About a week ago, I found myself in a bit of a bind. It was my son’s football team party, and showing up empty-handed was unthinkable. I needed something fast, delicious, and satisfying for a bunch of hungry teenagers. These deep-fried chicken legs were a lifesaver! They’re easy, affordable, and downright irresistible. They flew off the table in no time, and I regretted not making more. Their crispy skin and juicy, fall-off-the-bone meat made them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Generally, vegetable oil works because its high smoke points and neutral flavors let your seasonings shine. Peanut oil is also great if you’re not allergic and love the pleasantly nutty taste. Safflower or canola oil seems to be a healthier choice because of their higher smoke point (450°F/232℃) and lower saturated fat.
Recipe Ingredients
How to Deep Fry Chicken Legs
Prepare Chicken
Prep Chicken – Place the chicken legs in a large bowl, and season it with salt, garlic, hot sauce, and Creole seasoning. Marinate – Pour some buttermilk over the seasoned chicken and mix until all the chicken legs are well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge for at least four hours (or overnight). (Photos 1-2) Breading – In a large bowl, whisk the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, paprika, garlic and onion powder, seasonings, and salt. (Photo 3) Coat – Remove the chicken legs from the buttermilk marinade. Let the excess drain, then dredge it in the flour mixture, shaking off the excess. Double dip the chicken legs in the remaining buttermilk (add fresh buttermilk as needed. Follow with the flour mixture, shaking off the excess. (Photo 4) Rest – Let the chicken legs rest for 10-15 minutes while heating the oil. That helps the breading stick better.
Fry Your Chicken Legs
Preheat oil in your deep fryer or deep cast iron skillet to 375℉/190℃. It sounds hot, but the temperature will drop once you add chicken. Fry – Slowly and carefully place the chicken legs in the hot oil with tongs. Work in batches, so you avoid overcrowding your skillet. Fry the chicken legs until golden, turning once every 10-15 minutes, depending on the legs’ size. Chicken legs are good to go when they’re no longer pink inside and their juices run clear (internal temperature 165℉/75℃). (Photos 5-6) Drain the chicken legs and put them on paper towels. As soon as the oil drains off, transfer them to a wire rack. Repeat with the remaining chicken legs. (You can keep the rack of fried chicken legs in a 200℉/90℃ oven to keep them warm while frying the rest. Serve – Let them cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Recipe Variations
Tips and Tricks
Make-Ahead Instructions
This is a great recipe to make ahead. Marinate and bread your chicken legs, then refrigerate in an airtight container or ziplock bag for a day or two. You could also freeze them for a month or two at this point. If frozen, thaw the chicken overnight in the fridge. When ready to heat up the oil, bring the chicken to room temperature for up to 30 minutes (not much longer for food safety). Fry them up per the recipe instructions. Or you can marinate your chicken in the buttermilk mixture for up to 24 hours (you don’t want it too marinated). And make sure the marinade completely covers the chicken.
Serving and Storage Instructions
Deep-fried chicken is best served hot and fresh while still good and crispy. Try it with smoked baked potatoes for a delicious twist. I doubt you’ll have leftovers, but you can refrigerate them in an airtight container or bag for 3-4 days or freeze them for 3-4 months. When ready to serve, reheat chicken legs in a hot oven for about 15 minutes.
What to Serve With Deep Fried Chicken Legs
Deep-fried chicken legs are delicious and versatile, served with many side dishes. A family favorite is sweet and savory fried chicken and waffles. Garlic mashed potatoes, easy coleslaw, and buttermilk biscuits will never steer you wrong for lunch or dinner ideas.
More Tasty Fried Chicken Recipes to Try
Deep-fried chicken legs in a well-seasoned breading are pure soul food. Are you looking for more comfort food recipes? Then sign up for my newsletter for the win! 😍
Watch How to Make It
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