Charlotte chef Courtney Evans is continuing to make a name for herself after earning national attention on the Netflix cooking competition Next Gen Chef.
Evans was a standout on the show’s first season, impressing judges from the start with her creativity, technique, and calm under pressure. She earned more Pins of Excellence than any other contestant and advanced to the final three.
During the season, Evans showcased her versatility in challenges ranging from international cuisine to fine dining. Her Thai green chicken curry and apple butter polenta both received top praise, and her final dish—a chicken skin ballotine with rice milk cream and pickled leeks—earned her a rare additional Pin of Excellence from the guest judges.
Now based in Charlotte, North Carolina, Evans works as a private chef and is known for elevating comforting flavors into elegant, thoughtful dishes. She frequently collaborates with Leah & Louise, one of Charlotte’s top restaurants, and has cooked at special events, including a Nike dinner for WNBA star A’ja Wilson.
In 2023, Evans was named a “Chef to Watch” by Unpretentious Palate and participated in the prestigious Icon Dinner: “King is Dead” at Martha’s Vineyard, an event celebrating culinary innovation.
Outside the kitchen, Evans is passionate about empowering other women and promoting inclusivity in the culinary world. She has been featured on the Paper Trails podcast and in SouthPark Magazine, sharing her insights on food, creativity, and culture.
Evans credits her mother, Candace Evans, as her biggest inspiration and motivation. When she isn’t cooking, she enjoys marathon running and spending time with close friends who share her drive and love for life.
Photo from Courtney Evans Instagram
