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Southern Crispy Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

Southern Crispy Chicken Drumsticks Recipe


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4.8 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours and 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Crispy chicken drumsticks bake up golden with bold seasoning and juicy meat. They’re a family favorite that delivers crunch and comfort.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 8 chicken drumsticks
  • 1 cup buttermilk

Dry Coating Ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Cooking Ingredient:

  • Oil for frying

Instructions

  1. Pour 1 cup of buttermilk over the drumsticks, ensuring each piece is completely submerged. Refrigerate and let the meat soak for 2 hours to tenderize.
  2. Combine 1 cup flour, 2 teaspoons paprika, 1 teaspoon each of garlic and onion powder, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ½ teaspoon cayenne in a wide, shallow dish.
  3. Remove drumsticks from buttermilk, allowing excess liquid to drip back into the container.
  4. Roll each drumstick through the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to help coating adhere completely.
  5. Pour enough oil into a deep skillet to reach 2 inches deep. Heat to 350°F.
  6. Carefully place 3-4 drumsticks into the hot oil, maintaining a temperature between 325-350°F.
  7. Fry the first batch for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even browning.
  8. Transfer cooked drumsticks to a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
  9. Repeat frying process with remaining drumsticks, maintaining consistent oil temperature.

Notes

  • Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken and creates a tangy flavor foundation for your crispy drumsticks.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe chicken cooking.
  • For extra crunch, let the coated drumsticks rest on a wire rack for 15 minutes before frying to help the breading adhere better.
  • Make this recipe gluten-free by substituting regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
  • Prep Time: 2 hours
  • Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
  • Category: Chicken
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg