Who Makes The South's Best Fried Chicken?

According to David Guas of Bayou Bakery (Arlington, Va):

What's the secret to making the best fried chicken in the world?
Still trying to figure that one out. I think that once you think you've perfected anything, the real challenge then comes in trying to make it even better.

Who makes the best fried chicken in the South?
These are loaded questions. Because I'm a good New Orleans boy, I gotta say Dooky Chase. Chef Leah Chase is an institution, and the city wouldn't be the quite the same without her. And that chicken — oh man. It's crispy the way you want it to be, it's juicy in all the right ways, it's just the best.

According to Norman Van Aken of Norman's (Orlando):

What's the secret to making the best fried chicken in the world?
Real chicken, few ingredients, clean fat, steady heat.

Who makes the best fried chicken in the South?
Some black lady we have never heard of.

According to Linton Hopkins of Restaurant Eugene (Atlanta):

What's the secret to making the best fried chicken?
Lard.

 

Who makes the best fried chicken in the South?
Willie Mae.

According to Ford Fry of JCT Kitchen (Atlanta):

What's the secret to making the best fried chicken?
Good quality chicken, salty brine, and cast iron!

 

Who makes the best fried chicken in the South?
Yours truly? [winks]

According to Anthony Lamas of Seviche (Louisville, Ky.):

What's the secret to making the best fried chicken?
Buttermilk and the perfect seasoning blend.

 

Who makes the best fried chicken in the South?
Arnold's in Nashville or Jay's in Kentucky.

According to Sean Brock of Husk (Charleston, S.C.):

What's the secret to making the best fried chicken?
Cast iron and multiple animal fats.

 

Who makes the best fried chicken in the South?
Air casebier.

According to Shaun Doty, formerly of Yeah! Burger (Atlanta):

What's the secret to making the best fried chicken?
Lard.

 

Who makes the best fried chicken in the South?
Scott Peacock.

According to Kelly English of Restaurant Iris (Memphis, Tenn.):

What's the secret to making the best fried chicken?
Cast iron for sure. That and whatever your grandma teaches you.

 

Who makes the best fried chicken in the South?
There is an answer for everywhere, but you haven't lived until you have had Gus's in Memphis.

According to Kristen Hard of Cacao Atlanta Chocolate Co. (Atlanta):

What's the secret to making the best fried chicken?
My home secret is soaking in salted buttermilk overnight.

 

Who makes the best fried chicken in the South?
I am a huge fan of the fried chicken at Cardamom Hill and she is not even a true Southerner. Shows how lucky we are to have an outside influence.