In this guide, you’ll learn:
Table of Contents
Let’s get started! 🍗
Why You’ll Love This Fried Chicken Recipe
✔️ Super crispy coating – Thanks to a double dredging method.
✔️ Juicy, tender inside – Proper frying locks in moisture.
✔️ Simple, pantry-friendly ingredients – No complicated seasonings needed!
✔️ Perfect for any occasion – From family dinners to picnics.
Want more easy dinner recipes? Check out Mastering Easy Dinner Recipes for quick and tasty ideas!
The Secret to Crispy Fried Chicken Legs
The key to crispy fried chicken legs is a well-seasoned breading and the right frying temperature. Here’s how to get that perfect crunch:
🔥 Use cornstarch – It makes the breading extra light and crispy.
🔥 Let the coated chicken rest before frying – This helps the breading stick better.
🔥 Maintain the oil temperature at 350°F – Prevents the chicken from getting greasy.
For more crispy food tips, check out How Long Does a Chicken Leg Take to Fry?.
🛒 Ingredients for the Best Fried Chicken Legs
- 2 lbs chicken legs (drumsticks)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg
- ¾ cup buttermilk (or whole milk with 1 tsp vinegar)
- Enough oil for deep frying (peanut, canola, or vegetable oil)
Step-by-Step Recipe: How to Make Crispy Fried Chicken Legs
🕒 Prep Time: 10 minutes
🔥 Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
🍗 Yield: 6-8 fried chicken legs
Step 1: Prepare the Breading & Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
- In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk and egg.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken Properly
- Dip each chicken leg into the flour mixture, coating evenly.
- Transfer to the buttermilk mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Return the chicken to the flour mixture for a double coating. Press the flour onto the chicken for extra crispiness.
Step 3: Fry to Perfection
- Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep pan or fryer.
- Carefully place the coated chicken legs in the oil. Fry for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Remove from oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!
- Let the fried chicken rest for 2 minutes before serving.
- Pair with coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or cornbread.
Crispy Fried Chicken Legs
Ingredients
- 🛒 Precisely Measured Ingredients
- For the Chicken & Brine
- 2 lbs chicken legs drumsticks
- 2 cups buttermilk or whole milk + 1 tbsp vinegar
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for a spicy kick
- For the Coating
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch for extra crispiness
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- For Frying
- Enough vegetable oil for deep frying peanut, canola, or sunflower oil
Instructions
- 🔥 Instructions: How to Make Crispy Fried Chicken Legs
- Step 1: Brine the Chicken for Juiciness
- In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Add chicken legs to the bowl, making sure they are fully submerged.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight for best results).
- Step 2: Prepare the Coating
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix well to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Step 3: Coat the Chicken
- Remove chicken legs from the buttermilk brine and let the excess drip off.
- Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing the coating onto the chicken for extra crispiness.
- Let the coated chicken rest for 10 minutes before frying to help the breading adhere.
- Step 4: Fry to Perfection
- Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep fryer or large pot.
- Fry chicken legs in batches for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Once golden brown and crispy, remove and drain on a wire rack (avoid paper towels to prevent sogginess).
- Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
- Let the fried chicken rest for 2 minutes before serving.
- Pair with coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or cornbread for a classic meal!
Notes
✅ Oil temperature control – Keep the oil at 350°F to prevent greasy chicken.
✅ Reheat properly – Reheat in an oven at 375°F for 10 minutes to keep it crispy.
Want more chicken recipes? Try Chicken Taco Seasoning for a flavorful twist!
The Best Oils for Frying Chicken
Not all oils are equal for deep frying. Here’s the best choices:
✔️ Peanut Oil – High smoke point, adds great flavor.
✔️ Canola Oil – Neutral taste and budget-friendly.
✔️ Sunflower Oil – Light and crisp results.
For more frying techniques, read Do You Use Cornstarch or Flour to Fry Chicken?.
How to Keep Fried Chicken Crispy Longer
✔️ Use a wire rack instead of paper towels to prevent sogginess.
✔️ Keep fried chicken warm in a 200°F oven until serving.
✔️ Avoid covering with foil, which traps steam.
How to Store & Reheat Fried Chicken
Storing Leftovers
- Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating Without Losing Crispiness
✔️ Oven: Bake at 375°F for 10 minutes.
✔️ Air Fryer: Heat at 350°F for 5 minutes.
Need more chicken recipes? Check out Fried Chicken Legs Guide for more variations!
How to Brine Chicken Legs for Extra Juiciness
Brining is a game-changer for fried chicken! It helps the meat stay juicy and flavorful while preventing it from drying out during frying.
Simple Buttermilk Brine Recipe
🥛 2 cups buttermilk
🧂 2 tablespoons salt
🧄 1 teaspoon garlic powder
🌿 ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
🔥 ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (for a spicy kick)
Brining Instructions
- Mix all ingredients in a large bowl.
- Add chicken legs and cover.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight for best results).
- Drain and pat dry before breading and frying.
Want to try different brining methods? Read How Long Does a Chicken Leg Take to Fry? for more frying tips!
How to Make Spicy Fried Chicken Legs
Love spicy fried chicken? Add heat with these simple modifications:
🌶️ Extra Cayenne Pepper – Add 1 teaspoon to the flour mix.
🌶️ Hot Sauce in the Buttermilk – Mix ¼ cup hot sauce into the buttermilk brine.
🌶️ Chili Powder – Adds a smoky, deep heat to the breading.
🔥 For ultra-spicy chicken, try a ghost pepper or Carolina Reaper seasoning blend.
Want more spicy food inspiration? Check out Hot Spicy Popcorn for a fiery snack option!
Best Side Dishes to Serve with Fried Chicken Legs
What’s better than crispy fried chicken legs? Pairing them with delicious sides! Here are some classic and creative ideas:
🥔 Mashed Potatoes with Gravy – A southern classic that never disappoints.
🌽 Cornbread – Slightly sweet, buttery, and perfect with fried chicken.
🥗 Coleslaw – Adds a cool, crunchy contrast to the crispy chicken.
🍚 Dirty Rice – A Cajun-inspired side that pairs perfectly with fried chicken.
🥒 Pickles or Pickled Jalapeños – The acidity cuts through the richness of fried chicken.
For more comfort food ideas, check out Best Rice for Arroz Imperial.
The Best Dipping Sauces for Fried Chicken Legs
Want to elevate your fried chicken? Pair it with mouthwatering dipping sauces!
🥣 Classic Ranch Dressing – Creamy and tangy, a perfect match.
🍯 Honey Mustard Sauce – Sweet and spicy, a fan-favorite pairing.
🔥 Spicy Buffalo Sauce – Great for those who love heat.
🧄 Garlic Parmesan Sauce – Buttery, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible.
For a homemade garlic parmesan sauce recipe, check out Garlic Parmesan Sauce.
How to Fry Chicken Without a Deep Fryer
No deep fryer? No problem! Here’s how to fry chicken using alternative methods:
1. Stovetop Frying (Pan Frying)
✔️ Use a large, heavy-bottomed skillet like cast iron.
✔️ Heat about 1 inch of oil to 350°F.
✔️ Cook for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally.
2. Oven-Fried Chicken
✔️ Preheat oven to 425°F.
✔️ Place breaded chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet.
✔️ Spray with cooking oil and bake for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through.
3. Air Fryer Fried Chicken Legs
✔️ Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
✔️ Spray chicken with oil and cook for 18-20 minutes, flipping once.
Want more air fryer recipes? Check out Crispy Chicken Wings Guide for another crispy favorite!
The Science Behind Perfect Fried Chicken
Ever wondered why fried chicken turns crispy? It’s all about the science of frying!
✔️ Cornstarch Creates Extra Crunch – It absorbs moisture, making the breading extra light and crispy.
✔️ Oil Temperature Matters – Keeping it at 350°F ensures crispy, non-greasy chicken.
✔️ Double Dredging = More Crunch – A second coating of flour locks in extra crispiness.
Want to learn more about cooking hacks? Read What is the Trick to Not Soggy French Toast? for more food science!
How to Store and Freeze Fried Chicken for Later
How to Store Fried Chicken in the Fridge
✔️ Keep in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
✔️ Avoid stacking pieces to prevent sogginess.
How to Freeze Fried Chicken
✔️ Place chicken on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour.
✔️ Transfer to a freezer-safe bag, removing excess air.
✔️ Store for up to 3 months.
Best Way to Reheat Fried Chicken
🔥 Oven: Bake at 375°F for 10 minutes.
🔥 Air Fryer: Heat at 350°F for 5 minutes.
For more chicken storage tips, check out Seafood Boil in a Bag for another meal that reheats well!
FAQs About Fried Chicken Legs
1. How long should I fry chicken legs?
Fry at 350°F for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked.
2. How do I know if my chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should be 165°F.
3. Can I make fried chicken without buttermilk?
Yes! Use whole milk with 1 teaspoon vinegar as a buttermilk substitute.
4. What’s the best way to reheat fried chicken?
The oven or air fryer keeps it crispy, while the microwave makes it soft.
5. Can I use this recipe for air frying?
Yes! Cook at 375°F in an air fryer for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Final Thoughts: The Best Homemade Fried Chicken Legs
With this easy and foolproof recipe, you’ll get crispy, golden-brown fried chicken legs that are juicy on the inside and perfectly crunchy on the outside. Whether you’re making them for family dinner, a picnic, or game night, this recipe is sure to be a hit!
🔥 Now it’s your turn! Try this recipe and let us know your favorite dipping sauces!
For more crispy delights, check out our Crispy Chicken Wings Guide! 🍗