Crispy Fried Chicken
Are you craving some delicious and crispy fried chicken drumsticks? If yes, then you are at the right place! In this blog post, we will share our secret recipe for crispy fried chicken drumsticks that will leave your taste buds wanting more. Our recipe features a blend of spices including smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, which gives the chicken a mouth-watering flavor. Additionally, we use a unique batter mixture of egg whites and milk to create a perfect crispy coating on the outside of the chicken. Keep reading to learn how to make these irresistible drumsticks.
Tips for perfectly fried chicken
- Start by preparing your chicken, whisking together egg whites and milk to make a batter.
- Using egg whites instead of whole eggs when making batter to fry chicken can result in a lighter, crispier coating on the chicken.
- Bring the temperature of the chicken down to room temperature before frying. Make sure the meat is thawed out.
- Heat up a large skillet or deep fryer with oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, gently place the chicken into the oil, being careful to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry the chicken for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside and fully cooked on the inside. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165ºF.
- Serve the fried chicken hot with your favorite dipping sauce and sides, such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or corn on the cob.
Other Dinner Ideas
Sesame Wok-Fried Chicken with Chilis
Ingredients Notes
CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS:
Chicken drumsticks are a popular cut of meat for frying chicken. They are moist, flavorful, and have a good balance of meat and bone. They are also relatively inexpensive and easy to find in most grocery stores. To clean chicken drumsticks before frying, start by removing any excess fat with a sharp knife or kitchen shears. Rinse the drumsticks under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat them dry with paper towels before seasoning and coating them with flour or batter. Make sure to wash your hands and any surfaces that come into contact with the raw chicken to prevent the spread of bacteria.
SEASONING:
Salt, black ground pepper, and hot sauce. Season the chicken drumsticks, and let them marinate for at least an hour.
SPICES:
Smoked paprika:
Smoked paprika is a spice made from dried and smoked red peppers. It has a smoky and slightly sweet flavor that adds depth and complexity to dishes. When used in crispy fried chicken, it can enhance the overall flavor profile by providing a subtle smokiness that complements the savory and crispy texture of the chicken.
Garlic powder:
Garlic powder is a versatile spice made from finely ground dehydrated garlic. It adds a distinct and savory flavor to any dish, including crispy fried chicken. The addition of garlic powder complements the natural flavors of chicken, adding depth and complexity to its taste. It can be used as a dry rub or mixed into the flour coating for a more even distribution of flavor. Garlic powder is a delicious and easy way to elevate the taste of your crispy fried chicken.
Onion powder:
Onion powder is a finely ground powder made from dehydrated onions. It has a concentrated flavor that can enhance the taste of various dishes, including crispy fried chicken. When added to the breading or marinade, onion powder can bring a subtle sweetness and savory depth of flavor to the chicken. It can also help to create a crispy texture on the outside of the chicken, resulting in a more flavorful and satisfying bite.
Salt and Pepper:
Salt enhances the natural flavors of the food by bringing out the umami taste and reducing bitterness. Pepper, on the other hand, adds a unique spicy and mildly pungent flavor that complements the saltiness and brings a subtle heat to the dish. When used together in the right proportions, salt and pepper can enhance the flavor of your crispy fried chicken by adding depth and complexity to its taste. The salt helps to season the chicken while the pepper adds a kick of flavor, making your chicken more delicious and satisfying.
FLOUR AND CORNSTARCH:
Dredging fried chicken in a mixture of flour and cornstarch produces a crispier and lighter coating than just flour alone. The cornstarch adds a delicate crunch to the fried chicken, while the flour helps to retain the moisture inside the chicken.
THE BATTER:
Egg whites and Milk:
Using egg whites and milk instead of whole eggs and milk can make fried chicken lighter and crispier. This is because egg whites have less fat than yolks, which can create a lighter coating on the chicken. Additionally, the proteins in egg whites can create a crispier texture when fried. Milk can also contribute to a lighter and crispier coating as it helps to create a thinner batter. Overall, using egg whites and milk can be a great option for those looking to make a healthier and more crispy fried chicken.
OIL
Use neutral oil like vegetable, canola, or avocado oil for frying.
HOW TO FRY CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS
Time needed: 30 minutes
FRIED CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS
- SEASON THE CHICKEN:
Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and hot sauce. Let the chicken drumsticks marinate for at an hour or overnight.
- MIX THE FLOUR AND CORNSTARCH
Combine flour, cornstarch, and spices. The spices are smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, and black ground pepper.
- MAKE THE BATTER
Whisk the egg whites and milk until combined.
- COAT THE CHICKEN
Dip the chicken into the batter, then dredge into the flour mixture. Shake off the excess flour. Place the chicken on a platter or baking pan. Set them aside.
- FRY THE CHICKEN
Heat a frying pan with oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and fry until golden brown or until cooked through, and the internal temperature reaches 165ºF.
Frequently asked questions
Make sure to dry the chicken thoroughly before coating it in the breading mixture. You can also try dipping the chicken in a mixture of beaten egg and milk before coating it in the breading.
It’s best to marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible. This will help to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.
Peanut oil and vegetable oil are both good choices for frying chicken. Make sure to use a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer and heat the oil to 350°F before adding the chicken.
The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F when it’s fully cooked. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature or cut into the thickest part of the chicken to make sure it’s no longer pink and the juices run clear.
One classic sauce that pairs well with fried chicken is honey mustard. This tangy and sweet sauce perfectly balances out the savory flavors of the chicken and adds a nice kick to the dish. Barbecue sauce is also a popular option that can be used to give the chicken a smoky and sweet flavor.
As for side dishes, mashed potatoes are a classic and delicious choice. They are creamy and filling and pair perfectly with the crispy texture of the chicken. Coleslaw is another great option that adds a nice crunch and freshness to the meal. Corn on the cob, green beans, and mac and cheese are also popular side dishes that can be served with fried chicken.
Recommended Recipe
Crispy Fried Chicken
Equipment
- Cast Iron Skillet or Frying pan
- Tongs
- Bowls
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
FOR THE CHICKEN
- 2 pounds chicken drumsticks, washed, cleaned, and trimmed
- 1/2 teaspoon black ground pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce, use less for mild flavor
FOR THE SPICES
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
FOR THE FLOUR MIXTURE
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
FOR THE BATTER
- 2 egg whites
- 1 cup whole milk
FOR FRYING
- neutral oil, for frying
Instructions
- Combine spices, and season the chicken with salt, ground pepper, and hot sauce. Marinate for at least an hour or overnight.
- Combine flour and cornstarch, then add the spices. Mix until well combined.
- Whisk the egg whites and milk until combined.
- Dip the chicken into the batter, then dredge into the flour mixture. Shake off excess flour. Place the chicken on a platter or baking pan. Set them aside.
- Heat a frying pan with oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and fry until golden brown or until cooked through, and the internal temperature reaches 165ºF.
Video
Notes
- Make sure that your chicken drumsticks are completely dry before frying them. This can be achieved by patting them dry with a paper towel or leaving them uncovered in the refrigerator for a few hours before cooking.
- It’s important to use the right oil for frying. Peanut oil or vegetable oil are great options as they have a high smoke point and neutral flavor. You should also ensure that the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken, as this will help to create a crispy crust. A temperature of around 350-375°F is ideal.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying the chicken. This can cause the temperature of the oil to drop, resulting in soggy chicken. Fry the chicken in batches, and once cooked, place it on a wire rack to cool slightly and allow any excess oil to drain off.
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Equipment
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