KFC-Style Fried Chicken Drumsticks

Name: KFC-Style Fried Chicken Drumsticks
Prep time: 90 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 105 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 chicken drumsticks chicken drumsticks; 1 cup buttermilk; 0.5 tsp salt; 0.25 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp white pepper powder; 1 tsp Kashmiri chilli powder or paprika; 0.25 tsp turmeric powder; 0.5 tsp garlic powder; 0.5 tsp ginger powder; 0.25 tsp black salt; 0.5 tsp all-spice powder; 1 tsp mixed herbs; 0.5 tbsp chilli flakes; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 tbsp cornflour; 0.25 cup crushed cornflakes; 1 egg egg; 1 tsp hot chilli sauce/sirachha; 1 tsp vinegar/lemon juice; Oil Oil, as needed

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 outside, juicy inside – the double coating creates a crunchy crust that locks in moisture.
Better than takeout – homemade fried chicken means...

chicken drumsticks chicken drumsticks

Kashmiri chilli powder or paprika

hot chilli sauce/sirachha

Calories

80.6kcal (4.03%)

Protein

2.1g (4.26%)

Step 1

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

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

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 1

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

Step 2

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

Step 1

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

Step 2

Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mix.

Step 3

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

Step 4

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

Step 1

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

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 3

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

Step 4

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