KFC-Style Fried Chicken Drumsticks

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Leena Kohli (@leenakohli)

KFC-Style Fried Chicken Drumsticks

There’s nothing more satisfying than biting into a perfectly golden, crunchy piece of fried chicken. This homemade KFC-style fried chicken recipe gives you that irresistible crisp coating and juicy, flavorful meat—without needing to step out of your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • **Crispy...
KFC-Style Fried Chicken Drumsticks recipe
Prep Time
1hr 30min
Cook Time
15min
Total Time
1hr 45min

Ingredients

6 Servings
(1 serving = 1 chicken drumstick)

For Marination

  • chicken drumsticks chicken drumsticks
    chicken drumsticks chicken drumsticks
    6
  • buttermilk
    buttermilk
    1cup
  • salt
    salt
    1/2tsp
  • black pepper
    black pepper
    1/4tsp

For KFC-style Seasoning

  • salt
    salt
    1tsp
  • black pepper
    black pepper
    1tsp
  • white pepper powder
    white pepper powder
    1tsp
  • Kashmiri chilli powder or paprika
    Kashmiri chilli powder or paprika
    1tsp
  • turmeric powder
    turmeric powder
    1/4tsp
  • garlic powder
    garlic powder
    1/2tsp
  • ginger powder
    ginger powder
    1/2tsp
  • black salt
    black salt
    1/4tsp
  • all-spice powder
    all-spice powder
    1/2tsp
  • mixed herbs
    mixed herbs
    1tsp
  • chilli flakes
    chilli flakes
    1/2tbsp

For Flour Mix

  • all-purpose flour
    all-purpose flour
    1cup
  • cornflour
    cornflour
    2tbsp
  • crushed cornflakes
    crushed cornflakes
    1/4cup

For Egg Mix

  • egg egg
    egg egg
    1
  • hot chilli sauce/sirachha
    hot chilli sauce/sirachha
    1tsp
  • vinegar/lemon juice
    vinegar/lemon juice
    1tsp

For Frying

  • Oil Oil, as needed
    Oil Oil, as needed

How to make KFC-Style Fried Chicken Drumsticks

Marinate the Chicken

  1. Step 1

    In a bowl, whisk together buttermilk, salt, and black pepper.

  2. Step 2

    Make small slits in each chicken drumstick and coat them well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (overnight marination is best for tender, juicy meat).

    Step 1.1: Make small slits in each chicken drumstick and coat them well

Prepare the Seasoning

  1. Step 1

    Mix salt, black pepper, white pepper powder, Kashmiri chilli powder, turmeric, garlic powder, ginger powder, black salt, all-spice powder, mixed herbs, and chilli flakes in a bowl. Set aside.

    Step 2.1: Mix salt, black pepper, white pepper powder, Kashmiri chilli powder, turmeric, garlic powder, ginger powder, black salt, all-spice powder, mixed herbs, and chilli flakes in a bowl

Prepare the Coating

  1. Step 1

    Combine flour, cornflour, cornflakes (if using), and the seasoning in a bowl to make the flour mix.

    Step 3.1: Combine flour, cornflour, cornflakes (if using), and the seasoning in a bowl to make the flour mix
    Step 3.2: Combine flour, cornflour, cornflakes (if using), and the seasoning in a bowl to make the flour mix
  2. Step 2

    Whisk the egg with hot chilli sauce and vinegar/lemon juice in another bowl to make the egg mix.

    Step 3.1: Whisk the egg with hot chilli sauce and vinegar/lemon juice in another bowl to make the egg mix

Coat the Chicken

  1. Step 1

    Remove drumsticks from the marinade and let the excess drip off.

  2. Step 2

    Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mix.

    Step 4.1: Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mix
  3. Step 3

    Dip in the egg mixture, then coat again in the flour mix, pressing firmly so the crust sticks.

    Step 4.1: Dip in the egg mixture, then coat again in the flour mix, pressing firmly so the crust sticks
    Step 4.2: Dip in the egg mixture, then coat again in the flour mix, pressing firmly so the crust sticks
  4. Step 4

    Rest the coated drumsticks for 10-15 minutes to set the coating.

    Step 4.1: Rest the coated drumsticks for 10-15 minutes to set the coating

Fry the Chicken

  1. Step 1

    Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pan or skillet over medium heat to 170-175°C (340-350°F).

    Step 5.1: Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pan or skillet over medium heat to 170-175°C (340-350°F)
  2. Step 2

    Fry the chicken in batches for 3–4 minutes undisturbed, then another 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked.

    Step 5.1: Fry the chicken in batches for 3–4 minutes undisturbed, then another 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked
    Step 5.2: Fry the chicken in batches for 3–4 minutes undisturbed, then another 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked
    Step 5.3: Fry the chicken in batches for 3–4 minutes undisturbed, then another 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked
  3. Step 3

    Drain on a wire rack (not paper towels) for lasting crispness.

  4. Step 4

    Serve hot with ketchup, mayo, or your favourite dipping sauce.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

66.7kcal (3.33%)

Protein

1.7g (3.34%)

Carbs

11.7g (4.24%)

Sugars

1.7g (3.34%)

Healthy Fat

0.4g

Unhealthy Fat

0.3g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. No egg? Just dip the chicken back into buttermilk before the final flour coating.

  2. No buttermilk at home? Use ½ cup yogurt mixed with ½ cup water, or 1 cup milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice/vinegar (let it sit 10 minutes).

  3. Keep it crispy: Always use a wire rack instead of paper towels to avoid sogginess.

FAQS

  1. Which oil is best for frying?

    Choose neutral oils with a high smoke point—sunflower, canola, or peanut oil work well.

  2. How far in advance can I prep?

    Marinate overnight for maximum flavor. For coating, dredge just before frying to keep it crunchy.

  3. Why isn’t my chicken crispy?

    Likely the oil wasn’t hot enough. Keep it at 170–175°C and avoid crowding the pan.

  4. What to serve with fried chicken?

    Pair it with fries, coleslaw, potato wedges, garlic bread, or a fresh salad. For dips—spicy sriracha, honey mustard, or classic ketchup never fail.

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Leena Kohli

(@leenakohli)

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