How to Make Perfect KFC-Style Chicken Drumsticks at Home

If you're a fan of KFC's crispy and flavorful chicken drumsticks, preparing them at home can be a delightful experience. This recipe provides a detailed guide on how to achieve that familiar KFC taste and texture from the comfort of your own kitchen.

Ingredients

8 chicken drumsticks 2 cups buttermilk (or milk and lemon juice to achieve similar consistency) 2 cups all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons paprika 1 tablespoon garlic powder 1 tablespoon onion powder 1 tablespoon dried oregano 1 tablespoon dried basil 1 tablespoon ground black pepper 1 tablespoon salt 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat) Vegetable oil for frying (around 2-3 inches deep)

Instructions

Place the chicken drumsticks in a large bowl and cover them with buttermilk. Let them soak for at least 1 hour or ideally overnight in the refrigerator to maximize the flavor.

In another bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried basil, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using).

Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a large skillet to 350°F (175°C).

Remove the chicken drumsticks from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off.

Dredge each drumstick in the flour mixture, making sure they are evenly coated.

Carefully place the coated drumsticks into the hot oil, frying them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Fry the drumsticks for about 12-15 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Once cooked, remove the drumsticks from the oil and place them on a wire rack to drain excess oil.

Serve the crispy chicken drumsticks hot, optionally with your favorite dipping sauces and sides.

Adjusting the Seasonings

If you prefer a different flavor profile, feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. You can also experiment with other additions like a blend of mixed herbs, which can give a unique twist to your KFC-style chicken drumsticks.

Alternative Recipe Options

Another approach to achieve a KFC-like chicken taste involves marinating the drumsticks and creating a cornflake and flour crust:

Chicken leg pieces Corn flakes Oregano flour Mixed herbs Milk Buttermilk (optional) Onion paste Chili flakes

Steps:

Clean the chicken leg pieces and cut them as shown in the photo provided.

Place the chicken leg pieces in a big bowl and add 500 ml of buttermilk, 3 teaspoons of onion paste, salt (to taste), and a bit of curd. Mix well.

Marinate the chicken pieces in the refrigerator for 3-5 hours or as per your preference.

Break 3 eggs into a bowl and add salt, black pepper, a little bit of milk. Mix it very well.

In a separate bowl, mix flour with oregano, mixed herbs, salt, and chili flakes. Break a little bit of corn flakes into this mixture.

Coat the marinated chicken pieces in the egg mixture and then roll them in the cornflake and flour mixture. Make sure they are coated evenly.

Heat 200 ml of soybean oil or olive oil in a kadai and fry the coated chicken pieces, one at a time, for about 7-8 minutes until they turn a deep brown color.

Taste the fried chicken pieces to check if the seasoning is to your liking. If extra salt or black pepper is needed, add them and try frying another batch.

Feel free to experiment and find your perfect recipe. Enjoy your homemade KFC-style chicken drumsticks with family and friends!