Fried chicken drumsticks are a beloved comfort food classic—crispy on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside. If you’ve ever wondered how to make fried chicken drumsticks that rival your favorite takeout or restaurant, this guide is for you! I’ll walk you through the entire process, from marinating to frying, with tips to get that perfect crunch and flavor every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
– 2 to 3 pounds of chicken drumsticks (bone-in, skin-on)
– Buttermilk (about 2 cups) or milk with a splash of vinegar as a substitute
– Hot sauce (optional, about 2 tablespoons for a little kick)
– All-purpose flour (about 2 to 3 cups)
– Seasonings: salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder or cayenne (adjust to taste)
– Eggs (1 or 2 for dredging)
– Oil for frying (vegetable, peanut, or canola oil work well)
Step 1: Marinate for Juiciness and Flavor
The secret to juicy fried chicken is marinating the drumsticks. Soak your chicken in buttermilk mixed with a bit of hot sauce and some salt. This tenderizes the meat and infuses it with flavor.
– Place the drumsticks in a large bowl.
– Pour the buttermilk and hot sauce over the chicken.
– Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but ideally up to 12 hours for maximum flavor and tenderness.
Step 2: Prepare Your Coating Station
While the chicken marinates, set up your dredging station with three shallow dishes:
- Flour mixture: Combine flour with your chosen seasonings—salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of chili or cayenne for heat.
- Egg wash: Beat eggs with a splash of milk or water.
- Second flour mixture (optional): Some recipes call for a double coating to get extra crispy chicken. You can repeat the flour and egg steps for this.
Make sure your seasoning is well balanced to give the chicken a flavorful crust.
Step 3: Coat the Drumsticks
Take each drumstick out of the marinade and let the excess drip off. Then:
– Dredge it in the seasoned flour, pressing lightly so the flour sticks.
– Dip it into the egg wash.
– Return it to the flour mixture for a second coating.
– Shake off any excess flour gently.
This double coating technique creates that irresistible crunchy crust.
Step 4: Heat the Oil Properly
Use a deep, heavy skillet or a deep fryer. Pour enough oil to submerge the chicken halfway (about 1 to 2 inches deep).
– Heat the oil to around 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature because if the oil is too hot, the crust will burn before the chicken cooks through; too cool, and the chicken will absorb oil and become greasy.
Step 5: Fry the Drumsticks
Carefully place the coated drumsticks in the hot oil. Don’t overcrowd the pan—fry in batches if needed to keep the oil temperature steady.
– Fry for about 10 to 15 minutes, turning every few minutes so the chicken cooks evenly and gets golden brown on all sides.
– The internal temperature of the chicken should reach at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
Step 6: Drain and Rest
Once fried, transfer the drumsticks to a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. Resting them this way keeps the crust crispy instead of soggy.
Pro Tips for Perfect Fried Chicken Drumsticks
– Make cuts on the thickest part of the drumstick: This helps the chicken cook evenly and allows the coating to puff up nicely.
– Don’t crowd the pan: Crowding lowers oil temperature, resulting in greasy chicken.
– Use buttermilk for marinating: It tenderizes and adds flavor, giving you juicy meat.
– Maintain oil temperature: Use a thermometer to keep the oil steady at 350°F for best results.
– Double coat for extra crunch: Dip in flour, then egg, then flour again for a thick, crispy crust.
– Rest coated chicken before frying: Letting the coated drumsticks sit for 20 minutes helps the coating stick better.
– Finish in the oven if needed: If you’re unsure about doneness, bake fried drumsticks at 500°F for 10 minutes to ensure they’re cooked through.
Serving Suggestions
Fried chicken drumsticks go perfectly with classic sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, cornbread, or a simple green salad. Don’t forget your favorite dipping sauce—ranch, honey mustard, or a spicy mayo are all excellent choices.
Making fried chicken drumsticks at home is easier than you think, and once you master the process, you’ll have a go-to recipe for crispy, juicy chicken that everyone will love. So grab your apron, heat that oil, and get ready to enjoy some seriously delicious fried chicken!