Crispy Deep Fried Chicken Legs

These juicy and crispy deep fried chicken legs are as good as it gets. With a seasoned coating that fries up to crunchy golden perfection, and the juicy chicken inside, you just can't beat these fried chicken drumsticks. They are a huge hit when I serve them at get-togethers, so you have a guaranteed winner on your hands with this recipe!

Fried Chicken Drumsticks

There's KFC fried chicken, Bojangles fried chicken, Popeyes fried chicken, and then there's my deep fried chicken legs. Those fast-food places are pretty delicious, but this recipe makes what me and my friends think is the best fried chicken ever!

Crunchy on the outside, juicy and flavorful on the inside, these fried drumsticks are perfect! For how delicious the fried chicken is, I think you'll be surprised with how easy this recipe is to make. You basically just bread the chicken, and then fry it up on the stovetop. It's simple!

Ingredients Needed

For the Chicken:

• 6-8 chicken legs
• Salt and pepper
• Oil for frying

For the Dry Mixture:

• 1 ½ cups self-rising flour
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon paprika

For the Wet Batter:

• ¾ cup self-rising flour
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 egg
• ¾ cup water

How to Make Fried Chicken Legs

Step 1: Season and Prep the Chicken

Season the chicken legs with salt and pepper. Prepare the dry mixture by combining flour, oregano, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and paprika in a dish.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet batter ingredients. That's the flour, seasonings, egg, and water.

Step 2: Dredge and Batter

Now coat each chicken leg lightly in the dry mixture. You want them to be covered, but not too covered because the flour will clump.

Then dip them into the wet batter, then coat again in the dry mixture to ensure a thick, crispy coating.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

Heat frying oil in a deep fryer or large pot on your stovetop to 350°F. Fry the chicken legs in batches for 10-15 minutes until they’re golden and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 4: Drain and Serve

Once it's fried, place the fried chicken on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve the chicken legs hot with any sides and dipping sauces you want!

How To Store Fried Chicken

Any leftover chicken is best kept in an airtight container in the fridge for about three days.

It freezes really well too, so if you want to keep it for longer, store the chicken in a freezer-safe bag in the freezer for a few months. 

How To Reheat Fried Chicken and Make It Crispy

I've tried reheating fried chicken ever way possible, and the best way is in the oven. Put the leftover fried chicken on a wire rack on top of a baking sheet and heat in the oven at 400F for about 10 minutes.

Deep Fried Chicken Legs Recipe FAQ's

Can I use drumsticks instead of chicken legs?

Yes, chicken drumsticks and chicken legs are super similar and both work great in this recipe!

What oil is best for frying?

Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are great options for frying chicken. They have a high-smoke point and are neutral oils, so that's what you'll want to use.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just swap self-rising flour for a gluten-free alternative. Make sure it has leavening agents to get the same crispy texture. If it doesn't you can add a little cornstarch for the extra crunch.

Can I make spicy chicken?

Absolutely! Add cayenne or extra paprika to the dry mix for more heat. You can also add some hot sauce to the wet batter to increase the spiciness.

More Breaded Chicken Recipes

• Church's fried chicken
• Fried chicken with cornstarch
• Raising Cane's fried chicken
• Dave's hot chicken
• Breaded chicken without eggs
• Popeye's chicken tenders