Get the crispy, juicy goodness of Southern-style fried chicken legs with this easy recipe. Perfectly seasoned and fried to perfection, these golden-brown chicken drumsticks are a classic and satisfying main dish that pairs well with a variety of sides.
Sometimes we just get in the mood for some good old-fashioned comfort food, and these easy fried chicken legs are there to save the day.
It’s hard to beat pan fried chicken legs just like grandma used to make. Fried chicken drumsticks are crispy and flavorful, with a juicy and tender interior. The breading and seasoning on the outside give the chicken a savory and satisfying taste.
Next time you are in the mood for some comfort food try my bacon green beans, kielbasa potatoes, and tater tot casserole.
Why You’ll Love Fried Chicken Drumsticks
- Crunchy skin that is incredible, and inside is super juicy meat.
- Worth the effort to make for your family or a crowd.
- Delicious down to the last bite.
- Budget-friendly, as chicken legs are the most affordable cut of chicken.
Fried Chicken Recipe Ingredients
- Chicken drumsticks
- Buttermilk
- Buffalo Sauce
- Pepper
- Salt
- Crackers
- Cornstarch
- Flour
- Oil for frying
How To Fry Chicken Legs
Step 1: Soak chicken
In a mixing bowl, combine buttermilk, salt, pepper, and buffalo sauce. Pour the mixture over the chicken legs, making sure they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Step 2: Prep flour mixture
In a separate bowl, mix together cornstarch, flour, salt, pepper, crushed crackers, and any other desired seasonings.
Step 3: Add breading
Remove the chicken legs from the buttermilk mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Dip each leg into the flour mixture, ensuring it is coated evenly. Press the flour mixture onto each leg to help it adhere.
Step 4: Fry chicken legs
Heat the oil in a skillet to 350°F. Carefully place the chicken legs into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry for about 30 minutes, flipping the legs periodically to ensure that they cook evenly and do not burn.
Step 5: Remove and serve
Once the chicken is fully cooked (reaching an internal temperature of 165°F), remove it from the skillet and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Let the chicken cool for a few minutes before serving.
Fried Chicken Tips & Tricks
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet: A heavy-bottomed skillet helps distribute heat evenly, which is crucial when frying chicken legs.
- Use enough oil: Ensure the chicken legs are fully submerged in the oil; use enough oil to fill the skillet about halfway.
- Heat the oil to the right temperature: You want the oil to be hot enough to cook the chicken legs quickly, but not so hot that it burns the breading. Aim for a temperature of around 350-375°F (175-190°C).
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet: Frying too many chicken legs at once can lower the oil’s temperature and cause the chicken to cook unevenly. Fry in batches if needed.
- Use tongs to handle the chicken: Tongs are the best tool for handling chicken legs as they allow you to turn and move them around in the skillet without disturbing the breading.
- Drain the chicken on paper towels: Once the chicken legs are cooked, use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove them from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain off any excess oil.
- Let the chicken rest before serving: Let the chicken legs rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to settle and the breading to crisp up even more.
Following these tips should help you achieve perfectly crispy and delicious fried chicken legs in a skillet.
Deep Fried Chicken Drumsticks FAQs
What goes with fried chicken?
Fried chicken legs can be served with a variety of side dishes and accompaniments. Here are a few options:
- Mashed potatoes: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes make a great pairing with fried chicken legs.
- Coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy coleslaw can help cut through the richness of the fried chicken.
- Biscuits: Flaky biscuits are a classic Southern side dish that are perfect for soaking up the juices from the meat.
- Mac and cheese: Creamy, cheesy mac and cheese is a comforting and indulgent side dish.
- Cornbread: Sweet and crumbly cornbread is a perfect complement to crispy fried chicken.
- Green beans: Fresh or sautéed green beans provide a healthy and flavorful side dish.
- Gravy: A flavorful gravy made from the chicken drippings can be served over the mashed potatoes or the chicken itself.
- Hot sauce: For those who like a little spice, hot sauce can be a perfect condiment to serve alongside chicken.
Can I use chicken breasts instead?
Yes, absolutely! This recipe is great for breasts or any bone-in chicken. Please note that the cooking time may vary. Use a meat thermometer to test the temperature.
More Chicken Recipes
- Blackstone Griddle Loaded Chicken
- Homemade Chicken Strips Recipe
- BBQ Chicken Legs Crock Pot
- Creamy Garlic Chicken
Fried Chicken Legs
Ingredients
- 6 chicken legs
- 3 cups buttermilk
- 1/4 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
Breading
- 1 cup crackers crushed club or ritz
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- oil for frying
Instructions
- Mix together the buttermilk, salt, pepper, and buffalo sauce. Pour over the chicken and chill for 30 minutes – 1 hour.
- Combine corn starch, flour, salt, pepper, crushed crackers, and any additional seasonings you want in a bowl.
- Remove chicken legs from buttermilk and let excess drip off. Dip into flour mixture and coat well. Press the flour mixture onto each leg, so it sticks.
- Fry in hot oil (350 degrees) until cooked all the way through, about 30 minutes. Flip periodically so it doesn’t burn. Cook until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
Notes
Feel free to omit buffalo sauce if you’d like.
Make as many fried chicken legs as you’d like, working in batches.
Serve hot and fresh or enjoy cold!
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