👨‍🍳 Crispy Fried Chicken Drumsticks Recipe | Quick & Easy

Can you make delicious fried chicken drumsticks that are crispy outside, juicy inside, with just a few ingredients in little over an hour?

Looking for an easy fried chicken drumsticks recipe? You’re in luck. This method shows you how to make appetizing, homemade fried chicken drumsticks perfect for any time, from dinner to a special weekend meal. With just 10 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook, you’ll have more time to savor your meal.

Key Takeaways

• Quick prep time of just 10 minutes.
• Mouth-watering result with only 7 ingredients.
• Total cook time of only 15 minutes per batch.
• Marinating the drumsticks for 1 hour enriches flavor.
• Each serving contains a satisfying 51g of protein and 27g of fat.
• Ensure the internal temperature reaches 180°F for perfect doneness.
• Recipe serves 4 with each serving having 798 kcal.

Introduction to a Classic Delight

Fried chicken drumsticks bring comfort and memories for many. This classic recipe is loved by all, with its crispy outside and juicy meat inside. Making it is simple, but the taste is unbeatable.

Overview of the Recipe

Our fried chicken drumsticks have a high rating for good reason. With chicken, salt, pepper, flour, and peanut oil, they’re sure to be a hit. They cook in about 30-35 minutes, 10 minutes per side. Keep the oil at 1/2 inch deep and at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for best results. You’ll get 6 servings from this, and any extra keeps well for 1-2 days.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe’s beauty is in its simplicity and great taste. It uses simple spices like cayenne, paprika, and salt. This means you’ll get flavorful drumsticks with a crunchy skin and tender meat. It’s quick and affordable, beating what you’ll find in a restaurant. Plus, it’s a staple of both American and global comfort food. It’s a must-have for anyone who loves cooking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Start off by collecting the best ingredients for fried chicken. It’s important to have everything ready and in the right amounts. This will help you make delicious fried chicken every time.

Essential Ingredients

1. 16 chicken drumsticks, or a combination of drumsticks and thighs
2. 1-1/2 cups flour
3. 1/2 cup cornstarch
4. 3 eggs
5. 3 teaspoons salt
6. 2 teaspoons onion powder
7. 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
8. 1 tablespoon garlic powder
9. 1 teaspoon dried oregano
10. Peanut oil, Grapeseed oil, Canola oil, Corn oil, Olive oil, Sesame seed oil, or Sunflower oil for frying

Optional Add-Ons

Make your fried chicken drumsticks special with optional add-ons:

• Chili powder for extra heat
• Buttermilk for marinating to tenderize the meat
• Brine solution of salt and sugar for soaking the chicken legs for 4 hours
• Panko breadcrumbs for a different texture
• Various herbs like thyme, basil, or rosemary for added flavor

Using these key and extra ingredients for fried chicken, you’re ready to cook up a treat. Your dish will amaze you and your guests.

Preparation Steps

First, you need to get the chicken ready for frying. Boil it first to make sure it’s cooked right throughout. This also helps the coating stick better, giving you that perfect crunch.

Boiling the Chicken Drumsticks

Boiling your chicken drumsticks is important before frying. Put them in a pot of boiling water for ten minutes. This ensures they’re fully cooked and makes them easier to fry.

Preparing the Coating

After boiling your chicken, it’s time to coat them. Mix flour, paprika, and a bit of salt and pepper on a plate. Beat eggs in a bowl. Then, coat each drumstick first in the flour mix, then in the egg, and again in the flour. This creates a crispy outside for your fried chicken.

Detailed Frying Instructions

Getting the perfect crispy fried chicken drumsticks is an art. It needs attention to detail. Use these guidelines to make sure you get golden, delicious drumsticks every time.

Heating the Oil

To begin, heat your vegetable oil to 375°F (190°C) in a big pan or pot. This temperature is key for a crispy outside. It also makes certain the chicken inside gets cooked well.

Frying to Perfection

When the oil is ready, start by covering the chicken drumsticks in flour. Make sure each one is evenly coated. Then, dip them in egg wash and flour again for an extra crispy layer.

Now, carefully put the coated drumsticks in the hot oil, space them out well. Fry them for 12-15 minutes. Turn them every 5 minutes for a uniform golden-brown color. The chicken should be 165°F (75°C) inside to be safe. Let them cool on a rack for 10 minutes before you serve.

Tips for Achieving Crispy Skin

Want your fried chicken drumsticks to be the best? It’s all about that perfect crispy skin. First, dry the drumsticks with a paper towel. This gets rid of extra water that can make the skin less crispy.

Make sure your oil is at the right temperature. Use a thermometer to check that it stays at 350°F. Too many drumsticks in the pan will lower the oil temperature. This makes the chicken cook unevenly. So, fry them in smaller groups if you need to.

After frying, let the drumsticks sit on a paper towel. This drains off extra oil and helps keep the skin crispy. Adjust your spices and cooking times to suit your taste and get the best results.

If you prefer baking, adding baking powder is key. Start at 200°C/390°F for 30 minutes. Then, turn up the heat for the last 15 minutes to make the skin extra crispy. This method makes your crispy skin fried chicken just as good as the deep-fried kind.

To make the skin extra crispy, try pulling and stretching it. This covers more of the meat, keeping it moist and improving the chicken drumsticks’ texture.

Alternative Coating Ideas

Trying new coatings for your homemade fried chicken can take it to another level. Here are two great choices:

Panko Bread Crumbs

Want your fried chicken extra crunchy? Use Panko bread crumbs. They’re bigger and lighter than normal crumbs, which adds a special crunch. Simply cover your drumsticks with them before frying for that perfect bite.

Biscuit Mixes

Biscuit mixes offer a tasty and special crust. These mixes have flour and leavening agents, making a biscuit-like texture when cooked. Covering your chicken in this mix gives it a unique taste and a crispy, golden outside. It complements the juicy meat well.

Fried Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

This fried chicken drumsticks recipe is fun and tasty. You’ll love making it and the crispy, juicy chicken you get.

Start by marinating the drumsticks in canola oil, soy sauce, hot sauce, seasoned salt, and garlic salt. Let them soak for at least an hour. This step lets the flavors sink in. Add more hot sauce and soy sauce if you like, but start with 1 to 2 teaspoons.

After marinating, dip the drumsticks in egg and milk. Then, cover them with a mix of parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, oregano, paprika, and pepper. This mix gives the chicken a tasty crust.

Now, put the drumsticks on a baking pan. Bake them at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 45-55 minutes. They should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit inside to be done. This recipe serves 6 with about 2.5 pounds of chicken pieces.

Unlike deep-frying, this recipe bakes the chicken for a healthier twist. Each serving is about 381 calories and offers 5g carbs, 29g protein, and 27g fat. You also get 499 IU of Vitamin A and 135 mg of calcium. It’s nutritious and tasty.

In less than an hour, get ready to serve flavorful fried chicken drumsticks. By adding the right spices and coating the chicken twice, you get a meal everyone will love.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Want the perfect homemade fried chicken? Paying attention to common mistakes makes a big difference. These tips will help you avoid errors and make your fried chicken taste great.

Overcrowding the Pan

Overfilling the pan is a common mistake that ruins your chicken. It makes the cooking uneven and the chicken less crispy. You should fry chicken in small groups so each piece browns evenly. This also gives space to flip them without a lot of hassle.

Wrong Temperature of Oil

Wrong oil temperature is another big mistake. The oil should be around 360 degrees when you add the chicken. Keep it between 300 to 325 degrees while frying. Using a thermometer for the oil helps make sure your chicken is cooked right and not too greasy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Making fried chicken drumsticks often raises a few questions. We’re here to tackle these, making sure your cooking goes smoothly. We want your drumsticks to be perfect.

Can I use a different type of oil?

Yes, definitely! Beyond vegetable oil, canola and peanut oils work great too. They have high smoke points. This means your drumsticks will cook well, getting crispy without burning.

What sides go best with fried chicken?

A tasty fried chicken needs great sides. Try coleslaw for crunch or mashed potatoes for creaminess. And don’t forget corn on the cob for some sweetness. These sides make your meal a delight.

Here’s a handy table for choosing the best side dishes for your fried chicken:

Serving Suggestions

Serving fried chicken drumsticks goes beyond just the chicken. It’s key to add the right sides and dips. These extras make each bite better, whether you’re at home or on a picnic.

Pairing with Side Dishes

Fried chicken is great with many sides. A garden salad or macaroni salad work well. They’re easy to make and balance the chicken’s rich taste. You might also like roasted asparagus, which takes less than 30 minutes to cook.

Buttery bean salad with feta is fresh. A spicy roasted chickpea salad offers bold flavors. Creamed spinach is always a hit for a veggie side.

For the grains and legumes fans, mushroom quinoa is a good choice. Egg fried rice brings unique flavors. There’s something for everyone.

Serving with Dips

Dips add fun to homemade fried chicken. Classic ketchup, honey mustard, and BBQ sauce are top picks. A mustard dip or homemade ranch gives a zesty twist.

Offering different dips lets guests mix and match. This makes the meal more fun and lets everyone find their favorite combo. With a variety of sides and sauces, fried chicken becomes a feast people love.

Fried chicken is so versatile. Combined with the right sides and dips, it’s unforgettable. For more on serving fried chicken drumsticks, check this guide out for ideas.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Keeping fried chicken fresh is vital for tasty leftovers. Store it in a sealed container in the fridge. It’s safe to eat within the next three to four days.

The oven is the ideal place to reheat fried chicken. Set it to 400°F, and warm the chicken for 15 to 20 minutes. Make sure it hits 165°F inside. This method keeps the skin crispy, unlike the microwave.

Air fryers work well too. Preheat yours to 375°F and cook the chicken legs for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. The exterior stays crispy without more oil. Microwaving is quicker but can make the skin soggy. Try short heating times and finish with a quick bake at 400°F to add crispiness back.

“Reheated fried chicken is safe as long as it is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F when it was first made. Reheating leftover fried chicken is safe if it was fully cooked the first time and refrigerated within a couple of hours.”

Frying the chicken again on the stove at 300°F for a few minutes per side can also up its crispiness. Or, use a toaster oven, heated to 400°F, for a total of 10 to 15 minutes, turning once halfway.

Important steps for a great leftover experience include consistent reheating and good storage. These tips ensure your fried chicken stays tasty and enjoyable, just as it was when first made.

Nutritional Information

Learning the nutrition of fried chicken drumsticks is key if you’re watching what you eat. In the Crispy Fried Chicken Drumsticks Recipe, one small drumstick has around 148 calories. It also has 8.63g of fat (11%), with 1.972g from saturated fat (10%), and others from different types of fats.

Each drumstick has about 51mg of cholesterol (17%) and 164mg of sodium (7%). It contains 4.52g of carbs (2%) and not much fiber, but it’s rich in protein, giving you 12.4g per serving.

This recipe offers a bit of calcium, iron, potassium, and Vitamin A. However, it lacks Vitamin C. Over half the calories come from fats, around a third from protein, and the rest from carbohydrates. This mix is good for a well-rounded meal.

Different fried chicken parts, like breasts and thighs, have their calorie and nutrition levels. Drumsticks made in an oven use less oil, which means they’re a bit healthier. If you’re on a serious diet, asking a doctor about your food choices is a good idea.

Variations to Try

When making fried chicken, try adding unique flavors to make it special. We will look at two tasty kinds: spicy fried chicken drumsticks and herb-crusted fried chicken.

Spicy Fried Chicken Drumsticks

If you love spicy food, these drumsticks are for you. You add chili powder, paprika, and cumin for a kick. Using only a little oil, the skin gets crispy and the meat stays juicy.

Dark meat cooks in about 12-14 minutes and should reach 165°F inside. This keeps the flavor and makes the chicken perfect.

Herb-Crusted Fried Chicken Drumsticks

Looking for something aromatic? Try the herb-crusted fried chicken. Mix herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley for a more flavorful chicken. This option is baked, not fried.

It takes about 30 minutes to cook and is baked at 425°F. Make sure it reaches 165-170°F inside. It serves 4-5 people and you can keep it in the fridge for 5 days.

Or freeze it for up to 6 months for later enjoyment.

Spicy and herb-crusted fried chicken show how creative you can get with this classic dish. Every bite is full of flavor.

Expert Tips from Chefs

Learning from top chefs can really boost your cooking skills. We’ll explore two important sources to perfect fried chicken: Chef Nagi’s special recipe and advice from famous Southern chefs.

Chef Nagi’s Insights

Chef Nagi is celebrated for her top-notch cooking ideas. One key technique she highlights is putting baking powder in the flour mix. This helps get the chicken skin extra crispy. She stresses the need to evenly coat each piece with seasoned flour once it’s out of the buttermilk. Doing so makes sure the chicken stays juicy yet perfectly crunchy.

Secrets from Southern Cooks

Southern chefs have their own long-trusted tricks for the best fried chicken. They swear by marinating the chicken in buttermilk for a day, making it tender and tastier. The special spice mixes used in Southern recipes stand out. Places like Tennessee and Alabama use distinctive local spices. South Carolina chefs recommend a consistent 350°F frying temperature to ensure the chicken cooks well. Taking cues from these methods can truly make your fried chicken a genuine Southern delight.

1. Marinate chicken in 3.5% fat buttermilk for 24 hours.
2. Bread directly from buttermilk into seasoned flour with baking powder.
3. Maintain frying temperature at 350°F.
4. Frying time should be between 12-15 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
5. Season fried chicken with salt and pepper while it is still warm for best flavor.

Conclusion

This recipe makes crispy fried chicken drumsticks easy. It uses 8 skinless drumsticks with a coating of flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs. This method gives them a tasty, crunchy outside, just like top recipes for fried chicken.

It’s easy to cook them perfectly. Just bake for 40 to 45 minutes at 180 degrees Celsius/350 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure the chicken inside is 75 degrees Celsius/165 degrees Fahrenheit.

This recipe can work in many places. You can use Panko or regular breadcrumbs, which is helpful in areas like India.

Making this dish is quick and simple. There’s no need to chop or marinate, which saves time. Talking about it with others online makes cooking more fun.

This guide helps you make this dish with no trouble. It will soon be a favorite meal to share at home.