Crunchy crumbed chicken drumsticks Recipe

Crunchy Crumbed Chicken Drumsticks are a delicious and crispy treat that combines the juiciness of chicken with a flavorful, crunchy breadcrumb coating. These drumsticks are easy to make and perfect for a family meal or as a fun finger food for parties. Here’s how you can make them:

Ingredients:

• 8 chicken drumsticks
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon milk or buttermilk
• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch) or regular breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated (optional, for added flavor)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning (optional)
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying, if using stovetop; optional if baking)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven (if baking):

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil to prevent sticking.

2. Prepare the Drumsticks:

• Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. This helps the coating stick better and ensures a crispy crust.

3. Set Up the Breading Station:

• In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This will be your dry coating mixture.
• In another shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk (or buttermilk) until well combined. This will be your egg wash.
• In a third shallow bowl, add the panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese (if using), and dried oregano or Italian seasoning (if using). This will be your crumb coating.

4. Coat the Drumsticks:

• First, dip each drumstick into the flour mixture, making sure it’s well-coated and shaking off any excess.
• Next, dip the floured drumstick into the egg wash, allowing any excess egg to drip off.
• Finally, coat the drumstick in the panko breadcrumb mixture, pressing the breadcrumbs into the chicken to ensure a thick, even coating.
• Repeat for all the drumsticks.

5. Cooking Options:

Baking Method (Healthier Option):

• Place the coated drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet. To ensure even crisping, lightly spray or drizzle the drumsticks with vegetable oil or olive oil.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the drumsticks are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when tested with a meat thermometer.
• Halfway through baking, you can flip the drumsticks over to ensure they cook evenly on both sides.

Frying Method (Crispier Option):

• Heat about 1/4 cup of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the coated drumsticks, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to do this in batches.
• Fry the drumsticks for about 8-10 minutes per side, turning them occasionally until they are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Place the cooked drumsticks on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

6. Serve:

• Once the drumsticks are cooked and crispy, let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute inside the chicken.
• Serve the drumsticks with your favorite dipping sauces (like ranch, honey mustard, or BBQ sauce) and sides such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a fresh salad.

Tips:

• For extra crunch: Try adding cornflakes or crushed crackers to the breadcrumb mixture for an extra crunchy coating.
• Flavor variations: Feel free to experiment with different spices and herbs in the breadcrumb mixture, such as smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, thyme, or rosemary.
• Make ahead: You can prepare the drumsticks ahead of time, bread them, and refrigerate them for a few hours or overnight. This allows the coating to set and gives you a crispier result when cooking.

These Crunchy Crumbed Chicken Drumsticks are the perfect combination of juicy chicken and crispy, flavorful coating. Whether you bake or fry them, they are sure to be a hit with everyone at the table! Enjoy!