Oh, let me tell you about my love for seasoned crispy chicken drumsticks! There’s just something about that first bite—the crunchiness that gives way to juicy, flavorful chicken is pure bliss. I remember the first time I made these for a family gathering; my cousin couldn’t stop raving about them! It was a simple recipe, but the buttermilk marinade really makes a difference, infusing every bite with moisture and flavor. Plus, the crispy coating? It’s irresistible! Whether you’re whipping these up for a cozy dinner or a backyard barbecue, trust me, they’ll be the star of the show. I can’t wait for you to try it!
Ingredients for Seasoned Crispy Chicken Drumsticks
Gather these simple yet essential ingredients to create the most mouthwatering seasoned crispy chicken drumsticks. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 8 chicken drumsticks – make sure they’re nice and meaty!
- 1 cup buttermilk – this is key for that tender, juicy chicken!
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – this will create that delightful crispy coating.
- 2 teaspoons paprika – it adds a lovely color and flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – because who doesn’t love garlic?
- 1 teaspoon onion powder – for that extra depth of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt – essential for seasoning!
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – a little kick never hurt anyone.
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper – optional, but it gives a nice heat.
- Oil for frying – enough to submerge the drumsticks for that perfect fry.
Trust me, these ingredients come together to create something truly special!
How to Prepare Seasoned Crispy Chicken Drumsticks
Now, let’s dive into making these seasoned crispy chicken drumsticks! It’s a straightforward process, and I promise you’ll love every step. Just follow along, and you’ll be enjoying crispy, flavorful chicken in no time!
Marinating the Chicken
First things first, you’ll want to marinate those chicken drumsticks in buttermilk. This is crucial for juicy chicken! Place the drumsticks in a bowl or zip-top bag and pour in the buttermilk. Let them soak for at least 2 hours—if you can, go for overnight. The longer, the better!
Preparing the Coating
While the chicken marinates, let’s prepare the crispy coating. In a large bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Whisk them together until well mixed. This blend is what gives your chicken that amazing flavor and crunch!
Frying the Chicken
Once your chicken has marinated, it’s time to fry! Start by heating oil in a deep skillet over medium heat—make sure it’s hot enough by dropping a little flour in; it should sizzle. Remove the drumsticks from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off, then dredge them in the flour mixture until fully coated. Fry the drumsticks in batches for about 12-15 minutes, turning them occasionally for even cooking. You want them golden brown and cooked through! Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F (75°C). Once done, drain them on paper towels to get rid of any excess oil. And voilà, you’ve got seasoned crispy chicken drumsticks ready to devour!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Oh, you’re going to adore these seasoned crispy chicken drumsticks! Here’s why:
- Incredible flavor from the buttermilk marinade and spices
- Perfectly crunchy coating that satisfies every craving
- Simple preparation that even beginner cooks can master
- Great for any occasion—dinner, parties, or just because!
- Leftovers (if there are any!) are just as delicious
Trust me, once you try them, you’ll want to make them again and again!
Tips for Success
To ensure your seasoned crispy chicken drumsticks turn out perfect every time, here are my top tips! First, don’t skip the marinating step—it’s crucial for flavor and tenderness. Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying; a drop of flour should sizzle immediately. Fry in small batches to maintain the oil temperature. Lastly, use a meat thermometer to check for doneness—165°F (75°C) is the sweet spot! Follow these tips, and you’ll impress everyone with your fried chicken skills!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for these delicious seasoned crispy chicken drumsticks. Each serving (2 drumsticks) contains approximately:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 22g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Sodium: 800mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and cooking methods!
FAQ About Seasoned Crispy Chicken Drumsticks
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries about making these delicious seasoned crispy chicken drumsticks:
Can I use chicken thighs instead of drumsticks?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work just as well and may even be juicier. Just adjust the cooking time if needed.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken?
Yes, marinating in buttermilk is key for tender, flavorful chicken. It’s worth the wait!
Can I bake these instead of frying?
You can! If you prefer baking, coat the chicken and then place them on a baking sheet. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What can I serve with these drumsticks?
They pair perfectly with coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.
How do I store leftovers?
Place any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best results!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store your seasoned crispy chicken drumsticks, let them cool completely and then place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, the best way to reheat is in the oven. Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and place the drumsticks on a baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. This will help keep that crispy coating intact!
For more delicious chicken recipes, check out this air fryer chicken drumsticks recipe or this recipe for air fryer chicken legs. If you’re interested in the benefits of buttermilk in cooking, you can learn more here.
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Seasoned Crispy Chicken Drumsticks: 5 Reasons You’ll Love Them
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Seasoned crispy chicken drumsticks are flavorful and crunchy.
Ingredients
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Marinate chicken drumsticks in buttermilk for at least 2 hours.
- In a bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Remove drumsticks from buttermilk and let excess drip off.
- Dredge drumsticks in the flour mixture until fully coated.
- Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium heat.
- Fry drumsticks in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 12-15 minutes.
- Drain on paper towels before serving.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Ensure oil is hot before frying.
- Use a thermometer to check chicken doneness.
- Prep Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 drumsticks
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: seasoned crispy chicken drumsticks
