Golden, crunchy, and full of flavor
This classic fried chicken recipe delivers perfectly crispy drumsticks with a tender, juicy interior. The buttermilk soak ensures the chicken stays moist while the seasoned flour coating creates a flavorful crunch.
Ingredients
- 6 chicken drumsticks
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Pour the buttermilk into a bowl, add the chicken drumsticks, and let them soak for at least 30 minutes. For the most tender result, refrigerate and soak overnight.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, paprika, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Remove each drumstick from the buttermilk and coat it thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture. Shake off any excess.
- Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat.
- Add the drumsticks carefully and fry for 10 to 12 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Transfer the fried chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve hot and crispy.
Tips for Best Results
- Use a cooking thermometer to keep the oil around 325°F to 350°F for even frying.
- For extra crunch, double-dip the drumsticks by returning them briefly to the buttermilk and then back into the flour mixture.
- Let the coated drumsticks rest for 5 minutes before frying to help the crust stick better.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, macaroni salad, or biscuits.
- Add hot sauce or honey for extra flavor.
- Great for picnics, family dinners, and weekend meals.
Storage
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.