A & M Fried Chicken: The Hidden Southern Gem You Need to Try Today

Ever stumbled upon a restaurant that makes you feel like you’ve discovered buried treasure? That’s exactly what happened when I first visited A & M Fried Chicken in Quitman, Mississippi. This unassuming spot at 502 N Archusa Ave has been serving up some of the most mouthwatering southern comfort food that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.

I’m gonna take you on a flavorful journey through what makes this family-owned eatery so special, from their crispy golden chicken to their hearty breakfast options that’ll fuel your entire day. Trust me, by the end of this article, you’ll be planning your road trip to Quitman!

What Makes A & M Fried Chicken So Dang Special?

Let’s get right to the meat of it (pun absolutely intended). A & M Fried Chicken ain’t your typical fast-food joint. This down-to-earth restaurant has built a loyal following for good reasons:

• Family-owned and operated: There’s something special about places where the owners are actually there, greeting you with a smile
• Consistent quality: When folks keep coming back for decades, you know they’re doing something right
• Value that’s hard to beat: Where else can you get a 2-piece chicken meal with a side and roll for just $6.99?
• Country-style atmosphere: No fancy frills here – just good, honest food in a welcoming space

The restaurant opens bright and early at 5:30 AM Monday through Friday (7 AM on Saturdays), serving hungry locals until 6:30 PM most days. They’re closed Sundays, probably resting up after feeding the entire town all week!

The Star of the Show: That Legendary Fried Chicken

Let’s talk about the headliner – that crispy, juicy, perfectly-seasoned fried chicken that’s earned them their reputation. What makes their chicken so special?

First off, A & M doesn’t cut corners. While many places might use pre-frozen chicken, word is that they prepare everything fresh. The coating has that perfect balance of seasonings – with just the right amount of salt, pepper, and whatever secret ingredients they’re keeping hush-hush.

When you bite into a piece of their chicken you get that satisfying crunch followed by juicy, tender meat that practically falls off the bone. It’s comfort food perfection!

Their wings deserve special mention – they serve the ENTIRE wing, not those sad little drumettes some places try to pass off. Some customers mention they can be a tad salty, but most folks think they’re just right.

Beyond the Bird: Other Menu Highlights

While chicken might be in the name, A & M’s menu goes way beyond their signature dish. Here are some customer favorites that keep people coming back:

Breakfast Champions

If you’re an early riser, their breakfast menu will make rolling out of bed worthwhile:

• Chicken and Gravy Breakfast: The perfect savory start to your day
• Double Biscuit & Gravy: Fluffy biscuits smothered in rich, peppery gravy
• Mega Hashbrown: A crispy, golden potato masterpiece that’ll fill you up good

Comfort Food Classics

For lunch and dinner, they offer southern staples that’ll remind you of Sunday dinners at grandma’s:

• Hamburger Steak: Juicy and flavorful with all the fixings
• Cheeseburger: Simple but done right
• Corn Nuggets: These little golden bites of happiness have earned cult status
• Baked Beans: The perfect side with just the right sweet-savory balance
• Onion Rings: Crispy, not greasy, and full of flavor

Don’t forget to try their Mozzarella Sticks too – stretchy, gooey cheese in a golden coating that’s perfect for sharing (though you probably won’t want to).

The A & M Experience: What Customers Say

With an impressive 4.4 rating from over 111 reviews, it’s clear that A & M is doing something right. Let’s break down what customers love most:

• Food quality: 4.7/5 – The most important part!
• Service: 4.5/5 – Friendly faces make all the difference
• Atmosphere: 4.2/5 – Simple but welcoming

One reviewer called it a “hidden gem” with “excellent food and the best customer service.” Another mentioned driving from out of town just for those famous corn nuggets. When people are willing to make a special trip just for your food, you know you’ve got something special.

Tips for Your Visit

If you’re planning to check out A & M Fried Chicken (and you definitely should), here are some insider tips:

• Cash only: Make sure to hit the ATM before your visit
• Seating options: The eat-in area is open from 9 AM to 4 PM with picnic tables available
• Drive-thru convenience: If you’re in a hurry, their drive-thru is efficient and popular
• Popular times: Like any great local spot, lunch rush can get busy, so plan accordingly
• Kids welcome: They offer a kids’ menu for the little ones

How to Make Your Own A & M-Inspired Fried Chicken at Home

Can’t make it to Quitman anytime soon? While nothing beats the original, here’s a simple recipe inspired by southern-style fried chicken that might tide you over:

Simple Southern Fried Chicken Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 whole fryer chicken, cut into pieces
• 1 tablespoon (heaping) ground black pepper
• 3 teaspoons salt
• 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1-1/2 to 2 cups canola oil

Instructions:

1. Season the chicken: Lay the pieces on a large plate and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Don’t be shy with the seasonings!

2. Coat with flour: Add flour to a large shallow bowl. Generously coat each piece of seasoned chicken, making sure to cover all sides.

3. Heat the oil: In a large skillet, add canola oil about 1/2-inch deep. Heat on medium.

4. Test the oil: Sprinkle a pinch of flour in the oil – when it sizzles, it’s ready for the chicken.

5. Fry patiently: Carefully add chicken pieces, leaving space between them. Turn regularly using a cooking fork (aim for the edges of the skin to keep juices in).

6. Watch the temperature: If the oil bubbles too rapidly or spatters, reduce heat. You want a medium to dark golden color, not dark brown.

7. Cook thoroughly: Fry until all sides are golden and chicken is cooked through, about 30-40 minutes. Larger pieces like breasts will take longer.

8. Drain: Transfer cooked chicken to a rack over a plate to drain excess oil.

9. Enjoy: Serve warm with classic sides like mashed potatoes, or cold straight from the fridge as a treat!

Remember – sometimes the simplest recipes make the best fried chicken. Just like at A & M, less is often more when it comes to seasonings.

Why Local Places Like A & M Matter

In a world dominated by chain restaurants, places like A & M Fried Chicken are increasingly precious. They represent something genuine – food made with care by people who take pride in their work, not because a corporate manual tells them to.

When we support local restaurants like A & M, we’re not just getting better food – we’re helping preserve a piece of community identity. These are the places where neighbors gather, where the staff knows regular customers by name, and where recipes are passed down through generations.

The $6.99 meal deal at A & M isn’t just about affordability – it represents a commitment to feeding their community well without breaking the bank. That kind of consideration for customers is increasingly rare.

Planning Your Visit

If you’re ready to experience A & M Fried Chicken for yourself, here’s everything you need to know:

Location: 502 N Archusa Ave, Quitman, MS 39355

Phone: (601) 776-1489

Hours:

• Monday: 5:30 AM – 6:30 PM
• Tuesday: 5:30 AM – 6:30 PM
• Wednesday: 5:30 AM – 5:30 PM
• Thursday: 5:30 AM – 6:30 PM
• Friday: 5:30 AM – 6:30 PM
• Saturday: 7 AM – 5 PM
• Sunday: Closed

Payment: Cash only (no cards accepted)

Reservations: Not accepted (but the line moves quickly!)

If you’re in the area, check out other local spots like Rustic Couture for dessert or Los Totopos if you’re in the mood for Mexican food afterward.

The Verdict: Is A & M Fried Chicken Worth the Trip?

After diving deep into what makes A & M Fried Chicken special, I can confidently say – YES, it’s absolutely worth seeking out. Whether you’re a local or just passing through Mississippi, this unassuming spot deserves a place on your culinary bucket list.

What sets them apart isn’t fancy techniques or trendy ingredients. It’s the commitment to doing simple food extremely well, day after day, year after year. It’s about recognizing that sometimes, a perfectly executed piece of fried chicken with sides made from scratch is all you need to make a memorable meal.

We live in a world of endless food options, but there’s something deeply satisfying about places that pick one thing and truly master it. A & M Fried Chicken has done exactly that, and their loyal customer base proves it.

So next time you’re anywhere near Quitman, Mississippi, do yourself a favor and make a detour to A & M. Order that 2-piece special, grab some corn nuggets, and experience a true southern food tradition. Your taste buds will thank you, and you’ll be supporting a small business that represents the best of American food culture.

Have you been to A & M Fried Chicken? Drop me a comment below with your favorite menu item – I’m always looking for recommendations for my next visit!

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