Ultra-Crispy Fried Chicken Drumsticks

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 3–4)

Chicken

• 6–8 chicken drumsticks (skin on)

• Salt (1 tsp)

• ½ tsp black pepper

🥛 Buttermilk Marinade (For Juicy, Tender Chicken)

• 2 cups buttermilk

• 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional but recommended)

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

🌾 Crispy Coating

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• ½ cup cornstarch (key for extra crunch)

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp baking powder (makes coating lighter & crispier)

🛢 For Frying

• Vegetable oil (enough for deep frying, about 4–5 cups)

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Prep the Chicken

• Pat drumsticks dry.

• Lightly season with salt and pepper.

2️⃣ Marinate (Minimum 4 hours – Best Overnight)

1. Mix all marinade ingredients in a bowl.

2. Add chicken, ensuring fully coated.

3. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours (overnight = best flavor and tenderness).

👉 This step ensures juicy, flavorful chicken inside.

3️⃣ Prepare the Coating

1. In a large bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, and all dry spices.

2. Remove chicken from marinade (do not wipe off).

3. Let excess drip off but keep it moist.

4️⃣ Double Dredge for Extra Crunch

1. Coat chicken in flour mixture.

2. Dip quickly back into buttermilk.

3. Coat again in flour mixture.

4. Press flour onto chicken to create craggy, crispy texture.

Place coated chicken on a rack and let rest 10–15 minutes (helps coating stick).

5️⃣ Frying

1. Heat oil to 170–175°C (340–350°F).

2. Fry 3–4 drumsticks at a time (don’t overcrowd).

3. Cook for 12–15 minutes, turning occasionally.

4. Internal temperature should reach 75°C (165°F).

5. Remove and drain on wire rack (not paper towel — keeps crispy).

🔥 Pro Tips for SUPER Crispy Chicken

• ✔ Add 1 tbsp of the marinade into flour and mix — creates crunchy flakes.

• ✔ Let coated chicken rest before frying.

• ✔ Maintain steady oil temperature.

• ✔ Finish with a tiny sprinkle of salt while hot.

🧄 Optional Flavor Variations

🍯 Honey Butter Glaze

• 3 tbsp melted butter

• 2 tbsp honey

• Brush lightly after frying.

🌶 Spicy Version

• Add 1 tsp chili powder + ½ tsp cayenne to flour mix.

🧀 Garlic Parmesan

• Toss hot chicken with melted butter + garlic + grated parmesan.

⏲ Storage & Reheating

• Store in fridge up to 3 days.

• Reheat in oven at 190°C (375°F) for 10–15 mins.

• Avoid microwave (loses crispiness).