In this lip-smacking episode of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, Guy Fieri takes us to Memphis, Tennessee, where he uncovers a true hidden gem by the airport—Uncle Lou’s Fried Chicken. This humble spot, located in a strip mall, serves up some of the best fried chicken in town, and it’s not just Guy who thinks so. The locals are absolutely bananas about it.
From Tradition to Temptation
Owned by Louis Martin, better known as Uncle Lou, the restaurant brings the essence of Southern fried chicken with a twist. Uncle Lou reveals that he’s been cooking all his life, perfecting his craft with a recipe passed down from his great-grandmother. “It’s better than home cooking; it’s Uncle Lou’s home cooking,” says one of the many satisfied customers lining up for a bite.
The Recipe for Success
Guy Fieri joins Uncle Lou in the kitchen to get a firsthand look at the magic behind the fried chicken. The secret to their crispy, flavorful chicken lies in a simple but unique breading mix. Uncle Lou walks us through the process:
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- The Bread Mix: Made from all-purpose flour, black pepper, salt, onion, garlic, and a surprising ingredient—cinnamon. “Cinnamon? That’s a first,” Guy reacts, intrigued by the unusual addition.
- The Chicken Prep: Each piece of chicken is dredged in the bread mix before being fried. “We like to have a light coating,” Uncle Lou explains, emphasizing that they don’t use an egg wash to keep the chicken skin extra crispy.
- The Frying Process: The chicken is fried for 12 minutes until it reaches a beautiful golden brown.
Guy takes a bite of the freshly fried chicken and is immediately impressed. “That’s Homestyle. Homestyle. That’s good,” he exclaims, appreciating the crunch and flavor.
The Corruption Sauce
But the real star of the show is Uncle Lou’s special sauce—aptly named “Corruption.” Uncle Lou shares the secret recipe:
- Ingredients: Red wine vinegar, Louisiana Cajun Chef sauce, garlic, chili powder, celery salt, onion, sugar, lemon pepper, and smoked hickory.
- Preparation: The sauce is brought to a boil and then thickened with a cornstarch slurry. Once off the heat, honey is added for a sweet finish.
Guy dips into the sauce and can’t contain his excitement. “That’s like sweet spicy love,” he says, savoring the perfect balance of vinegar, sweetness, and heat.
Whole Fried Chicken: Taking It to the Max
Uncle Lou doesn’t stop at just pieces of chicken. He takes it up a notch by frying whole chickens. The preparation involves injecting the chicken with Cajun Creole butter to ensure every bite is flavorful and juicy.
- Frying the Whole Chicken: The bird is fried for 40 minutes, resulting in a succulent, crispy-skinned masterpiece.
- Final Dunk: The whole chicken is then dunked in the Corruption sauce, making it an irresistible treat.
“Oh my gosh, you can really pick up the flavor of that garlic butter,” Guy marvels. He notes that despite being fried, the chicken isn’t greasy, which only adds to its appeal. “That’s like real chicken,” Guy laughs, appreciating the hearty, homestyle flavor.
An Experience Worth the Drive
Uncle Lou’s Fried Chicken has built a loyal following. Customers drive from miles around to get a taste. Whether it’s the Honey Dipped chicken, spicy wings, or the jumbo cheeseburger, there’s something for everyone. “If you live within 300 miles of this joint, you should be getting yourself over here right quick,” Guy urges.
A Place to Call Home
Uncle Lou’s isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a community hub where people come for the food and stay for the hospitality. “You’re off the chain, man. I got to tell you. Wow, that’s good,” Guy says, summing up the experience. Uncle Lou’s brings the flavor and love of homestyle cooking to Memphis, making it a must-visit for anyone in the area.