KFC chicken drumsticks are my all-time favorite snack. They make the perfect dish for any occasion. However, buying buckets full of KFC drumsticks often became expensive for me, so I decided to make them at home using this recipe.
To be honest, the first few recipes I tried didn’t yield the desired results. Sometimes, the coating was oily or soggy, and at other times, the chicken was dry.
However, after making this recipe several times, I perfected it. The result was perfectly crunchy and juicy drumsticks. It made me realize that making KFC-style chicken drumsticks at home is easier than you think if you use the right techniques and ingredients.
Therefore, to help you enjoy the same results at home, I present to you the best KFC chicken drumstick recipe along with tips I used during the preparation. Get ready to indulge in your favorite snack, and thank me later.
What's In The Post
Equipment Required For KFC Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
I have mentioned all the equipment you require to make this recipe, as having them handy from the beginning helps a lot.
- Frying Pan – You will need a frying pan or Dutch oven to fry the chicken drumsticks.
- Large Bowls – You will need a set of large bowls to make the spice blend, the flour mixture, and the egg wash.
- Spoon – A spoon will help to beat the eggs.
KFC Chicken Drumsticks Recipe Ingredients & Substitutions
Note: This recipe is good enough to make two portions. If you wish to make more, you can adjust the quantities of the ingredients accordingly.
In this section, I have mentioned all the ingredients you will need to prepare this recipe and their substitutes.
- 6 Chicken Drumsticks – To make a delicious KFC-style drumsticks bucket, you will need six drumsticks. I suggest using fresh chicken for juicer results.
- 2 Quarts Neutral Oil—To fry your drumsticks, use a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil to avoid an overpowering smell or taste.
- 1 Egg – You will need an egg to make the egg wash for the drumsticks.
- 1 All-Purpose Flour—All-purpose flour helps make a crusty coating for the chicken. You can also use gluten-free flour in its place.
- 2 Tablespoon KFC Spice Blend – The spice blend is the most crucial part of this recipe. It combines 11 herbs and spices you can easily make at home.
- 1 Tablespoon Brown Sugar – Sugar plays two crucial roles in this recipe. It adds a slight sweetness and caramelizes to make a crunchier coating.Â
- 1 Tablespoon Kosher Salt – Salt will enhance the taste of chicken.
How Much Time Will You Need To Make Original KFC Chicken Drumsticks?
| Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 10 Minutes | 30 Minutes | 40 Minutes |
How To Make KFC Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
Step 1- Dip the chicken pieces in buttermilk and give it a good mix.
Step 2- Combine all-purpose flour, brown sugar, salt, and KFC spice blend in a bowl.
Step 3- Take two egg whites and whisk them properly.
Step 4- Then, coat the chicken drumsticks with the prepared flour mixture and then in the egg whites and then again in the flour mixture properly. Repeat the process with all the chicken pieces.
Step 5- Let chicken pieces rest for 5 minutes so the crust dries a bit.
Step 6- Fry the chicken drumsticks for about 20 minutes until they become golden and crispy in a pan.
Step 7- Drain off the excess oil from the chicken on a few paper towels and serve hot with the dipping sauce of your choice.
KFC Chicken Drumsticks Recipe Video
Here is the full recipe video that we’ve made for KFC’s original chicken drumsticks recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions About KFC Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
Some Tips & Tricks To Make KFC Chicken Drumsticks Recipe Better
I’m sharing a few tips and tricks that have helped me make the crispiest chicken drumsticks.
- Check the temperature of the oil before frying using a candy thermometer or by adding a drop of water. If it splashes, the oil is hot enough and ready to fry.
- Cook the drumsticks in batches to ensure the oil temperature is consistent.
- Coating the chicken with cold batter will produce a crispier coating, as it prevents gluten development, which makes the coating soft and chewy.
- You can also add a pinch of baking soda to the batter. It will aerate the batter and make it lighter and crispy.
- Marinating the chicken overnight will tenderize the meat properly and make it more flavorful. So, refrain from making any compromise here.
- KFC uses a secret spice blend that is a closely guarded recipe. But you can replicate its flavors by seasoning your chicken with a blend of spices such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix the spices in a bowl and sprinkle over the drumsticks.
KFC Chicken Drumsticks Recipe Nutritional Information
I absolutely love KFC chicken drumsticks. However, I avoid over indulgence as they are high in calories and sodium content. Therefore, I treat myself to them once a month and pair them with veggies or salad to make my meals more nutritious.
If you too are a health-conscious person, I suggest you take a look at the full nutritional profile of the chicken drumsticks per serving in the table mentioned below.
| Nutrients | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | 429 kcal |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g |
| Cholesterol | 194 mg |
| Sodium | 2506 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 36 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Protein | 33 g |
How To Store & Reheat KFC Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
Storing KFC chicken drumsticks is pretty straightforward. Take a look at the ways you can do so.
Storing
- Refrigerator: Once they come to room temperature, you can store KFC chicken drumsticks in the fridge. To refrigerate, transfer the drumsticks to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator within two hours. This way, the drumsticks will stay in good condition for 3-4 days.
- Freezer: Store chicken drumsticks in a freezer-friendly box for up to three months.
Reheating
- In Oven: The best way to reheat refrigerated and frozen chicken drumsticks is in the oven. Place them in a single layer on a baking tray and bake at 370 F for 15-20 minutes. Thaw frozen drumsticks in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Air Fryer: You can also reheat refrigerated and frozen chicken drumsticks in an air fryer. Place the drumsticks in a single layer in a preheated air fryer for 3-5 minutes at 375°F. To reheat the drumsticks properly, heat them for 6-9 minutes. Flip them over halfway through the reheating process.
Serving Suggestions With KFC Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
The best part I find about making KFC chicken drumsticks is that they can be served with various food items. Take a look at some serving suggestions:
- Pasta Salad: You can serve chicken drumsticks with any salad. I love to eat it along with pasta salad as it makes for a wholesome meal.
- Sandwich: You can also enjoy drumsticks with your favorite sandwich. A grilled cheese sandwich is my personal favorite pairing.
- Mashed Potato: Mashed potatoes are a creamy and satisfying dish that pairs exceptionally well with many food items. Try them with chicken drumsticks.
- Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw also makes for a delicious accompaniment with crispy drumsticks.
- Roasted Veggies: Roast your favorite veggies to make your meal fiber-rich and nutritious.
Recipe Card
Original KFC Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
Equipment
- Frying Pan
- Large Bowls
- Spoon
Ingredients
- 6 Chicken Drumsticks
- 2 quarts Neutral Oil
- 1 Egg
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 2 tablespoons KFC Spice Blend
- 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar
- 1 tablespoon Kosher Salt
Instructions
- Dip the chicken pieces buttermilk and give it a good mix.
- Combine all-purpose flour, brown sugar, salt, and KFC spice blend in a bowl.
- Take two egg whites and whisk them properly.
- Then, coat the chicken drumsticks with the prepared flour mixture and then in the egg whites and then again in the flour mixture properly. Repeat the process with all the chicken pieces.
- Let chicken pieces rest for 5 minutes so the crust dries a bit.
- Fry the chicken drumsticks for about 20 minutes until they become golden and crispy in a pan.
- Drain off the excess oil from the chicken on a few paper towels and serve hot with the dipping sauce of your choice.
Video
Nutrition
More KFC Recipes You Can Try
A KFC meal is always a delicious affair. But you can now make popular KFC menu items at home with the following recipes.
- KFC 11 Secret Herbs and Spices: Use this KFC seasoning recipe to make your chicken tenders, drumsticks, and wings taste like those served at KFC.
- KFC Nashville Hot Chicken: Enjoy the fiery flavors of KFC Nashville hot chicken at home using this recipe curated by our chef.
- KFC Gravy: Enjoy your mashed potatoes with smooth, rich, and velvety KFC gravy that comes together in no time.
- KFC Potato Wedges: I love fries in all shapes and sizes. But ever since I took a bite of KFC potato wedges, they made me skip regular fries.
Conclusion
That’s all you need to know about the KFC chicken drumsticks recipe. Try making it, and feel free to ask me any questions. I’ll be happy to help you!
