Crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor, Gus’s Fried Chicken features a seasoned batter and a perfect golden brown crust. This spicy Southern favorite can be easily adjusted for your preferred heat level.

In this year, I only shared 2 fried chicken recipes, and today I thought if I add this Gus’s Fried Chicken Recipe it will be great because this fried chicken is quite different and so tasty.

I made it with a whole chicken cut into pieces, coated in a seasoned batter of cornstarch, flour, black pepper, paprika, cayenne pepper, and kosher salt, then fried until crispy and golden brown. This Gus’s Fried Chicken is spicy, but you can make it less spicy by reducing the amount of cayenne pepper in the batter.

For dipping, I highly recommend these sauces: Hooters Daytona Beach Sauce and Luby’s Tartar Sauce, which are perfect for adding extra flavor. Also, Chicago Mild Sauce is a great choice if you like to add a bit of sweetness to your fried chicken.

What is Gus’s Fried Chicken?

Gus’s Fried Chicken is a signature dish from Gus’s, a well-known chain of fried chicken restaurants. It features chicken pieces marinated and coated in a spicy, seasoned batter, then fried to a crispy golden brown.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
• 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for spiciness)
• 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
• 1 cup water
• Vegetable oil, for frying

How to make Gus’s Fried Chicken

Step 1:

Prepare the Chicken: Wash and pat dry the chicken pieces. Set aside.

Step 2:

Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, ground black pepper, sweet paprika, cayenne pepper, and Kosher salt. Mix well to ensure even distribution of the spices.

Step 3:

Make the Batter: Gradually add the water to the dry ingredients, whisking until a smooth batter forms. The batter should be thick enough to coat the chicken but still pourable.

Step 4:

Coat the Chicken: Dip each piece of chicken into the batter, ensuring it is well-coated. Allow any excess batter to drip off.

Step 5:

Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or fryer to a depth of about 2-3 inches. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C).

Step 6:

Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the chicken pieces in the hot oil, cooking in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry each piece for about 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).

Step 7:

Drain and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oil and drain on paper towels. Allow the chicken to rest briefly before serving to retain its crispiness.

Tips

• Before coating the chicken, marinate it in buttermilk with a little hot sauce for a few hours to enhance flavor and tenderness.

• Dip the chicken in the batter for an extra crispy coating, then dredge it in an additional dry flour mixture before frying.

• Ensure the oil temperature is consistent at 350°F (175°C) using a cooking thermometer to avoid soggy or overcooked chicken.

• After frying, let the chicken rest on a wire rack over a baking sheet instead of paper towels to keep it crispy.

• Season the chicken with a little salt as soon as it comes out of the fryer for added flavor.

• Experiment with additional spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika to customize the flavor profile.

What to pair with Gus’s Fried Chicken

My favorite side dish to pair with Gus’s Fried Chicken is Bonefish Grill Coleslaw for its refreshing crunch and tangy flavor. Also, Texas Roadhouse Mashed Potatoes with a touch of gravy is a comforting addition that complements the crispy chicken perfectly.

But if you prefer something sweeter, cornbread is an excellent choice for more contrast. Additionally, rich and cheesy mac and cheese pairs wonderfully with the savory chicken. For a healthy touch, serve it with some lightly seasoned green beans and slow-cooked collard greens.

How to store

To store Gus’s Fried Chicken, first allow the chicken to cool completely. Place the pieces in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil. Store the chicken in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until it is hot and crispy. Avoid using the microwave to reheat, as it can make the coating soggy.

FAQ

Can I use boneless chicken for this Guss Fried Chicken Recipe?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken breasts or thighs. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they are cooked through.

What type of oil is best for frying the chicken?

Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are ideal for frying due to their high smoke points.

How do I make the Gus’s Fried extra crispy?

Double-dip the chicken in the batter and then in the dry flour mixture before frying for an extra crispy coating.

Can I marinate the chicken overnight?

Yes, marinating the chicken overnight in buttermilk with a bit of hot sauce enhances the flavor and tenderness.

Is it necessary to use cornstarch in the batter?

Cornstarch helps create a crispier texture, but you can substitute it with more all-purpose flour if needed.

What should the oil temperature be for frying?

The oil should be at 350°F (175°C) for optimal frying. Use a cooking thermometer to maintain this temperature.

How can I make Gus’s Fried Chicken less spicy?

Reduce the amount of cayenne pepper in the batter to adjust the spice level to your preference.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

Yes, you can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through, until it is crispy and cooked through.

Conclusion

Gus’s Fried Chicken is a tasty and crispy dish that’s easy to make at home. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy this Southern favorite. Pair it with your favorite sides for a delicious and comforting meal that everyone will love.

Gus’s Fried Chicken Recipe

Recipe by Wasian CookeryCourse: MainCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Total time

1

hour 

Crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor, Gus’s Fried Chicken features a seasoned batter and a perfect golden brown crust. This spicy Southern favorite can be easily adjusted for your preferred heat level.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces

• 1 cup cornstarch

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon ground black pepper

• 1 tablespoon sweet paprika

• 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for spiciness)

• 1 teaspoon Kosher salt

• 1 cup water

• Vegetable oil, for frying

Directions

• Prepare the Chicken: Wash and pat dry the chicken pieces. Set aside.
• Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, ground black pepper, sweet paprika, cayenne pepper, and Kosher salt. Mix well to ensure even distribution of the spices.
• Make the Batter: Gradually add the water to the dry ingredients, whisking until a smooth batter forms. The batter should be thick enough to coat the chicken but still pourable.
• Coat the Chicken: Dip each piece of chicken into the batter, ensuring it is well-coated. Allow any excess batter to drip off.
• Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or fryer to a depth of about 2-3 inches. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C).
• Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the chicken pieces in the hot oil, cooking in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry each piece for about 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
• Drain and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oil and drain on paper towels. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving to retain its crispiness.

Notes

• Before coating the chicken, marinate it in buttermilk with a little hot sauce for a few hours to enhance flavor and tenderness.