Gus Fried Chicken is not just another fast-food brand. It is a Southern food legend known for crispy skin, juicy meat, and bold spice. From Memphis to California, people line up to taste what many call the best fried chicken in America.

In this detailed guide, we cover Gus Fried Chicken prices, menu items, locations, history, recipes, and honest reviews. Whether you are searching for Gus Fried Chicken near me or want to understand why this brand has such a loyal fan base, this article explains everything clearly.

What Is Gus Fried Chicken?

Gus Fried Chicken, officially known as Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken, is a Southern-style fried chicken restaurant chain. It is best known for its spicy yet balanced flavour, crunchy coating, and no-nonsense approach to food.

Unlike many chains, Gus Fried Chicken focuses on doing one thing extremely well: fried chicken.

Gus Fried Chicken History: From Mississippi to the Nation

The story of Gus Fried Chicken begins in Mason, Tennessee, near Memphis, but its roots trace back to Mississippi.

How It All Started

• Napoleon “Na” Vanderbilt created the original recipe
• Passed down through generations
• Later refined and popularized by Gus Bonner
• The first well-known restaurant opened in Memphis

The recipe stayed a secret, and the reputation grew by word of mouth. Over time, Gus Fried Chicken expanded beyond Tennessee and became a national name.

Gus Fried Chicken Prices

One of the most common questions people ask is about Gus Fried Chicken prices. While prices vary slightly by city, Gus remains affordable compared to many sit-down restaurants.

Average Gus Fried Chicken Prices (USA)

• 2-Piece Fried Chicken Plate: $11–$14
• 3-Piece Fried Chicken Plate: $14–$17
• Fried Chicken Sandwich: $9–$11
• Half Chicken: $14–$18
• Whole Chicken: $25–$30
• Sides (each): $4–$6
• Desserts: $5–$7

Prices may vary by location, such as Gus Fried Chicken Memphis, Houston, Chicago, or California.

Overall, Gus Fried Chicken prices reflect quality, portion size, and authenticity rather than fast-food discounts.

Gus Fried Chicken Menu

The amazing question is “What Can You Order?”

The Gus Fried Chicken menu is intentionally simple. This allows the restaurant to maintain consistent quality.

Main Menu Items

• Classic fried chicken (spicy)
• Fried chicken sandwich
• Chicken tenders
• Half and whole chicken meals

Popular Sides

• Baked beans
• Coleslaw
• Potato salad
• Fries
• Mac and cheese
• White bread slices (traditional Southern style)

Desserts

• Chess pie
• Pecan pie
• Sweet tea (very popular)

Gus Fried Chicken Sandwich

Superbly fan favourit

The Gus Fried Chicken sandwich deserves special mention. It features:

• A crispy chicken breast
• Soft bun
• Pickles
• Signature seasoning

Many fans say it competes with the best fried chicken sandwiches in the U.S., especially for its crunch and heat balance.

Gus Fried Chicken Locations Across the USA

Gus Fried Chicken has expanded widely while keeping its Southern identity.

Major Gus Fried Chicken Locations

• Gus Fried Chicken Memphis
• Gus Fried Chicken Houston
• Gus Fried Chicken Austin
• Gus Fried Chicken Atlanta
• Gus Fried Chicken Nashville
• Gus Fried Chicken New Orleans
• Gus Fried Chicken San Antonio
• Gus Fried Chicken Dallas
• Gus Fried Chicken Fort Worth
• Gus Fried Chicken Chicago
• Gus Fried Chicken Detroit
• Gus Fried Chicken Phoenix
• Gus Fried Chicken Little Rock
• Gus Fried Chicken Knoxville
• Gus Fried Chicken Southaven
• Gus Fried Chicken Southaven MS
• Gus Fried Chicken California

If you search “Gus Fried Chicken near me”, you will likely find a nearby location in major U.S. cities.

Gus Fried Chicken Memphis

The Memphis location is considered the heart of the brand. Many fans say this location delivers the most authentic taste and atmosphere.

Why Memphis stands out:

• Original recipe roots
• Consistent spice level
• Southern hospitality
• Historic food culture

Gus Fried Chicken Mississippi Connection

Although the brand grew in Tennessee, Gus Fried Chicken Mississippi roots remain important. The original family recipe came from Mississippi-style Southern cooking.

This explains:

• The bold seasoning
• The crispy texture
• The slow, careful frying process

Gus Fried Chicken Recipe: Why It’s So Hard to Copy

Many people search for the Gus Fried Chicken recipe, but the real recipe is a closely guarded secret.

What Makes the Recipe Special

• Unique spice blend
• Hand-breaded chicken
• Pressure frying technique
• No shortcuts or freezing

While home cooks try to recreate it, the exact flavour remains exclusive to Gus. Here we present our own tried-and-tested recipe. 

The Best Crispy Gus Fried Chicken Recipe (Cornstarch Method)

This recipe delivers restaurant-quality crispy fried chicken with a crunchy, crackling crust and juicy meat inside. The secret lies in a cornstarch-based wet marinade and a 24-hour resting period, which creates unmatched texture and flavour.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Marination Time: 24 hours
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 24 hours 40 minutes
• Servings: 4–6 people

Ingredients

Chicken

• 1 kg chicken (boneless thighs or breasts preferred)
• Cut into medium-sized pieces

Cornstarch Marinade (Key to Crispiness)

• 1 cup cornstarch
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup cold water (or buttermilk)

For Frying

• Sunflower oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil
• Enough for deep frying (3–4 inches deep)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a large bowl, whisk together:

• Cornstarch
• Flour
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt

Slowly add cold water while whisking until a thick, smooth slurry forms. The texture should resemble pancake batter.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

Add chicken pieces to the slurry. Use your hands to ensure each piece is fully coated. The mixture should cling well to the chicken.

Step 3: Marinate (Critical Step)

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 24 hours.
This step:

• Bonds the coating to the chicken
• Deeply seasons the meat
• Improves tenderness and crispiness

Stir once before frying if the mixture separates.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

Heat oil in a heavy pot to 325–350°F (165–175°C).
Maintain this temperature throughout frying.

Step 5: Fry the Chicken

• Fry in small batches (3–4 pieces at a time)
• Gently lower the chicken into the hot oil
• Fry for 10–15 minutes, turning once
• Cook until deep golden brown and crispy

Internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).

Step 6: Drain and Rest

Remove chicken and place on a wire rack.
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

(Optional: Dust lightly with extra cayenne while hot.)

Gus Fried Chicken Reviews

Common Positive Reviews

• Crispy but not greasy
• Juicy meat
• Balanced heat, not overpowering
• Friendly staff
• Large portions

Common Criticism

• Slightly higher prices
• Limited menu
• Spicy flavour may not suit everyone

Overall, Gus Fried Chicken reviews are overwhelmingly positive.

Gus Fried Chicken California Expansion

The arrival of Gus Fried Chicken California marked a major milestone. California customers quickly embraced the Southern-style flavour, proving the brand’s national appeal.

Gus Fried Chicken Chicago: A Midwest Favorite

Gus Fried Chicken Chicago is popular among locals who appreciate authentic Southern food. The Chicago location often ranks among the city’s best fried chicken spots.

Why Gus Fried Chicken Stands Out

Several factors separate Gus from competitors:

• Focus on quality over variety
• Consistent seasoning
• Traditional Southern techniques
• No over-branding or gimmicks

Is Gus Fried Chicken Worth the Price?

Considering Gus Fried Chicken prices, most customers agree that the value is fair.

You are paying for:

• Freshly prepared food
• Authentic flavor
• Large portions
• Proven consistency

For many, it’s worth every dollar.

Final Thoughts on Gus Fried Chicken Prices and Popularity

Gus Fried Chicken has earned its reputation through consistency, tradition, and bold flavour. From Memphis to California, the brand continues to grow without losing its identity.

Well, we hope that the given information and the very own tried and tested recipe will be the perfect enjoyment for you and your family. Do try this, and let us know your experience. 

Don’t forget to stay tuned with us. Will continue to share more amazing recipes to make your dinner, lunch or any meal time tasty, enjoyable and healthy. This Gus Fried Chicken recipe delivers exactly that.