fried chicken drumsticks recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
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The Best fried chicken drumsticks recipe

I have been making this fried chicken drumsticks recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. The recipe is simple yet flavorful, and the best part is that it’s easy to customize to suit your taste preferences.

I love that you can adjust the level of spiciness to your liking, and the crispy exterior gives way to juicy, tender meat inside. My kids adore helping me in the kitchen, and this recipe is a great way to get them involved in cooking.

We often make it for special occasions like birthdays and holidays, but it’s also a staple in our weekly meal rotation. I’ve experimented with different seasonings and marinades over the years, but this basic recipe remains my go-to.

It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering with friends. Plus, it’s relatively healthy compared to other fried chicken recipes – we’re talking about using wholesome ingredients like buttermilk and herbs instead of processed coatings and preservatives.

This recipe has become a family favorite, and I’m confident it will become one for yours as well.

Crispy Fried Chicken Drumsticks

Crispy Fried Chicken Drumsticks

4.6 from 879 votes

Juicy chicken drumsticks with a crunchy, golden brown crust. This recipe uses a simple seasoned flour coating and shallow frying for perfect results every time.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time40 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

8 chicken drumsticks (about 2 lbs)
1 cup buttermilk
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Coating

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
Vegetable oil, for frying

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
2Add the drumsticks and turn to coat.
3Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours, to tenderize and flavor the meat.
4In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne (if using), 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
5Remove drumsticks from buttermilk, letting excess drip off, then dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to adhere.
6Place coated drumsticks on a wire rack and let rest for 10 minutes to help the coating stick.
7Pour vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed skillet to a depth of 1 inch.
8Heat over medium-high heat until the oil reaches 350°F (175°C) on an instant-read thermometer.
9Carefully place 4 drumsticks in the hot oil, skin side down, without overcrowding.
10Fry for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally with tongs, until the coating is deep golden brown and the internal temperature of the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C).
11Transfer the cooked drumsticks to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
12Place on a wire rack set over a baking sheet and keep warm in a 200°F oven while frying the remaining batches.
13Serve hot, with your favorite dipping sauces.

🔧Equipment

Large bowl
Shallow dish
Whisk
Heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven
Tongs
Paper towels
Wire rack
Instant-read thermometer

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 145mg🧂Sodium: 780mg🌾Total Carbs: 28g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 3g🥩Protein: 32g

📝Notes

For extra crunch, let the coated drumsticks rest in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before frying. Adjust cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level.

Watch Video Of How Crispy Fried Chicken Drumsticks Works

This fried chicken drumsticks recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a special event or just a regular Tuesday night dinner. It’s easy to scale up or down depending on your needs, making it perfect for family gatherings or potlucks.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freezes beautifully for later use. Simply reheat in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy again.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Crispy Fried Chicken Drumsticks

Q1: What is the secret to achieving crispy fried chicken drumsticks?

The key to getting crispy fried chicken drumsticks lies in the marinade process. Make sure to let the chicken soak in the buttermilk mixture for at least 30 minutes to allow the acidity to break down the proteins and tenderize the meat.

Q2: Can I use different types of flour for the breading?

Yes, you can experiment with various types of flour for the breading, such as all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, or even cornstarch for a lighter coating.

Q3: How do I prevent the fried chicken from becoming greasy?

To avoid greasiness, pat the chicken dry with paper towels before dredging in flour, and make sure not to overcrowd the skillet while frying.

Q4: Can I bake these drumsticks instead of deep-frying?

Yes, you can bake these drumsticks instead of deep-frying by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and cooking them for about 20-25 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Q5: What is the ideal temperature for frying?

The ideal temperature for frying is between 350°F (175°C) and 375°F (190°C). Make sure not to heat your oil too high or too low, as this can affect the texture of your fried chicken.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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