Fried Chicken Legs

Name: Fried Chicken Legs
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Ingredients: 24 ounces (144g) chicken legs (); ½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon white pepper; 1 teaspoon Tabasco sauce (optional); 4 tablespoons mayonnaise; 1 teaspoon mustard; 4 cups (1L) of vegetable oil (for frying)

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Learn how to fry chicken legs that turn out delicious, perfectly crispy, and golden brown every time. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, parties, and family meals, these fried chicken drumsticks are always a crowd-pleaser!

fried chicken legs on a serving board with a tomato garnish

Everyone loves a tasty fried chicken recipe, and these fried chicken legs will be a hit with your family. Chicken drumsticks are affordable, and this recipe is so simple that it’s also a winner for the cook.

Marinate the chicken in a flavorful combination of mayo, mustard, and your favorite seasonings. Add flour and deep fry the chicken until it’s golden and crispy.

Fried chicken drumsticks are juicy and succulent, and the batter is so crispy. It’s the perfect juxtaposition of textures paired with unmatched flavor. Best of all, you don’t have to go out because this restaurant-quality fried chicken is easy to make at home.

While they are at their peak when served hot and fresh, pan fried chicken legs are delicious cold, so they are perfect to pack for picnics and BBQs. You can easily double or triple the recipe to feed a crowd. Just like these Deep Fried Wings and Craker Barrel Fried Chicken.

top down view of the finished fried chicken legs

Why Make This Recipe

They Have Great Texture – Deep fried chicken is crispy and crunchy on the outside but juicy and tender on the inside.
It’s Versatile – Serve as a main dish, a snack, or an appetizer. Fried chicken drumsticks can also be served hot or cold, so they are perfect for picnics and a true crowd-pleaser.
A Simple Crowd Favorite – Everyone loves fried chicken, and this recipe is simple yet incredibly delicious.

Ingredient Notes

Chicken – I used bone-in, skin-on chicken legs. You can use any chicken cut but must adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Flour – All purpose flour will create a crunchy coating on the chicken. We have not tested this recipe with gluten-free flour.
Seasoning – Season with kosher salt, garlic powder, and white pepper.
Hot Sauce – A few dashes of Tabasco sauce, Frank’s Red Hot sauce, or your favorite hot sauce add a bit of heat and flavor.
Mayonnaise – Mayo helps to tenderize the chicken and add lots of flavors. You could also use Greek yogurt.
Mustard – A little bit of yellow mustard adds flavor. You can also use Dijon mustard or whole grain mustard.
Vegetable Oil – Select your favorite oil for frying.

the ingredients for making fried chicken legs

Ready to make these fried chicken drumsticks? Gather your ingredients, and I will show you…

Handy Tip: Use Good Kitchen Tools!

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How To Fry Chicken Legs

Get the complete ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card below.

Combine mayonnaise, mustard, tabasco sauce, salt, and spices in a deep bowl to make a marinade.
Dry the chicken legs with paper towels and add to the marinade. Toss so the legs are completely covered. If you have time, you can cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1-2 hours or overnight.
Pour frying oil into a deep frying pan and heat to 350 degrees F/ 180 degrees C.
Just before cooking, add flour into a bowl and dredge the chicken legs. Roll the legs on all sides so that it is completely covered with flour.
Place the chicken into the hot oil. Fry the legs for 10-12 minutes, gradually turning them. Check with an instant read digital meat thermometer to ensure doneness.
Transfer the cooked chicken to paper towels or a baking rack to drain the excess oil.

image collage showing the steps for making deep fried chicken legs

Note: Always check for doneness with a meat thermometer. The temperature should be 165 degrees F / 74 degrees C when inserted into the thickest part of the chicken.

Pro Tips

Before marinating the chicken legs, dry them with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will help the coating adhere better and result in a crispier texture.
Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour but up to overnight.
Bring the chicken to room temperature for 30 minutes before frying.
Maintain a consistent oil temperature by using a thermometer to monitor the oil.
The frying time depends on the size of the chicken legs.
Use a digital meat thermometer to ensure the temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees F / 74 degrees C when inserted into the thickest part of the chicken.
Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary.
Turn the chicken legs halfway through cooking.
Drain the chicken on paper towels or a wire rack for a few minutes before serving.
Serve with your favorite sauces like blue cheese, ranch, barbecue, or honey mustard.

Delicious Variations

Change the Herbs and Spices – You can season the marinade with your favorite blend of herbs and spices. Lemon pepper, cajun seasoning, onion powder, Italian herbs, and more all work well.
Make Them Spicy – Add the hot sauce and a pinch of crushed red pepper or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for spicy wings.
Use Different Chicken Pieces – Try this recipe with chicken thighs, chicken breasts, or more.

Prep And Storage

Prep Ahead – If using frozen chicken legs, defrost completely. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 1 hour and up to overnight.
Store – Leftover fried chicken drumsticks can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven until warm and crispy.
Freeze – Freeze leftover fried chicken legs for up to three months.

the fried chicken legs on a serving tray

FAQs

How long to deep fry chicken legs?

The cooking time for juicy chicken drumsticks can vary depending on their size. Cook chicken legs for 10-12 minutes to cook through. When fully cooked, they will be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F / 74 degrees C when checked with a digital meat thermometer.

How Do I Prevent Chicken Legs From Burning?

When deep frying, maintaining a consistent oil temperature is crucial. If it’s too low, the coating will not adhere to the chicken.

But when the temperature is too high, the chicken can burn on the outside while still being raw in the middle. Use a thermometer to monitor the oil and keep the temperature at 350 degrees F/ 180 degrees C.

Can I Use Frozen Chicken Legs?

I like to purchase chicken legs in bulk and freeze them for later. It’s convenient and affordable. If using frozen chicken legs, they should be thawed overnight in the fridge before frying.

What’s The Best Oil For Deep Frying Chicken?

The most popular oil for deep frying includes peanut oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil. These oils have a high smoke point and can withstand the high temperatures required for deep frying without breaking down.

the finished fried chicken legs ready to be served

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