Fried Chicken Legs

Fried chicken legs are a classic comfort dish, celebrated for their crispy, golden coating and tender, juicy meat. Perfect for casual dinners, parties, or picnics, they pair beautifully with a variety of sides and dips. This recipe makes 6 perfectly seasoned chicken legs, ready to delight your taste buds.

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Marinating 4

Total Time 4 35

Servings People

Ingredients

Instructions

In a large bowl, mix the buttermilk and hot sauce (if using). Add the chicken legs/drumsticks, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for maximum flavour and tenderness.
2 cups buttermilk, 1 tbsp hot sauce, 6 large chicken drumsticks
When you are ready to cook, in a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper and cayenne pepper.
2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off. Dredge each drumstick in the seasoned flour, pressing gently to ensure an even coating. For extra crispiness, dip the coated drumsticks back into the buttermilk and then into the flour again.
In a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot, heat about 2 inches of oil to 175°C (350°F). Use a thermometer to maintain the temperature for even cooking.
vegetable oil
Carefully place the chicken legs into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches for 10–12 minutes per side or until the coating is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F). Transfer to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Let the chicken cool slightly before serving. Pair with your favourite side dishes and dips for a complete meal.

Notes

Enjoy these irresistibly crispy fried chicken legs alongside creamy mashed potatoes, tangy coleslaw, or roasted vegetables, and don’t forget to add a dip like ranch, barbecue sauce, or Sriracha mayo for extra flavour!

Nutrition