Corruption Seasoning Recipe Mix (As Seen on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives)!
Uncle Lou’s Fried Chicken has a not-so secret seasoning salt. They call it Corruption, and according to Uncle Lou himself, “One taste and you’ll be corrupted!”. If that isn’t an enticing tagline, I don’t know what is.
Furthermore, I have a running theory that the best chicken joints are in strip malls, and Uncle Lou’s fits that description to a T! This is some down home southern cooking, with the hospitality to boot, so put on your best Southern Drawl, and read below for how to make this seasoning! But first…:
Watch This Clip From The Show!
The Recipe (Adapted From T.V.):
Mix In A Bowl
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Garlic Powder | 2 Tbsp |
Mild Chili Powder | 2 Tbsp |
Salt | 2 Tbsp |
Paprika | 1 Tbsp |
Onion Powder | 1 Tbsp |
Celery Salt | 1 Tsp |
Sugar | 1 Tsp |
Lemon Pepper | 1 Tsp |
Hickory Smoke Seasoning | 1/2 Tsp |
Importantly, if you want a delicious seasoned salt without going to the store, I recommend you buy Johnny’s Seasoning Salt to spice up your kitchen!

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Generally, in my experience, these ingredients are best utilized as a dry rub before frying or cooking your meats. A quick aside, this rub is great for pork as well as an excellent poultry seasoning!
However, you could also do what Uncle Lou does, and season your chicken, your flour, and your chicken right out of the fryer! The result? Just look at this photo:

Additionally, if you want to make this chicken dish as authentic as they make it in Memphis, TN, then you’ll want to buy some Uncle Lou’s Sweet and Spicy Love Sauce to combine it with!
Believe me when I say that you can’t go wrong with this combination!
Since the sauce is essentially the Corruption Seasoning in liquid form, you’ll end up with a seductively balanced mixture that will melt your heart. But, don’t just take my word for it, try it for yourself and let me know how you like it here or on Pinterest, I’m The Chicken Wings Blog (give me a follow for all of my weekly recipes).Read More Free Content!
- Recipe: How To Fry Chicken Wings With Flour (Short And Long Versions)
- Recipe: Crispiest Oven Baked Chicken Wings Recipe!
- Chicken Review:Slow Smoked Chicken Wings, Memphis Style – Central BBQ
- Chicken Review:Nashville Hot Style, Uncle Lou’s Fried Chicken
Finally, you can also buy Uncle Lou’s Corruption Seasoning directly on his web-store here. Support this man in all he does, because his attitude towards life makes all of our existence better!

Corruption Seasoning Mix Recipe, Uncle Lou’s Fried Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp Garlic Powder
- 2 Tbsp Mild Chili Powder
- 2 Tbsp Salt
- 1 Tbsp Paprika
- 1 Tbsp Onion Powder
- 1 Tsp Celery Salt
- 1 Tsp Sugar
- 1 Tsp Lemon Pepper
- 1/2 Tsp Hickory Smoke Seasoning
Instructions
- Simply mix all of these ingredients in a bowl, until well blended, then label and store with your other spices!
Although this recipe is well crafted and remains true to the original seasoning in both flavor and consistency, I believe that it deserves 3/5 simply because, well, I don’t think that the seasoning is all that special in it’s own right! The star of the show at Uncle Lou’s is their chicken and their biscuits (and their burgers)!
I am placing my order for the seasoning and sauce rifgt now
Awesome! You won’t regret it, it’s so good! 🙂
Hi I was on Pinterest and found this recipe for the Corruption mix. Its different than yours
1 tbsp salt
1 tbsp paprika
1 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp onion powder
2 tbsps garlic powder
2 tbsps mild chili powder
1 tsp celery salt
1 tsp lemon pepper
1/2 tsp hickory smoke seasoning
The only thing I see that’s different are the amounts of salt and sugar
Hey Gina,
That’s an interesting find. Have you tried both recipes? And, if so, which do you prefer and why?
In my experience eating at Uncle Lou’s, I believe they could use a little more salt in their seasoning, but that’s just me!
Best,
C.J.
Hi CJ,
No, I haven’t made either spice mix but I will let you know when I do. I just got an email from Uncle Lou’s stating that my order is on the way. I can’t wait. What I’m gonna do is taste/use the Corruption first then mix up both of the homemade mixes to see which one comes close to the original. I will definitely let you know my results.
Take Care,
Gina
Thanks Gina! I appreciate you going out of your way to experiment 🙂
Hi CJ,
I finally got the chance to use the seasoning and sauce. I used the spice blend as an all purpose seasoning. Uncle Lou called it an all purpose spice so I used 1 tsp of it along with my usual spices. I only tasted a slight difference but it was very good. Now the sauce is a different story
I am not a hot sauce type of woman. The last time I had hot sauce on anything was in the 90’s. But when I tried the sweet spicy love sauce, it was definitely love at first taste. This will be the only hot sauce I’ll ever want.
There’s a copycat recipe online that I will be trying out. If I’m not satisfied, I will be ordering this stuff by the gallon. Yeah, its that good.
Hope you are well
Gina
Hey Gina,
I’m super glad you
likedloved his sweet spicy love sauce! Uncle Lou’s sauce may be my favorite out there. It just makes fried chicken taste so addicting!I appreciate you taking the time to invest in some 🙂
C.J.
Hi C.J.,
I made your spice mix recipe and used it along with my other usual seasonings I use on my fried chicken. I must say it I was very impressed. My fried chicken was very tasty. So tasty that I would say its just as good as Uncle Lou’s. Looks like you have a seasoning blend that could be sold in grocery stores and online. Yeah, its that good!
Gina
Hey, thanks Gina! I appreciate that! I feel very proud now thanks to your comment. Maybe I should sell it!
What seasonings do you usually use on your fried chicken, if you don’t mind me asking?
Hi C.J., sorry for the very late reply. I use onion and garlic powder, chicken seasoning, MSG, mustard, parsley, saizon, and of course, Corruption.
I plan on trying the Corruption and your spice mix to make some mustard fried chicken. Will let you know how it turns out
Take Care and Be Safe
Gina
Great, that sounds excellent. Let me know if you need anything else from me.
Hi CJ
Just want to inform you that I have a new email. Not sure how well its working but its: ginadenisewatson563@gmail.com
Be Safe
Gina
Thanks for the update! Also, thanks or being patient, I’ve started a new job and have less time to reply to comments 🙂
Hi CJ,
It’s it’s been awhile since I posted on your blog. So much has been going on with me. I recently moved and things have been hectic. So, how have you been? Hope life is treating you very well
I want to let you know that I finally made the Sweet Spicy Love Sauce and I am so in love with this version. It tastes exactly like the one I bought from Uncle Lou’s store. I am so satisfied and happy that I don’t have to order it
Gina
Hey Gina, I hope your move went well! life has been very hectic for me too! I moved to a new state as well and started a new career 🙂
I’m so glad you like the flavor of my recipe…my goal is to be accurate and make people happy with this blog and it makes me glad to know you like it.
Stay healthy!
CJ