Fried chicken drumsticks are a classic loved by people of all ages. With their crispy coating and juicy interior, they make the perfect comfort food. Whether it's a family gathering or a casual dinner, this recipe will guide you to create fried chicken drumsticks that are crunchy on the outside and bursting with flavor inside.

Ingredients:

For the Marinade:

• 1 kg chicken drumsticks
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Coating:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil or peanut oil for deep frying

Instructions:

1. Wash Chicken Drumsticks:

1. Rinse under cold water and scrub gently to clean.
2. Remove excess skin, feathers, or fat if needed.
3. Pat dry with paper towels to prepare for marination.

2. Marinate the Chicken:

1. In a large bowl, mix the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
2. Add the chicken drumsticks to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This step ensures tender and flavorful chicken.

3. Prepare the Coating:

1. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
2. Mix the ingredients thoroughly to create a well-seasoned coating.

4. Coat the Chicken:

1. Remove the drumsticks from the marinade, letting any excess drip off.
2. Dredge each drumstick in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating.
3. Place the coated drumsticks on a wire rack and let them rest for 10-15 minutes. This helps the coating adhere better during frying.

5. Fry the Chicken:

1. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 175°C (350°F).
2. Carefully add the drumsticks to the hot oil, a few at a time, to avoid overcrowding.
3. Fry for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 75°C (165°F).
4. Remove the fried drumsticks and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

1. Arrange the fried chicken drumsticks on a serving platter, garnished with fresh parsley or lettuce leaves for an elegant touch.
2. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like ketchup, honey mustard, barbecue, or ranch.

Tips for Perfect Fried Chicken:

• Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature for consistent frying results.
• For extra crispy chicken, double-dip the drumsticks in the buttermilk and flour mixture.
• Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after frying to retain its juiciness.
• Pair with coleslaw, mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating:

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-12 minutes to regain crispiness.
• Avoid microwaving as it can make the coating soggy.

This recipe guarantees perfectly crispy and juicy fried chicken drumsticks every time. With a balance of spices and a tenderizing marinade, it's sure to become a family favorite. Try it today and enjoy the irresistible taste of homemade fried chicken!