Deep-Frying Drumsticks: A Tasty Chicken Treat

Frying chicken drumsticks is a great way to achieve a delicious, crispy exterior while maintaining a juicy and tender interior. This cooking method is perfect for a range of occasions, from picnics to family gatherings. The process of deep-frying chicken drumsticks involves submerging the chicken pieces in hot oil, resulting in a golden brown, crunchy texture. The key to success lies in maintaining the proper oil temperature and allowing sufficient time for the chicken to cook through.

How to Make Deep-Fried Chicken Drumsticks

Marinating the chicken

Firstly, gather your ingredients. You will need chicken drumsticks, buttermilk, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. You can also add in some Tabasco sauce for an extra kick. The number of drumsticks you use will depend on how many people you are serving, but a good rule of thumb is to allow for 2-3 drumsticks per person.

Once you have your ingredients, it's time to prepare the marinade. In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. You can adjust the measurements of each ingredient to your taste preferences, but a good starting point is to use around 1 1/2 cups of buttermilk, 1/4 cup of hot sauce, and a couple of teaspoons each of salt and pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until they are well combined.

Now it's time to add the chicken. Place the drumsticks into the bowl with the marinade and use your hands to coat them evenly. Make sure all sides of the chicken are covered in the marinade. Once they are well coated, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken and marinade to a large resealable plastic bag. Place it in the refrigerator and let the chicken marinate for at least an hour. For even more flavourful and tender chicken, you can let it marinate overnight or for up to 24 hours.

When the chicken has finished marinating, remove it from the refrigerator and take it out of the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. It is now ready to be coated in flour and fried to perfection!

Preparing the flour mixture

Ingredients

Firstly, gather your ingredients. For the flour mixture, you will need all-purpose flour, also known as plain flour. You can also use other types of flour, such as self-rising flour, if that is what you have available. The amount of flour you need will depend on the number of chicken drumsticks you plan to coat. A good rule of thumb is to use around 2 cups of flour for every 8 to 16 drumsticks.

In addition to the flour, you will need to add some spices and seasonings to give your chicken that extra flavour kick. Here are some suggestions for spices and their approximate measurements:

• Cayenne pepper or chilli powder: 1 teaspoon
• Smoked paprika: 1 to 2 teaspoons
• Onion powder: 1 to 2 teaspoons
• Garlic powder: 1 to 2 teaspoons
• Black pepper: 1 to 2 teaspoons
• Salt to taste

Feel free to adjust the measurements and add or remove spices according to your personal preference and taste. You can also add other spices like cumin or chilli flakes to give it an extra kick.

Mixing the Flour and Spices

Once you have measured out your flour and spices, it is time to mix them together. Combine all the ingredients in a large, clean bowl. Use a whisk or a fork to mix the ingredients until they are fully incorporated and evenly distributed. You want to ensure that the spices are thoroughly mixed into the flour so that each piece of chicken gets an even coating of flavour.

It is important to note that you should not add any wet ingredients, such as eggs or milk, to this flour mixture. That is a separate step in the breading process, which we will discuss later. For now, just focus on mixing the dry ingredients to create a well-combined flour mixture.

Storing the Flour Mixture

If you are not ready to coat your chicken drumsticks immediately, you can store the flour mixture in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. This will keep it fresh and ready for use when you are preparing your chicken.

Coating the Chicken

When you are ready to coat your chicken drumsticks, you will need to set up a breading station. This typically involves three steps:

• First, dip the chicken drumstick into the flour mixture. Make sure to coat it evenly and shake off any excess flour.
• Next, dip the floured chicken into a wet mixture, such as beaten eggs or a combination of milk and eggs. This helps the flour adhere to the chicken and creates a moist surface for the final coating.
• Finally, dip the chicken back into the flour mixture once more, ensuring an even and thick coating.

By following these steps and preparing a well-seasoned flour mixture, you will achieve a delicious and crispy coating on your deep-fried chicken drumsticks.

Coating the chicken

The coating is key to achieving that signature crispy texture and flavourful taste of fried chicken drumsticks. Here is a detailed guide on coating the chicken:

Firstly, prepare the wet and dry ingredients for coating. For the wet mixture, you can use a combination of milk and eggs, or alternatively, buttermilk. Season the wet mixture with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavour. In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients, which typically include flour and spices. You can customise the spices according to your preference, but common options include paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and a dash of chili powder or cayenne pepper for added heat.

Now it's time to coat the chicken drumsticks. Fully immerse each drumstick in the wet mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated. Allow any excess to drip off before transferring the chicken to the bowl of dry ingredients. Generously coat the chicken with the seasoned flour mixture, making sure all areas are covered. For an even thicker and crispier coating, you can redip the chicken in the wet mixture and then the dry ingredients again. This double-coating technique ensures a crunchy exterior and helps seal in the juices, resulting in tender and juicy meat.

Once all the drumsticks are coated, they are ready to be fried to golden perfection!

Frying the chicken

When frying chicken drumsticks, it is important to use an oil with a high smoke point, such as peanut oil, grapeseed oil, canola oil, corn oil, olive oil, sesame seed oil, or sunflower oil. You will need enough oil to completely submerge the chicken drumsticks. Heat the oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 350°F (175°C). You can check the temperature of the oil with a thermometer.

Once the oil is hot, carefully place the coated chicken drumsticks into the oil, making sure not to crowd the pan. Fry the chicken, uncovered, for 10-15 minutes on each side, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. The chicken is cooked through when the juices run clear, and an instant-read thermometer inserted near the bone should read 165°F (74°C).

When the chicken is done, remove it from the oil and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Allow the chicken to rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

Tips for Frying Chicken

• Do not boil the chicken before frying, as this can make the chicken dry.
• It is not necessary to remove the skin from the chicken before frying, as it helps retain moisture and adds flavour.
• You can add spices like smoked paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for extra flavour.
• It is important to maintain the proper oil temperature to ensure the chicken is cooked evenly.
• Always use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it is safe to eat.

Storing and reheating the chicken

Storing and reheating your chicken drumsticks properly is essential to ensure they remain safe to eat and retain their delicious flavour and texture. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you store and reheat your chicken drumsticks effectively:

Storing Chicken Drumsticks:

• Refrigeration: It is recommended to store leftover chicken drumsticks in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap before placing them in the refrigerator. Cooked chicken should be refrigerated within 2 hours to reduce the risk of bacterial growth. Leftover chicken drumsticks can be stored in the fridge for up to 3–4 days before reheating.
• Freezing: If you wish to store your chicken drumsticks for longer, you can freeze them. Wrap them tightly in aluminium foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to one month.

Reheating Chicken Drumsticks:

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F–375°F (175°C–190°C). Place the chicken drumsticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminium foil. Cover the chicken with foil to prevent drying out. Reheat for 15–20 minutes, or until an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is reached.
• Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken drumsticks inside and cook for 25–30 minutes, flipping them halfway, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Microwave: For a quick and convenient option, place the drumsticks on a microwave-safe plate and cover them loosely with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 2–3 minutes. However, the microwave may affect the crispiness of the skin.
• Stovetop: Place the drumsticks in a skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Cover the pan and cook for 5–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until heated through. This method is suitable for smaller quantities.
• Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and brush the drumsticks with oil or sauce. Place them on the grill and cook for about 2–3 minutes per side until grill marks appear and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Tips for Optimal Reheating:

• Always ensure that reheated chicken reaches a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to kill any potential bacteria.
• Consume reheated chicken within 2–3 days to ensure safety and maintain flavour and quality.
• Avoid reheating chicken drumsticks more than once to minimise the risk of foodborne illnesses.
• Allow refrigerated chicken to come to room temperature before reheating for more even heating.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it is fully cooked.
• Add a small amount of olive oil or chicken broth to the chicken before reheating to enhance moisture and tenderness.

Frequently asked questions