Easy to make Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks – this chicken recipe is family friendly and full of flavor. The chicken drumsticks are so moist and juicy and super easy to prep.
We are no strangers to chicken around here. To fuel your crispy chicken addiction, also try these Crispy Ranch Chicken Strips or my favorite, these Homemade Chicken Nuggets.
I love some good fried chicken every once in awhile. In fact, I have a thing for fried chicken sandwiches whenever I go out.
I don’t really have a reason, but maybe it’s because that’s something I only do when I go out.
But baked chicken? That’s another story. I will make that all the time – especially when it’s these Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks.
Making chicken drumsticks is one of my favorite things to do because they are so tasty and easy to make. I use chicken breasts in home cooking a lot, but I think we can agree that the drumsticks have way more flavor. I love that this recipe uses mainly pantry staples. You’ll probably need to pick up the chicken, but you most likely have everything else on hand.
Plus, my kids think it’s fun to pick it up and eat it like a turkey leg.
These Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks are so super easy, and they are great for the whole family. And while I still wouldn’t classify them as healthy, they are a lot better for you then the deep fried versions!.
Fried chicken legs are a classic comfort food that never goes out of style. When cooked right, they have an irresistible crispy crust and juicy, tender meat inside. If you want to make restaurant-quality fried chicken legs at home follow these simple steps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here are the main ingredients you’ll need to make crispy fried chicken legs
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Chicken legs—Chicken legs, which are also called drumsticks, add protein and texture. Use fresh, high quality chicken legs for the best results.
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Flour – All-purpose flour is used to create the crispy coating on the chicken. Breadcrumbs or cornmeal can also be used.
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Spices – Salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, and other spices add flavor to the chicken and flour coating.
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Buttermilk – Soaking the chicken in buttermilk makes the meat extra juicy and tender.
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Eggs – Used to help the flour coating stick to the chicken.
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Oil – Peanut, vegetable, canola, or corn oil work well for frying at high heat.
Essential Equipment
You’ll need a few basic pieces of kitchen equipment:
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When you fry, use a pot with a heavy bottom that is at least 6 inches deep.
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Frying thermometer – Essential for monitoring oil temperature.
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Tongs and slotted spoon – For safely moving the chicken in the hot oil.
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Wire cooling rack – Lets fried chicken drain instead of getting soggy.
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Bowls – For the flour coating, buttermilk, and egg wash.
Prep the Chicken
Start by rinsing the chicken and patting it completely dry. This helps the flour coating stick better. Trim off any excess fat or skin. Next, season the chicken all over with salt, pepper, and spices like garlic powder and paprika. Allow it to marinate for 30 minutes to an hour in the fridge.
When ready to bread and fry, set up your flour mixture and buttermilk in separate bowls. For the flour, use a blend of all-purpose flour, spices, and a pinch of baking powder. Soak the chicken in the buttermilk, then dredge it in flour, dip it back in buttermilk, and coat again in flour. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before frying.
Fry the Chicken Legs
Heat 3 inches of oil to 350°F in your pot. Gently add a few chicken legs, being careful not to crowd the pot. Fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through. An internal temperature of 165°F indicates doneness. Drain the chicken on a wire rack. Bring the oil back up to temperature before frying another batch.
Tips for Crispy Perfection
Follow these tips for perfectly fried chicken every time:
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Maintain oil temperature between 325-350°F.
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Allow 1/2 inch space around each chicken leg for even cooking.
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Use a light breading so coating doesn’t get too thick.
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Let chicken rest 5 minutes after frying for optimal crispness.
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Fry in batches to prevent oil temperature from dropping.
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Use fresh, high quality oil each time for best flavor.
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Season flour coating with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne.
Serving Suggestions
Fried chicken legs taste delicious on their own but pair well with sides like:
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Coleslaw – Cool, crisp coleslaw complements the chicken.
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Biscuits – Buttery, warm biscuits are a classic Southern pairing.
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Mac and cheese – The rich, cheesy pasta is a crowd-pleasing favorite.
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Potato salad – Creamy potato salad balances the crunchiness.
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Collard greens – Earthy, savory greens are a soul food staple.
So grab your ingredients and fire up that fryer! In less than an hour, you can make crispy, juicy fried chicken legs that will have everyone begging for seconds. Enjoy this comforting classic with your favorite fixings for an easy, delicious meal.
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How to Make Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks
You’re almost done with the chicken once you take off the skin. Here’s how to make it.
- Place the flour in a shallow dish. I like to use a pie plate.
- Mix the egg and milk in a separate shallow bowl. Use a whisk to quickly break up the egg.
- In a ziplock bag, mix the bread crumbs with all of the spices.
- Dive your chicken into the flour and shake off any extra. Then cover it with the egg mix and put it in the ziplock bag.
- Repeat with the remaining chicken.
- Close the bag and shake it until the chicken is coat.
- Put the butter in the bottom of a baking dish after melting it. If I want the butter to stay close to the chicken, I like to use a baking dish instead of a baking sheet.
- Lay the chicken drumsticks out in a single layer in the pan. Then, turn the chicken over to cover it with butter.
- Put the chicken in the oven for 25 minutes, then flip it over and cook for another 25 minutes.
What temperature should chicken drumsticks be cooked to? The chicken should be cooked to 170oF on the inside. If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can pierce the chicken and if the juices run clear, the chicken should be done.
How long do chicken drumsticks take to cook? In this recipe, you bake the chicken for 25 minutes, then flip it over and cook for another 25 minutes.
Do you cover the drumsticks when baking? I don’t cover the with foil because I want them to get nice and crispy, and if you cover them, they will end up steaming.
Can you line the baking dish with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup? I would suggest the foil over the parchment paper.
How do you store the leftovers? Assuming you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will keep for 3-4 days. Keep in mind that the leftovers won’t be as crispy when reheated. Reheating in an air fryer will give you the best results.
What to serve with Baked Chicken Drumsticks
Sometimes the side dish is the hardest part! Here are a few suggestions for what to serve on the side:
CRISPY FRIED CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS / KFC STYLE FRIED CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS
FAQ
What is the best way to deep fry chicken legs?
Use enough oil to fully submerge the chicken pieces. To fry the chicken, carefully add the pieces of chicken to the hot oil, being careful not to crowd the pot. Fry until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, typically about 12-15 minutes for smaller pieces and longer for larger ones.
How long do drumsticks need to be fried?
Working in batches, fry the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 10 minutes on each side. To check if the meat is done, put an instant-read food thermometer in the thickest part of the biggest drumstick, away from any bone or fat. The minimum safe temperature for poultry is 165 F. Jun 24, 2025.
What are the ingredients for crispy fried chicken?
To make crispy fried chicken, you’ll need chicken pieces, buttermilk, flour, seasonings like salt, pepper, and paprika, and oil for frying.