Easy to make Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks – this chicken recipe is family friendly and full of flavor. The chicken drumsticks are so moist and juicy and super easy to prep.
We are no strangers to chicken around here. Try these Crispy Ranch Chicken Strips or my favorite, Homemade Chicken Nuggets if you can’t get enough crispy chicken.
I love some good fried chicken every once in awhile. In fact, I have a thing for fried chicken sandwiches whenever I go out.
I don’t really have an excuse – maybe just because that is something special for when I go out.
But baked chicken? That’s another story. I will make that all the time – especially when it’s these Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks.
Making chicken drumsticks is one of my favorite things to do because they are so tasty and easy to make. I often cook with chicken breasts, but I think we can all agree that the drumsticks taste much better. I love that this recipe uses mainly pantry staples. You’ll probably need to pick up the chicken, but you most likely have everything else on hand.
Plus, my kids think it’s fun to pick it up and eat it like a turkey leg.
These Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks are so super easy, and they are great for the whole family. And while I still wouldn’t classify them as healthy, they are a lot better for you then the deep fried versions!
A comfort food that will never go out of style is fried chicken legs. When cooked right, they have a crunchy outside and juicy, tender meat inside. Follow these easy steps to make fried chicken legs at home that taste like they came from a restaurant.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here are the main ingredients you’ll need to make crispy fried chicken legs
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Chicken legs—Chicken legs, which are also called drumsticks, add protein and texture. Use fresh, high quality chicken legs for the best results.
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Flour: All-purpose flour is used to give the chicken its crispy outside. Breadcrumbs or cornmeal can also be used.
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Spices – Salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, and other spices add flavor to the chicken and flour coating.
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Buttermilk – Soaking the chicken in buttermilk makes the meat extra juicy and tender.
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Eggs – Used to help the flour coating stick to the chicken.
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Oil – Peanut, vegetable, canola, or corn oil work well for frying at high heat.
Essential Equipment
You’ll need a few basic pieces of kitchen equipment:
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Large pot or Dutch oven – Use a heavy bottomed pot at least 6 inches deep for frying.
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Frying thermometer – Essential for monitoring oil temperature.
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Tongs and slotted spoon – For safely moving the chicken in the hot oil.
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Wire cooling rack – Lets fried chicken drain instead of getting soggy.
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Bowls – For the flour coating, buttermilk, and egg wash.
Prep the Chicken
Start by rinsing the chicken and patting it completely dry. This helps the flour coating stick better. Trim off any excess fat or skin. Next, add salt, pepper, and spices like garlic powder and paprika to the chicken all over. In the fridge, let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour.
When ready to bread and fry, set up your flour mixture and buttermilk in separate bowls. For the flour, use a blend of all-purpose flour, spices, and a pinch of baking powder. Soak the chicken in the buttermilk, then dredge it in flour, dip it back in buttermilk, and coat again in flour. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before frying.
Fry the Chicken Legs
Heat 3 inches of oil to 350°F in your pot. Gently add a few chicken legs, being careful not to crowd the pot. Fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through. An internal temperature of 165°F indicates doneness. Drain the chicken on a wire rack. Bring the oil back up to temperature before frying another batch.
Tips for Crispy Perfection
Follow these tips for perfectly fried chicken every time:
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Maintain oil temperature between 325-350°F.
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Allow 1/2 inch space around each chicken leg for even cooking.
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Use a light breading so coating doesn’t get too thick.
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Let chicken rest 5 minutes after frying for optimal crispness.
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Fry in batches to prevent oil temperature from dropping.
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Use fresh, high quality oil each time for best flavor.
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Season flour coating with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne.
Serving Suggestions
Fried chicken legs taste delicious on their own but pair well with sides like:
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Coleslaw – Cool, crisp coleslaw complements the chicken.
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Biscuits – Buttery, warm biscuits are a classic Southern pairing.
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Mac and cheese – The rich, cheesy pasta is a crowd-pleasing favorite.
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Potato salad – Creamy potato salad balances the crunchiness.
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Collard greens – Earthy, savory greens are a soul food staple.
So grab your ingredients and fire up that fryer! In less than an hour, you can make crispy, juicy fried chicken legs that will have everyone begging for seconds. Enjoy this comforting classic with your favorite fixings for an easy, delicious meal.
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How to Make Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks
You’re almost done with the chicken once you take off the skin. Here’s how to make it.
- Place the flour in a shallow dish. I like to use a pie plate.
- Mix the egg and milk in a separate shallow bowl. Use a whisk to quickly break up the egg.
- In a ziplock bag, mix the bread crumbs with all of the spices.
- Dive your chicken into the flour and shake off any extra. Then cover it with the egg mix and put it in the ziplock bag.
- Repeat with the remaining chicken.
- Close the bag and shake it until the chicken is coat.
- Put the butter in the bottom of a baking dish after melting it. If I want the butter to stay close to the chicken, I like to use a baking dish instead of a baking sheet.
- Lay the chicken drumsticks out in a single layer in the pan. Then, turn the chicken over to cover it with butter.
- Put the chicken in the oven for 25 minutes, then flip it over and cook for another 25 minutes.
What temperature should chicken drumsticks cook to? You’ll want to cook the chicken to an internal temperature of 170ºF. To check if the chicken is done without a meat thermometer, poke it with a fork. If the juices run clear, the chicken is done.
How long does it take to cook chicken drumsticks? For this recipe, you’ll bake the chicken for 25 minutes, then turn it and cook an additional 25 minutes.
When you bake the drumsticks, do you cover them with foil? I don’t because I want them to get nice and crispy, and if you do, they will steam.
Can you line the baking dish with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup? I would suggest the foil over the parchment paper.
How do you store the leftovers? Assuming you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will keep for 3-4 days. Keep in mind that the leftovers won’t be as crispy when reheated. Reheating in an air fryer will give you the best results.
What to serve with Baked Chicken Drumsticks
Sometimes the side dish is the hardest part! Here are a few suggestions for what to serve on the side:
CRISPY FRIED CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS / KFC STYLE FRIED CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS
FAQ
What is the best way to deep fry chicken legs?
Use enough oil to fully submerge the chicken pieces. To fry the chicken, carefully add the pieces of chicken to the hot oil, being careful not to crowd the pot. Fry the chicken until it’s golden brown and fully cooked. For small pieces, this should take about 12 to 15 minutes, but for bigger ones, it may take longer.
How long do drumsticks need to be fried?
Working in batches, fry the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 10 minutes on each side. Use an instant-read food thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the largest drumstick, away from bone or fat to test for doneness. The minimum safe temperature for poultry is 165 F. Jun 24, 2025.
What are the ingredients for crispy fried chicken?
To make crispy fried chicken, you’ll need chicken pieces, buttermilk, flour, seasonings like salt, pepper, and paprika, and oil for frying.