Front Range Fed

  • Recipes
  • About
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Subscribe
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • About
    • Subscribe
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Main Dishes

    Crispy Fried Chicken Drumsticks (Spicy!)

    Modified: Mar 12, 2025 · Published: Mar 13, 2018 by Sarah Jenkins. This post may contain affiliate links. See the Privacy Policy at the bottom of this page.

    Jump to Recipe

    These Spicy, Fried Chicken Drumsticks have a super crispy skin, are extra juicy, and loaded with flavor. The perfect fried chicken recipe for your next picnic!

    spicy fried chicken drumsticks on plate.

    What's better than fried chicken? Spicy fried chicken drumsticks!

    The first time my husband, Jon, met my family was over a fried chicken dinner. We had just started dating and were coming back from a camping trip in Southern Illinois, passing through my childhood hometown on our way back to Chicago. It was a hot Midwestern July day – the air all thick and sticky, hanging about us like a blanket. My Mom served fried chicken for the meal, which only added to the heat.

    Jon was truly in the hot seat. I have 3 brothers and sisters, and all were positioned around the table, peppering him with questions. What do you do? Where are you from? What do you like?  It’s a wonder he was able to get any bites in throughout this inquisition.

    This was a test of sorts. My siblings and I are all very close and for anyone to really have a shot with me, they have to make it with them first. This can be tough. We are a sarcastic and jabbing bunch sometimes, always looking for a laugh (a good-humored laugh, but still). Over time, as we all became accustomed to the heat, I realized that Jon wasn’t shying away from the conversation. Rather, he was actually joining in, and throwing a few punches of his own. It’s then that I realized that this guy was a serious contender – not just for me, but for my family too.

    I also realized at that dinner that Jon loooves fried chicken. (Come to think of it, my Mom’s fried chicken may be one of the things that propelled our relationship forward….hmmm…..).  

    So, thinking back to those early days, I whipped up a batch for dinner last night. This recipe adds a bit of heat to your normal fried chicken. Not to worry – for those who are not spice addicts, like me, it’s not too hot (my kids ate it and were fine).  Wondering how to make this delicious chicken recipe? Let's dive in.

    Key Ingredients

    Fried chicken is a super easy dish to make with only a handful of simple ingredients and a frying pan.

    • Chicken drumsticks, or chicken legs. I used drumsticks for this recipe, but tbh, you can use whatever pieces of chicken you like and it will work just fine. 
    • Buttermilk, hot sauce, and cayenne pepper. This will serve as your spicy marinade. Soaking the chicken in buttermilk helps to tenderize the chicken, adds great flavor, and also helps the batter stick to the chicken, making a super crispy coating. If you really can't handle spice, feel free to omit the hot sauce and cayenne. 
    • All-purpose flour. This, mixed with a few spices (garlic powder and paprika) creates a super crispy coating for the chicken. 
    • Peanut oil. You can use other oils instead of peanut oil but I love the the taste. Whatever oil you choose, make sure you use one with a high smoke point, as you'll be getting it quite hot to fry the chicken. 
    • Parsley flakes and serrano pepper. These add a great garnish to the dish, and if you haven't had enough spice yet with the marinade had the paprika, the serrano peppers will get you there. 

    How To Make These Spicy Fried Chicken Drumsticks

    Making fried chicken can feel a little intimidating because of the hot oil, but don't let it deter you. It just takes a bit of patience and a careful eye. Here's how to do it.

    1. Make the marinade. Make the marinade for the chicken by combining the buttermilk, hot sauce, and cayenne pepper in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Stir well to combine. 
    2. Marinate the chicken. Wash and pat dry the chicken legs, then season them with salt and pepper. Pour the buttermilk mixture over the chicken and cover completely. Allow the chicken to marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour. 
    seasoned chicken drumsticks in baking dish
    chicken drumsticks in milk mixture
    1. Make the spicy flour mixture. Make a spicy flour mixture by combining flour, garlic, paprika, and more cayenne pepper in a bowl. 
    2. Dredge the chicken. Once the chicken drumsticks have marinated, dredge them, one at a time, in the flour mixture. 
    chicken drumsticks in milk and flour batter.
    1. Fry the chicken. Add a 1 inch layer of peanut oil to a deep pan over medium-high heat and allow it to get hot.  Carefully, working in small batches, fry the chicken. This should take about 15 minutes, or until the chicken has a nice golden brown crispy skin. 
    2. Rest. When your chicken is done frying, place it on a paper towel-lined baking sheet, or on a wire rack over a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Keep the fried chicken in a warmed oven or a warming drawer while you fry the rest of the chicken.
    3. Serve hot!  Serve the chicken while it's still hot. For those of you who love spice, you may want to add some Serrano pepper as a garnish. It goes great with the chicken and gives it that extra kick I was looking for.  We had this with fresh green beans sautéed in a bit of oil and garlic, and some crusty bread and the whole meal was very tasty. This chicken would also go great alongside potato salad, cheesy mashed potatoes, or a big green salad.

    Variations And Substitutions

    This crispy fried chicken drumsticks recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are some ways to change it up.

    • Try different cuts of chicken. While drumsticks are a great option, you can also use chicken thighs, whole chicken legs, or even wings. For the crispiest skin, make sure to pat the chicken dry before coating it.
    • Oven-fried drumsticks. If you want a healthier option, try oven-fried drumsticks. Place coated chicken drumsticks on a wire rack over a baking sheet, spray them lightly with olive oil or vegetable oil, and bake at 425°F for about 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through.
    • Air-Fryer Chicken Drumsticks. For a less oil-heavy alternative, use an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F, place the drumsticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, and cook for 10-15 minutes per side, or until golden brown with an internal temperature of 180°F.
    • Change up the breading. Swap out the flour mixture for seasoned flour mixed with bread crumbs or panko for extra crunch - this works best if you're baking or air frying the chicken.
    • Choose a different oil. Peanut oil is a great choice due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor, but canola oil, vegetable oil, or even avocado oil can work well for deep frying. Again, just make sure whatever oil you choose has a high smoke point.
    • Add extra spice. Want even more heat? Increase the cayenne pepper, add chili powder to the dry ingredients, or mix a bit of hot sauce into the egg mixture for an extra spicy kick.
    • No buttermilk? No problem. The buttermilk marinade is key for tender meat, but if you don’t have buttermilk, mix whole milk with a bit of lemon juice or vinegar as a substitute.
    spicy fried chicken drumsticks on plate.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the best way to ensure crispy skin on fried chicken?

    The best results come from properly drying your chicken before coating it in seasoned flour. Also, frying at the right temperature of the oil (350°F) ensures a crispy golden brown crust without being greasy.

    Can I make this chicken ahead of time?

    Yes! To reheat, place the chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet, cover loosely with aluminum foil, and bake at 350°F until heated through. This helps retain its crispy skin.

    How do I store leftover fried chicken?

    Store any leftover crispy chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the crispy texture, reheat in an oven or air fryer instead of a microwave. (Or, just eat it cold - I LOVE cold fried chicken straight from the fridge!)

    What’s the best oil to use for deep frying?

    Peanut oil is the best option due to its high smoke point and flavor. Canola oil and vegetable oil will also work.

    How do I check the chicken’s internal temperature?

    A tricky part about frying chicken is getting the temperature of the oil just right—you want it hot enough to cook the chicken through without burning the crispy coating. Use a thermometer to track the temp of your oil (it should be 350 degrees F.) and use an instant-read thermometer to check the chicken's internal temperature. It should read at least 180°F for fried chicken legs.

    Can I fry chicken without a deep fryer?

    Absolutely! A deep cast iron skillet or a Dutch oven works well. Just ensure you add enough oil to submerge at least half of the piece of chicken and maintain the oil temperature throughout cooking.

    Why is my chicken greasy?

    If the oil temperature is too low, the chicken absorbs more oil. Use a meat thermometer to keep the oil temperature at 350°F for the crispiest results.

    Can I use an egg mixture instead of buttermilk for coating?

    Yes, buttermilk helps tenderize the meat, but a beaten egg mixed with a bit of hot sauce can help the flour mixture adhere just as well.

    What are some easy side dishes to serve with fried chicken?

    I love pairing this chicken with potato salad, Boursin mashed potatoes, baked beans, coleslaw, or a simple green salad.

    Can I reuse frying oil?

    Yes, (and thank God because peanut oil is expensive!). But be sure to strain out any leftover breading bits and store the oil in an airtight container. Use it within a few days for best results.

    spicy fried chicken drumsticks on plate

    My husband and kids devoured this chicken. I think it’s a keeper and who knows – maybe years from now I’ll be serving this up to my own future daughter-in-law.

    Did you try these Spicy Fried Chicken Drumsticks? Let me know what you think in the comments below. Then tag me on Instagram @frontrangefed with your creation!

    More Chicken Recipes!

    • Chicken Mole Tacos
    • Curried Chicken Salad
    • Mediterranean Grilled Chicken
    • Weeknight Rotisserie Chicken Banh Mi Sandwiches
    • Easy White Chicken Chili In The Crockpot
    • Shrimp And Chicken Stirfry
    • Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
    • Marry Me Chicken Pasta
    • Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs With Gnocchi

    Recipe

    spicy fried chicken drumsticks on plate.

    Spicy Fried Chicken Drumsticks

    Author: Sarah Jenkins
    These spicy fried chicken drumsticks are super crispy, extra juicy, and loaded with flavor. The perfect fried chicken recipe for your next picnic!
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 15 minutes mins
    Time to marinate 1 hour hr
    Total Time 1 hour hr 25 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4
    Calories 798 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 10 chicken drumsticks
    • salt and freshly ground pepper
    • 1 qt buttermilk
    • 1 tbsp hot sauce I like Franks Red Hot Sauce
    • 1 ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
    • peanut oil for frying
    • 3 cups all-purpose flour
    • 2 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon paprika
    • 2 tablespoon chopped parsley for garnish
    • 1 chopped serrano pepper (seeds removed) for garnish (optional)

    Instructions
     

    • Rinse the chicken drumsticks and pat them dry. Place them in a large casserole dish.
    • Salt and pepper each side of the chicken.
    • Mix the buttermilk, hot sauce, and ½ Tablespoon Cayenne pepper together in a large bowl. (Feel free to add extra hot sauce if you love the heat.)
    • Pour the buttermilk mixture over the chicken, cover, and let sit for 1 hour in the refrigerator.
    • Use a large, deep pan, or a fryer pot to heat the oil. Heat oil to 350° F.
    • While your oil and oven are warming up, mix the flour, garlic, paprika, and remaining cayenne pepper in a large bowl.
    • Remove the chicken from the fridge and begin dredging each drumstick in the flour mixture. (I did this in batches, about 3 or so at a time).
    • Fry the chicken in batches for about 15 minutes per batch, or until the chicken is a nice golden color. The internal temperature of your chicken should be about 180° F.
    • Once the chicken is done, place it on a paper towel-lined pan and cover to keep warm (or place them in a warming drawer if you have one.)
    • Before serving, garnish the chicken with the parsley and Serrano peppers, if desired. (Be careful with the peppers – they are fairly hot. Make sure to wash your hands after handling!

    Notes

     
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 798kcalCarbohydrates: 85gProtein: 51gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 200mgSodium: 535mgPotassium: 891mgFiber: 3gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 1041IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 309mgIron: 6mg
    Keyword fried chicken, grilled chicken drumsticks, hot chicken
    Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

    More Main Dishes

    • pork carnitas burrito cut in half on plate.
      Chipotle-Style Pork Carnitas Burrito Recipe
    • instant pot pork carnitas on platter.
      Easy Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe - Crispy And Juicy!
    • bowl of turkey tetrazzini on countertop.
      Easy Leftover Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe (Lighter Version!)
    • tray of fried potato tacos with cilantro and red cabbage on the side.
      Spicy & Crispy Potato Tacos Recipe (Easy Taco Dinner!)

    Comments

      5 from 2 votes (1 rating without comment)

      Did you try this recipe? I'd love to hear what you think! Leave a comment below! Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. LaCayla says

      August 20, 2023 at 10:36 pm

      5 stars
      Why does the one step say while the oil and oven are heating? Was I supposed to be using the oven?

      Reply
      • Sarah Jenkins says

        August 21, 2023 at 12:56 am

        no! im so sorry and thank you for the catch. will update that.

        Reply
    Sarah Jenkins

    Hi, I'm Sarah! I love creating dishes based on what's in season and using local ingredients as often as I can. I hope you'll find some new to you recipes here that will inspire you to make something delicious!

    More about me →

    Popular

    • closeup of lazy lasagna with frozen cheese ravioli, pieces cut.
      Lazy Baked Frozen Ravioli Lasagna (With Cheese Ravioli)
    • closeup of buffalo wild wings garlic parmesan chicken pasta in serving bowl.
      Easy Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
    • dump and bake meatball casserole in casserole dish on countertop.
      Quick And Easy Dump And Bake Meatball Casserole
    • stack of air fryer biscuits on cutting board with bowl of jelly on the side.
      Easy Perfect And Fluffy Canned Air Fryer Biscuits 
    • cornbread cowboy casserole in dutch oven on countertop with section of casserole spooned out.
      Easy Cornbread Cowboy Casserole With Beef And Beans
    • glazed meatloaf on platter.
      EASY Lipton Onion Soup Meatloaf Recipe
    • small batch chocolate chip cookies piled onto cutting board.
      Best Small Batch Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
    • sheet pan pancakes with mix in pan with strawberries, blueberries and chocolate chips.
      Sheet Pan Pancakes From Mix

    Latest Recipes

    • two wine glasses with hugo spritz, garnished with mint and lemon wheel with St-Germain bottle in the background.
      How To Make A Hugo Spritz - The Ultimate Summer Cocktail
    • crockpot pinto beans in serving bowl with cilantro and jalapeno slices on top.
      No-Soak Crock Pot Pinto Beans with Bacon and Sautéed Veggies
    • top down view of fry seasoning with seasoned fries scattered around it.
      French Fry Seasoning Blend (5-Minute Homemade Mix)
    • top down view of ooey gooey bars sprinkled with powdered sugar piled on plate
      Brown Butter Ooey Gooey Bars Recipe Using Cake Mix
    Subscribe

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    INFO

    Privacy Policy & Disclaimer

    Contact

    SUBSCRIBE

    Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Follow

    Instagram

    Facebook

    Pinterest

    Copyright © 2025 Front Range Fed

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.