Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken Drumsticks
Golden, crunchy, and juicy—Southern-style comfort in every bite!
Get ready to bite into crispy, golden perfection! This buttermilk fried chicken recipe is a true classic, made with tender drumsticks soaked in tangy buttermilk, then dredged in a perfectly seasoned flour mix and fried until irresistibly crunchy. Whether you’re planning a weekend feast or just craving some down-home goodness, these drumsticks deliver big flavor with minimal fuss.
The best part? That signature buttermilk marinade keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful from the inside out, while a blend of spices adds just the right kick!
🛒 Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 10 chicken drumsticks
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 tsp hot sauce (optional but recommended for a little zing!)
For the Dredge:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For Frying & Garnish:
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken drumsticks, making sure they’re fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best flavor and tenderness.
2️⃣ Prepare the Dredge
In a wide, shallow dish, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. This spice mix gives the chicken its crave-worthy crust.
3️⃣ Dredge the Chicken
Remove the drumsticks from the buttermilk marinade, letting the excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour, pressing the coating onto the chicken so it sticks well. Let them rest on a wire rack while the oil heats up—this helps the coating set!
4️⃣ Fry to Crispy Perfection
In a deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully lower the chicken in batches, being sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and the internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
5️⃣ Drain & Garnish
Transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot!
🍗 Serving Suggestions
- Pair with ranch dressing, honey mustard, or your favorite creamy dip.
- Serve alongside coleslaw, buttery cornbread, or mashed potatoes for a true comfort meal!
⏱ Quick Info
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating)
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: ~450 per serving (without sauce)
This crispy buttermilk fried chicken is the kind of meal that makes you slow down and savor every bite. Juicy inside, golden outside, and packed with flavor—it’s everything fried chicken should be!
