Southern-Style Crispy Fried Chicken Drumsticks
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our Southern-Style Crispy Fried Chicken Drumsticks! This classic recipe features tender chicken legs that are first boiled to ensure juicy, flavorful meat, then expertly coated in a savory blend of spices and flour before being deep-fried to a perfect golden brown. The result is a crispy, mouthwatering exterior that gives way to succulent chicken with every bite. Perfect for family gatherings, picnics, or a delightful weekend treat, these drumsticks are sure to become a favorite at your table. Give it a try, and bring a taste of the South into your kitchen!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken legs
6 (none)
eggs
2 (beaten)
vegetable oil
4 cups (for frying)
flour
1 cup (for coating)
cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon (ground)
paprika
1 teaspoon (ground)
salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
Begin by filling a large pot with water and bringing it to a boil. Carefully add the chicken legs to the boiling water and cook for 10 minutes to ensure they are tender and juicy. Remove the legs and set aside to cool slightly.
2
In a deep, heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can use a thermometer to check the temperature.
3
On a large plate, combine the flour, cayenne pepper, paprika, and salt thoroughly to create the seasoned flour mixture.
4
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until smooth and well combined.
5
Take one chicken leg and dredge it in the seasoned flour mixture, making sure to coat it evenly on all sides.
6
Next, dip the coated chicken leg into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off before returning it to the flour mixture for a final coating. Make sure to press gently to adhere the flour mixture.
7
Carefully place the coated chicken leg into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry up to three legs at a time, depending on the size of your pan.
8
Fry the chicken legs for about 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until they achieve a rich golden brown color and are cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
9
Once fried, transfer the chicken legs to a plate lined with double-folded paper towels to absorb excess oil. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes these Southern-Style Crispy Fried Chicken Drumsticks unique?
These drumsticks are unique because they are boiled for 10 minutes before frying to ensure the meat is tender and juicy, followed by a double-dredging process for extra crunch.
How many chicken legs do I need for this recipe?
This recipe requires 6 chicken legs.
Why should I boil the chicken before frying?
Boiling the chicken legs for 10 minutes ensures that the meat stays succulent and is fully cooked through without burning the exterior during the frying process.
What is the recommended temperature for the frying oil?
The vegetable oil should be heated to a temperature of 350°F (175°C) before you begin frying.
What ingredients are in the seasoned flour mixture?
The seasoned flour consists of 1 cup of flour mixed with 1 teaspoon each of ground cayenne pepper, ground paprika, and salt.
How many eggs are used for the coating?
You will need 2 eggs, beaten until smooth, to create the egg wash for the chicken.
How do I achieve the double-coated crust?
Dredge the leg in the flour mixture first, dip it into the beaten eggs, and then return it to the flour mixture for a final coating while pressing gently to adhere.
How long do the drumsticks need to fry?
The drumsticks should be fried for approximately 12-15 minutes until they are rich golden brown.
What is the target internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
How many pieces can I fry at once?
It is best to fry no more than three legs at a time to prevent overcrowding the pan and lowering the oil temperature.
What type of oil is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of vegetable oil for deep-frying.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe includes 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, which provides a mild to moderate spicy kick.
How should I drain the chicken after frying?
Transfer the fried chicken to a plate lined with double-folded paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
Can I use this recipe for family gatherings?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for family gatherings, picnics, or weekend treats.
What equipment do I need for frying?
You will need a deep, heavy-bottomed saucepan and ideally a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature.
How much paprika is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of ground paprika for color and flavor.
What type of flour should I use?
Standard all-purpose flour is typically used for the 1 cup of flour requested in the coating.
Should the chicken be cooled before coating?
Yes, after boiling, let the chicken legs cool slightly before starting the dredging process.
What are the primary tags associated with this dish?
The tags include fried chicken, southern food, comfort food, chicken drumsticks, and easy recipe.
How much salt is recommended?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of salt, though you can adjust this to your personal taste.
Does this recipe use chicken wings or legs?
This specific recipe is designed for chicken legs (drumsticks).
What happens if the oil is not hot enough?
If the oil is below 350°F, the chicken may absorb too much oil and become greasy rather than crispy.
Do I need to peel the skin off the chicken?
No, the skin should be left on as it provides the base for the crispy fried coating.
How long should I let the chicken sit after frying?
Allow the drumsticks to cool on paper towels for a few minutes to let the juices redistribute before serving.
Is there any preparation needed for the chicken legs?
No specific preparation like marinating is needed other than boiling them for 10 minutes at the start.
Can I replace the vegetable oil with another oil?
You can use other high-smoke point oils like canola or peanut oil if you do not have vegetable oil.
How do I ensure the coating doesn't fall off?
Pressing the flour mixture gently onto the egg-dipped chicken help the coating adhere during frying.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 7 ingredients in this recipe: chicken legs, eggs, vegetable oil, flour, cayenne pepper, paprika, and salt.
Is this dish considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is specifically described as the ultimate comfort food with a taste of the South.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients to make 12 drumsticks, but continue frying in small batches of three.