Here’s a classic and flavorful recipe for Crispy Fried Chicken Drumsticks juicy on the inside, golden and crunchy on the outside. Perfect for dinner, picnics, or any time you’re craving Southern-style comfort food.
Crispy Fried Chicken Drumsticks
🍽️ Serves: 6–8 drumsticks
⏱️ Total Time: 1 hour (plus optional marinating)
🧑🍳 Difficulty: Easy
🧂 Ingredients
For the Chicken:
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6–8 chicken drumsticks, skin-on
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1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp vinegar/lemon juice)
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1 tsp hot sauce (optional, for a kick)
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Salt & pepper, to taste
For the Coating:
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1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 tsp paprika
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1 tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp onion powder
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½ tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning (optional)
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½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
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Salt & pepper, to taste
For Frying:
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Vegetable oil or canola oil, for deep frying (about 2–3 inches deep in your pot)
🔪 Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken (Optional but Recommended)
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Place drumsticks in a bowl or zip-top bag.
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Pour in buttermilk, add hot sauce, and season with a little salt and pepper.
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Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for juicier chicken.
2. Prepare the Coating
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In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
3. Coat the Chicken
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Remove chicken from marinade (let excess drip off).
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Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour, pressing firmly so the coating sticks well.
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For extra crispy coating: Double-dip — dip floured chicken back into buttermilk and flour again.
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Place coated drumsticks on a plate and let them rest for 10–15 minutes. This helps the coating stick better during frying.
4. Fry the Chicken
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Heat oil in a deep skillet, Dutch oven, or fryer to 325–350°F (165–175°C).
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Carefully lower drumsticks into the oil, a few at a time (don’t overcrowd).
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Fry for 12–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp should be 165°F/74°C).
5. Drain and Rest
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Remove fried chicken and place on a wire rack or paper towels to drain.
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Let rest for a few minutes before serving to keep the juices in.
🍴 Serve With:
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Mashed potatoes
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Cornbread or biscuits
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Coleslaw
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Mac & cheese
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Hot honey or dipping sauces
🧊 Storage & Reheating:
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Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days.
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Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) to keep it crispy.
✅ Tips for Perfect Fried Drumsticks:
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Keep oil temp steady – too low = greasy; too hot = raw inside.
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Use a thermometer for best results (both oil and chicken).
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Double-dipping adds more crunch.
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Resting after coating helps the flour bind better.