KFC Chicken Drumsticks Copycat Recipe

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KFC chicken drumsticks are my all-time favorite snack. I can eat them at any occasion and today I am going to tell you how you can make the exact same KFC style recipe at your home.

This recipe that I am going to tell you will result in perfectly crunchy and juicy drumsticks. After seeing the recipe, you will 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.

What's In The Post

Equipments Required

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 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.

6 Chicken Drumsticks – You will need six drumsticks. I suggest using fresh chicken for juicer results.
2 Quarts Neutral Oil— 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.
1 Tablespoon Kosher Salt – Salt will enhance the taste of chicken.

Preparation And Cooking Time

Preparation Time	Cooking Time	Total Time
10 Minutes	30 Minutes	40 Minutes

How To Make KFC Chicken Drumsticks At Home

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

Expert Tips That I Recommend

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.

FAQs About KFC Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

What kind of chicken cuts can you use to make this recipe?

You can use chicken thighs, wings, and breasts to make this recipe. However, the cooking time for different chicken pieces will differ according to their size and meat content. So be careful of the cooking time to avoid undercooked or overcooked chicken.

Why are your chicken drumsticks raw from the inside?

If the oil temperature is not correct, the pan is overcrowded, or you undercook the chicken, your chicken drumsticks will be raw from the inside. Therefore, you must ensure that the oil is heated at a proper temperature (around 350-375°F) before adding the chicken and that the drumsticks are cooked in batches. The internal temperature of a properly cooked chicken is 165°F.

Can I soak the chicken in milk?

Yes, you can soak chicken drumsticks in milk. The lactic acid in the milk can help make the chicken more tender and flavorful.

Why are your drumsticks oily?

If you cook your chicken drumsticks in cold oil, they will be oily. Therefore, you must ensure that the oil temperature is correct before frying. Once cooked, drain the drumsticks on a wire rack or paper towel to remove any excess oil.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

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

Storing And Reheating This Recipe

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.

Reheating

In 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: 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.

What To Serve With This Recipe

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 Potatoes: 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.