06/07/2026
SOUTHERN BUTTERMILK CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS;🔥😋❤️💯👍
Ingredients
Southern Buttermilk Fried Chicken Drumsticks
Prep: 20 mins + marinate | Fry: 14–18 mins | Serves: 4–6
Signature: Juicy inside, shaggy golden crust, tangy-savory deep flavor
Ingredients
Chicken & Marinade
- 1 kg (8–10 pieces) chicken drumsticks, skin-on, trimmed
- 2 cups (475ml) buttermilk (sub: 2 cups fresh milk + 2 tbsp white vinegar/lemon juice, rest 10 mins)
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (Tabasco or Frank’s)
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust heat)
Crispy Coating
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch (for extra crunch)
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp dried thyme or sage
- 1 tsp kosher salt, ½ tsp black pepper
Frying
- 4–5 cups peanut, canola, or vegetable oil (neutral, high smoke point)
Step-by-Step
1. Marinate (Key for Tenderness)
- Pat drumsticks dry with paper towels.
- Whisk buttermilk, hot sauce, salt, pepper, cayenne in a bowl. Add chicken, ensure fully submerged.
- Cover & chill: minimum 4 hours → best overnight (8–12 hours). Remove 30 mins before frying for even cooking.
2. Dredge for Perfect Crust
- Mix all coating ingredients in a wide dish; whisk well.
- Method: Lift drumstick, drip excess buttermilk → press firmly into flour mix, cover every crevice, shake off loose flour.
- Pro hack for thicker crunch: Dip back quickly into buttermilk, then coat in flour again for double layer.
- Arrange on a wire rack; rest 15 mins so coating sets & won’t fall off .
3. Fry Properly
- Heat oil in heavy pot/Dutch oven to 175°C (350°F)—use a thermometer! Maintain 160–170°C (325–340°F) while frying .
- Add 3–4 pieces only—don’t overcrowd (drops temp, greasy crust).
- Fry 7–9 mins per side, total 14–18 mins, until deep golden & internal temp hits 74–77°C (165–170°F) at thickest part .
- Drain on clean wire rack (not paper towels—keeps crisp) 5 mins before serving.
Chef’noel Pro Tips
- No buttermilk: Make your own easily—works just as well.
- Local twist: Add 1 tsp calamansi zest or ½ tsp siling labuyo powder to marinade for Pinoy brightness.
- Serve with: Coleslaw, biscuits, gravy, pickles, or garlic rice.
- Leftovers: Reheat on wire rack at 180°C (350°F) for 10–12 mins—stays crispy!