Effective date 30/05/2025

About Me – Lilya & Grandma’s Kitchen

Hi there, I’m Lilya Lawson, the heart and hands behind TopChickenEats.com. I’m 29, based in Asheville, North Carolina, and if you ask anyone who knows me, they’ll tell you my love language is food—especially chicken cooked every way you can imagine.

My journey started in my grandma’s warm kitchen, where the scent of roast chicken and herbs seemed to live in the air. I still remember standing on a stool to reach the counter, eyes wide, watching her turn simple, wholesome ingredients into comfort on a plate. She taught me that cooking is more than just following recipes—it’s a form of storytelling. Every dish carries a memory, and every shared meal builds a connection.

I didn’t go to culinary school. Instead, I learned through trial and (plenty of) error, endless curiosity, and the unshakable belief that food is meant to be shared. While friends were collecting playlists, I was collecting spices. My “college years” were less about textbooks and more about perfecting my roast chicken and figuring out just how many ways you can stuff a bird (hint: a lot!).

TopChickenEats was born from those experiences. I wanted to create a space where home cooks could feel inspired and supported, not overwhelmed. Whether you’re trying your first roast or spicing up a weeknight dinner, I’m here to guide you with recipes that are honest, tested, and always full of flavor.

You’ll find Southern influences throughout my cooking, but I’m endlessly inspired by flavors from around the world. I love layering warm spices, fresh herbs, and that golden, crispy skin that makes people say, “You made this?!”

Outside the kitchen, you can find me hosting cozy dinners with friends, hiking with my dog Boomer, or flipping through old family cookbooks for new ideas. Cooking, for me, is about keeping those stories alive and starting new ones at the table.

Thank you for being here. This isn’t just my story—it’s ours. So come in, grab a plate, and let’s make something delicious together.