3 Places to Find Standout Fried Chicken in the Valley

Cultures all over the world have embraced fried chicken. Here in L.A. we get to enjoy a variety of versions ranging in focus from the American South to Thailand and beyond. In each case, I’m looking for juicy meat and bold flavor that penetrates to the core. Here are three plates that accomplish that—and more.

Claudine Kitchen & Bakeshop

The ambitious bakery-cafe Claudine Kitchen & Bakeshop leans more toward California comfort, but they still fare well when facing South. Nashville Hot Chicken & Eggs ($14.89) is a beast of a plate that spotlights two boneless, buttermilk-brined chicken thighs that come lashed with house hot sauce, doused with pork sausage gravy, and plated with buttery hash browns, tangy house-made pickles and two sunny eggs. This fried chicken plate is available daily but eats more like a vacation meal.

16350 Ventura Blvd., Encino, 818-616-3838

Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken earned their moniker. [Joshua Lurie]

People who had been schlepping from the Valley down to Crenshaw Boulevard were thrilled when Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken opened in Burbank in 2017. The legitimately famous concept started outside Memphis and had 28 locations at last count. At the Burbank outpost they serve the chicken piping hot with thin, crackling crusts, juicy meat and judicious spice. Gus’s sells chicken by the piece or in combos. I’d suggest the “three piece dark” plate ($11.50) with two thighs, one leg, baked beans, cooling cole slaw and white bread. Sub other sides for an extra 50 cents. I recommend collard greens.

509 S. Glenoaks Blvd., Burbank, 747-231-3990

Uncle Andre’s nephew carries on family traditions in Studio City. [Joshua Lurie]

Uncle Andre’s BBQ is a Southern-style eatery that’s been a Studio City favorite since 1991. BBQ chicken, which I covered before, vies for poultry supremacy with their fried bird. Their half-chicken ($13.80) features four pieces—breast, thigh, wing and drumstick—fried to order (allow 20 minutes), coated with seasoned flour and served with a choice of two sides. Uncle Andre’s textbook fried chicken isn’t as spicy as Claudine or Gus’s versions, but I was still impressed. Uncle Andre’s BBQ no longer carries its excellent collard greens, but corn on the cob and sweet baked beans are both good bets. Customers looking for a bigger bargain can order their weekday lunch special: three pieces of fried chicken with French fries for just $7.10.

11715 Moorpark St., Studio City, 818-763-8414