Crispy Chicken Drumsticks – Extra Crunchy and Juicy Every Time!
If you’re craving fried chicken but want a simple, quick recipe that delivers perfect crunch and flavor every time, these Crispy Chicken Drumsticks are exactly what you need. The combination of a flavorful marinade and a perfectly seasoned breadcrumb coating makes these drumsticks irresistibly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Best of all, you can prepare them in just a few minutes with easy-to-find ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy – ready in about 30 minutes (plus marinating time).
- Incredibly crispy coating thanks to the seasoned breadcrumbs and baking powder.
- Juicy, flavorful chicken with a slight tang from the hot sauce marinade.
- Perfect for any occasion – family dinners, parties, or casual weekend meals.
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- 7 chicken drumsticks (skin on)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup (63 ml) water
- 1/2 cup (125 ml) hot sauce (adjust to your heat preference)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Coating:
- 2 cups breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Frying:
- Peanut oil (or any vegetable oil of your choice)
- Oil temperature: 350°F (175°C)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Marinade
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, water, and hot sauce until smooth. Stir in the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Add the chicken drumsticks to the bowl, ensuring each piece is fully coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 20–30 minutes. For even more flavor, you can marinate the chicken for several hours or overnight.
2. Make the Breading Mixture
In a separate bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed. Feel free to add other spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, or onion powder for extra flavor.
3. Coat the Chicken
Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator. Working one piece at a time, dip each drumstick into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks well. Place the coated drumsticks onto a tray or plate.
4. Heat the Oil
In a large heavy-bottomed frying pot or deep fryer, pour enough oil to fully submerge the drumsticks. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a kitchen thermometer to monitor the temperature to avoid overheating.
5. Fry the Chicken
Using tongs, carefully lower each drumstick into the hot oil. Fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pot, which helps maintain the oil temperature and ensures even cooking.
Fry the drumsticks for about 10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
6. Drain and Rest
Remove the fried drumsticks from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Serving Suggestions
These crispy chicken drumsticks pair perfectly with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Fresh coleslaw
- Corn on the cob
- A simple green salad
Tips for Perfect Crispy Chicken
- Don’t skip the baking powder – it helps create an extra-light, crispy coating.
- Marinate longer for deeper flavor if time allows.
- Monitor your oil temperature – too hot will burn the coating; too cool will make the chicken greasy.
- Serve fresh – the crispiness is best right after frying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake these drumsticks instead of frying?
Yes! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake on a wire rack for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and fully cooked.
Can I use chicken thighs or wings?
Absolutely. Adjust the cooking time depending on the size of the pieces.
This simple recipe will become your go-to whenever the craving for crispy, juicy fried chicken hits. It’s home-cooked comfort food at its best!