicken party packs offer generous portions, such as a 12-piece, perfect for sharing with family and friends.
  • Variety of Plates: Options like the two-rib plate or salmon cakes let you explore flavors beyond chicken, while each dish comes with sides like sautéed greens or potato salads, making every meal a delightful adventure.
  • Outstanding Biscuits: A highlight on the menu, the biscuits are often praised for their flaky, golden exterior and soft, pillowy center. Pair these with honey for an unforgettable treat.
  • Flavorful Sides: Customers rave about the well-seasoned sides like collard greens and home-cut fries, ensuring that there is something for everyone at the table.

As customer Mike Flintosh stated, the wings are “huge, juicy and perfectly cooked,” showcasing the attention to detail that is prevalent throughout the menu. This sentiment is echoed in reviews highlighting the fried okra and real mashed potatoes—delicious accompaniments that complement the main offerings.

Whether you’re stopping by for a quick meal or a hearty dinner, Jay's Chicken Shack is designed for those who appreciate genuine, flavorful food in a welcoming environment. With a reputation that stretches beyond Hillsborough, this spot is undoubtedly worth every minute of the drive.

If your cravings call for fried chicken with a side of warmth and hospitality, make your way to Jay’s Chicken Shack—your taste buds will thank you!